The Washington Informer - June 22, 2023

WINNER OF SIX SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS FOR 2022

STILL SAY HIS NAME: ARCHIE ELLIOTT

30 Years Later, Dorothy Elliott Still Fighting for Justice for Her Son

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Dorothy Elliott, 81, still breaks down when she talks about the death of her son Archie Elliott III, on Friday June 18, 1993, when he was fatally shot in police custody at the corners of Marbury Drive and Kipling Parkway in District Heights, Maryland.

Elliott III was headed home to Forestville from a construction job in Virginia when a police officer stopped his car because it was swerving. He was tested and failed a sobriety test. Then what happened next remains an unresolved matter.

Mrs. Elliott, a Prince George’s County school teacher, and Archie Elliott Jr. a Virginia judge, concede that their son may have been drinking, but they are sure he didn’t deserve what happened next.

“When Archie was slain, people looked at the circumstances around

ARCHIE Page 46

Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce Gala

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

While the District might be internationally renowned for being the nation’s capital and the hub for countrywide politics, the Greater Washington DC Black Chamber of Commerce (GWBCC) offered a reminder that D.C. is also home to booming Black businesses. Highlighting changemakers in the arts and business, the local commerce organization hosted its inaugural “Juneteenth Soirée.” Held at the Hamilton Hotel on June 19, the gala, themed “Art of Black Business,” celebrated Black freedom, entrepreneurship and ingenuity.

McDuffie Holds Hearing on DC Reparations Bill

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I- At-Large), in his capacity as chair of the Committee on Business and Economic Development, convened a hearing on his bill that would consider reparations for African Americans in the District on June 16.

The hearing took place at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest. McDuffie, an independent, said his legislation, The Reparations Foundation Fund and Task Force Establishment Act of 2023, will start the process of repairing the damage that the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws in the nation’s

capital has heaped upon African Americans.

“We do not live in a post racial society, and racial equality has not been achieved,” said McDuffie, 48, in his Feb. 24 letter to the secretary of the Council on the legislation.

“If ever we are to achieve racial equity in this country, it will require an official recognition of the role of government-sanctioned slavery, segregation, and racism that denied

REPARATIONS Page 11

‘Juneteenth Soirée’ Highlights

‘Art of Black Business’

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 36 • June 22 - 28, 2023

5 D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I- At-Large), pictured at the inaugural Greater Washington DC Chamber of Commerce on June 19, is working on a bill that would consider reparations for Black Washingtonians. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

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

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Georgia Prosecutors Proceeds with Criminal Investigation into Donald Trump and Allies Despite New Federal Indictments

In an ongoing criminal probe, Fulton County, Georgia, remains committed to investigating former President Donald Trump and his associates, undeterred by the recent slew of over three dozen criminal charges filed against Trump by the U.S. Department of Justice.

The federal indictments won’t impact the Fulton County election investigation, according to a statement from the district attorney’s office.

Concerns about the status of the long-running Georgia probe arose following comments made by New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday.

James stated that state-led cases against Trump would have to be put on hold until the DOJ’s classified documents case concludes.

She further noted that her investigation into Trump’s alleged financial fraud could face delays and the indictment issued by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, accusing Trump of falsifying business records. James also mentioned the anticipated indictment by Fulton County District Attor-

During a live taping of the Pod Save America podcast, James expressed the likelihood of her case, along with Bragg’s and the Georgia case, being adjourned pending the outcome of the federal case, depending on its scheduling.

Fani Willis is expected to reveal indictments in August as part of her criminal inquiry into alleged interference in Georgia’s 2020 election.

Willis has strongly implied her intention to charge Trump with these allegations.

On Tuesday, June 13, Trump was arraigned in federal court in Miami on 37 criminal counts.

Trump entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. WI

Bradley Beal to Join Phoenix Suns

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

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On Sunday, June 18, reports broke that Washington Wizards star guard Bradley Beal waived his no-trade clause to head to the Phoenix Suns, joining a star-studded roster including: Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton. Though the deal is not finalized and may take a couple days to complete, Beal preferred the Suns to other potential offers in Miami and Milwaukee, among other destinations.

The tentatively accepted trade offer of veteran guard Chris Paul, guard Landry Shamet, and a combo of second round picks and swaps for Beal and prospect Jordan Goodwin, is the current deal.

Wizards leadership would like to keep Paul, but he may end up re-routed to a third team such as the Clippers, possibly bringing the Wizards additional young talent and draft capital.

Beal is leaving the Wizards 160 points shy of the all-time record, currently held by Hall of Famer Elvin Hayes.

With Beal’s gargantuan contracts off their books, the Wizards are now poised for a full rebuild. Some of their most valuable assets include this year’s eighth overall draft pick along with star forward Kyle Kuzma and big man Kristaps Porzingis, should they choose to re-sign with the team. Kuzma is poised to be a free agent and is likely to command a strong salary in this year’s free agent market and Porzingis has a $32 million player option that he is likely to accept, keeping him in Washington at least for this season. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

New York City Marine Veteran Indicted in Death of Subway Rider Case Sparks Debate on Mental Health, Crime and Race

New York City grand jurors handed down an indictment on Wednesday, charging Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, with second-degree manslaughter in the death of fellow subway rider Jordan Neely.

The incident last month has become a contentious issue, stirring discussions on mental health, crime and race.

Penny and Neely were riding an F train in Manhattan when Neely allegedly began engaging in what witness Juan Alberto described as "somewhat aggressive speech."

Neely reportedly expressed being hungry, thirsty, and indifferent toward the consequences of his actions.

A bystander captured part of the confrontation on video, which showed Penny restraining Neely in a chokehold on the train's floor for several minutes.

First responders reached Neely at the Broadway-Lafayette Street/Bleecker Street Station, where he was unconscious. Despite their efforts, he was pronounced dead at a hospital.

The incident sparked outrage against Penny and sympathy for the ex-Marine.

The city's medical examiner ruled Neely's cause of death as "compression of the neck (chokehold)," classifying it as a homicide.

According to his family, Neely, who often performed as Michael Jackson, had a history of struggling with mental health.

They revealed that he had faced challenges since his mother was murdered in 2007.

In a videotaped statement, Penny, who is white, asserted that he acted to protect himself and fellow passengers during the confrontation with Neely.

He denied that race motivated his actions.

"I didn't see a Black man threatening passengers. I saw a man threatening passengers, he insisted. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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

5(WI File Photo/Abdullah J. Konte)

ney Fani Willis.

5Fani Willis (Courtesy photo)w

Dryy Garment Care: A Beacon of Community Engagement

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Dryy Garment Care’s impact goes beyond their dry cleaning experience, the company is also known for their dedication to the community and giving back. In its third year, the “Dryy Run,” which occurred on June 10, is just one example of the company’s commitment to supporting the community and fostering meaningful connections. The company's unique approach, coupled with its unwavering dedication to giving back, has set them apart from traditional dry cleaners, making them a beloved and trusted brand in the community.

“Community and social responsibility are things we feel very passionate about,” explained Managing Partner Ken Sandy. “It’s a big part of who we are and something we intentionally work towards.”

Known for its commitment to community engagement, Dryy Garment Care, has not only revolutionized the dry cleaning experience, but has also become a prominent fixture

in numerous residential apartment buildings throughout the city.

The company’s growth can be attributed to its innovative locker system, which provides a convenient and seamless experience for residents. These lockers, strategically placed in residential apartment buildings, allow customers to drop off and pick up their garments at their convenience, eliminating the hassle of traditional instore visits.

“We have changed the way D.C. does laundry through our multi-service channel platform,” Sandy elaborated. “This allows us to meet our [Dryy] Members in their preferred method.”

The Dryy Run is yet another example of the company’s innovative efforts to engage with the community.

By organizing the run, Dryy aims to address social issues and provide opportunities for underprivileged children. This year's event raised over $10,000, enabling 11 children from Ward 5 to attend summer camp– an experience that will undoubtedly shape their personal

growth and development.

“We strive to enrich the very communities we serve. Having no political agenda, we organically create measurable outcomes that are vital to our communities. We know the importance of cultivating intersections of community, culture, and commerce,” Sandy shared.

The Dryy Run and other community-focused initiatives have solidified

the company’s reputation as a socially responsible company.

The company's engagement extends beyond philanthropy. Dryy Garment Care actively collaborates with local businesses and artists, fostering a sense of creativity and connection within the community. Partnerships with organizations like Balmoré Art, Art Supply DC, and Cool Kids Vinyl have resulted in unique expe-

riences and events that celebrate the vibrant culture of the District.

Participating in the Dryy Run was an incredible opportunity to showcase the versatility and community,” shared Art Supply DC Founder, Liv. P.

“We were able to educate, share our cannabis products and sell art created by local creatives,” the entrepreneur said.

In addition to community work, Dryy Garment Care's commitment to environmental sustainability sets them apart in the industry. They prioritize eco-friendly practices, utilizing non-toxic cleaning solutions and reducing waste through efficient processes.

“By delivering cleaning solutions that are safe for people, pets, and the planet, we maintain a clean conscience,” said Sandy.

Embracing sustainability, the company not only provides excellent dry cleaning services, but also contributes to the overall well-being of the environment and the community.

WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

5The Dryy Run was on June 10 with several supporters present, including Noelle Sharbaugh (left), Mid-Atlantic director for Greystar.

AROUND THE REGION

JUNE 22 - 28, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

President Roosevelt signs Executive Order 8802 prohibiting racial discrimination in the national defense indus-

1975 – Mozambique gains its independence from Por-

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 —

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 49.

JUNE 27

1872 – Paul Laurence Dunbar, famed American poet, novelist and playwright of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, is born in Dayton, Ohio.

1890 – Canadian boxer George Dixon beats Nunc Wallace and is recognized as world bantamweight champion, the first Black world boxing champion in any weight

1939 – African American inventor Frederick Jones is issued patent for ticket-dispensing machine.

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. 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

1991 – Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, the first African American to serve on the court, announces his retirement.

2007 – Jamaican-born pilot Barrington Irving lands at the Opa-Locka Airport in Miami after 95 days of travel, becoming the first Black person — and the youngest person ever at the time — to fly around the world solo.

JUNE 28

1864 – Malcolm X announces the formation of the Organization of Afro-American Unity, six weeks after returning from his pilgrimage to Mecca. 1971 – Supreme Court overturns draft evasion conviction of boxing great Muhammad Ali WI

JOE LOUIS

MARY WELLS

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Activist, theologian and renowned academic

Cornel West announced he’s entering the 2024 presidential race. West said he’s running as a member of The People’s Party, a left-wing political party that dates back to the 19th century. What are your thoughts?

AMA BONNEY / PHILADELPHIA, PA

He’s definitely more qualified than most, I can say that for sure.

DRAY WALKER / FREDERICK, MD.

I definitely prefer West over anyone who has declared so far. He has been talking with people on the streets, in the jails, and working-class people everywhere. Having someone like Nina Turner as VP would definitely round out the ticket. Sadly, I don’t think the donors who run the country would allow such intellect and love into the White House.

KAHLIL JAHI / NEW YORK

Just give him a mirror and a microphone. He loves to see himself talk!

ALDRENNA WILLIAMS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Who will his VP be? Tavis Smiley?

SHEILA JASPER / WASHINGTON, D.C.

If Trump can, Mr. Cornel West is more than qualified!

Celebrating Juneteenth, Unity, Freedom on Black Lives Matter Plaza

By Eshe Ukweli and Jacob Bellevue

Discover the Unexpected Interns

On a day commemorating the last enslaved people learning of their freedom in Texas in 1865, District residents and visitors alike took to Black Lives Matter Plaza to celebrate Juneteenth for the area’s annual block party. With lively GoGo music, joyous laughter and the celebration of liberty in the air, the tourists, community members, and local businesses and organizations that gathered not only commemorated freedom but also emphasized the importance of unity.

D.C. resident Felecia Reid shared that the Juneteenth celebration was an “honor” after a long struggle for “independence.”

“I think it's an honor and it is such a great responsibility because we, as a people, [have] been fighting the struggle for independence for a long time, and it’s good to see the community come together and have fun,” expressed Reid.

“The fact that white people came out here to celebrate it and do the same thing, it’s just an honor to be Black,” Reid added. We don't get to do this and we're doing it peacefullythat's the most important thing.”

The celebration served as a pleasant celebration among the climate of community violence and a reminder that there are groups working to quell the violence and offer positive

outlets.

Organizations like the local double dutch team Jump DC are providing safe outlets to keep the youth engaged.

"One of the most important reasons why we started this team is so that we can keep the children off the streets and give them something positive to do. It's a sisterhood and a family,” double dutch coach Sherell Dixon stated.“It’s good to just keep our community together so that we can stay off the streets and out the violence.”

With the event bringing out various community members, Darin Cox of the Peach Cobbler Factory, a Black-owned confectionary, shared the importance of showing up for the community and leaving something behind for future generations.

"The importance of having a Black-owned business is having something to pass down to your family and ensuring your legacy, I feel like that's important and we don't have enough of it," said Cox.

Dr. Quron Harding, a graduate of Tennessee State University said

he was honored to take part in the Juneteenth celebration, and to share it with a legacy of his own.

“More importantly, I'm sharing it with my daughter and her friend because true action actually went into place to get this holiday,” Harding told the Informer. “So I want her to see hard work, dedication and persistence, and [that] we're still fighting.”

So to be a part of the festivities instead of being at home to me is very important,” the D.C. resident and dad added. “Plus, we live in the nation's capital, so we have to be a part of it.”

WI

5 Washington, DC area residents and friends dance together at the District of Columbia's Juneteenth Celebration on Black Lives Matter Plaza. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

D.C. resident Felecia Reid shared that the Juneteenth celebration was an “honor” after a long struggle for “independence.”

Atmos: Where Heritage Meets Contemporary Fashion in DC

By Mahadi Lawal WI Bridge Staff

Located in the Georgetown neighborhood, Atmos is a unique clothing store that blends historic architecture with modern retail design. The store’s former townhouse setting sets the scene for an elevated shopping experience. Recently, Atmos introduced the groundbreaking New Balance Shop Experience (NBSE) concept store, further solidifying its position as a fashion destination.

In addition to the NBSE concept and their brand Women’s Atmos Pink, the boutique carries a thoughtfully curated collection that ensures customers can find

fashion-forward pieces that resonate with their style.

To cater to the unique fashion needs of Washington, D.C., Atmos carefully selects exclusive brands available only at their Georgetown location, one of three domestic venues including Philadelphia and New York. This tailored approach ensures that the D.C. market is served with distinct offerings. In addition, Atmos provides exclusive footwear selections from top brands and hosts hyperlocal popup shops and collaborations, fostering a strong connection with the local community.

Atmos sources products from both local and international markets, offering a premier assortment

Owolewa Partners with FBI to Educate Youngsters

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

One of the members of the District’s shadow delegation to the U.S. Congress will be working in concert with the FBI to interact with children residing east of the Anacostia River.

D.C. Shadow U.S. Rep. Oye Owolewa (D) announced on June 15 his plans to work with the FBI to conduct in-classroom experiences with students at Turner Elementary School in Ward 8. Owolewa, 33 and a Ward 8 resident, will conduct classes with FBI agent Nicole Mines. He is a registered pharmacist in the District.

The collaboration with the FBI is part of Owolewa’s commitment to youth services and he hopes Mines’s impact will influence young people to investigate specialized careers for their future. The FBI has a community relations unit at its headquarters in Northwest with one of its pro-

grams to mentor minority youth.

“I’d like to thank Agent Mines and the rest of D.C.’s FBI team for this partnership,” Owolewa said. “Studies suggest students should start learning about careers at age eight. According to an online article, children with early exposure will have a better understanding of career paths and become more confident in their career choice by high school. My office works tirelessly to even the playing field by ensuring D.C. kids get the most out of their educational experiences. My office is grateful for the FBI’s generosity in volunteering their time and expertise for the kids at Turner Elementary School.”

ADDRESSING HISTORIC AFRICAN AMERICAN DISTRUST OF THE FBI

Owolewa said he is aware of the

PARTNERS Page 11

of footwear brands, including Nike, Jordan Brand, Adidas and New Balance. Complementing its footwear collection, Atmos curates a diverse range of apparel and accessory brands from the United States, Japan and beyond. This global approach guarantees customers access to a wide array of fashion choices.

Collaborations and partnerships with local designers and brands play a significant role at Atmos, as the store actively seeks opportunities to engage with the community. Recent collaborations with talents like Chris Pyrate, Nanevaeh, and Good Projects showcase Atmos’ commitment to nurturing creative connections and supporting local

talent. With more exciting collaborations on the horizon, customers can expect fresh and innovative offerings that celebrate the intersection of fashion and community.

WI

Read more on wibridgedc.com.

5 Atmos is a unique clothing store in Georgetown that blends historic architecture with modern retail design. (Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Photographer Frank Stewart reads the Washington Informer. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

The Juneteenth Historic Celebration of the President Joseph R. Biden Lifetime Achievement Award & Presidential Volunteer Service Recognition Ceremony honorees Dr. Jan Adams, Virginia Ali, Gregory Baldwin, Raymone K. Bain, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, Dionne Bussey-Reeder, Jacqueline Carter, Rev. Dr. James Coleman, Phil Pannell, Herb Gray held June 19 at Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Southeast. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

REPARATIONS from Page 1

wealth-building opportunities to Black people. We must be intentional in our efforts so that Black people might finally be compensated for their ancestors’ labor and for the continuing effects of policies and systems designed to suppress their potential to build wealth.”

McDuffie’s efforts are part of a national movement in cities and states to consider financial and societal remedies for the descendants of African Americans who were enslaved. He pointed out in his opening statement at the hearing that the typical white household has 81 times more wealth than the normal Black household in the District; the nation’s widest gap. With his bill, McDuffie said “I picked up the baton of freedom and equality, considering this bill ahead of the Juneteenth weekend.”

SPECIFICS OF MCDUFFIE’S BILL

McDuffie’s legislation would establish a nine-member Reparations Task Force to study and develop reparations proposals for District Blacks. It would require the Commissioner of the Department of Insurance, Securities, and Banking to establish a slavery database of records relating to slaveholding which will eventually be made available to the task force to aid in its study of reparations proposals. Plus, the bill would establish a reparations foundation to be used for the payments of reparations under a program set up pursuant to the findings and recommendations of the task force.

The task force will be responsible for submitting a written report of its findings and recommendations to the mayor and council no later than one year after the date of the first meeting.

PARTNERS from Page 9

troubled history between Blacks and the FBI. Books and studies over the years have revealed that the late FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover spearheaded the process to have pro-African diaspora leader Marcus Garvey discredited; harassed Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and instituted COINTELPRO, an effort to dismantle Black organizations and individuals it deemed dangerous.

Nevertheless, Owolewa said his

The bill stipulates the task force shall sunset after December 31, 2025, or after the report has been submitted.

Additionally, the legislation gives the task force a wide range of powers such as the ability to use the D.C. Superior Court to compel testimony or comply with a subpoena.

The bill has the support of Council members Trayon White Sr., (D-Ward 8), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Robert White (D-At Large), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large).

THE HEARING

The hearing had 128 public witnesses. It lasted eight and a half hours, with witnesses limited to three minutes to deliver their testimony. No members of McDuffie’s committee made an appearance on the dais at the hearing.

One of the first witnesses was Evanston, Illinois’ Councilmember Devon Reid, who represents that city’s Ward 8. Reid noted Evanston's historic role in the reparation’s movement.

“We were the first city in the nation to create a reparations program for African Americans,” said Reid, 30. “We honed in on housing, but I encourage D.C. to look at the totality of their program. D.C. should look at policing and how slavery specifically impacted the city.”

Reid said the reparations program was paid for by Evanston’s cannabis sales tax and its real estate transfer tax.

Claire McFarland Barber, a leader of the Evanston Reparations Committee, said the District should aim for a local reparations program instead of following a national model.

“It can be tailored to the local community and should include housing,

partnership with the agency will have an educational focus.

“It is all about increasing early exposure to careers,” he said. “It is about building a pipeline for students of color who reside east of the river. While I am fully aware of the history of the FBI, I want to make sure that we have people in those spaces and that people in D.C. will be fine. I have confidence in Agent Mines. At the end of the day, it is all about the students.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

economic development and education,” she said.

Kamilah Moore is a member of the California reparations task force. McDuffie said California’s task force serves as the model for the District. Moore urged McDuffie to make sure that reparations are based not on race but lineage.

“A race-based solution could be struck down in court,” she said.

Nkechi Taifa, a District attorney who is active with the local and national reparations movement, reminded McDuffie that efforts to compensate the descendants of District slaves didn’t start with him.

“It was D.C. Councilmember Wilhelmina Rolark that sponsored a bill in 1990 to study reparations here in D.C.,” said Taifa. “D.C. should be given credit as the first major city to deal with reparations because of Rolark’s bill. But I am happy that his hearing is taking place. Reparations for Black people are very likely a reality and achievable within our lifetime.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Councilmember Trayon White

5 Oye Owolewa is the District’s shadow representative to the U.S. House of Representatives.

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Black Restaurant Week, Water Bill Forgiveness, Cannabis Regulations

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

BLACK RESTAURANT WEEK IN PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Last June, the Prince George’s County Council unanimously adopted a resolution to make the week of Juneteenth “Black Restaurant Week.” County Councilmember At-Large Mel Franklin (D) says the goal of the week is for County residents to buy at least one meal per day this week from Blackowned restaurants.

At the time this resolution was adopted, County Councilmember Calvin S. Hawkins (D- At-Large) said Black Restaurant Week is a wonderful opportunity to support Black-owned food businesses in

Prince George’s County following the challenges of COVID-19 and many business closures.

“The County’s restaurant industry is beginning to show some signs of recovery following two very difficult years, and it is important to keep the momentum going so they are able to thrive post-pandemic,” said Hawkins. Black Restaurant Week, beginning with the commemoration of Juneteenth, is a great time to support a Blackowned culinary businesses and bolster our local economy.”

Councilmember Franklin has a list of Black-owned restaurants in the County on his website.

There’s other work happening to support local eateries. On June 1, One Fair Wage and RAISE High Road Restaurants announced the “Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County” grant

program. The program will award 20-30 establishments with a grant of $5,000-$7,500 each.

WSSC SUSPENDS WATER TURN OFFS, GRANTS FEE WAIVERS

A temporary forgiveness program will give bill credits and waive fees on delinquent water bills to some WSSC customers for June. The “Get Current” program was approved in early May and will help over 80,000 past due accounts, most of which are residential accounts. WSSC will also temporarily suspend residential water turnoff service for the month of June.

Lyn Riggins, a spokesperson for WSSC, said COVID-19 has played a major role in financial challenges.

“Prior to COVID, we never saw delinquent accounts totaling this much revenue and this many customers impacted. And again, we know not everyone can pay their bill in full or even pay half of it right now, but those who can take advantage of this program and those still struggling should reach out to us because we are here to help,” Riggins said.

“There are 83,000 WSSC water customers who are delinquent on their accounts. We need to collect this revenue every single day. WSSC Water needs to deliver water and wastewater services to our 1.9 million customers in Montgomery and Prince George’s counties and it takes money to do that,” the WSSC spokesperson added.

WSSSC-eligible residential customers with household income below 150% of the area median income will receive 10% bill credit for payment in full of the delinquent amount, 100% of late payment charges and turn-on fees waived, along with 5% bill credit for 50% payment of the delinquent amount and successful completion of a six-month payment plan. Upon completion of the payment plan, 100% of late payment charges and turn-on fees are waived. The 5% bill credit is also applied after the completion of the payment plan.

For residential customers above 150% of the area’s median income, all late payment charges and turnon fees will be waived. Apply for these financial assistance

programs at wsscwater.com from now until June 30.

CANNABIS REGULATIONS ANNOUNCED

In a recent email, lobbyist Darrell Carrington informed interested Marylanders that the Maryland Department of Commerce is now accepting the first round of applications for the Cannabis Business Assistance Fund.

“The primary goal of this fund is to enhance the capacity of small businesses and entrepreneurs, like yourselves, to actively participate in Maryland's adult-use cannabis industry,” said lobbyist Darrell Carrington, one of the leading voices in Maryland’s cannabis legalization. “By providing both grants and loans, we aim to promote equitable economic growth and empower small, minority, and women-owned businesses to have a greater stake in this thriving industry.”

Carrington also sent out a list of pending regulations for the Maryland Cannabis Administration, giving guidelines on what the agency will be doing once created,

and the Comptroller’s FAQs for operational and soon-to-be cannabis businesses.

The initial round of assistance available through the fund is the Medical Cannabis License Conversion Fee Assistance grant, which has been specifically designed to offer financial support to existing medical-use licensees and help to cover the costs associated with converting their licenses to adult-use licenses. Processors and growers may qualify for grants of up to $50,000, while dispensary licensees can receive grants of up to $25,000.

Priority consideration will be given to license owners in areas that have been disproportionately affected by cannabis prohibition enforcement.

To be eligible for the Medical Cannabis License Conversion Fee grant, the business must be a small business with 50 or less employees per license as of May 1, 2023, and have at least 51% of the business owners with a personal net worth not exceeding $1.7 million.

More details regarding the second round of applications will be released before Aug. 1. WI

5 County Councilman Mel Franklin (D-At-Large) encourages Prince George’s residents to support local culinary businesses once a day in support of Black Restaurant Week. (Courtesy Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Bill to Pause Townhome Construction Moves to Committee Before Council Vote

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

When Councilmember Wala Blegay (D-District 6) won a seat to represent her central county district, one of her primary concerns was addressing suburban sprawl. On June 15, a subcommittee voted to hold the legislation in Committee before sending Blegay’s bill to pause townhome construction to the full Council for a vote.

In a December WIN-TV interview, Blegay said “the sprawl in our community, saturating our streets with townhomes… [and] development that’s really unwanted.”

Blegay introduced a bill in April to pause townhome developments outside of transit-based areas and high-density areas. Some critics, particularly those in real estate and development, noted the impact this would have on the county’s long-term fiscal health and housing stock.

“They’re already deciding not

to do deals in Prince George’s County. People are just very nervous about investing in the county, where there’s just so much uncertainty about if they’re going to be able to move forward,” Graf said. “We have a housing shortage and we need all options to address it. We understand the intent of the sponsor to obtain more transit oriented development (TOD) but it should be done through incentives and working with the industry, not mandates and moratoriums.”

Former County Councilmember Derrick Leon Davis, who represented District 6 before resigning in 2021, said “the idea of a moratorium is antithetical even to the stated priorities of this Council.”

“A moratorium will help make housing less affordable, by formula it will reduce the amount of ‘infrastructure’ being built to support our road network, and begin to erode any confidence businesses had begun to have in

the Prince George's County Government,” Davis said. “Six schools are scheduled to come on line this fall, with several more planned to begin construction immediately thereafter all through the county’s P3 School development program. Unfortunately, the new Council majority is practicing the politics of populism instead of the more difficult path of leading the County.”

Blegay hosted a town hall days prior to the vote to hear more perspectives. Some guests, such as Bowie activist Milly Hall, attended to voice support for the legislation, while lobbyists such as Juwan Blocker stated some concerns.

Cheryl Cort of the Coalition for Smarter Growth sent an email stating the organization’s opinion on the legislation days before the vote.

“But a townhouse ban is an overly broad, indiscriminate approach that overlooks the underlying problems of Prince George’s

zoning: too

flexible residential and mixed use zoning inside the beltway,” the statement explained. WI

5 Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6) is advocating for pausing townhome construction in order to address suburban sprawl, while some advocates think such a move can be detrimental overall. (Courtesy Photo)

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

ALSOBROOKS ANNOUNCES PRINCE GEORGE’S TRIPLE-A BOND RATING

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks announced on June 13 that the county has maintained its triple-A bond rating.

All three financial ratings agencies, Fitch, Moody’s and Standard and Poor, recently provided their yearly evaluations and gave the county the coveted rating, as well as in recognition for a stable economic outlook.

“We are also pleased with the reasons behind the high ratings from the financial institutions,” Alsobrooks said. “Overall, our ongoing econom-

ic development that expects to add to the commercial tax base, along with our history of sound fiscal responsibility and well-embedded financial management policies and practices, were cited as reasons the county maintained the highest rating possible. I am especially proud that we maintained the triple-A rating during every year of our administration, with the latest rating being the fifth consecutive year.”

Moody’s report cited the county’s “large and growing tax base, with ongoing development expected to add significantly to the tax rolls in the near term” and “also considered the county’s financial position and overall leverage, which are expected to remain satisfactory in the near term, support-

ed by comprehensive fiscal policies.”

Standard and Poor talked about the county’s strong financial performance despite the challenges of maintaining services during the height of the coronavirus pandemic and the conservative budgeting and established financial management policies and practices.

Finally, Fitch reported “the strength of the county’s operating performance, which features a high capacity to manage operational and budgetary risks through economic cycles, expectations for solid revenue growth underpinned by the county’s economic and demographic profile and high independent revenue raising authority.”

“Although we navigated several challenges during our budget cycle earlier this year, this rating is the latest sign that our focus on transit-oriented development to grow the commercial tax base will help secure our county’s long-term financial success,” the county executive said. “We will continue moving forward with our economic growth strategy and fiscal discipline in our budget so we can maintain our county’s stable economic outlook.”

RFPS FOR D.C.’S ENGINE COMPANY 3

The District’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) announced on June 15 a request for proposals (RFPs) for the redevelopment of the

Engine Company 3 fire station and the adjacent Department of Energy and the Environment site in Northwest.

The project site is located along New Jersey Avenue in Ward 6 and presently houses Engine Company 3 and the D.C. Fire and EMS Museum. The redevelopment will be invested in a historic building that has served as a fire station since 1916. Desired proposals will create a mixed-income, mixed use community that is pedestrian-oriented and offers new retail, amenities, and job opportunities.

“The redevelopment of Engine Company 3 and the surrounding property will help us revitalize the Downtown East neighborhood, a vital corridor to Judiciary Square, Union Station and the Capitol,” said interim DMPED Keith Anderson. “And of course, this project will ensure that we honor D.C.’s bravest—past and present—with a modern fire station and museum.”

All proposals are due to DMPED by Sept. 27.

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

SRB Communications Celebrates 33 Years in Business

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

With statistics revealing that only one in four businesses surpass 15 years, SRB Communications celebrating 33 years on June 25 is more than an anniversary; it's a sign of resilience, talent and distinction. While changing industry trends, a recession, the COVID-19 pandemic and more could have shut the Black-owned, downtown D.C. business down, Dr. Sheila Brooks, the organization’s founder and leader, and the SRB Communications team, have remained true to their commitment to multicultural marketing, diversity, and excellence.

Though Brooks said achieving success has been a team effort, the President and CEO has led SRB from an idea to a successful multi-million marketing business. Many who know the longtime leader say her vision and modus operandi is what distinguishes SRB from other organizations.

“What sets us apart is our fierce CEO. She's just fierce, and she's about her business. And she is not only about her business, she's knowledge-

able about the industry,” said Chanee Holmes, vice president of Marketing and Communications at SRB.”

“She's always connecting with people, so she's very well known in this region. She is out there in the community,” added Holmes, who has worked for the company for about a year, and in her role as a VP for nine months. “She has a mentor's acumen. She just wants everyone to perform at an excellent pace, and she wants everyone to be excellent around her, and she's always willing to offer those resources.”

Doug Carroll, who has been a parttime writer and copy editor for SRB for about a year, said witnessing the CEO work is truly impressive.

“Much of the work this company has done over these years exists on a database, but the real database is in Dr. Brooks’ head. Every year she does the work to bring in new clients, get new work from existing clients, and she has a terrific memory for what was written, when, for which client, and where it is in the database. It's just amazing,” said Carroll. “I don't think this company would be as successful if not for

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

the effort that Dr. Brooks put into it and continues to put into it every single day.”

Brooks has been at the helm of the leading and long-running multicultural marketing business since its inception; however the entrepreneur started her business after years as a successful journalist.

Brooks worked her way up from a journalism major in college, to an onair reporter, anchor, producer, news director and executive producer in markets across the country. When she got a management opportunity at Fox 5 in Washington, D.C., she felt she had truly made it.

“Right before I started the business, I felt I had just reached the top of my profession: my dream job in the nation's capital, the media capital of the world. However, once I moved from on the air to management, I just felt I had so many roadblocks that I could not advance,” Brooks told the Informer in a WIN-TV Live interview.

The inability for further upward mobility, or to help people who looked like her became incredibly frustrating for the natural born leader, bridge-builder and mentor.

“It had become so overwhelming for me that I wasn't able to move up, advance, or to help any of our women or minority reporters and producers advance. And I just decided, at that point, it was time for me to move on; and I started SRB communications,” she explained. “I love being in control of my own destiny and that is why I looked to advance my career.”

For the last 33 years, Brooks has not only been in control of her own career, but, as a leading marketing expert and small business owner, helped to expand the work and goals of clients, and offered opportunities for employees to learn, grow and shine.

“Coming here and working with Dr. Brooks and the team, and really being able to express what I know and contribute in a meaningful way has been really good,” said Holmes, who worked for a large, predominantly white organization before transitioning to SRB last year.

Holmes explained that working with Brook and SRB has helped her grow both professionally and personally, particularly as her confidence has been built in an agency that celebrates her ingenuity.

“This is a really good place for career growth and opportunity,” Holmes

continued. “And we're working with top clients. And because it's a small agency, you get experience in so many different areas of the business. So it's been great.”

Even part-time employees such as Carroll, who spent three decades as a journalist with USA Today, tout the great opportunity and lessons that come with working for SRB.

“It's been a learning experience for me coming from journalism, where I spent my entire working life up to this point,” said Carroll, 68.

Carroll has known Brooks and of SRB for a long time. He spent much of his time at USA Today working under Rodney Brooks, the SRB CEO’s husband, who served as his editor.

The SRB writer and copy editor said an added bonus of working parttime after a long career in journalism is having Dr. Brooks as the company’s CEO.

“One of the things that appealed to me was reading through some of the things that Dr. Brooks has written about what SRB’s values are, and what her views of strengths are. And so storytelling is one of the things that this company emphasizes. And I think in a marketing sense, it's about understanding what the client's values and ambitions are for their product or service,” Carroll explained.

GROWTH OVER THE YEARS

While SRB has grown into a thriving, 33-year-old company, the road to success came with some bumps and challenges along the way.

“You know, when we started SRB communications 33 years ago, it was a different world than it is today in business. So many small businesses, minority businesses, women-owned businesses, we were just beginning to be recognized…. There were so many more opportunities, I believe, within the federal government agencies at that time, more opportunities for what I was doing, which was a production company,” explained Brooks.

When Brooks left TV news in 1990, she originally started a production company.

“That production company, over the next 18 years, grew. I built the the facility, room by room, contract by contract, business loan by business loan, from a one room, 350-squarefoot production company, to a 6000-square-foot facility, with three Avid edit suites, full soundstage studio, 14 full time employees, never leaving

downtown Washington, D.C. over the 30 years.

Brooks said when she started her production company, “times were different.”

“We were in the television world, and there was real television,” the CEO said. “What I mean by that is, we were producing documentaries and long form programming. None of that exists much anymore today. It all went away with new technology, the iPhones, laptop computers; equip-

ment, got smaller, programming changed to reality television, and so much more. So we had to be resilient and ‘resilient to disruption.’ That's what I always say. That's the one quality that's so important in business.”

As she’s provided possibilities for others, Brooks had to forge her own paths as well.

“I've had to create an environment of opportunities, an environment of possibilities,” she said. “We were able to overcome obstacles like the change

in the media landscape, in 2008 with the recession, COVID-19 and and so many contracts being lost for small businesses,” Brooks noted.

The experienced entrepreneur said she was able to defeat challenges through strength, confidence, inquiries and–a Brooks and SRB core value– excellence.

“You have to be a creative thinker, a leader in anything that you do, and I always say to my team and others, ‘You have to ask for what you want, and be excellent at what you do,’” Brooks told the Informer.

Despite pivots over 33 years– with an evolving vertical that includes healthcare organizations, institutions, utility companies, entertainment venues and more— Brooks said one thing has remained the same: strong storytelling.

The longtime media expert encouraged remaining alert, informed and educated as trends and technology continue to shift. She also uplifted using technology to elevate storytelling. “New technology means nothing if you don't know how to use it to tell stories. And that's who we are, we are storytellers.” WI

AMERICAN HERITAGE ROAD TRIP

Josiah Henson Museum and Park

5 Sheila Brooks, Founder, President & CEO - SRB Communications. (Courtesy photo)

Supreme Court Rules Against Challenges to Indian Child Welfare Act Poised

for Other Major Decisions

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As the Biden-Harris administration and most of America awaits a decision on the president’s student loan forgiveness plan and affirmative action, the Supreme Court has declined to disturb a federal law that governs the process for the placement of Native American children in foster or adoptive homes, rejecting constitutional challenges to the law.

The court ruled 7-2 in the case known as Haaland v. Brackeen, which a birth mother, foster and adoptive parents, and the state of Texas brought.

The challengers claimed the law exceeds federal authority, infringes on state sovereignty, and discriminates on the basis of race.

In a majority opinion authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the court turned down the challenges, a victory for the Biden administration and several Native American tribes that defended the law.

“The issues are complicated,” Barrett wrote, adding that “the bottom

line is that we reject all of petitioners’ challenges to the statute, some on the merits and others for lack of standing.”

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented.

Enacted in 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act aims to keep Native American children connected to Native families by giving preference to those families or Native institutions during foster care and adoption proceedings that involve Native children.

The law defines an “Indian child” as not only one who is a member of a Native American tribe, but also one who is eligible for membership and the biological child of a tribal member.

The dispute before the Supreme Court arose from three child custody proceedings, during which the Indian Child Welfare Act was invoked to govern the placement of Native children.

The white foster and adoptive parents, joined by the state of Texas, challenged the law’s constitutionality in federal court, arguing in part that it uses racial classifications that un-

lawfully impede non-Native families from fostering or adopting Native children.

A federal district court ruled in favor of the families.

Still, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit affirmed the lower court’s decision that the law’s preferences for prioritizing “other Indian families” and “Indian foster home[s]” over non-Native families are unconstitutional.

The appeals court also upheld the district court’s ruling that several of the law’s requirements violated the 10th Amendment.

In a concurring opinion by Justice Neil Gorsuch, joined by Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Gorsuch praised the majority opinion upholding the law and wrote that when enacting it more than 30 years ago, Congress exercised its lawful authority to “secure the right of Indian parents to raise their families as they please; the right of Indian children to grow in their culture; and the right of Indian communities to resist fading into the twilight of history.”

“In affirming the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act,” Gorsuch wrote, “the Court safeguards the ability of tribal members to raise their children free from interference by state authorities and other outside parties.

“In the process, the Court also goes a long way toward restoring the original balance between federal, state, and tribal powers the Constitution envisioned,” Gorsuch continued.

Thomas, in dissent, said while the Supreme Court’s precedents reference a “plenary power” that

Congress has over Native American affairs, such a power does not derive from any constitutional basis.

“Even taking the Court’s precedents as given, there is no reason to extend this ‘plenary power’ to the situation before us today: regulating state-court child custody proceedings of U. S. citizens, who may never have even set foot on Indian lands, merely because the child involved happens to be an Indian,” he wrote.

President Biden cheered the majority’s ruling, saying he stands “alongside Tribal Nations as they celebrate today’s Supreme Court decision.”

“Our Nation’s painful history looms large over today’s decision. In the not-so-distant past, Native children were stolen from the arms of the people who loved them. They were sent to boarding schools or to be raised by non-Indian families — all with the aim of erasing who they are as Native people and tribal citizens. These were acts of unspeakable cruelty that affected generations of Native children and threatened the very survival of Tribal Nations,” he said.

“The Indian Child Welfare Act was our Nation’s promise: never again.”

Meanwhile, Biden has said student loan payments would soon begin again as the high court considers whether to strike down his forgiveness plan.

The court is expected to rule any day on that plan and affirmative action, which could affect college admissions nationwide. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

“In affirming the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act,” Gorsuch wrote, “the Court safeguards the ability of tribal members to raise their children free from interference by state authorities and other outside parties."

5 The U.S. Supreme Court is poised to rule on several vital programs, including President Biden’s student loan forgiveness. (Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

White House Press Secretary Warned for Violating Hatch Act

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Karine Jean-Pierre, the White House press secretary, allegedly violated the Hatch Act, according to the U.S. Office of the Special Counsel (OSC).

Jean-Pierre, the first Black and first openly gay person to serve as press secretary, received a warning letter after using the term “mega MAGA” from the briefing room podium, an action deemed inappropriate and partisan.

The Hatch Act is a federal law that prevents government officials from engaging in partisan activities or influencing elections.

Jean-Pierre’s violation occurred when she referred to “mega MAGA Republican officials who don’t believe in the rule of law” during a press briefing, as stated in the letter from the OSC.

Michael Chamberlain, a former

member of the Trump administration and the organization’s director, filed the complaint and claimed that Jean-Pierre’s use of the phrase was an improper attempt to sway the vote.

In a letter addressed to Chamberlain, Ana Galindo-Marrone, the chief of the Hatch Act Unit at OSC, stated, “OSC has investigated your allegation and concluded that Ms. Jean-Pierre violated the Hatch Act. However, we have decided not to pursue disciplinary action and have instead issued Ms. Jean-Pierre a warning letter.”

Galindo-Marrone further explained that Jean-Pierre’s references to “MAGA Republicans” were made to generate opposition to Republican candidates, constituting political activity and a violation of the Hatch Act.

The letter also revealed that, at the time, the White House Counsel’s Office did not think Jean-Pierre’s remarks violated the Hatch Act.

It remains unclear whether the OSC’s analysis was ever conveyed to Jean-Pierre.

Throughout her tenure, JeanPierre has been cautious to avoid Hatch Act violations, refusing to answer political questions during more than 40 White House press briefings or gaggles.

However, previous members of the Biden administration, including former chief of staff Ron Klain and former press secretary Jen Psaki, have faced similar allegations of Hatch Act violations.

The White House spokesman, Andrew Bates, stated they are reviewing the OSC’s opinion and emphasized their commitment to upholding the law.

Jean-Pierre defended herself in a statement to reporters, stating that she had received approval to use the terminology at the time.

In response to the controversy, a Biden administration official told reporters that the Trump White House frequently used the term “Make America Great Again” for official purposes, with nearly 2,000 references on the official Trump

White House website.

According to a report released by the OSC in November 2021, 13 senior Trump administration officials violated the Hatch Act.

The term “mega-MAGA” and similar variations were commonly used from the White House briefing room podium in the lead-up to the 2022 midterm elections.

The Biden administration sought to draw distinctions from Trump-

aligned factions within the GOP. Biden senior adviser Anita Dunn addressed the decision to utilize the term, explaining that while she did not create it herself, she was involved in adopting the term as the White House adopted a more aggressive approach.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

READY FOR ANY EMERGENCY

5 White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre allegedly violated the Hatch Act. (Courtesy Photo)

5 A speaker at the second International Day for Countering Hate Speech event organized by the United Nations office in Rwanda. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Calls Grow to Prevent Genocide in DR Congo

Officials have renewed calls to stop the wave of hate speech against Rwandans and Kinyarwanda-speaking communities in the Great Lakes Region, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper reported on Saturday, June 17.

This was highlighted on Friday, June 16, as the second International Day for Countering Hate Speech was marked in an event organized by the United Nations office in Rwanda, attended by government officials and members of the civil society, the diplomatic community, and others from various international organizations.

The day was held under the theme: “Say No To Hate”.

Also in attendance, virtually, was the U.N.’s special advisor on genocide prevention, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, who has, on different occasions, warned of genocidal violence in eastern DR Congo, where members of the Tutsi community are persecuted.

Nderitu commended Rwanda for “remarkable progress in transcending the traumatic experience of its past,” and for promoting justice, peace and reconciliation.

“Hate speech is not a joke; it can be lethal,” Nderitu said, highlighting the role played by the infamous RTLM radio station in fueling the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda.

Radio Télévision Libre des Mille Collines (RTLM) was an extremist radio set up and financed by hard-line extremists. Described by scholars as having been a de facto arm of the genocidal government, it played a significant role in inciting the massacres that took place from April to July 1994. Its programmes called on the public to hunt and kill all the Tutsi in Rwanda during the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Nderitu said she was “concerned by increasing trends of genocide denial and distortion, a particularly insidious form of hate speech.”

Nderitu noted that hate speech is taught.

During the event, it was noted that while Rwanda heals from the horrors of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, there are signs of another genocide in neighboring DR Congo, which not only threatens the country's Tutsi community but also regional security.

A video that circulated recently showing Congolese schoolchildren echoing sentiments of hate against Rwanda and Uganda was highlighted as a testimony to the level of hate propaganda in the country.

Drawing from Rwanda’s experience, the Minister of National Unity and Civic Engagement, Jean Damascene Bizimana, said: “Hate speech is a starkly clear sign of a genocide in preparation.”

In Rwanda, hate speech was given a place in the media, Bizimana noted, citing Kangura newspaper. In 1959, Prosper Gitera introduced 10 Hutu Commandments and his hate speech led to many atrocities, including the total genocide in 1994. The governments of Gregoire Kayibanda and Juvenal Habyarimana promoted ethnic discrimination.

“Now than ever before, we are witnessing the genocide ideology from eastern [DR Congo], a region that received a massive number of genocide perpetrators,” Bizimana said. WI

caribbean now

Barbados to Host First Global Supply Chain Forum

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Government of Barbados will hold the first Global Supply Chain Forum here from May 21 to 24 next year, Barbados Today reported on Saturday, June 17. Government officials, business leaders and experts will explore how to promote development through sustainable and resilient transport and logistics, improved connectivity and trade facilitation.

They will address digitalization, food security, transport costs, climate change, developing countries’ financing needs and how to better manage the energy transition in international transport.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan said to help resolve the current cascade of global crises and prepare for the future, shipping and supply chains need to be more efficient, more resilient and far greener.

“Strong, resilient and predictable supply chains will be critical to help developing countries manage the ongoing impact of the poly-crisis,” added Matthew Wilson, ambassador of Barbados to the United Nations in Geneva.

He said the forum will offer countries a platform to create solutions that support climate change adaptation, food security and economic growth.

For the last three years, COVID-19, the war in Ukraine, climate change and geopolitics have wreaked havoc on maritime transport, logistics and cross-border trade.

The confluence of crises has clogged up ports and closed others, reconfigured routes, extended delays and raised shipping and logistics costs.

According to UNCTAD, economies far from the main lines of trade – small island developing states, landlocked developing countries and some countries in Africa, Asia-Pacific, the Caribbean and Latin America – are hit the hardest by supply chain disruptions. WI

Fighting Senior Oral Health Disparities Across The District

Delta Dental Partners with Local Institutions to Improve Oral Health Outcomes

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter Sponsored content from Delta Dental

Seniors aged 65 and older are the most vulnerable population when facing access to proper oral health care in the United States. The Delta Dental Community Care Foundation, in conjunction with Howard University College of Dentistry and Mary’s Center – a Federally Qualified Health Center, launched the Senior Oral Health Coalition Program to address this growing public health crisis and disparities among seniors, particularly BIPOC community members.

The groundbreaking collaborative held a reception at Howard University’s Centers of Excellence on June 14 to honor the first anniversary and promote the goals of the program – to provide underserved senior residents of Washington, D.C. with greater equity and access to oral health care.

“It was important for us to partner with Howard University College of Dentistry, one of the nation’s leading dental schools and great pillar in the community, which also helps with representation. Having care providers who look like you is critical as we try to tackle some of the barriers people face in oral health care. It was also important to partner with Mary’s Center as a way of ensuring treatment of the whole person,” said Kenzie Ferguson, Vice President, Foundation and Corporate Social Responsibility for Delta Dental. “Instead of handing our partners a check and asking them to tell us what they accomplished, our three organizations aligned on this cause to address it together.”

According to the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, 54 percent of seniors over the age of 75 have fewer than 21 teeth remaining. Alarmingly, that proportion jumps to roughly 80 percent for older adults living in poverty. The research points to factors influencing poor oral care, namely socioeconomic challenges, limited health care coverage and access to healthy food options. These issues not only contribute to poor oral health, but a slew of med-

ical issues such as heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

“When you look at the statistics, Black and Hispanic people are two to three times more likely to have untreated tooth decay. Through this program, we are trying to get to the root of why and understand the barriers that these individuals face, whether purely financial or if there are additional social factors at play. That’s why raising awareness of this issue is important – it is an urgent public health crisis in America,” Ferguson explained.

The multipronged approach of the Senior Oral Health Coalition Program consists of community-based programs, collective research, and comprehensive student training designed to close the gap in oral health disparities within some of the District’s most resource-insecure communities. The partnership between Mary’s Center and Howard University College of Dentistry has produced an even greater repository of resources to serve many local seniors in need.

Howard University College of Dentistry curriculum puts a strong emphasis on community engagement and service, with a large portion of its patient body consisting of low-income seniors. Students in training attend weekly community health fairs, provide health screenings, and offer one-on-one attention to learn about patients’ conditions and barriers that prevent attention to their oral health needs.

“We teach our students behavioral techniques – how to talk, explain the ‘tell, show, do’ method, and emphasize how their gentle mannerisms help manage the patient,” said Andrea D. Jackson, D.D.S., M.S., F.A.C.P., F.I.C.D., Dean and Professor of Howard University College of Dentistry.

“When our students practice at Mary’s Center and other community health clinics, we give them the experience of working with underserved patients. We want them to carry that forward when they graduate so they can be part of giving back. We teach students that by being in partnership with medicine and systemic health care, we can enhance people’s health by giving them good oral care,” said Jackson.

Mary’s Center plays an equally im-

portant role in the coalition’s efforts. Tollie B. Elliott, Sr., M.D., Chief Executive Officer at Mary’s Center, stressed the importance of empowering patients when accessing oral and overall health care. “The goal is to help older adults become advocates of their health so that they are not coming in as victims of their fear but are active participants in their care,” Elliott said. “We aim to provide a team that is centered around seniors to emphasize that their voice matters. We encourage them to speak up when they need care and to not be afraid to use their voice once they get in the dental chair.”

While the Senior Oral Health Coalition Program is still in its infancy, it has already made a significant impact in the lives of many older adults. The

long-term aim is to lay the groundwork for a program that will outlast the collective efforts of the coalition. Doing so will build a better, healthier

world for older adults in which they can age with dignity and be thriving members of our communities.

5 Leaders from Mary’s Center (Dr. Tollie Elliott), the Delta Dental Community Care Foundation (Kenzie Ferguson) and Howard University College of Dentistry (Dr. Andrea Jackson) at a reception to honor the first year of the Senior Oral Health Coalition Program

HEALTH

Health Leaders Discuss Approaches to Improving Maternal Health Equity

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held its inaugural Health Equity Conference during the second week of June, with programming dedicated to primary health, dental health, health policy, and sessions aimed at improving maternal health equity and healthier birthing outcomes, particularly in BIPOC communities.

Recently, a new Federal analysis reported an alarming surge in maternal death rates by 40% during the second year of the pandemic

in 2021. When considering the modernized healthcare system offered in this age in 2023, the question begs as to why so many Black women are still facing traumatic, and at worst, grave complications during childbirth.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Maternal Mortality Report 2021, revealed major disparities. While Hispanic and White women faced increases as well, Black women neared a rate of almost 70 deaths per 100,000. Some of the top causes of maternal death have pointed to cases of eclampsia (as seen in the cause of death of the U.S. Olympic athlete

Tori Bowie), hemorrhage, and even mental health-related issues.

Experts are making correlations between increasing maternal mortality rates and deeper flaws within health systems, highlighting structural racism, access to healthcare, and the dire need for equity-centered initiatives to lessen these fatal gaps.

“These are traumatizing situations, and we are not doing what needs to be done. Anything happens at birth, but it happens to people of color in health instances all the time, and being able to have spaces where you are acknowledging that there is trauma going into,

what can turn out to be traumatic— even beyond everyone’s best efforts, is so essential,” said Sinsi Hernandez-Cancio, vice president for Health Justice with the National Partnership for Women and Families, during the conference’s maternal health panel held in Howard University’s Blackburn building.

Chief Population Health Officer for CMS Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services Dr. Ellen-Marie Whelan sat with maternal health leaders to discuss the gaping holes in federal health policy, and the birthing disparities greatly caused by a lack of federal financial supports.

While running her own adolescent primary care clinic in Philadelphia, Whelan discovered a bevy of roadblocks due to federal policy and regulations that have historically deprived needed services in maternal health spaces.

“'’What is value-based care?’ is one of the first things. We are just paying wrong for care. Those doctors [giving poor maternal care in hospital spaces] make the same amount of money as someone who[provides patients with] better [birthing] outcomes,” Whelm said. “The system is broken, and that is what value-based care is supposed to be doing.” WI

HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S ANNUAL MEN’S HEALTH CONFERENCE

Medical Professionals Address Health Topics Plaguing Black Men

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

African Americans often face medical illnesses at higher rates than their white counterparts and several organizations and health professionals are working to combat those numbers. Orchestrated with the intent to inform, and empower Black men across the District, some of Howard University’s top medical professionals, administrators, and professors collaborated to present the Men’s Health Conference, addressing a litany of topics concerning the health outcomes of Black men in Washington, D.C. Sponsored by Amerigroup, and the Howard University Cancer Cen-

ter, the conference was held at the Howard University Hospital Walter E. Lester Auditorium. There, medical practitioners, clinical psychologists, educators and cancer warriors, opened the conversation to a compelling analysis examining social determinants and topics influencing the current state of Black men’s overall health.

“A lot of people will say that Black men don’t want to take care of their health, but that is not true. It’s great to make the information available, but you have a different impact when you take the services to the individuals and you build the relationships,” said Clinton Burnside, MPH, Host, and “Men Take Ten” program manager for Howard University Cancer Center.

The American Journal of Preventive Medicine reported risk factors for chronic disease are found to be substantially greater in Black men compared to their white counterparts in 2018, with Black men showing a higher prevalence of severe gradethree obesity and hypertension. The prevalence of stroke in Black men, for example, is nearly 80% higher than that in white men.

Likewise, the state of mental health among Black men does not fare much better, as the American Psychological Association reports that only 26.4% of Black and Hispanic men between ages 18 and 44 years old who ex-

HEALTH Page 21

5The CMS Health Equity Conference was held at Howard University on June 7. (Facebook screenshot)

HEALTH from Page 20

perience depression or anxiety were likely to seek mental health services, compared to 45.4% of non-Hispanic White men with the same emotional experiences.

Panel members shared the importance of recognizing how the health disparities of Black men often present themselves in a more nuanced manner than within other populations. While struggling to overcome the social anxiety attached to seeking professional medical or mental attention, the structural absence of Black male physicians within these spaces makes for an often uncomfortable experience for Black people as a whole, and in particular, Black men. There is a significant gap in the number of Black psychologists available, with as little as 4%t of Black professionals within the doctoral level of the psychology workforce.

Dr. Wayne Evans, Ph.D., MS, a clinical psychologist with Practical Alternatives, LLC, shared some of the major deterrents separating Black men from proper mental health care.

“I think there are [several] reasons why African American men, in particular, are not seeking mental health services; number one is the stigma in our community. The second has to do with the quality of the services that are available to brothers,” said Evans.

The clinical psychologist also emphasized the importance of cultural competency when working with Black men.

“Being a good therapist is like being a good theologian. If you don’t understand culture, context, and language, you are going to misinterpret the story,” Evans explained. “And so a lot of brothers will go in there and try to get

some help in [sharing] things, and somebody will make them feel like [they] are dangerous. I think a lot of brothers don’t seek out those services because they don’t feel heard and they don’t feel seen.”

While Black men do not feel comfortable within the walls of a physician’s or therapist’s office, Evans noted that many Black men find their solace within social spaces like the chairs of local barbershops– a cornerstone of support systems providing Black men a sanctuary of sorts for their distress, need for advice, and even moments of joy.

Audience members, the majority being men, soaked in information and words of advice from panelists articulating the importance of health literacy, access to health care, and power in advocating for their health.

Associate Professor of Surgery for Howard University, Pamela Coleman, MD, FACS stressed the dire importance of seeking proper screenings for Black men to address health issues, particularly specific to prostate cancer.

“What we are seeing now, is that when Black men are diagnosed with prostate cancer, if you correct the socioeconomic factors, they do better than white men with treatment for prostate cancer,” Coleman said.

The associate surgery professor also emphasized the importance of Black men being proactive in their health outcomes by showing and being their strongest and best advocates.

“When people are making health decisions for us, we need to be at the table so we can say look, African American men have a little bit of a different history,” said Coleman. “We need to be at the table, we need to be there.” WI

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

Other benefits include:

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

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

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

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

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

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

— Shayla, Class of 2024

5 Dr. Wayne Evans, Ph.D., MS, a clinical psychologist (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

HOUSE OUR

Protecting Your Assets: Understanding the Importance of Insurance and Wills

By Angela Swinson Lee WI Contributing Writer

Imagine that you’re having a conversation with your mother, and she tells you that when she dies, you’ll get her house.

Then, 10 years later, you have moved out, but your younger sibling is at home and has a conversation with your mother. She tells your sibling that when she dies, they will get her house.

There was nothing written down to legally record your mother’s wish-

es, but you both know what you heard.

Oftentimes, purchasing a home is the biggest investment that many people make, so when there is trouble, either through death or destruction, protecting that investment should be the top priority.

“A will is a last testament that a person gives as to what their desires are after they pass away. I often like to think of a will as a love letter. It’s a last will of testament that a person has that they are basically saying to the person they have left behind

how they want their assets distributed,” said George Henderson, a Prince George’s County based attorney, who assists people with end-oflife planning.

“When a person dies without a will, you have two people who may have heard the same story from the same person,” Henderson continued. “The person didn’t viciously do it, but they may have just forgotten. And so now you have an issue that has to go into probate which can be a very costly, expensive endeavor when it could have been very easily solved by having a simple will. In that will, a person expresses their desires after they die.”

With a will, someone is named as the executor of the will and has the responsibility of administering that will.

“A will that is well crafted will not only have the executor, but a person who will serve as the executor in the second seat in the event the first person named will pass away before the person doing the will passes away,” Henderson said.

When a will or other legal documents are not in place to specify what happens to property, it can be a lengthy process unless another per-

son’s name is on the deed. In that case, when the first person dies, and another person is on the deed, that person takes full ownership.

But if only one person’s name is on the deed, the property goes into probate, the legal process that helps distribute assets and handle legal matters for a person who passes away.

Probate laws vary from state to state.

Henderson said it's best to have an attorney when preparing a will.

“You need to get a competent attorney who is familiar with estate trusts and those types of things. Some people will go online and they will find a boilerplate will, but what you don’t know is that each state has its own rules and if you get a boilerplate type of will outline, it may not apply to your state,” he said. If you don’t have an attorney to review it then you can have a will that does not serve your purpose,” he said.

Henderson also explained that certain groups and attorneys have what is known as a “will questionnaire” that has information needed for a will.

But before a person dies, there are various ways to protect property through homeowners insurance, which protects consumers' homes and personal property.

Insurance can provide a primary source of rebuilding funds. It also provides liability coverage for legal

actions from injuries or damage from another person on their property. Additionally, most mortgage lenders require homeowners coverage, with the homeowner listed as the mortgagor, according to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

But even for homes that are paid in full, it’s important to protect the investment with insurance in case of loss. WI

5 (Stock photo)

“You need to get a competent attorney who is familiar with estate trusts and those types of things. Some people will go online and they will find a boilerplate will, but what you don’t know is that each state has its own rules and if you get a boilerplate type of will outline, it may not apply to your state,” he said.

In an evening that included an open bar, featured cocktails, small bies like chicken sliders, cheese, and mini lobster rolls, a dynamic live band, and decor with a Gatsby, Harlem Renaissance-esque theme, GWBCC hosted a party with a purpose: continuing to support local entrepreneurs.

“We're still quite a young chamber and so much of what we have been doing just includes making sure that we have the robust foundation to have the longevity that many of the chambers that we've seen in this area, have and succeed with,” Aisha Bond, president of GWBCC, told the Informer in a WIN-TV interview..

Bond said the chamber’s commitment to supporting the District’s creative business community spawned from filling a need.

“Artists as entrepreneurs really didn't have a home base to really lean into as a collective and as a community to make sure that they had sounding boards resources, insight, network support, some place to… get a little bit of relief, which is a big part of being a chamber– making sure that we're really thinking about the psyche of our entrepreneurs,” Bond explained.

The gala was one of a few ways GWBCC has been working to highlight and support D.C.’s artistic business community. Last week, the chamber hosted a roundtable with leaders from the arts community, which, Bond said, helped initiate a collective “economic enterprise committee for the arts.”

Then, there was the “Juneteenth Soiree,” which, not only, highlighted Black businesses and artists, but also featured the artist Rodney “Buck” Herring, whose piece– as the event’s artist in residence– was given to an action winner during the evening.

“It's really about progress, success… It's really about just not letting anything get in your way,” said Buck about his artwork and recent inspiration.

“We let other things get in our way and maybe a person, place, thing, whatever it is, comes in your path. It's really not your bad,” Buck continued. “You have people that can support you like the Black Chamber of Commerce, you might have friends that live in certain neighborhoods, certain people that have friends that own businesses, they can

always help you. There's somebody here to help you.”

CELEBRATING THE HONOREES: AWARDS OFFER HOPE AND CALL TO ACTION

Helping others and continuing to support the work of D.C.’s creative community through resources and legislation, proved as major themes throughout the event.

“Whenever I’m given the opportunity to share a platform and to tell my story, and to further my business, I’m grateful, because I know when people support the Spice Suite, they’re supporting hundreds, if not thousands of other small businesses,” said entrepreneur Angel Gregorio, who was one of the recipients of the Innovator of the Year Award. “It’s never really about me, people always say ‘It’s lonely at the top.’ And I always say, ‘I won’t know because I’m not going by myself.’”

With her business The Spice Suite, a “spice shop and dream incubator,” Gregorio is very intentional about building up other entrepreneurs.

“We provide free space to Black business owners who want to pop up and sell their products and have hosted over 4,000 free pop ups in the seven-and-a-half years I’ve been in business,” Gregorio said.

Fellow Innovator of the Year Award winner Ian Callendar of Suite Nation emphasized the importance of preserving D.C.’s creative community and culture. WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

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

Other benefits include:

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

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

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

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

Learn more at osse.dc.gov/dcfutures.

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

— Quinton, Class of 2024

5 Rodney "Buck!" Herring was the featured artist at the Greater Washington Black Business Chamber's Soiree and Awards Ceremony, "The Art of Black Business" Juneteenth Series '23 held at the Hamilton on June 19 in Northwest. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Latest Chesapeake Bay Report Gives Watershed a C

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

The health of the Chesapeake Bay has seen significant improvements over time, but parts of the region still face pollution issues and progress has somewhat plateaued in recent years, according to a report released last week. The University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science gave the Bay’s overall health a “C” grade in its annual report.

The grade has not changed much since 2019, when it received a C-. But the health of the Bay has seen

significant improvements, and the score itself went up by 6% compared with last year. Despite this progress, experts generally expect the region to miss its 2025 goal for cleaning up nutrient pollution.

“While the trajectory of improvements, particularly concerning nutrients in the Bay, is in the right direction, we need to pick up the pace,” said Peter Goodwin, president of UMCES, in a statement.

The 2025 goal will become the third missed target for addressing nutrient pollution, which largely stems from urban and agricultural runoff. The first deadline was in

2000, the second in 2010.

In remarks at a June 6 press conference on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria, Maryland Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., described efforts to restore the bay as similar to trying to walk up an escalator heading down.

“We have to establish new, am-

bitious targets, and we need to hold ourselves accountable to get there,” Van Hollen said.

TAKING ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE INTO ACCOUNT

For the first time, this year’s re-

port included a measurement of environmental justice disparities between different areas within the Chesapeake Bay’s watershed. UMCES used a tool released by the CDC last year called the Environmental Justice Index to examine the inequities that persist in the region.

“The addition of the Environmental Justice Index provides a more holistic perspective of Chesapeake Bay and watershed health,” said Bill Dennison, vice president for science application at UMCES, in a statement. “This holistic approach will make sure the report card is relevant to all communities in the Chesapeake watershed.”

The index combines 36 factors across three categories—environmental, social, and health—to rank environmental justice impact on communities’ health.

Indicators include level of pre-existing health conditions, socioeconomic status, race, housing types and environmental burdens like air and water pollution. Within the Chesapeake Bay region, the report said, cities and rural areas tend to experience more environmental impacts on health than suburbs.

“We need to have healthy communities to ensure that we achieve a healthy Chesapeake Bay,” Dennison said. “Addressing environmental justice is critical to ensure that restoration enhances longterm sustainability of the Chesapeake Bay watershed in an equitable way.”

WI

5 Geese at the Washington Sailing Marina on Daingerfield Island in Alexandria. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

DMV Youth Explore the Environment with Hands-On Learning

By Kayla Benjamin and Robert R. Roberts WI Climate & Environment Reporter and WI Photographer

Even as the school year winds down, DMV kids and teens have had no shortage of new opportunities for learning this month. On June 1, more than 200 D.C. high schoolers joined the Department of Parks and Recreation for a Youth Environmental Summit held at Congress Heights

urban garden The Well at Oxon Run. Next, students from across D.C., Virginia, Maryland and Ohio raced around a track in RFK Stadium on June 3—in electric vehicles they built themselves. The Washington DC Electric Vehicle Grand Prix challenged high school teams to craft lightweight, single-person cars and complete as many laps as possible in a one-hour timeframe, using only the vehicle’s batteries. This year, first place went to Stuarts Draft High School, from Vir-

ginia. D.C.’s Wheaton and Jackson Reed high schools took home second and third place, respectively.

Service in the District of Columbia is provided by Verizon Washington, DC Inc., and Verizon Online LLC

Lifeline is a government assistance program supported by the District of Columbia Public Service Commission and the Federal Communications Commission. Verizon offers the following Lifeline-supported services as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier:

• Voice Dial Tone Line and Unlimited Local Usage: $1 - $3 per month (after Federal & State discounts)

• Broadband (internet): $9.25 monthly discount off any Fios plan

Only eligible consumers may enroll in the programs.

You may qualify for Lifeline service if you can show proof that you participate in certain government assistance programs, or your annual income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guideline. If you qualify based on income, you will be required to provide income verification. For a list of qualifying government assistance programs and income guidelines, please see your state’s application form from this same website.

In addition, the Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household consisting of wireline, wireless or broadband (internet). You are required to certify and agree that no other member of the household is receiving Lifeline service from Verizon or another provider.

Lifeline service is a non-transferrable benefit.

Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the benefit can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or may be barred from the program.

You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for the Lifeline service. An application for Verizon Lifeline service can be obtained at this same website, www.verizon.com/lifeline, or an application can be mailed by calling 1.800.VERIZON (1.800.837.4966).

To find out more information, you may also call the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which administers Lifeline for the FCC by calling (1-800.234.9473) or by accessing their website at www.LifelineSupport.org.

All rates, terms and conditions included in this notice are subject to change. For current Verizon Lifeline information and rates, visit www.verizon.com/tariffs. See Link titled “Verizon Lifeline Information” for state specific pricing.

Littler learners have had opportunities to use the outdoors as a classroom this month, too. The youngest attendee at Gardening and Beats’ beekeeping workshop on June 10 was 2-and-ahalf year-old Ava. Of the “Beez in the Trap” event, Ava had this to say: “Bzz! Bzz! Bzz!”

The workshop took place at, and was co-hosted by, the newly-founded urban farm Chateaux Cocoa, in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. Among the many veggies, 17 kids aged 2 to 13

made beeswax candles, planted wildflowers in tiny pots and sampled honey straight from the beehive frame. Most of all, they put on kid-sized beekeeping suits to peek inside the hive with farm founder Darrelynne Strother.

“I guess the surprise was the real little ones really being into it—I thought they were all going to be scared,” said Kimani Anku, founder of Gardening and Beats, a gardening coach service. WI

5 Students at the summit participated in a garden tradition of hugging the massive sycamore tree, affectionately named Meme. (Robert R. Roberts /The Washington Informer)

Lifeline

5 The Youth Environmental Summit on June 1 kicked off with a tour of The Well at Oxon Run, an urban farm in Congress Heights, so the 200+ high school-aged attendees could explore the space. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

kids to love bees and appreciate bees,” Anku said. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4The initial 10 slots for kids’ beekeeping workshop quickly sold out—Anku said he added five extra spots, and then a donation allowed him to add two more. “The parents have said to me, ‘the kids are running around all the time with the bee suits on,’” he said a week after the event. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

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 for DCTAG, you must be 26 or younger, a DC resident with a high school diploma or GED, and meet a few other requirements.

Click on dconeapp.dc.gov few documents, then submit! Apply by August 18, 2023.

5 A McKinley Technology High School student guides the electric vehicle his team built around a track at RFK Stadium for the D.C. EV Grand Prix held June 1. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 Participants at the “Beez in the Trap” beekeeping workshop, aged 2 to 13, check out the hive up close with beekeeper and gardener Darrelynne Strother. The event’s other sponsor, Kimani Anku of Gardening and Beats, said he wanted to host the workshop to help kids—and their parents—overcome fears about the pollinators. “I really want the young

of unlimited possibilities

Through Project UP, Comcast is committing one billion dollars to reach millions of people with the skills, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in a digital world and build a future of unlimited possibilities.

NOTICE OF REAL PROPERTY TAX SALE

Notice is hereby given that all real properties described on the list below, for which real property taxes or vault rents (including penalties and interest, if applicable) were levied and in arrears on October 1, 2022, for which Business Improvement District (BID) taxes (including penalties and interest, if applicable) were levied and in arrears before September 1, 2022, or for which any other tax certified to the Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) for collection hereunder remains unpaid, shall be sold at public auction to the highest bidder at the 2023 Real Property Tax Sale (Sale). The Sale shall be held pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 47-1330, et. seq.

The Sale shall begin on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, and continue, except Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays, until all the real properties available for sale are sold. During each day, the Sale shall be conducted from 8:30 a.m. until 12 noon and from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. or until all the real properties scheduled for sale for that day are sold. The Sale shall occur at OTR located at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suites W244 and W250, Washington, DC 20024.

All real properties are listed in square, suffix and lot, or parcel and lot, number order. The name of the owner of record and premise address of each real property are also stated. The list also states condominium unit numbers and whether the property is a parking space, if available. Certain real properties on this list do not have street numbers or premise addresses; therefore, none can be provided. A real property without a street number is generally stated on the below list as having “0” as a street address number.

The list states the amount for which each real property may be sold at the Sale; an additional $200.00 Tax Sale Fee shall be added at the time of the sale. The stated amount for which a real property may be offered for sale can be lower than what an owner would have to pay in order to prevent the real property from being sold. Owners must contact OTR to determine the amount that must be paid in order to avoid the sale of their real properties. Purchasers must be aware that additional liabilities, which are not reflected in the total amount for which the real properties are offered at the Sale, may be due and owing on real properties and such additional liabilities may include liens previously sold to a third party. A purchaser at the Sale acts at his or her own risk and must exercise due diligence in selecting real properties upon which to bid in good faith.

At the Sale, the purchaser acquires a certificate of sale to the real property that may ripen into title if the owner (or other party with an interest) fails to redeem. The owner (or other party with an interest) has a statutory right to redeem the real property until his or her equity of redemption has been foreclosed by the purchaser’s lawsuit. If the owner (or other party with an interest) fails to redeem the real property, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia may order that a deed be issued to the purchaser after the purchaser pays all taxes, costs, and expenses. The purchaser shall monitor their portfolio for the status of tax payments being made by accessing the purchaser’s log-in view on OTR’s website at www.mytax.dc.gov.

A certificate of sale shall be canceled if, inter alia, it is later determined that the delinquent taxes, including accrued interest and penalties, were satisfied before the end of the last day of the Sale. The date of sale of any real property shall be deemed to be the last day of the Sale, regardless of the actual day of the Sale during which the real property was offered and sold. The certificates of sale shall indicate the date of sale as being the last day of the Sale.

Purchasers shall have filed Form FR-500, Combined Business Tax Registration Application, prior to registering. This form should be filed online by visiting OTR’s website, www.mytax.dc.gov. A potential purchaser, including a natural person or business entity delinquent in the payment of in rem taxes (e.g. real property taxes) to the District, or one who has been convicted of a felony involving fraud, deceit, moral turpitude, or anti-competitive behavior, may not bid at the Sale or otherwise acquire an interest in real property sold at the Sale. A potential purchaser, including a natural person or business entity, must certify that such purchaser: 1) is not more than one year in arrears in any jurisdiction in the payment of in rem taxes not being contested in good faith; and, 2) has not been convicted in any jurisdiction of a felony involving fraud, deceit, moral turpitude, or anti-competitive behavior.

Registration for the Sale is mandatory and begins Monday, July 3, 2023, online via www.mytax.dc.gov. Registration continues until the final day of the Sale. Prior to bidding at the Sale, a purchaser of real property must have made a deposit of at least 20% of the total purchase price. ALL PAYMENTS MUST BE MADE TO THE D.C. TREASURER BY CASH, CERTIFIED CHECK, CASHIER’S CHECK, POSTAL MONEY ORDER, OR BANK WIRE.

OTR is conducting four public seminars to explain tax sale procedures. Potential purchasers are highly encouraged to attend a seminar and review the District of Columbia 2023 Real Property Tax Sale Informational Guide (FAQ) available at https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/real-property-tax-sale. To enroll in a seminar, please register online via www.mytax.dc.gov. The seminars will be held online via Webex platform, on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, and Thursday, June 29, 2023. The Webex invitation link will be sent to the email you have provided at the time of registration. On each day, the first seminar will take place from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., and the second from 1:30 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. During each of the four seminars, OTR will generally explain the tax sale process and follow up with a question and answer period. The seminars are free and all are welcome. To enroll in a seminar, please register online via www.mytax.dc.gov. Enrollment is mandatory for anyone planning to attend one of the seminars. Enrollment will be granted on a first-come/first-served basis and will continue until all available slots are taken.

A person with a communication impairment requiring an interpreter for the Sale shall notify OTR of the need for an interpreter no later than July 11, 2023, if they will be attending the Sale on July 18, 2023, and by July 12, 2023, if they will be attending the Sale on July 19, 2023. If an interpreter is required for the public seminars, OTR shall be notified no later than June 21, 2023 (if appearing at the seminar on June 28, 2023) and by June 22, 2023 (if appearing at the seminar on June 29, 2023). For additional tax sale related information please visit https://otr.cfo.dc.gov/page/real-property-tax-sale. You are also welcome to contact OTR at (202) 727-4TAX (4829), via email at Patricia.Watson@dc.gov, or visit its Customer Service Center at 1101 4th Street, SW, Suite W270, Washington, DC 20024.

Keith J. Richardson Deputy Chief Financial Officer Office of Tax and Revenue

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA OFFICE OF THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OFFICE OF TAX AND REVENUEE

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Early Learning Leads to Positive Outcomes

The increase in violence in D.C. and across the DMV involving teens as the perpetrators and children as the victims is shocking and unacceptable. Reports of 14-year-olds on the streets after midnight engaged in armed carjackings, burglaries, and random shootings is horrifying. Their actions are leading to unintended injuries and deaths of younger innocent children who happen to be where they should be during those hours which is at home in bed. This is clearly a crisis that has gotten out of hand, yet, the Centers for Disease Control indicates that youth violence is common. According to the CDC, homicide is the third leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 and the leading cause of death for non-Hispanic Black or African American youth. Emergency departments treat more than 1,000 youth for physical assault-related injuries each day stemming from fighting, bullying, threats with weapons, and gang-related violence. The CDC has declared youth violence as a public health problem.

Observers often ask, where are the parents, and why isn’t the city doing more to stop the violence? It’s a fair question despite what many already know, and that is violence is often the consequence of poverty, racism, inequitable access to safe housing, quality health care, and affordable child care.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation recently released its 2023 Kids Count Report focusing, this year, on access to child care and its impact on parents. Additionally, the D.C.Kids Count report makes clear the fact that “all children can be lifted up to reach their full potential with education.” D.C. child advocates commend city leaders for passing the “groundbreaking” Early Childhood Pay Equity Fund that provides much-needed payments to historically underpaid childcare providers. The D.C. Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) is encouraging newly hired and newly eligible early childhood educators to apply to receive up to four payments of up to $3,500 each before the September 2023 deadline. Access to these funds will help to reduce the attrition of childcare workers while sustaining the number of providers throughout the city, particularly in the city’s poorest communities where quality childcare is also greatly needed.

Access to quality childcare and early childhood education is the only hope for many of our city’s children. It is the key to giving them a good start in life that can result in more positive outcomes.

‘Someday We’ll All Be Free’

It’s still Black Music Month and days after Juneteenth, so it’s only appropriate to reference the late, great Donny Hathaway to reflect on the true meaning of freedom.

In 2021, President Joe Biden declared Juneteenth a national holiday. Juneteenth marks the moment when the final enslaved people in Texas learned of their liberation in June 1865.

“Today, we consecrate Juneteenth for what it ought to be, what it must be: a national holiday,” Biden said on June 17, 2021. “A holiday that will join the others of our national celebrations: our independence, our laborers who built this nation, our servicemen and women who served and died in its defense. And the first new national holiday since the creation of Martin Luther King Holiday nearly four decades ago.”

While the holiday celebrates freedom, it carries the tragic truth that for two-and-a-half years, people remained enslaved, facing dehumanizing and fatal instances and conditions.

At the 2023 Juneteenth Honors, award recipient Tamika Mallory reflected on the double-or-more-injustices the illegally enslaved Texans faced.

“Two years later, some of our people still didn’t know they were free, and that’s very powerful, when you think about the thugs that were holding them captive,” Mallory said in her acceptance speech.

The renowned activist considered all the oppression Black people face to this day.

“It made me think about all the people in our communities that still don’t know they’re free, because even today, what we experience, what we feel, the oppression, the pain, the abuse, the rape, the murder still continues,” Mallory added.

It’s hard to celebrate liberation when all people aren’t free.

In the celebrated words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “injustice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere,” or as Fannie Lou Hamer famously noted, “nobody’s free until everybody’s free.”

Juneteenth, in itself, proves that “inescapable network of mutuality,” Dr. King talks about when examining the meaning of true freedom.

For instance, the District of Columbia was the first place Lincoln signed legislation freeing enslaved Black residents on April 16, 1862– known in the District as Emancipation

New Mall

Thanks for informing us about the new open-air mall in Congress Heights! What a gorgeous building. I look forward to supporting the retailers.

Elaine Howard Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

More Rent Control

I’m grateful that the D.C. City Council passed the emergency legislation to halt rent increases. At the same time, I’m not sure if that’s enough. It’s capped at 6% until 2025, but even 6% percent is enough for someone to fall behind and not be able to make their payments. When will the root issues be resolved? This exorbitant cost of living is not sustainable.

Debbie Funches Washington, D.C.

Day. However, the national and more renowned holiday– Juneteenth– commemorates the day when the last group of enslaved people learned of their freedom.

As systemic racism persists, and with legislative efforts to reverse rights, erase history and enforce oppressive ideals, are all people truly free? Or consider Washingtonians, who are taxed without voting representation in the House and Senate– are D.C. residents fully free?

While we celebrate the semblances of liberties in this country, it is also important

to consider necessary steps toward true freedom.

If people focus on true liberation for all, then perhaps there’s hope that Donny Hathaway was right that “someday we’ll all be free.”

In a world where lawmakers are trying to erase the teaching of slavery and racism in this country, it might seem like a far stretch at times to consider true freedom as a reality; but optimism is what leads to action, which can ultimately lead to change.

Guest Columnist

Ben Jealous

Big Chance to Cut Climate Pollution from Big

Trucks

The interstates built in the 1950s and 1960s killed the vitality of the communities where people of color and the poor lived, from Overtown in Miami to the Hill District in Pittsburgh to the South and West Sides of Chicago. The disruption and segregation of those communities happened by design.

The harm continues to this day for the residents who remain in those neighborhoods. Because the highways run through their backyards, those people are at point blank range for the pollution from the millions of vehicles driving the interstates burning fossil fuels.

Transportation accounts for more than a quarter of the climate damaging gases this country makes, more than any other sector. An estimated 72 million Americans live in close proximity to trucking routes and they are

Guest Columnist

disproportionately people of color or living with low incomes.

We have an unprecedented chance to change this longstanding disregard for so many Americans’ health and well-being, and we must grab that chance if we want to reduce vehicle pollution enough to reach our goal of cutting carbon emissions in half by 2030.

While heavy duty vehicles — think delivery trucks, garbage trucks, buses, and tractor trailer trucks — are only 6 percent of the

Julianne Malveaux

From Juneteenth to Reparations

Just two years ago, in 2021, The Senate unanimously passed legislation to make Juneteenth (June 19) a federal holiday. The House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the legislation with just fourteen holdouts, mostly among Southern Republicans. It is unlikely that this legislation would get such overwhelming support today, as so many oppose teach-

ing truth, opposing "critical race theory," and even simple teaching about race and enslavement. Indeed, many might oppose teaching about Juneteenth, which commemorates the day that enslaved Black Texans learned that they were free.

President Biden described signing the Juneteenth holiday legislation as "one of the greatest honors" of his presidency. He said, "Great nations don't ignore their most painful moments, they embrace them." In embracing our

Guest Columnist

painful moments, however, the celebration of Juneteenth is hollow unless it is accompanied by some action. The president has had the opportunity to embrace HR 40, legislation that would have authorized a Commission to Study and Develop Reparations Proposals for African Americans. First introduced by Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) in 1989 and introduced in every congressional session thereafter, the legislation was later championed by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson

A. Peter Bailey

vehicles in the United States, they produce a third of the climate pollution from transportation. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed new rules that would sharply reduce the carbon dioxide that heavy duty vehicles will be allowed to belch in their exhaust and pave the way for more trucks and buses that have no emissions.

The comment period for these new rules ended Friday, so the EPA needs to finalize them quickly. As we saw last year with other com-

mon sense air pollution standards for trucks that the EPA adopted, special interests and the politicians they support will oppose any regulations that have a chance to avert climate disaster. The EPA must stand up for communities most damaged by truck and bus pollution.

The stricter rules should add momentum to changes already happening in that part of the economy. Manufacturers like Daimler,

JEALOUS Page 53

Lee (D-Texas) and supported by more than 210 members of Congress. With a Republican-dominated Congress, HR 40 is unlikely to pass during this legislative session, but the president can still sign an executive order establishing a Commission on Reparations. Granted, this might be divisive as we move toward election 2024 with a nation acutely divided on matters of race. Still, Biden must practice what he preaches. In embracing the history of enslavement, and commemorating Juneteenth,

our president must ask how we get past the history to compensate the descendants of enslaved people who still experience generational trauma from enslavement.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom established a reparations commission that has now released its report, with recommendation. San Francisco has also issued a report, suggesting both monetary and non-monetary benefits for San Franciscans. Critics have

MALVEAUX Page 53

For Black Folks, Reparations by the Federal Government is Not a Gift

It's time for serious Black folks in this country to make it clear that when we advocate for reparations, it is not requesting some kind of gift from the federal government. Reparations to us means that as descendants of enslaved Africans, we are due payment for the 250 years for which our ancestors were forced

to work for absolutely no payment. The only thing provided by the enslavers was enough food and clothing that would enable our African ancestors to continue working so that the enslavers could fill their pockets with money.

That's why reparations, which is defined as "broadly understood compensation given for an abuse or injury." Our enslaved ancestors were not paid for either abuse or injury.

Columnist Courtland Milloy,

in a Washington Post column titled, "Fight for reparations widens understanding of history," provided solid comments on reparations from Roslyn Mickens and Kelly Matthews, leaders of the organization DMV Freedmen. According to Ms. Mickens, "We have reached the conclusion that the U.S. Supreme Court will never honor a reparations claim that is rooted in racial terms. … Reparations is not a cure for racism. This is not about reparations for 'Black'

people. Anybody can say that they are 'Black' these days. This is about reparations for the descendants of America's emancipated people. The past is not the past….Racism endures, the legacy of slavery lives on. But a new generation of freedmen will always be there demanding that the nation makes amends."

Ms. Matthews noted, "When America was being built, we were being excluded from economic development. What we got were massacres, were burned,

lynched, bombed, drowned, water-logged. Anytime we tried to make it our Black excellence was met with White violence, Black Codes, convict leasing, school desegregation."

The analysis put forth by Ms. Mickens and Ms. Matthews, based on how this country has treated people of African descendant, its right on target. However, when it comes to reparations, I have a slight dif -

Guest Columnist

Down to the Wire

Few knowledgeable politicians or citizens will deny the link between the threat to impeach Richard Nixon and the eventual impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton. Misusing a common, contemporary descriptor, "Payback is a Witch!!" The only "real" reason for Clinton's impeachment at that time is because the Republican House of Representatives

majority had the votes for impeachment. Before then, they had an insufficient number of votes to sustain that action. Clinton's 1993 impeachment effort was seminal, if for no other reason than to illuminate the corruption to which the Republican party would stoop to win/retain power while exercising their passion for political retribution.

History informs us that Nixon was an unscrupulous, corrupt politician whose primary goal was self-interest. This fact is illuminated by his direction of the Water-

Faye Williams

gate break-in and his interference in the Paris (Vietnamese) Peace Talks. His evident guilt in the Watergate incident was sufficient to inspire a delegation of members of his own party (Republican) to encourage his resignation. He was guilty as sin, and everyone knew it! Don't get me wrong, I deplore the moral turpitude of Clinton. His conduct besmirched the image of the presidency, but the conduct of Nixon crossed into the realm of criminality. The impeachment of Clinton became the means of retaliation for the threatened im-

Marc H. Morial

peachment and resignation of Nixon, and the Republican Party's declaration of exemption from the "rule of law."

Fifty years later, it is obvious that the perception of their exemption from the rule of law is the rule rather than the exception among the leadership AND rank and file of the Republican Party. The corruption and criminality of Trump, their current standard bearer, is the only evidence needed to reach that conclusion. With few exceptions, the willingness of Republicans to justify and defend Trump's law-

lessness paints a clear picture of how far they are willing to go to impose their ideals and will upon the majority of Americans.

Trump's obvious willingness to ignore the requirements of the law by refusing to return presidential records and classified documents was bad enough, but, adding to his 20K-plus volume of lies, he declared that all required documents had been returned. Admissions and facts also show that Trump attempted to involve his legal team WILLIAMS Page 54

Juneteenth: Not a Moment of Liberation, But an Ongoing Journey of Persistence and Hope

"The slave went free; stood a brief moment in the sun; then moved back again toward slavery." - W.E.B.

Du Bois

Just a dozen years after Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger's Order Number 3 declared "an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former

masters and slaves," the last federal troops withdrew from former Confederate states. Their withdrawal ushered in a near-century of legally enforced racial segregation, white supremacist terrorism, and second-class citizenship for Black Americans.

Still, the celebration of Granger's order, the holiday we celebrate on Monday as Juneteenth, endured.

The Great Migrations spread the celebration of Juneteenth from Texas to the rest of the na-

Guest Columnist

tion. The June 19, 1968, Solidarity Day celebration — organized by Greater Washington Urban League Executive Director Sterling Tucker — during the Poor People's March on Washington may have played a role in popularizing Juneteenth.

"My theory is that these delegates for the summer took that idea of the celebration back to their respective communities," the late African American folklorist William Wiggins Jr. said. "Because it was used to close the Poor Peoples Campaign, the idea was tak-

Will Trump Get a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card?

The federal indictment of Donald Trump — the first federal indictment of a former president in U.S. history — poses the question. Trump's enraged reaction — calling it the "greatest witch hunt of all time" and denouncing special counsel Jack Smith, a career prosecutor, as a "deranged lunatic" — makes the question unavoid-

able. Obviously, Trump deserves a fair trial, his guilt or innocence determined by a jury of his peers. But every candidate for president should be asked if they would pardon Donald Trump if they were president. As Gerald Ford proved when pardoning Richard Nixon, a presidential pardon can be issued before a trial, or even before formal charges are brought, so the question needn't wait on the trial.

Whether Donald Trump is found guilty or not (it will only take one juror in his upcoming

Miami trial to produce a hung jury), the charges in the indictment are serious, and the facts alleged describe clear violations of the law. The president took classified documents that did not belong to him. These included truly consequential secrets — "information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries, U.S. nuclear programs … and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack." Trump shared classified information with guests who did

en back by different participants in that march, and it took root around the country. It has taken on a life of its own."

Given this history, Juneteenth represents not a moment of liberation, but an ongoing journey of persistence and hope.

As President Biden said when he signed the bill designating Juneteenth as a federal holiday, "Emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn't mark the end of America's work to deliver on the promise of equality; it only

marked the beginning."

The white supremacists who rejected the promise of equality during the Reconstruction era called their movement "Redemption" and referred to themselves as "Redeemers." They undermined their political opponents and suppressed Black voters through a campaign of violence and intimidation.

The white supremacists who reject the promise of equality to-

MORIAL Page 54

not have security clearances, essentially crowing about his possession of them. When the National Archives and the Department of Justice sought return of the documents, Trump hatched efforts to hide some of them, even after he was issued a federal subpoena — a legal demand — that he return them. He lied to federal officials, and even deceived his own attorney. As Bill Barr, Trump's former attorney general, stated, "there is no excuse for what [Trump] did here."

Anyone running for office must decide whether to stand with Trump and accuse the Justice Department of being "weaponized" or stand for the principle that no man is above the law, and the law should be applied to the powerful and the powerless alike.

The leading Trump challenger in the Republican Party, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, reacted to the indictment by charging that the "weaponization of federal law

JACKSON Page 54

Guest Columnist

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

E.

LIFESTYLE

Juneteenth Foundation Hosts Star-Studded

Honors, Offers Call to Action

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Kicking off a weekend of celebrations, the Juneteenth Foundation hosted the star-studded Juneteenth Honors at the Warner Theatre on Thursday, June 16. Featuring show-stopping performances, en-

couraging speeches, empowering award presentations and calls to action, the Juneteenth Honors celebrated liberation, while reminding audiences there’s more work to be done in the fight for freedom.

“Often our holidays get commercialized and they get shut down, and they get pushed to the side,” said

Laquan Austion, CEO and founder of the Juneteenth Foundation. “We continue to do Juneteenth in a major way.”

Organized by a group of professionals, the Juneteenth Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization found-

healthy food, healthy families.

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Humbled to receive the “Fight the Power Award,” Chuck D dished on the risk Public Enemy took when they first emerged as artivists.

“[It’s an honor] for me to receive an award named after my song, ‘Fight the Power.’ It seems pretty tame, when you listen to ‘Fight the Power’ now… but in the context when we released ‘Fight the Power,’ it was very controversial. And also, we were actually risking our safety, and those around us at the time, because the police, after that, started watching us closely,” the legendary rapper explained.

Despite the danger, Public Enemy had a clear goal when releasing “Fight the Power,” in the summer of 1989.

“We felt that we needed to be clear about the state of the United States of America and how Black people were being treated in the Americas, and also across the world,” he said.

ed with the “purpose of building a movement to recognize Juneteenth and celebrate the excellence of Black culture and freedom.”

With the black tie awards- ceremony kicking off this year’s third annual Freedom Festival, the foundation featured performances from the likes of Ashanti and Ja Rule, Lalah Hathaway and members of Howard University’s choir. MC Lyte served as the evening’s host. Honorees included: renowned jazz musician Herbie Hancock, celebrated activist and community organizer Tamika Mallory, Hip Hop legend Chuck D, the 19th President of Morris Brown College Dr. Kevin James and entrepreneur Rohan Marley, the son of artist Bob Marley.

As the evening highlighted the power of Black music, education and activism, many speeches also underscored the importance of the holiday.

“Even though the last slave was told that they were free long after the Emancipation Proclamation, which was hidden from us on purpose… Black folks did what we always do, and that’s make something out of nothing,” said MC Lyte, referring to the enslavedTexans who learned of their liberation two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

“Juneteenth is our independence day,” MC Lyte continued. “It’s a time of reflection on freedom, the achievements of African Americans and our history, all the while serving as an opportunity to promote and celebrate our culture.”

As someone on the frontlines of several freedom fights, Mallory, one of the leading organizers of the 2017 Women’s March, encouraged audiences to consider the history of Juneteenth when celebrating the day.

“Two years later, some of our people still didn’t know they were free, and that’s very powerful, when you think about the thugs that were holding them captive. And I’m sure that even they knew emancipation had happened, the work still continued, the rape still continued, the murder still continued over that two-year time period,” Mallory said reflecting on the enslaved Black Texans who learned of their liberation two-and-a-half years after President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.

“It made me think about all the people in our communities that still don’t know they’re free, because even today, what we experience, what we feel, the oppression, the pain, the abuse, the rape, the murder still continues,” Mallory continued, before encouraging audiences to fight towards true liberation. “Juneteenth is a call to action. Let’s not allow this federal holiday to become like others, where we sit down and just enjoy family and have a day off. But let’s make it a day on, where we go into our communities and make sure our people know they are free, but even in our freedom, we must continue to fight.”

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 The Juneteenth Foundation's Founder and CEO, Laquan Austion with his guest on the red carpet for the Juneteenth Honors held at the Warner Theater on June 15. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

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Herbie Hancock, Chuck D, Tamika Mallory, Rohan Marley Among Honorees

Juvenile Celebrates 25 Years of ‘Back That Thang Up’ at Howard Theatre

Mannie Fresh and Juvenile Receive Congressional

Proclamations

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

It’s been 25 years of people dancing and twerking in clubs, house parties and showers alike to Juvenile’s hit song since “Back That A*z Up” (1998). A tune that has surpassed its promise “to take over for the 99 and 2000s,” Juvenile’s hit song has proven to be a musical treasure for more than two decades. Late at night, on Wednesday, June 14, about a thousand guests celebrated the twerk anthem and other songs with performances from Louisiana rappers Juvenile and Mannie Fresh at the Howard Theatre.

“I’m here today because this is a moment. Juvenile is a cultural icon,” said Nashville native, Demarius Love, who has lived in Southwest, D.C. for the past seven years. “Everyone, no matter what age, knows ‘Back That A*z Up.’ We jam to this.”

“Back That A*z Up,” or the censored version, “Back That Thang Up,” produced by Mannie Fresh, is the second single on Juvenile’s 1998 album “400 Degreez.” In 2021, Rolling Stone named “Back That A*z Up,” number 478 on their list “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time.”

“I’m here for the moment. This is history,” Love, a consultant, said, before adding that it’s also an appropriate time of year to celebrate the song. “It’s Black Music Month, so I’m here to soak it all in and have a good time.”

The historicity of the moment wasn’t lost on many, including politicians.

U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D- La.) noted the importance of celebrating artists such as Juvenile and Mannie Fresh as 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop.

“We know that we’re celebrating 50 years of Hip Hop. Now I know you have heard before when we say, ‘Give people their roses, while they’re living. We don’t give Hip Hop nearly the stuff they deserve.”

Earlier on June 14, Carter honored Juvenile with a Congressional proclamation. Later he took to the stage during Mannie Fresh’s set to

honor him with similar accolades. Carter brought former Louisiana Congressman Cedric Richmond, now a senior advisor to President Joe Biden, onstage with him to emphasize the importance of the moment.

“Hip Hop is a universal language– a language that brings us all together,” he said. Earlier today we presented Juvie– Juvenile, my man– with a similar proclamation recognizing his outstanding contributions. And so tonight, Mannie, we’re going to give you your roses, man… while you’re living. We need to let him know, ‘We appreciate you.’ Give him some love,” Carter told the crowd.

Mannie Fresh DJed and performed, and until just shy of 1 a.m., audiences jammed as Juvenile wowed with some of his famous hits, including “Rodeo,” “Slow Motion,” and, of course, “Back That A*z Up.”

Tiffany Chase, a licensed massage therapist and entrepreneur, who described herself as “The Hood Healer,” said she came to dance and have a good time. “It’s Juvie,” she proclaimed.

Chase’s friend, Alicia Pierce,

said she attended the concert because she loves Juvenile and, as an HBCU graduate, the unifying nature of hits like “Back That A*z Up.”

“It’s part of the culture,” Pierce said. WI

Photo of Nathaniel Stampley and Bryonha Marie by Christopher Mueller

5 Juvenile performed at the Howard Theatre in Northwest, D.C. in celebration of the 25th anniversary of “Back That A*z Up.” (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

Capital Area Food Bank Issues Request for Proposals for Kids’ Cafe Meal Vendors in MD

Notice of Request for Proposals

The Capital Area Food Bank invites FSMCs to submit sealed bids to provide food services for site(s) that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program in Maryland. Specifications and proposals may be obtained at www.capitalareafoodbank.org beginning on 6/12/23 from 9 AM until 6/29/23 at 5 PM.

Sealed bids presented in duplicate will be received by The Capital Area Food Bank at alahr@capitalareafoodbank.org or 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017 until 5 PM on 6/29/23 for the contract period 8/28/23 and ending on 8/27/2024 of contract inclusive.

Sealed bids from those bidders meeting qualifications criteria will be opened on 6/30/23 with the award to be made on or before 7/21/23. The agency reserves the right to check all outside references.

The Capital Area Food Bank reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. All awards are made pending Maryland State Department of Education review for USDA regulatory compliance. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Capital Area Food Bank Issues Request for Proposals for Kids’ Cafe Meal Vendors in DC

Notice of Request for Proposals

The Capital Area Food Bank invites FSMCs to submit sealed bids to provide food services for site(s) that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program in the District of Columbia. Specifications and proposals may be obtained at www.capitalareafoodbank.org beginning on 6/12/23 from 9 AM until 6/29/23 at 5 PM.

Sealed bids presented in duplicate will be received by The Capital Area Food Bank at alahr@capitalareafoodbank.org or 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017 until 5 PM on 6/29/23 for the contract period 8/28/23 to 8/25/24 of contract inclusive.

Sealed bids from those bidders meeting qualifications criteria will be opened on 6/30/23 with the award to be made on or before 7/21/23. The agency reserves the right to check all outside references.

The Capital Area Food Bank reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. All awards are made pending DC Office of the State Superintendent of Education review for USDA regulatory compliance.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Capital Area Food Bank Issues Request for Proposals for Kids’ Cafe Meal Vendors in VA

Notice of Request for Proposals

The Capital Area Food Bank invites FSMCs to submit sealed bids to provide food services for site(s) that participate in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program and Summer Food Service Program in Virginia. Specifications and proposals may be obtained at www.capitalareafoodbank.org beginning on 6/12/23 from 9 AM until 6/29/23 at 5 PM.

Sealed bids presented in duplicate will be received by The Capital Area Food Bank at alahr@capitalareafoodbank.org or 4900 Puerto Rico Avenue NE, Washington DC 20017 until 5 PM on 6/29/23 for the contract period 8/19/2023 and ending on 8/26/2024 of contract inclusive.

Sealed bids from those bidders meeting qualifications criteria will be opened on 6/30/23 with the award to be made on or before 7/21/23. The agency reserves the right to check all outside references.

The Capital Area Food Bank reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. All awards are made pending Virginia Department of Education review for USDA regulatory compliance. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Angélique Kidjo: A OneWoman Global Music Fest

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Angélique Kidjo’s show at Strathmore offered a bolt of energy from the stage.

The set began with percussionist Magatte Sow playing multiple African drums in a several-minute solo session. The sound was piercingly clear, thanks to the acoustics and technology in the music hall. The other musicians came onto the stage, followed by Kidjo, who entered the stage with high energy. The opening song, “Crosseyed and Painless,” was first recorded by the group Talking Heads. There was no need for Kidjo and her musicians to ramp up as they came in hot. It was up to the rest of us to catch up and hang on.

In 2007, Time magazine called Kidjo "Africa's premier diva." She is a Beninese-French-American singer, songwriter, actress, activist and philanthropist who has lived in New York City since 1997. Kidjo advocates on behalf of educating girls and empowering women.

In May, she was awarded the Polar Prize, one of the most prestigious music awards. She is only the third African music artist to receive the award since its founding in 1989. She joins two previous recipients from the African continent, South Africa’s Miriam Makeba in 2002 and Senegal’s Youssou N’Dour in 2013. Other past winners include Paul McCartney (1992), Elton John (1995), Stevie Wonder (1999), Björk (2010), and Sting (2017).

Kidjo spoke about one of her influences, Cuban songstress the late Celia Cruz, like Kidjo, another admired global sensation.

“I want to pay tribute to a woman who changed everything for me,” Kidjo said when speaking about Cruz’s big presence on stage. “She gave me the boldness and courage to be who I am.”

“Bemba Colora” was one of Cruz’s songs Kidjo performed.

She also sang “Do Yourself” by Prince and “You Can Call Me Al,” the hit song by Paul Simon– the latter she performed recently during a Grammy tribute to Paul Simon.

She ended her set with “Bata Bata,” a song made famous by Makeba, another acknowledgment by Kidjo to honor powerful wom en.

Strathmore played host to a powerful 90-minute set. Other super mu sicians in Kidjo’s band were bassist Michael Olatuja from Nigeria and drummer Yayo Serka from Chile.

With Kidjo’s James Brown footwork and Delta blues twangs from guitarist Dominic James of New York, the only thing miss ing was more space for dancing.

“She’s an amazing artist. I’ve been follow ing her for years,” said Amafujo Simmons, a Silver Spring, Mary land resident. “She was flawless, energetic and inclusive. She sang a song called ‘Choose Love.’ There was nothing but love for her in this audience.”

4 Five-time Grammy Award winner Angélique Kidjo performed a blend of West African music with R&B, Latin, jazz and funk at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland. (Courtesy Photo/ Fabrice Mabillot)

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Homeownership has long been a symbol of the American dream. Our homes often represent far more than just shelter – they’re central to family life and building strong communities.

The economic impact of homeownership can’t be overlooked either. Homes are the largest source of wealth for Americans, which makes buying a home one of the most important steps people can take toward creating generational wealth and securing their family’s financial future. In fact, according to Chase’s latest First-Time Homebuyer Study, over half (58%) of respondents are likely to purchase a home in the next 12 months and 70% see homeownership as an important step to building wealth.

While owning a home might be a goal for many, it can feel out of reach for those who’ve faced barriers to homeownership in the past. The good news is that many resources are available today to help people buy a home and stay there as long as they desire.

Here are three tips to help you qualify for a mortgage to purchase a home of your own.

1. Build and improve your credit.

It’s important to know where you stand so you can make a plan to maintain, improve or build your credit. Generally, a higher credit score means you’ll be able to qualify for the most competitive interest rates, which could help you save significantly. You can get a copy of your credit report for free at https:// www.annualcreditreport.com/ or

check your score through your financial institution.

If you have a low credit score, you can work on raising it by paying down credit card and loan balances and making bill payments on time. Avoid opening or looking for any new credit cards or loans while in the process of buying a home, as the credit checks required will lower your score and increase your debt-to-income ratio.

When applying for a mortgage loan, you’ll be asked to submit a payment history to show you have a steady income. If you’re thinking of switching jobs before buying a home or while going through the buying process, consider waiting until after you’ve closed on your home.

2. Save for a down payment and look for financial resources.

It’s a common misconception that you must put down 20% of the home price as down payment—there are many lower down payment options available, such as Chase’s DreaMaker mortgage that could qualify you for down payments as low as 3%. However, keep in mind that the more you pay upfront, the less your monthly mortgage payment will be. Look for online mortgage calculators or speak to a lending professional to get an idea of how different down payments could affect your mortgage.

Take the time to research financial resources that may be available to you. Many state and local governments offer first-time homebuyer programs, which encourage residents to buy within their home state, with incentives that can include covering a down payment or lower interest rates. Lender-backed financial resources may be available, too.

3. Find the mortgage option that works for you.

One mortgage doesn’t fit all, and

there are many options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. A 30-year conventional mortgage is most common, but you can also get a loan term of 10, 15 or 20 years.

Some mortgages have a fixed interest rate, which means it doesn’t change over the life of the loan. There are also adjustable-rate mortgages, which usually offer lower interest rates in the beginning, but adjust at certain intervals over time, typically increasing your overall payment. Get in touch with a lending professional who can help you

understand your options.

The bottom line

Starting the homebuying process can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are many tools, resources and professionals dedicated to helping you achieve the goal of homeownership.

For more tips and information on home buying, visit chase.com/mortgage, and try out the Homebuyer Assistance Finder at chase.com/affordable.

Kitchen + Kocktails Brings Lively Vibes and Hearty Classics to Downtown DC

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

The culinary landscape of downtown D.C. just got tastier and vibrant with the grand opening of Kitchen + Kocktails, a Black-owned restaurant that promises an unforgettable dining experience. Led by owner Kevin Kelley and Chef Michael McLaurin, this new hotspot has quickly become the talk of the town. With an atmosphere to captivate patrons, Kitchen + Kocktails delivers a chic Instagrammable aesthetic coupled with a menu full of hearty classics.

Nestled in the heart of downtown D.C., Kitchen + Kocktails stands out as a unique dining destination that pays homage to African-American culture and cuisine. With a commitment to providing an extraordinary experience, Kelley and McLaurin have created a space where great food, excellent service and a welcoming ambiance come together seamlessly.

Owner Kevin Kelley explained the concept originated when he was living abroad.

"When I was living in Europe, I missed the food from America that I love so much— this comfort food. So I said when I come back to America full time, I'm going to create what I want and what I miss, that's a comfort food restaurant."

The first location was in Dallas, Texas, then Chicago in 2021, and now D.C.

"We just opened up reservations, but we are about 10,000 reservations in right now. So, the people of D.C. have really, really gravitated to the concept and we're excited."

With a soul-food-centered menu, Washingtonians and those visiting the District alike, can travel to the heart of downtown for Kitchen + Kocktails hearty menu.

"We believe we have America's greatest comfort food. Our flavors are fantastic with regards to food, our catfish, our fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread, all the southern staples,” said Kelley. “We make them, but we believe we make them better than anybody in the country."

Beyond food, Kitchen + Kocktails also offers a fantastic beverage menu

and an experience that encompasses an Instagrammable nature and popular music.

“We have the Blackberry Margarita, which is Don Julio, blackberry mix, Triple sec, and there you go, voila- it’s magic,” said one of the bartenders during the restaurant’s invited opening. The Blackberry Margarita was accompanied by a purple rock Candy lollipop.

One cannot talk about Kitchen + Kocktails without mentioning their signature drink, the Peach D’usse Frose. This tantalizing concoction, crafted with precision and flair, has quickly become the talk of the town. Even more interestingly, the restaurant sources the bottles on their own and reuses them, adding a sustainable aspect to the experience.

Beyond the delectable menu and captivating ambiance, Kitchen + Kocktails proudly embodies a spirit of community and empowerment.

As a Black-owned business, Kelley is committed to creating opportunities and supporting the local community.

By showcasing the richness of African American culinary heritage, Kelley and Brown are not only satisfying appetites but also inspiring and uplifting others.

Whether you're seeking a memorable dining experience, a taste of soulful classics, or simply a vibrant atmosphere to unwind with friends, Kitchen + Kocktails is the place to be. Step into this culinary haven and allow yourself to be transported on a gastronomic journey like no other. WI

By creating a climate ready energy grid and enabling cleaner affordable energy solutions, we’re powering the pathway to a healthier, more sustainable future. Learn more about this and other ways we’re delivering more value to our customers at pepco.com/MoreThanEnergy.

Cleaner energy options today. A more sustainable tomorrow.

5 (Facebook grab)

Strong Singing Divas Will Always Be in Style

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

“Soulful Divas Reprise,” the next cabaret at Signature Theatre, will feature vocal stylings from beloved songstresses such as Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and all the incredible divas in between and since.

The first “Soulful Divas” in 2019 was a sellout, so Signature’s Director of Cabarets Mark G. Meadows knew he had to bring the concept back. Meadows, who recently received a Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Musical Direction for Signature’s production of “The Color Purple,” knew what he wanted to accomplish with this cabaret.

“‘Soul Divas Reprise’ will bring every bit of fire and passion we brought the first time around, and more,” Meadows said. “This setlist, these iconic sheroes, these singers and this band will leave you feeling elevated, soulfully satisfied and yearning for a higher love.”

Featured vocalists in “Soulful Divas Reprise” are two women who are no strangers to the Signature stage. Awa Sal Secka (“Gun and Powder” and “Blackbeard”) and Shayla S. Simmons (“After Midnight” and “Dreamgirls”) will interpret the songs of celebrated women soul singers.

Meadows collaborated with Signature’s Artistic Director Matthew Gardiner to assemble the best songs made popular by stellar vocalists.

“Matthew Gardner and I wrapped

our heads around who was not only an amazing performer, but who also really meshes well,” said Meadows, “Both, on their own, can carry an entire room. Together, I think they will amplify each other.”

THE CABARETS CONTINUE AT SIGNATURE

Following “Soulful Divas Reprise,” the cabarets continue through early 2024.

Next is “Disco Fever,” which Meadows is also excited to present.

“There was so much going on politically and socially in the late 60s and 70s. People decided to go to the club and party regardless,” Meadows said. “We all were aware of what was happening. But you also needed to know how to let your hair down and just live. That’s the scene this show will have. It will be a fun celebration.”

Other upcoming cabarets are “How Sweet it Is: The Men of Soul” and “That’s What Friends Are For: Nova Y. Payton sings Burt Bacharach.”

Payton was also recently awarded a Helen Hayes in the category of Outstanding Lead Performer for “The Color Purple.”

“Soul Divas Reprise” runs June 27 – July 9 in Signature’s ARK Theatre in Arlington, Virginia. Tickets are $38 and can be purchased online or by calling 703 820 9771. See the full schedule of upcoming events at Signature Theatre at SigTheatre.org. WI

Jackie Jackson Kilwins Chicago

5 Signature’s Director of Cabarets, Mark G. Meadows, is the creative mind behind “Soulful Divas Reprise.” (Courtesy Photo/ Signature Theatre)

5 Shayla S. Simmons is one of the vocalists that will perform in “Soulful Divas Reprise” at Signature Theatre. (Courtesy Photo / Signature Theatre)

6 Awa Sal Secka is one of the vocalists that will perform in “Soulful Divas Reprise” at Signature Theatre. (Courtesy Photo/ Signature Theatre)

Lost and Found: DC-Bred Artists at Milan's Galleria Poggialiw

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Emerging out of the age-old cityscape of Milan, the latest exhibition curated by Archie Raphulu, titled "Lost and Found," opened on June 8 at Galleria Poggiali. The show, which runs until July 7, represents a selection of poignant and distinct voices in the contemporary art landscape: Kim Dacres, Melissa Joseph, John Rivas, Kayode Ojo and Nate Lewis. The vibrant interplay of the artists' diverse practices reveals a dynamic symbiosis rooted in the exploration of materiality and social and cultural narratives. The curatorial premise — what Raphulu describes as 'lost and found' — encapsulates the myriad

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personal and creative journeys each artist has undergone, creating a striking dialogue that transcends their individual experiences.

Melissa Joseph and Nate Lewis share a history tied to Washington D.C., having lived and worked in the D.C. area before relocating to New York City.

Joseph spent six years teaching in District of Columbia Public Schools and at Georgetown Prep before moving her creative practice north.

Lewis, an ICU nurse turned artist, exhibited through Jessica Stafford Davis' Agora Culture at Art on the Vine prior to his move.

Raphulu's choice of artists is a reflection of both his personal relationships and an appreciation of their work.

John Rivas, known for his innovative use of diverse materials, was included for his creative resilience — his backstory involves piecing together scraps to make canvases during his time in Colombia due to limited financial means.

Kim Dacres, whose art often involves repurposing tires and rubber from cars and motorcycles, was selected for her evocative portrayals of people of color.

Kayode Ojo's contribution, an interrogation of fashion and consumerism through counterfeit objects, reflects Italy's status as a fashion capital.

Melissa Joseph and Nate Lewis each bring a distinctive approach to materiality. Joseph incorporates

wool, silk, and found objects from an antique dealer into her work. In contrast, Lewis brings his unique perspective as a former medical professional into his art practice.

Raphulu's vision for "Lost and Found" goes beyond the ordinary boundaries of curation. The experience of being an African American curator in a place like Milan, where he brought together artists from different cultures and backgrounds, resonates throughout the exhibition.

"It's just very incredible," he said, noting the enthusiastic reception and deep community engagement that the show received.

People were drawn into the gallery from the streets, marking a significant shift in the Milan art scene, typically not known for such exhibitions.

The partnership with Galleria Poggiali came together seamlessly. According to Raphulu, after an initial meeting, the concept for the show was pitched, dates were set, and the hard work began. This collaboration is a testament to the growing intercontinental connection in the art world and the exciting possibilities it brings.

In "Lost and Found," Raphulu not only presents an ensemble of remarkable artists, but also constructs an intimate narrative of personal journeys and transformative experiences, making the exhibition an essential destination for art enthusiasts visiting Milan this summer.

WI

Explaining Blackness in New AfroPoP Short Feature

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A young boy announces that he no longer wants to be Black after a traumatic event. His parents sit him down to give him a detailed lesson about the world we live in. Based on a true situation, “The Black Disquisition”' is the newest episode of “AfroPoP Digital Shorts,” and gives viewers a glimpse into more than “the talk,”' that must be given to Black boys. The short film takes audiences on a journey with the characters and offers a reminder of Black America’s

long fight for freedom and justice.

Directed by Quincy Ledbetter, “The Black Disquisition,” features acclaimed actors Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (“The Chi,” “Farewell Amor,” and “The Lincoln Lawyer”) and Zainab Jah (“Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” “Homeland,” “Farewell Amor”) as parents of the young boy who wants to reject his Blackness. The production incorporates historical footage and rotoscope animation, a technique where artists create drawings over live-action

AFROPOP Page 39

5 Archie Raphulu (Courtesy photo via Instagram)

‘The Lion King’ Returns to DC With Hometown Talent

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

It’s been nearly 10 years since “The Lion King” was in the D.C. area, and new and repeat audience members anticipate an exciting theatrical experience. The winner of six Tony Awards, this musical is known for its colorful scenery and oversized images of animals. Memorable music that adds perfectly to the storyline was composed by Elton John with lyrics from Tim Rice. This is the 21st year of the American national touring company for this Broadway hit and local audiences can head to the Kennedy Center from June 22 - Jul. 29, to tap into the magic of “The Lion King,” musical.

Local actor and dancer Samaree Lawson is a member of the ensemble in the role of the Birman Soloist. The Clinton, Maryland native graduated from the Dr. Henry A. Wise Jr. High School in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. He still lives in Prince Georges’s County and travels wherever the tour takes him. At age 15, he

began his dance training at the Dance Institute of Washington. Lawson also trained at the Dance Theatre of Harlem, the Kansas City Ballet, and the Ailey School.

This is Lawson’s debut in a Broadway production. He opened with the national touring company in early February when his mother, two grandmothers and a cousin saw him in the Los Angeles production. With the upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center, a group of 161 family and friends will attend “The Lion King,” most of whom have never seen Lawson dance.

“It’s going to be an overwhelming experience filled with so much gratitude,” Lawson said. “I have a special part in the show where they can see me.”

There will be audience members at the Kennedy Center who have seen the movie version of “The Lion King,” but it will be their first time seeing the stage production.

“There may be some parts that kids may not understand, but then you see masks and puppets. It will feel big with colors and

music at a high level,” Lawson said enthusiastically. “Some of the choreography has a move called ‘kick butt.’ The stage performance also shows the power of women. You will absolutely love it.”

A trailer for the Kennedy Center production is on YouTube. For ticket information, visit the Kennedy Center website at kennedy-center.org. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Archie Elliott, III "Artie"

December 8, 1968 - June 18,1993

performances. The film won Best Director at the Seattle Black Film Festival 2022 and Best Animated Short at the DC Black Film Festival 2021.

“AfroPoP Digital Shorts” is a new series recently launched that showcases short films exploring life, art and culture from across the African Diaspora. The series

is produced through Black Public Media (BPM), the Harlem-based national nonprofit behind the documentary series AfroPoP: The Ultimate Cultural Exchange.

New episodes of the AfroPoP Digital Shorts series will be released on the third Monday of the month. The series can be viewed on BPM’s YouTube Channel at youtube.com.

WI

In loving memory, Your mother Dorothy Copp Elliott; your father Archie Elliott, Jr and your brothers Aaron and John and family

4 Actor Gugwana Dlamini portrays Rafiki in “The Lion King” North American Tour Disney at the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy Photo /Joan-Marcus)

AFROPOP from Page 38

5 “The Black Disquisition,” directed by Quincy Ledbetter, is a part of the new AfroPoP Digital Shorts series. (Courtesy Photo/ Black Public Media)

Holst’s The Planets in HD National Symphony Orchestra

July 7

Star Wars: Return of the Jedi in Concert National Symphony Orchestra

July 8

UB40

Maxi Priest Inner Circle

July 9

Tickets On Sale Now!

Disney PrincessThe Concert

July 12

Natalia Lafourcade

July 20

Jurassic Park™ in Concert National Symphony Orchestra

July 22

Diana Krall

August 12

Juanes

August

Shakti

50th Anniversary Tour

John McLaughlin & Zakir Hussain with special guest Béla Fleck

August 23

Robert Glasper Black Radio: A Hip Hop 50 Celebration

A Kennedy Center Hip Hop Culture collaboration with Wolf Trap

September 9

August 18 ...and many more!

La Santa Cecilia

WOLFTRAP.ORG

Pop

Social:

The Resurgence of an Iconic Community Concept

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Pop Social, a Black-owned restaurant and bar, is reopening after a temporary COVID-induced closure. This Cheers-like establishment revives a creative and community-centered concept in the heart of downtown, D.C. After an invitation-only preview, Pop Social officially opened its doors for the full public unveiling Thursday, June 15.

The restaurant, with a nearly 100seat capacity split between the indoor and patio areas, occupies a space carefully curated by D.C.-based artist Tendani Mpulubusi El. A D.C. native, Mpulubusi El meticulously crafted the space while adding personal touches, such as hand-hung lights and benches he built himself.

His approach to the project was unique. "I’m an artist of many disciplines and really like 3D space, in terms of design and architecture," Mpulubusi El shared. "This project provided an opportunity to showcase my abilities in this way."

In the design process, Mpulubusi El found himself grappling with a layout that incorporates a split foyer. A friend's suggestion inspired him to approach each level with its own concept, while still maintaining a visually cohesive space.

"The space has taken three concepts and merged them into one," he elab-

orated. "Many clean, simple features [are here] but [the restaurant] still has areas with sophisticated grunge. Even a graffiti-like feel."

Culturally, Mpulubusi El understands the barriers to accessing capital and bringing concepts like this into the community.

"Having friends and investors support ventures is how people get stuff off the ground," he acknowledged.

He has seen firsthand the inequities within his community, and the hardfought battles to overcome systemic obstacles to achieve results like Pop Social.

"It’s important to have a Blackowned business in Class A space downtown," he stressed, "This is significant. Particularly as an owner who has personally experienced overt racism in commercial spaces as a tenant."

POP SOCIAL’S RESILIENCE AND COMMUNITY FOCUS

The story of Pop Social began in the L’Enfant area, where the original iteration of the concept was born out of a need for a casual after-work gathering space. The first Pop Social opened its doors, rapidly becoming a hub of community activities such as live music, karaoke and even board games.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 After a COVID-induced closure, Pop Social reopened in downtown, D.C. on Thursday, June 15. (Courtesy Photo)

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Ziggy Marley Mavis Staples

June 17 + 18

Boney James Lalah Hathaway Damien Escobar

July 19

Charlie Wilson Babyface

June 23

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

July 29

Diana Ross

July 1

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

17

Many countries celebrate their independence days in unique and fun ways. This week, Kid Scoop takes a trip around the world to discover how other countries show their love of independence.

The night before Independence Day in India, the president of the country gives a speech about how the country is doing.

On the day itself, August 15, citizens gather and watch their country’s flag being hoisted to the top of the flagpole. This happens at offices, homes and schools. Afterwards, families and friends get together and enjoy delicious food.

Use

Mexicans celebrate “Grito de Dolores” (meaning “Cry of Dolores”) on September 15. On that day in 1810, Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a priest in the town of Dolores, made a speech demanding the freedom of Mexico from Spain. Now on this day, the president rings the original bell from Father Hidalgo’s church and recites Hidalgo’s original speech. The president ends with the cry, “Viva México!” which can be heard the rest of the night during celebrations, fireworks and other fun activities.

Karan’s Kite

Lots of people also fly kites on Independence Day to symbolize India’s freedom from the British on August 15, 1947.

Karan’s kite has stripes. His kite has a tail, but not a short one. Karan doesn’t like polka dots on kites. It is not a box kite.

Loud fireworks can scare pets. Be sure to keep your pets indoors on Independence Day.

Dash through today’s newspaper to find the letters that spell the words on these firecrackers. Spelling an entire word “defuses” the firecracker. Can you spell them all in five minutes?

Fireworks of the words Can you missing

Most Independence celebrations include setting

The exploding fireworks

About 1,000 Chinese cook ingredients found in time. A _________ cooking fire his concoction sparks! Some the _________

The three saltpeter

make

hotter) and

People in Poland celebrate their independence on November 11 when citizens place flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier to commemorate soldiers who have died for their country.

Citizens attend parades and ceremonies, wearing Poland’s colors: red and white. In Warsaw, the capital city, thousands of runners participate in the annual Independence Day Run.

Headline Fun

After reading this page, write three short statements for each country that sum up how independence is celebrated there. Poland is done for you.

Standards Link: Writing Applications: Students summarize information found in expository text.

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Country Search

Look through the newspaper to find the names of five or more countries. Find these countries on a map of the world. Why was each country mentioned in your newspaper?

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Use general skills and strategies of the reading process.

My Best Birthday

What was your best birthday celebration ever?

the cooking Standards Link: context

been filled in

© 2023 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 39, No. 30

review wi book

"Rich White Men: What It Takes to Uproot the Old Boys' Club and Transform America"

by Garrett Neiman, foreword by Robin DiAngelo, introduction

by Allen Kwabena Frimpong

c.2023, Legacy Lit

$29 / 384 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

One step ahead, three steps behind.

That's how your life feels sometimes. You make movement forward and something comes along to push you back to where you were two weeks ago. Progress is made, and just as quickly taken away. You get to where you need to be, and you're clawed back. Welcome to the real world and, as in the new book "Rich White Men" by Garrett Neiman, come meet the culprit.

Six years ago, at a summer retreat for the nonprofit that he'd founded, Garrett Neiman felt certain that his organization — one that served students of color who wanted to attend college — reflected the diversity of its clients. His staff, though, saw things differently. They emphatically told Neiman where he could do better.

He was devastated and, seeing how white privilege affected his work, he vowed to make changes. White privilege, particularly within a patriarchy, he suggests, is the root of inequality at work and at large.

We like to tell one another, for instance, that hard work pays off but it's not that easy. Even considering population rates, white men are many times more likely than Black women to be billionaires. Some of the wealth that white men enjoy was "unearned" (inherited) and some of it came from property ownership, both of which were historically difficult for people of color to achieve. These situations are often in place even before any system is gamed by those in charge — which can happen, beginning with students in school.

Equal opportunities do not equal outcomes, Neiman says, and the distribution of wealth today goes back more than two centuries. Bias and bigotry, whether overt or subconscious, play a part in the way things are, and that sometimes extends to stereotypes in the kinds of work non-white, non-male, non-cisgender employees are assigned to do. Tokenism hides the problem, and pretending that the past has no bearing on today only exacerbates the issues. For sure, "Rich White Men" seems earnest and very well-meaning. Author Garrett Neiman begins with a confession that obviously plagues him, and he vows to do better in a category that's important to him. This book, alas, isn't quite it.

It's very helpful that Neiman looks at all aspects of white male patriarchy in finance, real estate, and industry — but for BIPOC, LGBTQ, and female readers, it's preachin' to the choir. It's great that he factors in the generally unfactored, including the tiniest details that sometimes go unnoticed, but again: the choir.

The argument could be made that white, wealthy men might read this book and make changes, but the tone of it seems to doubt that possibility. Advice on moving things forward is hard to find and clear-cut help is in here, but it's scarce.

There are a lot of personal tales inside this book, and a propensity to nickname transgressors (and then explain the nicknames!), both of which are rather irrelevant and may just irritate some readers. Yes, "Rich White Men" might be of some help, or you may want to set it behind you. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Cool your jets as the week begins, competitively speaking, that is. You need to put the proverbial "other guy" first on Monday if you want to keep things copacetic. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect to be lost in your own thoughts. You've got a lot on your mind right now, but a little opportune introversion could be just what you need. Lucky Numbers: 3, 21, 50

TAURUS Look for some unexpected fun in your routine as the week begins. Monday might seem dull and dreary, but count on friends and coworkers to come to the rescue. On Tuesday and Wednesday, moodiness might get the better of you if you're not careful. Make sure you keep a lid on any overly intense emotions (especially jealousy and possessiveness). Lucky Numbers: 21, 24, 45

GEMINI Follow-through is overrated as this week begins. You've got so much energy and creativity on Monday that you need to devote yourself to starting projects and initiating action. Let somebody else sort out the details later. On Tuesday and Wednesday, count on the action to slow down just a bit, but that's only because you're more interested in observing and analyzing than acting right now. Lucky Numbers: 4, 18, 19

CANCER The start of your week might not go quite as smoothly as you'd like. Watch for conflict on Monday (especially at home), and use your natural empathy to help keep the peace. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect an emotional storm front to roll in. While flaring passions can be a good thing, you'll have a tough time making decisions (and, of course, sticking with them). Lucky Numbers: 17, 20, 23

LEO People will be falling all over themselves to agree with you as the week begins. You've got the charm (and the energy) on Monday to start a mass movement or even just get a small but important project started. On Tuesday and Wednesday, look beneath the surface. You can trust your intuition to uncover other's true motivations. Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 28

VIRGO Expect an unusual surge of impulsiveness as the week begins. You'll want to splash out extravagantly on Monday, but don't be surprised if you can't decide exactly how or when. On Tuesday and Wednesday, give your curiosity free rein. That intellectual inquisitiveness can help you learn a lot from others right now. Lucky Numbers: 5, 8, 13

LIBRA Every week should begin like this! You're full of confidence and charm on Monday and people just can't get enough of you. Flirt with abandon. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect to feel some unusual stinginess, but you can put that financial focus to good use. Take time out to reassess your long-term plans and budgets. Lucky Numbers: 3, 23, 39

SCORPIO Don't hesitate to kick around ideas as the week begins. You'll find that you're exceptionally philosophical and insightful on Monday, which is the perfect match for your introverted, introspective mood. On Tuesday and Wednesday, your magnetic personality will win you admiration and affection. Use that burst of popularity to your advantage. Lucky Numbers: 24, 38, 40

SAGITTARIUS You must be doing something right, because everybody loves you as the week begins. Make your desires known on Monday, and don't be surprised if others help you see those wishes fulfilled. On Tuesday and Wednesday, your usual easygoing nature might give way to moodiness if you're not careful. Slow down and be patient with yourself even if it means taking time out for quiet introspection. Lucky Numbers: 10, 15, 19

CAPRICORN Get something started as the week begins! You're full of initiative and energy on Monday, so it's a perfect time to kick off a new project. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll have an unusual mastery of the details. Use this superpowered perspective to organize your priorities and lay out ambitious plans. Lucky Numbers: 36, 43, 55

AQUARIUS Try something new as your week begins. Your intellectual curiosity and natural friendliness should lead you to new people and new experiences on Monday. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect to shift into lower gear, both emotionally and mentally. You might need some time to yourself right now to sort out your long-term goals and ambitions. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 21

PISCES Watch out for problems in a partnership as the week begins. You need to keep an eye out for conflicting details and demands on Monday. You're the one who has to strike the balance. On Tuesday and Wednesday, don't hesitate to stand up for yourself, especially in legal and financial matters. Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 46

Commanders Make Donation to Football Program, Gun Violence

By Ed Hill

WI Contributing Writer

It was the last day of school for the students at Digital Pioneers Academy (DPA) but it wasn’t the “schools out” jitters that generated the excitement. It was a different kind of celebration for the more than 200 students as they welcomed the Washington Commanders, who were there to make an important announcement.

The introduction was set up by Mashea Ashton, the CEO and founder of DPA.

“We are celebrating hope for Digital Pioneers Academy by an-

nouncing that we are going to have a football program here for our students,” said Ashton who started the school five years ago. “This is not just for our students, it is also for this community and will allow us to come together.”

The football team will begin its inaugural season this coming fall.

It was then time for Commanders President Jason Wright to make the much-anticipated announcement.

“As part of our commitment to this community, the Washington Commanders is donating $75,000 to start the football program here,” said Wright, the first Black presi-

dent of an NFL franchise.

“You have been through a lot this year, but you have been resilient. The football program will reward you for your resilience. You have finished strong despite the challenges,” Wright continued.

Digital Pioneers Academy is a public charter school operating

two campuses in the District of Columbia.

Wright and Alston both alluded to the challenges of the students there as they lost two of their classmates to gun violence during the school year.

“I am myself, personally, a victim of gun violence with some close to me,” said Wright. “We had one of the players (running back Brian Robinson) in our organization who was a victim. This is a great opportunity for us as an organization to invest in making a difference in the community.”

Some of the members of the team were on hand, including former standout Josh Morgan, who starred at local H.D Woodson High School along with Tim Hightower, a former member of the Commanders and also a local, having played at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia. Hightower vowed commitment from those associated with the Commanders’ Alumni Relations, for which he serves as director.

As an added incentive, Wright challenged the students to document their goals for their futures in writing. As a bonus, Ashton promised that any student who documented their future goals in writing by a set deadline, would be awarded a $100 gift card.

The team will be coached by a veteran who is no stranger to success and building programs– Rob-

ert Harris. Harris most recently led Archbishop Carroll High School to a 23-4 record the past two seasons, including a DCSAA championship in 2021.

“There are going to be challenges,” admitted Harris, who spent eight-and-a-half seasons at his alma mater.

“Things like not having practice facilities and a home playing field that you need are things that will have to be addressed,” explained Harris, who officially starts his role on July 5.

“On the other hand, it is exciting that you have an opportunity to put your imprint on a newly formed program,” the coach reflected. “I am ready to get started.” WI

5 A Washington Commanders President Jason Wright and Digital Pioneers Founder Mashea Ashton hold a check for a $75K donation from the team to start a football program at the school. (Courtesy photo/Washington Commanders Media Relations)

Wright and Alston both alluded to the challenges of the students there as they lost two of their classmates to gun violence during the school year.

5 Digital Pioneers Academy students participate in a discussion with Washington Commanders football players. (Courtesy photo/Washington Commanders Media Relations)

CAPTURE

the moment

5

and above photo) The Juneteenth Foundation held a Bike & Book Drive at Franklin Park on June 16. Juneteenth Foundation founder, Laquan Austion gave away 200 copies of Under Cover, a children’s book exploring the history of African and African American people and gave away bikes. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

4 A Career Fair was held at the Conrad Hotel in Northwest on June 17 with representatives from recognizable brands and corporations. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 Journalist Roland Martin participated in District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Juneteenth celebration at Black Lives Matter Plaza. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 The Capital Book Fest held a special children’s book festival pop-up June 17 on Wilson Plaza at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Northwest. Author Caroline Brewer’s books designed to get kids hooked on reading was very popular. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

(Top photo

RELIGION

Zion Church and Bowie Partner in Celebration of Juneteenth, Fathers, Summer

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The members of Zion Church partnered with the City of Bowie to bring jazz musicians together with those who promote and distribute healthy fruits and vegetables.

The community event was all part of the Juneteenth celebration at the Bowie Town Center, held jointly with “Concerts for a

ARCHIE

from Page 1

what happened and they just couldn't believe it,” Mrs. Elliott told the Informer. “They shot my son 14 times while handcuffed with his hands behind his back sitting in the front seat of that District Heights Municipal Police Cruiser.”

WHAT POLICE SAY HAPPENED THAT FATEFUL NIGHT

The thorough mother knows all of the officers by name as she told the story of what happened on June 18, 1993. She said District Heights police Officer Jason Leavitt spotted Elliott III driving erratically and stopped the vehicle.

Elliott III failed several sobriety tests and as a result, Leavitt handcuffed his hands behind his back and placed him in the front seat of the police cruiser.

But the District Heights and Prince George’s County Police investigators said Leavitt failed to properly search Elliott III, who was not wearing a shirt,

Cause,” a kickoff event with the Bowie Summer Concert Series, hosted by Mayor Tim Adams.

Dr. Madye Henson-McCannon, chief external engagement and impact officer for Zion Church, hosted the event along with Brett Murray of Concerts for Causes and Mayor Adams.

“We hoped to engage the community with what Zion is doing in terms of health wellness as well as celebrate Juneteenth,”

Prince George's County police Officer Wayne Cheney then arrived on the scene moments later. The two officers said they noticed Elliott III, who was handcuffed, managed to point a .22 caliber revolver at them and claimed he disobeyed orders to drop the gun, and so they opened fire– fatally shooting him.

The Maryland State Chief Medical Examiner said at the time that Elliott III sustained injuries on the right side of the patrol car's passenger-side door. He was wearing a seatbelt when shots were fired.

Capt. James White, a spokesman for the Prince George's County Police Department at the time, said that both officers fired their semi-automatic handguns. But the police were peppered with questions as to how Elliott III could lean forward while holding a .22-caliber revolver while handcuffed.

District Heights Police Chief Michael Conboy said in media reports at the time, “they are taught to shoot to kill," when officers believe their safety is in jeopardy.

The shooting of Elliott III sparked probes, but the county prosecutor at the time, former States Attorney

Hensen-McCannon said. “We had clinics, providers of fresh fruits and vegetables, and Juneteenth special recipes.”

Last year the church gave us a recipe for cabbage, and this year they passed recipes for smothered potatoes. Food is a big part of our history.”

Alex Williams, never indicted the officers, and his successor Jack Johnson didn't-either.

“They alleged that Archie had a handgun and they discharged their weapons 22 times,” said the octogenarian mother who started to cry as she talked about facing one closed legal door after another.

THE COMMUNITY REACTS: A 30-YEAR FIGHT FOR JUSTICE

Veteran Radio Host Joe Madison was the morning man at WOL when the incident occurred.

“It was a travesty of abuse of police power” Madison said.

“After the grand jury ended without an indictment, we appealed to the 4th Circuit in Richmond and they refused to prosecute. Then we appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and the court declined to hear the case without comment,” Mrs. Elliott said.

Feeling that her lawyer was ineffective, the mother launched a weekly protest at the Prince George’s County Courthouse and even a march to Annapolis.

Battle said that community events are part of the church’s effort of “meeting people where they are with the services they need the most, but may not always be able to access.”

On Sunday, after morning services, a group of barbers were

“The Archie Elliott campaign was going for more than a year,” Madison said. “We would picket at the County Court House every day to get the State Attorney to reopen the case, but he was playing to the police union because he was running for County Executive.”

Kyle McAfee, a community activist said in an interview this week, “People couldn't believe that a man could be shot and killed handcuffed in a police car.”

It was such outrage that sparked folks to unapologetically fight towards justice for the slain man.

“I was sued by the officers because I used the term murder on WOL and we were 100 percent behind Archie Elliott,” said Madison “The purpose was to get an independent investigation.”

“This was before Breanna Taylor, and Trayvon Martin, and Freddie Gray and George Floyd,” Madison said. “This was a time when Black radio made a difference and Cathy Hughes clearly encouraged us.”

While the deaths of Martin, Gray, Floyd and Eric Garner, produced national protests, Mrs. Elliott said there was only so much she could do when

invited to the Greenbelt church location for a program to honor fathers.

The event also included Black entrepreneurs on-site to showcase their various services and merchandise.

WI

her son was killed.

“Things might have been different if we had been more vocal and there was massive resistance or the internet,” she said. “We demonstrated 22 consecutive Wednesdays and I would take off to be at the protest.”

Though Elliott III’s case did not get the notoriety many police shootings get today, Madison said it was still important to fight.

“I wish at the time we had an attorney like Ben Crump. It was such an injustice that rallied Mrs. Elliott and Judge Elliott,” Madison said. “He was shot multiple times a mile from his home and he was strapped in the front seat of the police cruiser. It was important to use my platform at the time to review the case and it didn't happen.”

Continuing the Legacy of Archie Elliott III, Changing the Culture

“We started the scholarship fund two years after his death," Mrs. Elliott said. “We raised $7,000 and gave four students scholarships to HBCUs. The year before we gave out $2,500 in scholarships.” WI

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

5 Zion Church handed out gifts to fathers and vegetables for healthy eating during their Juneteenth celebration. (Courtesy photo/Zion Church)

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable — if anything is excellent or praiseworthy — think about such things. —Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

How are you THINKING? How much of your brain's full potential do you use? Maximizing your brain power means thinking through your problems instead of emotionally reacting. Do you have right thinking, pure thinking? Is it admirable, is it about excellence, and are you eager to get or give praise?

Our brain is connected to every part of our body. When someone has brain damage, they become known as living in a vegetated state, unable to walk, talk or eat.

Our brain is the sending and receiving station. It is how we do everything we do. We walk, talk, run, swim, dance, and we think. The Bible speaks of how the people perish for the lack of knowledge.

An example self-help author Napoleon Hill gives for how little we use this powerful ability to think: "Just how little we use our brain would be a comparison to: someone giving you a pile of money and it equals a million dollars, and you could have as much as you wanted but you only take a penny."

The brain of a human being works like a TV antenna, receiving

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

all messages that are conveyed to it! It also acts like a transmitter, transmitting messages incessantly as they are invoked! Truly acting like a relay station, the human brain is the finest creation of God Almighty! It is only through human form that our soul and spirit within finally gains liberation!

Where do we go when we daydream? Normally, 99% of the human brain is unused, inactive. If we figure out how to use more of our brain, we would shock ourselves. It is a spiritual matter and requires meditation, purposeful thinking, quietness!

The famous physicist Albert Einstein, considered a genius, used only his brain 4%, and we only utilize 1% of ours. Wow! We can all do more active thinking!

Combine all of the success principles I've been writing about — your burning desire; faith; positive affirmations; power of decisions, using your imagination. Are you getting the picture? Each principle has to do with your brain; it is about how you think, what you choose to think!

Should you choose to define your success in Christian terms and choose to live by the principles set forth in His Word, the Holy Bible, living your life according to Matthew 22:36 (“Love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.“), you will be successful.

When Jesus had gone 40 days in

the desert fasting and praying, He was hungry and at a weak point. One translation says, "He was faint with hunger." The Devil, the tempter, came to him at that time.

How did Jesus handle this moment? He brought God into it. He quoted the Bible, God's word. Each time the Devil tried to trap Jesus, Jesus would respond, "It is written!"

Many people are also robbed of blessings that the Bible tells us are ours in Christ Jesus. But because our lack of knowledge, improper thinking and negative lifestyles, we never truly live in them.

God created you with a powerful sending and receiving station: your brain. Pick up some more of your pennies by utilizing more of your brain power! WI

40

He

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

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

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

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

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

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

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study

Wednesday: 12:00 Noon

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

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr.

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

Phone: 202-746-0113

Fax: 301-843-2445

Service and Times

Sunday School: 10:15 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM

Children’s Church: 11:15 AM

Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment”

Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org

Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

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

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

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler

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

Fax: 202 265 4340

Service and Times

School: 10:00 AM

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

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr.

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

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

11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

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

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

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

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

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

Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

(202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services:

1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE

5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church

Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round

Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

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

Services and Times

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

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

Service and Times

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

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.;

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

Zion Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

Pastor

1415 Gallatin Street, NW

Washington, DC 20011-3851

P: (202) 726-5940

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun.

Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. Washington, DC 20002

Phone (202) 832-9591

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge

Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

King

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020

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

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

Service and Times

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

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

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

Park

Interim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

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

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

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

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

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

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

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am

Sunday School: 9:00am

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

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

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

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

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

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM

2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

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

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

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

Pastor’s Bible Study:

Senior Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

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

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

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

Service and Times

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

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

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

Historic

St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

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

Service and Times

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

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

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor 401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

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

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

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

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

Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln

United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000673

Rudolph Von Kelly Sr. Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Stephanie Kelly, whose address is 1872 Bryant Street NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rudolph Von Kelly Sr., who died on September 19, 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 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/8/2023

Stephanie Kelly

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 000669

Karen Edwards Decedent

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

ShaDezz Edwards, whose address is 1200 Blair Mill Road, Apt. 610, Silver Spring, MD 20910, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karen Edwards who died on April 25, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

ShaDezz Edwards 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 650

Mary Sazon

Decedent

Ferguson Evans, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900 South Bldg. Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Angela McClurkin, whose address is 11051 Fawn Creek Lane, Orland Park, IL 60467, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Sazon who died on 12/7/2020 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 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

Angela McClurkin 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 000623

Loretta T. Whitfield aka Loretta Whitfield Decedent

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

Melvin L. Whitfield, whose address is 4815 8th St., NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Loretta T. Whitfield aka Loretta Whitfield who died on December 27, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

Melvin L. Whitfield 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 000582

Kirk Jerome Thomas, Sr. Decedent

OF

NOTICE

APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sandra Kay Pixley, whose address is 12600 Kingsview Street, Bowie MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kirk Jerome Thomas, Sr., who died on 4/15/2023 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 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

Sandra Kay Pixley 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 000628

Kim Yeon Lee aka Kim Y. Lee Decedent

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

Xu Mei, whose address is 4110 Delancy Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kim Yeon Lee aka Kim Y. Lee who died on 6/20/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

Xu Mei

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 000621

Desrick Crooks Decedent

Reshad Favors, Esq. 80 M Street, SE Washington, DC 20003 Attorney

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

Tracy Crooks, whose address is 3904 Greencastle Ridge Terrace, Apt., 302 Burtonsville, MD 20866, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Desrick Crooks who died on April 18, 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 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/8/2023

Tracy Crooks

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 000634

Amanda Cunningham Decedent

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

Bianna Ine-Ryan, whose address is 11519 Lovejoy Street, Silver Spring, MD 20902, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Amanda Cunningham who died on 5/17/2021 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 12/8/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/8/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/8/2023

Bianna Ine-Ryan 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

2022 FEP 132

November 28, 2018

Date of Death

Bertha High Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anthony James whose address is 15804 Carlee Court, Accokeek, Maryland 20607 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Bertha High, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 10/24/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Bernadette James 4417 Sheriff Road NE, Washington DC 20019 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. 4916 Arkansas Ave., Washington, DC 20011. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 6/15/2023

Anthony James Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001427

Edith H. Riley-Gottowy

Decedent

Frederick D. Cooke, Jr. 1250 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 700 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Maximillian Riederer von Paar, whose address is 210 E. Franklin Street, Apt. C, Richmond, VA 23219, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edith H. Riley-Gottowy who died on March 9, 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 12/15/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/15/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/15/2023

Maximillian Riederer von Paar

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000658

Juanita J. Moore

Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW

Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

LaShawne Jackson, whose address is 7801 Regal Court, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Juanita J. Moore who died on 2/21/2023 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 12/15/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/15/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/15/2023

LaShawne Jackson 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 000709

Annie Y. Carter aka

Annie Y. Fitzgerald

Decedent

Howard Haley, Esq.

The Haley Firm, PC

7600 Georgia Ave, NW #416

Washington, DC 20012

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Mark Anthony Cates, whose address is 5503 Colorado Ave., NW, WDC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie Y. Carter aka Annie Y. Fitzgerald who died on 4/3/2023 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/22/2023

Mark Anthony Cates

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 000630

Kareen B. Wilson aka Kareen Burgess Wilson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sandra Wilson, whose address is 13036 Salford Ter., Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kareen B. Wilson aka Kareen Burgess Wilson who died on April 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 12/15/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/15/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/15/2023

Sandra Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000048

April 23, 2020

Date of Death

Lynell Israel Halley, Sr. Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

John Halley whose address is 1520 W. North Avenue, Apt. 506, Baltimore, MD 21217 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lynell Israel Halley, Sr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Baltimore City, State of Maryland, on September 2, 2020.

Service of process may be made upon Iris McCollum Green, Esquire, Green & Foushee 1714 15th Street, NW, Suite B, Washington, DC 20009 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:

6/15/2023

John Halley Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0006577

Tawanda M. Joppy Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G. Street NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Sarelle Joppy, whose address is 8702 Dulwick Court, Apt.32, Laurel MD 20708, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tawanda

M. Joppy who died on 10/8/2020 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 12/15/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/15/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/15/2023

Sarelle Joppy 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 000736

Marion Moody Shell Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Eric Graye, whose address is 1304 Monroe Street NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marion Moody Shell who died on April 30, 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/22/2023

Eric Graye 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 000717

Dorothy Lee Higgins Decedent

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

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

Deborah Floyd, whose address is 8288 Quill Point Drive, Bowie, MD 20720, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Lee Higgins who died on February 15, 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/22/2023

Deborah Floyd 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 000731

Amma Hawthorne Decedent

Joan M. Wilbon Attorney at Law 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Sharon J. Hawthorne, whose address is 57 Frontenac Estates Drive, St. Louis, MO 63131, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Amma Hawthorne who died on 5/15/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/22/2023

Sharon J. Hawthorne 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 00115

Helen Brown Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Crystal Y. Rice, whose address is 6008 Rosedale Dr., Hyattsville, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen Brown who died on May 9, 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 6/22/2023

Crystal Y. Rice Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

2023 ADM 000705

Roxie Ann Burton Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Fred Tarpley, whose address is 7124 Chestnut St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roxie Ann Burton who died on April 25, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/22/2023

Fred Tarpley

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000639

Kazumi P. Wall aka Kazumi Peggy Wall aka Peggy Wall Decedent

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

David Alvin Wall, whose address is 2611 Moreland Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kazumi P. Wall aka Kazumi Peggy Wall aka Peggy Wall who died on 11/23/2022 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/22/2023

David Alvin Wall Petitioner

2611 Moreland Pl., NW Washington, DC 20015

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000687

Alfred J. Hiltebeitel aka Alfred John Hiltebeitel Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq. The Geller Law Group PLLC

4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100 Fairfax, Virginia 22033

Attorney

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

Adam Claude Hiltebeitel and Simon Eric Hiltebeitel, whose addresses are 2611 22nd Street NE, Washington, DC 20018 and 2207 Ross Rd., Silver Spring, MD 20910, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Alfred J. Hiltebeitel aka Alfred John Hiltebeitel who died on 3/12/2023 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 12/22/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 12/22/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

6/22/2023

Adam Claude Hiltebeitel

Simon Eric Hiltebeitel

Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

PUBLIC NOTICE:

TAKE NOTICE THAT; that anyone with an equal, prior or superior equitable or legal right or interest in/to/for/of the TITLE: GRIFFIN, JOYCELYN DENEASE, JOYCELYN D. GRIFFIN, J. D. GRIFFIN, JDG, JOYCELYN GRIFFIN or GRIFFIN JOYCELYN in any style variations and ROSALINE DIOR LUCILLE GRIFFIN, PATRICK NEIL TINKER JR, DARIOUS JONTE’ GRIFFIN, ERICA DENEASE DAVIS, MALIK KYREE GRIFFIN, in any style variations thereof capable to confuse, suspend or clog said

Title, right or interest in/to/for

Title is HEREBY REQUESTED to present their claim to witness: Joycelyn Denease Griffin Trust, 921 East Dupont Road, Suite 838, Fort Wayne, IN, [46825] before expiration of thirty days of this publication. I have returned from the sea. 6/08/2023 x 6/29/2023 4x

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Ford, Navistar, and Volvo have pledged to increase the number of zero emission trucks they sell and big volume shippers including Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart have said they will cut their air pollution.

The available models of zero emission trucks are up more than a quarter from three years ago, and their cost is expected to drop 40 percent in the next four years. Seventeen states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico have agreed to a plant to boost zero emission truck sales with an initial target of 30 percent by 2030.

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MALVEAUX from Page 30 focused on the monetary awards these commissions have suggested, and they would be better advised to focus on the concepts, not the details. No monetary benefit can compensate the descendants of enslaved people for the wealth gap, not to mention the psychological effects, that slave descendants have experienced. Suggestions that individual reparations run into the millions of dollars alarm some, but others understand that reports concluding that large amounts are due represent a starting point in negotiations, not an end point.

billion by 2026 on clean school buses. We must have the bigger stick of tougher regulation, but for the first time we have meaningful carrots from these incentives.

We’ve finally as a nation started to acknowledge the scope of the change it will take to preserve our fragile and already damaged planet. But the interest in the status quo is strong among those who gain from it like Big Oil companies reporting record billions in profits. We can’t

away now, assuming that recognizing the problem will undoubtedly lead to the right actions to address it.

Sixty years ago, neighborhoods in Manhattan, Washington and New Orleans fought back successfully against being divided and paved over by interstates. Finishing the job of ending the pollution from those highways’ traffic will take that same commitment on our part. WI

The most important thing is to reparations are due and then to determine how they should be paid.

"This day doesn't just celebrate the past," President Biden said, "It calls for action today." But what action? The Supreme Court is likely to overturn affirmative action. Even as they offered small hope in the Alabama gerrymandering case, they are likely to rule differently in other voting rights to discuss how they might be paid. The reparations movement is growing, especially the local reparations movement, and people across racial lines are concerned about the wealth gap and its long-term im-

plications. At the same time, resistance to Black progress is growing and so-called law enforcement has gone wild in attacking Black drivers, joggers, walkers and breathers. President Biden deserves credit for signing Juneteenth legislation. What will he do, in these politically divided times, to do more in the spirit of Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is a first step toward recognizing our nation's sordid history. Even as we embrace our nation's flaws, we must repair the harm that this history has done. Reparations are the next step toward making Black Americans whole. WI

BAILEY from Page 30

ference with them. I strongly believe that reparations should focus solely on what is owed to the descendants of our African ancestors for 250 years of free, forced labor. Payment for post-slavery labor is a separate issue to be dealt with. Reparations for the direct descendants of those Africans who were forced to work for 250 years without being paid a single penny is absolutely clear. That's why demanding reparations to direct descendants is not requesting a gift from the federal government. WI

Beyond the new federal rules, we have extraordinary incentives that are part of the historic infrastructure and clean energy packages that President Biden and Congress approved over the last two years.

Reparations for the direct descendants of those Africans who were forced to work for 250 years without being paid a single penny is absolutely clear. That's why demanding reparations to direct descendants is not requesting a gift from the federal government.

turn our attention

WILLIAMS from Page 31

in his web of lies.

What is most egregious to me, my friends and those concerned about national security is how Trump played, and is playing, fast and loose with secrets of national defense and intelligence. Friends who have served in the military have explained to me that had they handled classified materials in the same manner as alleged by Trump, their careers would have ended with the certainty of punishment.

Some have forgotten that Trump's legal concerns involve

MORIAL from Page 31

day are banning books, distorting history and clamping down on the mere suggestion of systemic racism and inequities.

Among the nearly 700 measures that state, local and federal policy makers have introduced over the past two years was a little-discussed provision that would ban Illinois schools from "promoting the concept" that "meritocracy" and "a hard work ethic" are tools

JACKSON from Page 31

enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society." Former Vice President Mike Pence tried to have it both ways, comparing the indictment to the way a "third-world nation" would use criminal charges to attack their opponents, while saying that it is imperative that the law be enforced even-handedly and demonstrate that no man is above the law. Similarly, Sen. Tim Scott tried to straddle, saying the charges were a "serious, serious challenge" to Trump, but denouncing the DOJ as "weaponized" against Trump. Sadly, the only Republican contenders to criticize Trump are those that run lowest in the early polls. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson called on Trump to withdraw from the race, and urged the Republican National Committee to revise the requirement that any Republican participating in the debates pledge to support the party's eventual nominee by excluding anyone found guilty of espionage or a felony. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called

more than just his misappropriated documents. The legal entanglements related to Stormy Daniels continue to be a thorn in Trump's side. Also, let us not forget Trump's audiotaped telephone conversation with Georgia's Secretary of State, as I interpret it, soliciting extra-legal assistance in creating 11,000-plus votes to secure a Trump election victory. Trump has been arraigned for one of these charges and awaits an indictment determination for the other.

Although Trump continues to deny any wrongdoing in this affair, sufficient facts have surfaced to credibly refute his protestations.

of oppression. In effect, the provision would stifle any suggestion that racial gaps in wealth or income, educational attainment, home ownership, civic engagement, or political representation are the result of anything other than merit and hard work.

Distortion of history is a familiar tool of white supremacy, from the "Lost Cause" mythology that Black Americans had been content — even fortunate — to live under a system of oppression, to the

Trump's perils "self-inflicted," dismissing the attack on the independent special counsel.

Trump, of course, is free to run for president while under indictment or even from prison if he is found guilty. In 1920, Eugene Victor Debs ran for president while jailed for opposing World War I, garnering 900,000 votes as the Socialist Party candidate. Trump and his supporters now are promising violent "retribution."

Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate, addressed the Georgia Republican Party convention, warning the prosecutor, the attorney general and President Biden that "if you want to get to President Trump (sic), you are going to have to go through me and … through 75 million Americans just like me. And "…Most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA." That's not a threat, she said, "That's a public service announcement."

That rhetoric will grow ever more heated as the prosecution proceeds — and as seems likely, if Trump is indicted in Georgia for trying to overturn an election and

And, yet, as they seemingly ignore or are unable/unwilling to see his criminality, his political allies continue to protest his ongoing criminal prosecution. Even worse, his standing among Republican voters has not diminished. Only a handful acknowledges his obvious criminality.

With the current malignant thinking of most Republicans, one can only wonder how they will reconcile future involvement in our established democratic processes with the conflicts of principle they have created. Or will they work to destroy their dreaded system?

WI

"anti-woke" mythology that the system of oppression doesn't exist.

Historian Elizabeth Hayes Turner described the earliest celebrations of Juneteenth as "a joyful retort" to "displays of Confederate glorification" and "valorization of the Lost Cause."

Today, Juneteenth is our own "joyful retort" to the modern-day Lost Causers seeking to distort history and deny the presence of systemic and institutional racism.

WI

in Washington for his complicity in the sacking of the Capitol on January 6. So, it is incumbent on those who seek the presidency to be clear about where they stand. Do they stand with the proposition that no man is above the law, or would they give Donald Trump a pass? Will they support the criminal justice system — whatever the verdict — or will they offer Trump a pardon? Trump, of course, has made it clear he would pardon himself. Where do the other contenders for the presidency stand on that?

Many issues will be debated in the presidential race — the economy, abortion, guns, the "war on woke," Ukraine, catastrophic climate change, the right to vote and more. One central issue is posed by Trump's vicious attack on the Justice Department, and the independent special counsel. Americans have the right to know: Would contenders for the presidency allow the criminal justice process to proceed or would they issue Trump a get-out-of-jail-free card?

WI

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