The Washington Informer - June 8, 2023

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

Local ASL Interpreters

Shine and Sign at Roots Picnic 2023

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

The first weekend of Black music month kicked off with Roots Picnic in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and while scores of major talents flocked to the “City of Brotherly Love” for the festival, a special group traveled from D.C. to be featured in each performance.

As the designated American Sign Language (ASL) point person for Roots Picnic, Billy Sanders, who is from Saint Paul, Minnesota but has lived in the D.C. area for years, carefully curated a group of fellow interpreters from the DMV to provide their services June 3 and 4 at Philadelphia’s Fairmount Park.

“A lot of artists actually do not recognize they have a huge deaf audience, who want to come,” Sanders told the Informer in a

D.C. Council’s Finalized Budget Full of Last-Minute Plays

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The path to a finalized fiscal year 2024 budget of $19.2 billion included robust discussion about excluded workers, SNAP benefits and funding for violence prevention programs.

During the D.C. Council’s May 30 session, D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) successfully introduced an amendment that diverts excess revenue to funding SNAP programs and reestablishing the $20 million in COVID relief funds that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) took from excluded workers -- a group that includes returning citizens and undocumented D.C. residents.

Meanwhile, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s amendment, which the D.C. Council also approved, sets aside $150,000 in funds that had originally been intended for the

BUDGET Page 48

Procurement Scandal, Black-Owned Small Business Weigh In

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

For nearly two decades, Guerilla Arts Ink has dispatched dozens of teaching artists into District public schools to facilitate innovative arts and hip-hop-based enrichment for students in need of specialized programming.

In the aftermath of a major contracting snafu however, the well-regarded media, arts, and education consulting agency won’t be able to carry out its mission in collaborating with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and a Baltimore-based nonprofit by the name of Arts 4 Learning -- much to

Celebrating 58 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

the detriment of those teaching artists dependent of economic opportunities of this nature.

Throughout much of April and May, Guerilla Arts Ink and The Uncle Devin Show, two local certified-business enterprises (CBEs), had been in discussions with Arts 4 Learning about coming on as subcontractors for a nearly million dollar contract that Arts 4 Learning secured with

ROOTS Page 32

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 34 • June 8 - 14, 2023

5 Some members of the D.C. Council expressed concerns about Councilmember Trayon White’s (D-Ward 8) amendment to use money allotted for Ward 8 traffic safety projects for construction of recreation centers in Fort Greble Park and on the campus of Bard High School Early College DC. (WI File Photo/ Roy Lewis)

5 Interpreter Billy Sanders, served as the point person for ASL interpreters for Roots Picnic, where he curated a group of interpreters from the DMV area to provide services for the weekend-long musical festival and cultural activations. (Courtesy photo/Roots Picnic 2023-Taylor Hill/Getty)

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Breaking News: Third Man Charged in Jam Master Jay Murder Case

In a significant development, federal prosecutors in the Eastern District of New York announced on Tuesday that a third man would face charges in the 2002 shooting death of Run-DMC star Jam Master Jay.

The latest indictment marks a long-awaited progression in a case that has languished for years, bringing renewed hope for justice.

Jay Bryant, 49, has been named the new defendant in the death of Jason Mizell, the renowned musician professionally known as Jam Master Jay.

This superseding indictment follows the prior charges brought against Ronald Washington and Karl Jordan Jr. in August 2020, as authorities relentlessly pursued leads to solve the murder of the hip-hop icon.

Jay was tragically shot in the head inside his Jamaica, New York, recording studio on October 30, 2002. His death, which occurred years after the murders of Tupac Shakur and the Notorious B.I.G., shocked the music world.

Previously, when a grand jury indicted Washington and Jordan Jr., law enforcement officials revealed that Jay's death resulted from a bad drug deal.

In a letter filed with the court, prosecutors elaborated on the events surrounding the shooting.

They asserted that Bryant and the two previously indicted men entered the building on that fateful evening and fled immediately after the incident.

Their evidence includes eyewitness accounts of Bryant entering Jay's recording studio and DNA belonging to Bryant recovered at the crime scene.

Jam Master Jay served as the DJ and chief part of the iconic hip-hop group Run-DMC, alongside Joseph "Run" Simmons and Darryl "DMC" McDaniel, during the early 1980s.

Their groundbreaking contributions brought hip-hop music to the forefront of popular culture. WI

Poll Shows Majority of Americans Support Affirmative Action Ahead of Supreme Court Ruling

Most U.S. adults believe colleges should be allowed to consider race as part of their admissions process. However, an Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Research poll also indicated that only some people think race should play a significant role in the final decision.

These findings are critical as the Supreme Court is currently deliberating the fate of affirmative action in higher education.

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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The May poll, which surveyed a diverse range of participants, demonstrated that 63% of respondents believe the Supreme Court should not prohibit colleges from considering race or ethnicity during admissions. The poll found that this sentiment was not significantly divided along political or racial lines, indicating a broad consensus on the issue. While respondents supported considering race in admissions, they placed greater importance on factors such as

grades and standardized test scores.

Sixty-eight percent of adults stated that race and ethnicity should not be a significant factor in college admissions decisions.

This preference for academic merit over racial considerations was consistent across different demographic groups.

The poll results suggest that Americans support affirmative action as a policy, even if its future remains uncertain. The Supreme Court appears ready to rule on lawsuits challenging the admissions systems of prestigious institutions like Harvard University and the University of North Carolina.

With a conservative majority on the court, many college leaders are bracing for a decision that could potentially limit or eliminate the use of race in admissions. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

Black Mother Fatally Shot by White Neighbor, Confrontation Over iPad

In a tragic incident that has ignited outrage and calls for justice, Ajike “AJ” Owens, a 35-year-old Black mother of four, was fatally shot by a white neighbor at a housing complex in Ocala, Florida. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has denounced the killing as an “unjust” act. Four days after allegedly fatally shooting Owens, Susan Lorincz. 58, was charged with manslaughter with a firearm and additional offenses.

According to Crump’s Twitter post on Monday, the deadly incident occurred on Friday, June 2, when Owens attempted to retrieve an iPad taken for one of her children.

The details surrounding her death have sparked protests and raised concerns about racial tensions in the community.

During a press conference, Marion County Sheriff Billy Woods provided a more cautious assessment, indicating

that the shooting culminated in an ongoing feud between the neighbors.

Woods revealed that law enforcement visited the address approximately six to eight times over the past two and a half years.

While he refrained from confirming whether Owens was trying to recover the stolen iPad at the time of the shooting, Woods mentioned that Lorincz had thrown a pair of skates toward Owens’ children before the fatal confrontation.

Expressing frustration, Woods stated, “If somebody threw something at my child, I’d be pissed off. What parent wouldn’t be? Who wouldn’t be upset, regardless of whether they intentionally threw it at them?” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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

5Jay Bryant is the third individual charged in the high-profile 2002 murder of Jam Master Jay. (Courtesy Photo)

Reeves CMC Venture Wins Redevelopment of Reeves Center

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Reeves CMC Venture, a team of largely District based minority firms, has been selected by the Bowser administration to redevelop the Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs in Northwest that is slated to include cultural organizations and a permanent home and headquarters for the NAACP.

“I want to thank Mayor Bowser for having confidence in our firm,” said Charles King, a principal and co-founder of CSG Urban Partners, a minority- andfemale-owned real estate development firm that will lead the redevelopment of the Reeves Center working in concert with Reeves CMC Venture. “This is part of the mayor’s comeback plan for the city. We want to make the Reeves Center the entertainment and the arts center for D.C. just like it was when the U Street area was considered Black Broadway.”

The Reeves Center is located at the intersection of U Street and 14th Street NW. Once known as Black Broadway, the neighborhood was known for its clubs, theaters and restaurants geared toward African Americans. The neighborhood’s heyday occurred from the 1920s to 1968. It was in 1968 that Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was assassinated in Memphis and the District exploded into an uprising that devastated many city neighborhoods, including U Street.

During the 1970s and up until 1985, the U Street area languished economically as people and businesses fled the neighborhood. In 1986, the Reeves Center was opened by the administration of D.C. Mayor Marion S. Barry Jr., with the long-term effect of jumpstarting the neighborhood economically. Barry named the facility after Frank D. Reeves, a District civil rights lawyer, the first Black to sit on the Democratic National Committee and was a confidant of President John F. Kennedy. Presently, the U Street area has

several establishments operating and people of various races living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

THE PROJECT’S DETAILS

In addition to the hotel and the NAACP, Reeves CMC Development will have office space for city agencies, affordable and market rate housing units, a Dave Chappelle Comedy Club, a food establishment led by Chef Carla Hall, an Alvin Ailey Dance Theater and School, a Washington Jazz Institute, and a Viva School of Dance. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the Reeves Center “is symbolic of D.C. resilience.”

“This is an opportunity to double down on our commitment to making our prosperity more inclusive by preserving the history and culture of our community,” Bowser said.

The Reeves redevelopment is one of the largest EquityRFP (request for proposals) awarded by the District government.

The NAACP will move from Baltimore to the District. NAACP CEO and President Derrick Johnson said his organization looks forward to relocating to the new Reeves Center.

“The NAACP is deeply appreciative of the hard work and thoughtful consideration that Mayor Bowser and her team have committed to this project,” Johnson said. “As we continue to echo the calls of Black America in the halls of power, headquartering our offices within our nation’s capital will allow us to further the mission of affecting change on the issues that matter most to our community. We are encouraged by this partnership and are excited to call U Street home.”

King said his team had the support of Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) and advisory neighborhood commission 1B that encompasses the Reeves Center.

“Without the help of Nadeau and Sabel Harris of ANC 1B, we could not have been successful,”

he said. “We have also had the support of Virginia Ali, the co-founder and owner of Ben’s Chili Bowl.”

He said despite winning the right to redevelop the Reeves Center, the team will continue to engage the surrounding neighborhoods in the progress of the project.

The groundbreaking for the project is set to take place in 2025, King said, and added the redevelopment should be completed in 24-36 months.. Additionally, he said District residents will be first to get construction and ancillary jobs on the project. Further, District residents enrolled in apprenticeships and internships will also have strong first employment prospects with the project, King said.

King emphasized the city’s Black history will not be ignored.

“The new Reeves Center will have remembrances of such Black icons as Frederick Douglass, Reeves and Marion Barry,” he said. “Barry was the catalyst for

the economic growth in the neighborhood. We want to bring Black Broadway back.”

5The Frank D. Reeves Center of Municipal Affairs in Northwest will be redeveloped by Reeves CMC Ventures.

AROUND THE REGION

facts

JUNE 8 - 14, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

spiracy to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and remained jailed until his release in 1990.

JUNE 12

1930 – Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion, is born. 1963 – Medgar Evers, civil rights leader and NAACP field secretary, is assassinated by a white segregationist in front of his Jackson, Mississippi, home. In the wake of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Evers had fought to help overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and gain social justice and voting rights.

JUNE 13

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

JUNE 14

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

JUNE 8

1953 – The Supreme Court rules that restaurants and bars in Washington, D.C., are required to serve African American customers.

JUNE 9

1845 – Businessman and politician James Napier, who served as Register of the U.S. Treasury under President William Taft, is born.

1934 – Legendary soul singer Jackie Wilson is born in Detroit.

JUNE 10

1895 – Actress Hattie McDaniel, who in 1940 was the first African American to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in "Gone With the Wind," is born.

1946 – Famed boxer Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight champion, dies.

JUNE 11

1920 – Hazel Scott, Trinidadian-bom jazz and classical pianist/singer who in 1950 became the first woman of color to have her own TV show, is born.

1963 – Vivian Malone and James Hood are the first two African American students to enroll at the all-white University of Alabama, over the objections of segregationist Gov. George Wallace, who stood in a doorway in an attempt to block the two students from enrolling.

1964 – South African anti-apartheid activist and human rights icon Nelson Mandela is convicted of con-

NELSON MANDELLA

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

The live-action remake of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” starring Halle Bailey, premiered with a successful box-office opening weekend of $117.5 million, shattering early predictions. What are your thoughts on the film?

MISHANNA B. / HAWAII

I absolutely loved the film. The whole nontraditional casting had me on the edge of my seat! Congratulations, Halle, nothing but greatness for and from you!

MARVA SEATON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I loved the movie. She did a great job!

QUEN DUNN / LOS ANGELES

This movie definitely exceeded my expectations. Halle gave an outstanding performance and was absolutely beautiful. I loved it.

SAH’MERIAH DAMORE / MIAMI

The ending of “The Little Mermaid” had me crying like a baby. To see a Black mermaid having a diverse group of people (mermaids and humans) stand with her to let her know whatever decision she makes, they will always love and support her. And to see the different shades of mermaids and mer-mans was beautiful. That’s what you call representation and diversity. Tens across the board!

DEBBIE G. / WASHINGTON, DC

She was absolutely gorgeous! She did a beautiful job of portraying Ariel. My daughter and I went, and we smiled and cried throughout.

Advocates Advance Campaign for TPS Designation for African Nations

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the M23 rebel group, what many thought was a relic of the past, has reemerged over the last couple of years as an active terror group that has killed thousands of Congolese people and displaced millions more.

Amid ongoing attempts to quell violence in DRC and take neighboring Rwanda to task for its alleged support of M23, organizers continue to appeal to the Biden-Harris administration for the designation of temporary protected status (TPS) for Congolese immigrants living in the U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas can award TPS to U.S. residents who are fleeing countries that are temporarily experiencing armed conflict, natural disasters and epidemics, and other extenuating circumstances that threaten their safety.

Many Congolese organizers, including Nils Kinuani, said DRC fits the bill for TPS designation that temporarily protects immigrants from deportation and provides them work authorization while living in the U.S.

In the 1990s, a young Kinuani escaped his hometown of Bukavu in eastern DRC at the height of an armed conflict that has claimed more than 5 million lives. He has spent a significant portion of his professional career helping other Congolese people living in the U.S., especially as it relates to ensuring their residency is protected.

During the latter part of May, Kinuani represented the Congolese Community of Washington Metropolitan (CCWM) during a Week of Action when dozens of advocates engaged Biden-Harris administration officials and congressional members about their campaign to secure TPS or TPS extensions for several African countries.

Kinuani told the Informer that without a TPS designation, Congolese adults and children who are deported face arbitrary detention, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, forced recruitment as soldiers, and execution when they return to DRC.

“We know that Congress is busy but we have been working closely with the Congressional Black Caucus,” said Kinuani, CCWM’s immigration coordinator. “The situation with the DRC has been going on for 25 years. DRC deserves TPS [because] our community members contribute to the American economy and we have family members here who are citizens.”

LOOKING BACK: THE WEEK OF ACTION

The Week of Action on May 22-26, coordinated by grassroots organization African Communities Together (ACT), brought together advocates of various backgrounds to engage White House officials in dialogue about designating TPS for some African countries and renewing it for others.

In addition to DRC, advocates demanded TPS designations for Mali, Mauritania and Nigeria. They also have their eye on TPS extensions for Sudan, South Sudan and Cameroon. Over the

few years, they’ve secured designations for those countries as well as Haiti, Ethiopia, and Somalia, even with what many describe as special and immediate attention given to Ukraine and other non-majority Black countries.

This effort, which took place in the days leading up to African Liberation Day on May 25, came at a time when the Biden-Harris administration narrowed the path to asylum for undocumented migrants entering the U.S., via the expiration of Title 42.

Congressional Republicans, eager to spur a mass exodus of immigrants, continue to pressure House Speaker Kevin McCarthy to issue articles of impeachment against Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Myorkas for what they describe as violation of the Constitution and U.S. border security.

Advocates have garnered the support of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich.), Congresswoman Yvette Clark (D- NY), and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), all of whom spoke about the significance of TPS during the Week of Action.

Vince Evans, executive director of the Congressional Black Caucus, also paid advocates a visit during a roundtable they hosted toward the end of the Week of Action. Other speakers featured at the roundtable included Kinuani along with ACT policy director Diana Konaté and Daniel Tse, founder of the Cameroon Advocacy Network. Along with other ACT members, Konaté, a Liberian-Ivorian organizer who benefitted from TPS as a youth, has spent much of her time organizing

TPS Page 11

5 Diana Konaté, policy director of African Communities Together, counted among several advocates who engaged Biden-Harris administration officials and congressional members in dialogue about designating temporary protection status for some African countries and extending it for others during The Week of Action. (Courtesy Photo) last

Bunker Hill Students Celebrate D.C. History and Culture with D.C. Black Facts Cards

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Teachers, staff, students, parents and community members recently celebrated D.C.’s rich, unique culture during an event that further connected young people to many of the modern-day movers and shakers they had spent months learning about while completing a major project.

That project, known as the D.C. Black Facts Cards involved students not only compiling a list of District political and social figures, landmarks and themes, but creating commemorative cards about each of those local cultural elements.

At the May 26 unveiling, community members who packed the auditorium saw Black facts cards bearing the likeness of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Anwan “Big G” Glover and Leroy “Weensey” Brandon, Jr. of the Backyard Band, sportscaster and one-time Bunker Hill student James Brown, Angel Gregorio of the Spice Suite, Poet Taylor of WPGC 95.5 FM, painter Demont “Peekaso” Pinder, Raheem Devaughn, comedians Dave Chapelle and Chico Bean, actor and entrepreneur Taraji P. Henson, singer Ari Lennox, jazz legend Duke Ellington and Sharon Pratt, the District’s first Black female mayor, along with the late Marion Barry, often called the District’s “mayor for life.”

Other Black Facts Cards featured Industrial Bank, the District’s premiere Black-owned bank, Madness Clothing Company, mambo sauce, the Goodman League, Florida Ave Grill, WPGC’s The Good Morning Show with Monique Samuels, Ledroit Park, Lee’s Flower Shop, M Street High School, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Kendall Maloney, a pre-K 3 teacher at Bunker Hill and Black History committee chair, said the D.C. Black Facts Card represented an opportunity for young people to know and appreciate the history of their city.

“I am a proud native Washingtonian [with] a vested interest [with] my mom and better half being alumni [of Bunker Hill Elementary.],” Maloney said. “I started to wonder if my students knew how many legends, changemakers, politicians, artists and positive disruptors are from D.C. Do they really know how many people

want to be part of D.C. culture and silence it? I want those kids to see you among kings and queens. This project came from a place of love.”

Maloney conducted this project with Hannah Hill, a first-year instructor at Bunker Hill Elementary and Black History committee co-chair. It follows another Black history project in which students recreated famous Ebony magazine covers.

The unveiling ceremony at Bunker Hill Elementary last week attracted several of the local figures who were featured on the cards. Todd B of WPGC’s The Good Morning Show, who accepted a card on behalf of Samuels and his other radio co-hosts, announced each Black history card that appeared on a projector.

Each card had the figure's name with either a drawing or a photo of a student dressed like that person.

As Todd B named each figure, the student who represented that figure stood up and presented their Black Facts Card to that person if they were in the audience. For instance, first grader William Bell gave Big G his Black Facts Card. Fourth grader Jada Kelly presented Bowser with a card of her own as well.

In her remarks, Bowser acknowledged D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee, a guest at the unveiling. She also expressed her appreciation for Maloney and Hill instilling D.C. pride in their students.

“It’s so important that our children know our history and they know about Washington before and after Home Rule and they know regular people like them grow up to be great people and do important things,” Bowser said. “You know I’m a D.C. native. You also heard me say that my family is fifth generation, and those who moved here five minutes ago are Washingtonians too. D.C. Black Facts is a celebration of history and I'm glad to be a part of that.”

On Friday, Todd B. touched on how he learned about D.C. culture from his late wife. Days later, as he stood outside of WPGC studios in what has been a rapidly developing Navy Yard neighborhood, he reflected on how D.C. residents embraced him upon his move from Florida several years ago.

Todd B. told the Informer that District residents, as protective as they can

be about their city, often open the red carpet for transplants who respect the District's unique culture and don’t set out to destroy it.

Long after the celebration, he expressed his hope that newcomers who call D.C. their home foster an attitude of cooperation, rather than colonization.

“I wanted to be a part of the culture. I didn’t want to change or control it. If people try to immerse themselves and not try to mute it and put alien concepts into the city, then all will be fine. When we think about Chuck Brown and Marion Barry, no one’s more D.C. than them, but they weren’t born here. That shows how D.C. will embrace you if you embrace it.” WI

5 Favor Any, a third-grade student at Bunker Hill Elementary portrays radio personality Poet Taylor (right) in a D.C. Black Fact Card. The D.C. Black Fact Card was unveiled during a program at the school on May 25. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Anwar Saleem and Tyrell Holcomb read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

"Where you see wrong or inequality or injustice, speak out, because this is your country. This is your democracy. Make it. Protect it. Pass it on."

The United Negro College Fund and Wells Fargo held a student leadership conference in Bethesda on May 31 to help prepare college students for internships. (L-R) Ilhan Mursal, Jordan Dotson, Shantae Joseph – Wells Fargo Senior Vice President, External Engagements, Muna Bashir, Evelline Samson all part of the UNCF/Best Buy Scholars program. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Rally, Rebirth: The Creation of a Riveriswild Collection

By Cherrelle Swain WI Bridge Writer

From the colorful Àdìrẹ indigo tie-dye to the natural techniques used to produce dazzling hues, Akinwale (Wale) Akinbiyi has been captivated by Yoruba culture from a young age. As a child, he would travel to his mother’s shops in Nigeria, where she sold women’s wear.

These fond memories and his experiences growing up in Prince George’s County, Maryland, have continued to inspire him throughout his life, leading to co-founding the concept fashion brand Riveriswild.

The brand constantly explores esoteric Blackness, looking for the seen and unseen threads of the African Diaspora. Each collection begins with a feeling or memory.

Malians in the D.C. metropolitan area, Philadelphia and New York around TPS.

That work has included visiting mosques, conducting information sessions and inviting Malians and Congolese to Whatsapp groups to keep them abreast of latest developments. ACT has taken similar actions with the Sudanese community during the Trump presidency when such protections for immigrants were under siege.

“Africa tends to have the greatest humanitarian need globally, so this is a way to protect Africans who are here and don’t qualify for asylum because of narrow eligibility,” Konaté said. “Some of the conversation is around how long does it take [to install TPS for countries]. We know it can take eight days [in the case of Ukraine]. With the Republican attempt to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Myorkas, there might be pressure on the Biden administration to do less. Republicans will never be happy. This is not the time to shy away from protecting people.”

EXPOSING THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM

In 1990, Congress passed and President George H.W. Bush signed an immigration law in 1990 that authorized the TPS program. Through the pro-

“We come from completely different plains, and we connect these experiences,” Wale shared of the team’s collaboration in creating and designing new collections for Riveriswild.

Collaborating with Cheick Gueye from Côte d’Ivoire and co-founder Thomas Davis from Philadelphia, the creatives exchange moments from their past and present. When creating new collections, they use storytelling to uplift shared memories from how they were raised as Black people while acknowledging the diversity in their roots.

Wale recalls a deep family storytelling tradition: “Back in Nigeria, I remember my grandmother telling old folktales with candles and lanterns to keep the children entertained.”

Their newest collection, “Rally, Rebirth,” celebrates friendship and

gram, migrants from certain countries are protected from deportation for a period of 18 months, with the possibility of such status getting renewed.

TPS recipients are not currently eligible for permanent residency or U.S. citizenship unless they enter other immigration processes.

The Congressional Research Service says that TPS recipients live in the District, all 50 states and U.S. territories, with the highest concentration living in Florida, Texas, California and New York. Most of them have lived in the U.S. for at least two decades. For many countries, TPS designations have been extended, sometimes automatically six months at a time when federal officials don’t make a decision whether to grant an extension.

Upon entering office, President Joe Biden (D) asked Congress to pass legislation allowing TPS recipients who meet certain qualifications to apply for green cards making them permanent residents. The Biden-Harris administration has made some headway in reversing some attempts by the Trump administration to eliminate TPS.

Even so, the ongoing lawsuits that popped up as a result of Trump’s efforts have many TPS participants in a state of limbo about their status.

As of April, nearly 670,000 U.S. immigrants are receiving TPS or have eligibility. They hail from Afghanistan,

family. It is a metaphoric concept illuminating the back-and-forth of a table tennis ball in play with the dialogue of life. The constant movement pays off once someone wins or makes a mistake. The collection includes hats, sunglasses, and a set of button-up shirts with checkered block prints, stenciled patterns, and Riveriswild graphic designs. WI Read more on wibridgedc.com.

El Salvador, Honduras, Venezuela, Syria, Ukraine and Yemen, among others. While campaigns to secure TPS have taken months or years, Ukrainians clinched protections shortly after the Russia-Ukraine conflict started, much to the chagrin of advocates like Daniel Tse.

Tse, founder of the Cameroon Advocacy Network, led a successful campaign for Cameroon’s TPS designation last year. With the status set to expire at the end of this year, Tse said he’s hard at work to allay the fears of those vulnerable Cameroonians fleeing violence in their home country. He told the Informer that they often worry about deportation, so much so that they don’t even leave their houses.

For Tse, building upon previous successes requires exposing institutional racism as the elephant in the room.

“The Department of Homeland Security should provide TPS for all [nations that meet the criteria] and stay away from the double standard,” said Tse, who’s also a joint legal fellow at Haitian Bridge Alliance and Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights. “We have been working for two to six years, but it took Ukraine eight days to get TPS. It wasn’t created to be a political tool, but we think there’s been political motivation [hence] the delays.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

TPS from Page 8

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s Political Updates

Congressional Act, Lilly Announces Campaign,

CONGRESSMAN IVEY, FORMER

STATE’S ATTORNEY, ANNOUNCES ANTI-CRIME AGENDA

On May 15, House Judiciary Committee Members Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) and Wesley Hunt (RTX) introduced the Recruit and Retain Act in Congress. This bill, supported by a variety of law enforcement organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police, plans

to increase the number of new and qualified law enforcement recruits by reducing application and recruiting costs associated with finding new talent.

Proposed programming for the legislation includes the creation of a pipeline partnership between law enforcement agencies and local educational institutions. The act will also create new guidance for federal grants for understaffed law enforcement agencies, and directs a comprehensive Government Accountability Office to study re-

cruitment and retention trends and challenges for federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

“Recruiting and retaining highly trained law enforcement professionals is of the utmost importance. Our ability to attract and develop the best, brightest and most compassionate and dedicated men and women of differing backgrounds is vital to the health and well-being of our nation,” said Ivey.

“Keeping our residents safe and

promoting better relations with our citizenry can only lead to safer streets and better policing. I look forward to working with all who care about our country and a path forward for good law enforcement standards. We must incentivize hiring and keeping the people who will do the job of safeguarding us from the border to Broadway and everywhere in between.”

Ivey is also co-sponsoring the Safe Access to Cash Act alongside Georgia Democrat Hank Johnson to increase penalties on ATM bandits and grant the same benefits to ATMs as are granted to traditional banks.

“This bipartisan legislation is an important common sense first step to combatting smash-and-grab robberies of convenience store ATMs. These crimes impact small businesses. These crimes affect underserved communities. This bill makes it a federal crime to rob ATMs, their customers, and servicers as it would be to do the crime at a bank,” Rep. Ivey explained. “Prince George's County residents and Marylanders generally deserve the protection and investigative powers of federal agencies like the FBI and Secret Service for these kinds of financial crimes.” WI

FOREST HEIGHTS ACTING MAYOR, ANNOUNCES CAMPAIGN

Forest Heights Acting Mayor Troy Barrington Lilly (D) is running in the upcoming special election to replace recently retired Mayor Calvin Washington (D).

He announced his candidacy on May 25 at the Harborside Hotel in nearby Oxon Hill.

“If I’m elected I will focus on returning value to residents by creating a capital improvement plan to replace aging streets and infrastructure, digital transformation and human centered processes for town services, engaging our youth through structured programs, and planning for what Forest Heights will look like as we grow,” said Lilly.

He wants to see Forest Heights recognized as a jewel on the Potomac. With Forest Heights’ location as the first stop in or last stop out of Maryland, there is unique potential for what Forest Heights can do.

“We’ll always keep our smalltown charm, but I see smart growth on the horizon. We will have thriving small businesses, cultural experiences for the young and seniors.”

Lilly was sworn in as the vice president of the South County Democratic Club in March.

In the March 2023 election, Mayor Washington ran unopposed and received 74 votes. WI

LAUREL: PUBLIC WORKERS UNION OFFICIALLY RECOGNIZED

On May 22, Laurel’s City Council and longtime Mayor Craig Moe unanimously voted to grant collective bargaining rights for employees of Laurel’s Department of Public Works. Several DPW employees showed up to testify in support, with most wearing yellow United Food and Commercial Workers shirts.

“We put our life on the line every single day, just like Laurel PD does. They have their union. We’re asking for the same thing,” said Lloyd Hollaway, a DPW employee. “You’re asking for time to investigate, but we didn’t commit a crime. There’s no need to investigate. We want our equal right to unionize. Bottom line: you say you support union rights. What’s the holdup?”

City Councilmember Keith Sydnor (Ward 2) recently spent a day with DPW workers to better understand their concerns and address them in legislation. “I learned some things I think should be im-

UPDATES Page 13

5 Members of Maryland’s congressional delegation, including Senator Chris Van Hollen, stopped by Prince George’s Community College on May 19 to present $971,000 in federal funding to expand the college’s nursing program. (Courtesy Photo/ Office of Senator Chris Van Hollen)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Alsobrooks Gets Major Endorsement from Congressman Steny Hoyer

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Standing in a newly-built park alongside townhomes in Suitland, 42-year Congressman and longtime Prince George’s political leader Steny Hoyer (D) endorsed Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) for the open Senate seat being vacated by Democrat Ben Cardin. Hoyer is the second Congressman to support Alsobrooks, following Baltimore Congressman Kweisi Mfume (D).

“Good to be here to support a woman who has dedicated herself and her life to this community. I met her 15 years ago, and I would’ve supported her for Governor had she run. Instead, I supported a young man named Wes Moore who they said didn’t have a chance. He’s now our Governor,” said Hoyer. “I look forward to being her colleague in the Congress, and us continuing to be an effective team. Join me in sending a strong and compelling voice, who looks and thinks like the state she serves, who will make Maryland and America go farther than ever before.”

He was joined by over twenty other supporters, including Delegates Adrian Boafo (D- District 23), Kym Taylor (D- District 23) and Jamila Woods (D- District 26)

UPDATES from Page 12

proved as well,” he said.

Councilmember James Kole (Ward 1) found out about the unionization efforts in February. “I found out when I saw all of you come to testify, and I was definitely happy to see it,” he said. Before the vote, he said that his grandfather was also a government worker who benefited from being in a union.

“We learned about your efforts in February and I’m happy to say we’re going to vote on it and move it forward today,” said City Council President Brencis Smith (Ward 2) before the vote. “This Council, we try to work together at all costs. We said we’d work with the administration, and they got back to us and now we’re moving forward. Congratulations to you for all your hard work and for pushing; we admire that.”

and Maryland State Sens. Michael Jackson (D- District 27) and Melony Griffith (D- District 25). Boafo, who formerly worked on Hoyer’s re-election campaigns, introduced the Congressman.

“It’s rare to find leaders with a special talent. Leaders who stand up for their principles while being able to build consensus, who are tough and can inspire those under them. Angela is one of the most exceptional leaders I have seen in over 50 years. This is why I am proud to support her for the U.S. Senate today. She will be a worthy successor to Senators Cardin, Sarbanes, and yes! Mikulski.”

Hoyer frequently invoked Milulksi’s legacy, while comparing the commitment and dedication of both women in public service. He also highlighted Alsobrooks’ record as a prosecutor, particularly her work on reducing domestic violence and total crime in Prince George’s.

Hoyer admittedly hadn’t been back to Suitland in a long time and was considerably impressed with the nearby development.

Hoyer grew up in District Heights and lived in Suitland before being elected to the State Senate in 1966, later becoming State Senate President in 1975. Silver Hill Road was a single lane road during his time here.

Alsobrooks also lived in Suitland

“This is history, “ said City Councilmember Carl DeWalt (Ward 1) just before the vote. “These are the moments you talk about to your grandkids when you’re old like me. You’ve worked hard for it, and you deserve it.”

“We had a duty to talk about this issue earlier,” said Sydnor before voting in favor of the measure. “We were never holding this union up and we’re supporting you 100%.”

“We knew that once we allowed the police department to unionize, that the next step would be certain employees,” said Mayor Moe.

The police department in Laurel unionized under Moe’ tenure. “This is no big secret, and I have no issue with this. In the report on the 27th, we were all in favor of this. You all asked for us to give the same benefits the police have, and that's what we intend to do.” WI

when she was young, and she attended Shadyside Elementary High School. One of her neighbors who lived next door when Alsobrooks was 5 attended the endorsement rally.

“I have been so proud of this community, and I’m so grateful for the people of Suitland and Prince George’s as a whole who have allowed me to serve them.”

“It doesn’t get better: to have one of the all time greats, Steny Hamilton Hoyer, to support you. You haven’t simply endorsed me: you truly supported me. One of the first phone calls I got the evening I won State’s Attorney was from Congressman Hoyer. He’s been supporting and mentoring all along the way, these past 12 years.”

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5 On June 1, Congressman Steny Hoyer officially endorsed County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the vacant Senate seat. (Anthony Tilghman/Washington Informer)

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR PRINCE GEORGE’S RESTAURANTS

One Fair Wage and RAISE High Road Restaurants announced on June 1 the “Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County” Grant Program.

The program is designed to support minority-owned restaurants in the county, encouraging higher wages and fostering fair labor practices. In response to the increasing wage com-

petition and the ongoing exodus of workers from the local restaurant industry, the program will award 20-30 establishments with a grant of $5,000$7,500 each. This crucial funding is aimed at facilitating the hiring and rehiring of staff and transitioning from Maryland’s current $3.63 to a fair wage of $15 plus tips.

“The ‘Keep Restaurant Workers in Prince George’s County’ Grant Program is our strategic response to the ongoing mass exodus of workers from the restaurant industry, especially given that neighboring D.C.’s

wages will soon be five times those in Prince George’s County,” said Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage.

“We hope to sustain local talent and ensure a resilient restaurant industry in Prince George’s County.”

To participate in the program, restaurants must commit, with support, to transition paying all staff at least $15 an hour plus tips, with support from the program, and implement equitable employment practices. To be eligible, restaurants must submit their application by June 10. Visit highroadrestaurants.org for more information.

HUD HOUSING S HOWCASE

The Innovative Housing Showcase, an event of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, will take place on the National Mall from June 9-11.

The Showcase is a three-day event

MARY MCLEOD BETHUNE DAY ACADEMY

PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Multiple Services

Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School in Washington, DC is seeking competitive proposals for the delivery of the following services:

• Student Bus Transportation for the 2023-24 School Year

• Roof Repair – Roof Coating Application for 20,000 sf roof

• Exterior Concrete Stair Replacement for two Staircases

• School library renovation

• Special Education Related Services

• HVAC – Replacement of Chillers and Cooling Tower

• Outdoor Stair Lift Installation

• Janitorial Services

• Delivery of Milk and Dairy Products

• Food Suppliers to provide grocery items to support the USDA National School Meals Program Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy reserves the right to select the firms that best serve the interests of Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School. Bid packages may be obtained or site visits scheduled by contacting:

Marcus McKay

Business Manager

Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School

1404 Jackson St., NE Washington, DC 20019

purchasing@mmbethune.org

This solicitation does not commit Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School to award a contract, pay any costs incurred in the preparation of a bid, or to contract for services. Mary McLeod Bethune Day Academy Public Charter School reserves the right to reject any or all bids received as a result of this request, or to cancel in part or in its entirety this solicitation, if it is in the best interest of the School to do so.

Deadline & Submission: Submit bids responsive to one or more of the requested services via email to purchasing@mmbethune.org no later than 5pm on July 7, 2023.

featuring new building technologies and housing solutions that are making housing more innovative, resilient and affordable for American families. More than 2,500 people, including policymakers, housing industry representatives, media, and the public, are expected to attend. The Showcase will include exhibitor demonstrations, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the housing industry. There will be a dozen exhibits, including full-sized prototype homes, displaying innovative building technologies that address affordability, resilience and the future of housing.

The Innovative Housing Showcase will be open to the public and free of charge. Time of operations are 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on weekends and 9 a.m.6 p.m. on weekdays.

For more information, call HUD on 202-708-1112.

GWUL MONEY PITCH SEMINAR

Closing a revenue-generating deal starts with giving a great opening sales pitch.

Whether you are securing invest-

ments or contacts, you must possess the ability to authentically deliver an inspiring and convincing “elevator speech” at a moment’s notice. Join the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) virtually on June 14 for part one of the free event, “Develop a Money-Making Sales Pitch.” In the virtual event, participants will learn to make a first impression by differentiating themselves from the competition by illustrating the power of your product or service in three sentences or less.

Then, join GWUL on June 21 at the headquarters on 14th Street NW in the District for part two, where guests will practice delivering elevator speeches in person and refine it, leveraging the input and support of a panel of executives in the federal contracting, lending and procurement partnership arenas. Let GWUL help your craft and deliver an effective money pitch! Please note, to join part two, you must attend part one. All participants will receive a link to register for part two upon completion.

For more information, call 202-2658200 WI @JamesWrightJr10.

YOUTHBUILD DC PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Spanish Language RLA/Social Studies Teacher

YouthBuild DC Public Charter School is soliciting quotes for a Spanish Language RLA/Social Students teacher. This teacher will teach 2 - 3 RLA and Social Studies classes to the Spanish cohorts (~20 students each cohort). To request a copy of the RFP, email Keisha Morris at keisha.morris@youthbuildpcs.org. Proposals are due by 5:00 PM, Friday, June 23, 2023.

5 Saru Jayaraman, President – One Fair Wage (Courtesy photo)

Advocacy Group Publishes Ward 8 Economic Report

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

An organization that seeks to foster economic growth in Ward 8 recently published a report outlining the ward’s opportunities for development and its vision for the future.

The Ward 8 Economic Community Development (W8ECD), facilitated by former advisory neighborhood commissioner Mustafa Abdul-Salaam, wants to revitalize the ward’s neighborhoods, develop, and rehabilitate affordable housing and create sustained commercial enhancement by creating opportunities for generational wealth, encouraging entrepreneurship and create employment for residents. The report, “A Dream Deserved: Realizing Our Collective Emergence,” comes as Ward 8 embraces economic development projects in Historic Anacostia, Congress Heights and the Bellevue neighborhood while feeding off of the well-off, newer Navy Yard area on the west side of the Anacostia River.

Salaam, 70, said Ward 8 has a lot of underutilized and unrecognized economic potential.

“The report shows that Ward 8 has a lot of poverty,” he said. “However, it is much more vibrant than most people know. The ward has a strong middle class and an upper

Believing for the Best and Planning for the Unthinkable

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

Typically, my approach to estate planning is focusing on the vision of legacy building. It is the opportunity to create a multigenerational plan for continued greatness. I work with individuals and families to project what is the desire for the generations to come whether they have biological children or not. Together we build a vision of how the resources that are held today can be invested to shape the future. We create the platform to support the growth of dreams and opportunities for those who come in the future.

Yet, it is also a challenge to plan for the unthinkable. We build into the plan the “just in case scenario” that forces us to manage the considerations that we don’t welcome. We strategically think through what Plan B or C look would like.

It is very difficult to think about planning for minor children if as parents we are unable to take care of them. It is difficult to think about providing for family members with special needs if we are unable to provide for them. It is difficult to plan for distribution of our assets if our children are unable to receive the distributions.

But what is more difficult is when unthinkable things happen and there is no plan.

class, some people with substantial incomes. You have people earning a lot of money, but they are overshadowed by the immense poverty here.”

The Report

The 69-page report which Salaam says largely mirrors census data on the ward, relayed that Ward 8 is 92.4% Black; 59.6% of residents earn less than $20,000 a year; 49.3% have a high school diploma as their highest level of education attainment; and 34.8% were unemployed. The need for food emerged as tops, according to the report. However, the availability and affordability of housing surfaced as the greatest concern with 62%, according to residents surveyed. Public safety/violence came a close second with 60.5%. WI

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS REQUEST FOR TASK ORDER PROPOSAL

Solicitation GAGA-2023-Q-0250 (Set-Aside Market Only) Students & Staff DEVICES

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), Office of Contracts and Acquisitions (OCA), on behalf of the Office of the Data and Technology (ODT) is seeking a contractor to provide Students and Staff devices and related configuration services.

This solicitation will be available for download from the DCPS website https://dcps.dc.gov/page/doing-business-dcps under “Current Solicitations” on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, beginning at 10:00 am EST.

Proposals will be accepted at DCPS/OCA on Monday, June 9, 2023, no later than 1:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time at dcpsoca.inquiries@k12.dc.gov.

In my role as an estate planning and administration attorney I have the front row perspective of what happens when there is planning for legacy building and there are multiple generations that can access resources for greatness. Great grandchildren will be able to see how the fruits of their ancestors are enabling them to pursue their passion and purpose. The enterprise that the family has established enables them to grow resources collectively that strengthen their bond while also providing individualized support for unique opportunities. When there is a time for transition and loss, grief is allowed to be experienced naturally without the external pressures and insecurities of financial woes or confusion regarding desires and expectations. The loved ones can gather to honor the one who has passed while supporting one another.

However, when there is no plan and the unthinkable happens, there is great distress. It is often collective chaos. Grief and greed have a way of appearing when there is confusion. When there is, what some would categorize, an untimely death, we are even more emotionally distraught. The possibility of catastrophic impact is great. We often experience great family discord and distress. In my experience, family members often end up in disagreements that many times end up in court.

In distress words are said that cannot be unsaid. Actions are taken that cannot be undone. Relationships can unfortunately be irreparably harmed. We are relational people that are often driven by emotion and when we are hurting, we often hurt others. The impact can be permanent over what we realize, in reflection, was not that important.

Let’s do what we need to do to shape, support and strengthen our families and loved ones. Let’s move beyond the possibility of distress and build a plan to strengthen and build the foundation for our families.

We would be honored to walk you through at the Life & Legacy Counselors. We know this is not easy but we are glad to help carry the load.

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

http://yourestateplanningattorney.com

5 Mustafa Abdul-Salaam is the facilitator of the Ward 8 Economic Community Development group.

D.C. Business Owner Banks On Chase For Check Fraud Prevention

By Angela Swinson Lee Special to The Informer

Monica Ray,

President

of the Congress Heights Community and Training Development Corporation had been paying her contractors by checks for years. That system was working well until one day she learned that the routing and account numbers had been copied and the checks were being reissued.

Ray estimates roughly $35,000 had been stolen through check fraud before she realized what was going on. The fraudster used the same amounts as the actual checks, which made detecting it difficult.

David Berry, a Business Banking Development Manager at JPMorgan Chase, said check fraud, which centers around the money movement through checks, is on the rise. It comes in the form of fraudulent account and routing numbers, or it could be the case where a check number is transposed.

“The goal is to take money out of an account in hopes that the bank or account holder won’t realize that this is something fraudulent,” Berry said.

One of the ways small business owners can protect themselves against fraud is eliminating paper checks, Berry said.

“When you look at a check, it has the routing number and the account number, and the check is physically floating. It may be floating through mail. It may be floating once a person cashes a check. Some people write void. Some shred it. Some sit some-

where and the account and routing number could literally float across the world at any given time,” Berry said.

Berry advises clients to look for other ways to send money such as virtual digital payment, such as ACH or wire.

Chase also offers the bill payment option, which allows clients to send a check with the bank’s routing and account number and not the client’s information. That’s just what Ray has decided to do with her nonprofit and other businesses. At the time the fraud occurred, Ray wasn’t banking with Chase. It took her bank 60 days to reimburse the money after its investigation was complete.

Chase has created complimentary services for most business accounts to protect them against fraud. Check fraud prevention allows clients to go in and enter information around checks as they write them. The bank will compare what is in your registry with checks that have

been written. If something doesn’t match, the client receives a notification.

Berry said it has been difficult for many businesses to avoid fraud. “I think most businesses have experienced a level of check fraud because it is very prevalent. It’s also the

hardest to process. Most banks are running millions of checks through their system daily. They are trying to do whatever they can to catch it whether the check sequence is off or the signatures don’t match, but something may slide through the cracks,” Berry said, adding that wire fraud is also becoming common.

“When a wire transfer is sent it’s hard to recall the wire,” Berry said, adding that the sender must do due diligence by verifying they are sending information to the correct person.

He added that people should never accept an email that says an account number has been changed. If fraud does exist, Berry said stop it immediately. “Wire is something where seconds matter.”

He also says that businesses owners should be intentional with vendors and employees and put policies in place before hand, such as verifying information.

“Chase is a unique bank for business. It’s very tech savvy and tech driven.”

Ray is glad that she switched to Chase nearly two years ago. “They have simplified our life in ways I didn’t know existed. I always had a bank account for our business but never had a true partnership,” Ray said, adding that she had never been able to get a loan or line of credit in 27 of the 30 years she has been in business. “Chase came to town in a way I have never seen a bank operate in our neighborhood. They have given small businesses owners access to business tools, financial literacy and attaining lines of credit in ways we haven’t seen before. I would describe the relationship as being once in a lifetime for me.”

Follow Safety Best Practices

• Chase will never ask you for confidential information—like your username and password or other account information—when we reach out to you.

• Phishing is when scammers send emails that appear to be from reputable companies. Don’t open links in emails or texts unless you’re sure that they're authentic. And never provide your usernames or passwords outside of the normal secure sites and apps you use, like the Chase Mobile® app and chase.com.

• Scammers have set up shop on social media selling items and tickets for what looks like a great deal. If a deal is too good to be true, it probably is.

• Help protect older adults from financial abuse. See how to prepare for the future and find resources to help avoid abuse.

• You can set up customized email, push or text alerts that let you know what’s going on with your account and can take action if you suspect fraud.

5 David Berry, Chase Business Banking DC Business Development Manager

5 Monica Ray, President of the Congress Heights Community and Training Development Corporation

Biden’s Student Loan Debt Relief Plan Hangs in the Balance as Supreme Court Decision Nears

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a high-stakes battle, the Biden administration’s ambitious plan to alleviate billions of dollars in student loan debt has faced numerous roadblocks, remaining entangled in legal proceedings, and awaiting the verdict of skeptical conservative justices on the Supreme Court.

As decision day draws closer, the fate of this transformative proposal becomes increasingly uncertain.

The stakes are undeniably high, with 43 million Americans eligible for up to $20,000 in debt relief.

The estimated cost of implementing the program exceeds a staggering $400 billion, which could cancel the remaining student loan debt for an estimated 20 million individuals.

Beyond its financial implications, the plan carries significant political weight for President Biden, who championed the cause of tackling student loan debt as a key promise during his 2020 campaign, aiming to galvanize younger voters.

However, Biden’s debt relief plan faces a formidable hurdle in the form of a conservative-majority Supreme Court that harbors suspicions regarding broad assertions of executive power.

The Court’s leanings cast doubt over the program’s viability.

“We fought hard to get to this place, where the president has promised historic debt relief,” Mike Pierce, executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, told NBC News.

“We are hopeful still the Supreme Court is going to rule on the side of people who have student debt, but we are also clear-eyed,” said Pierce, whose advocacy group is dedicated

to alleviating student loan debt.

Among the approximately 30 cases pending before the Supreme Court ends its current term in June, Biden’s debt relief plan is a focal point.

The high court’s term traditionally concludes in the last week of June.

With a conservative majority of 6-3, the Court’s deliberation on this matter is paramount for Biden and the millions the legislation affects.

The Court also plans to address various other significant issues, most notably an education-related dispute that could eliminate the consideration of race in college admissions.

In a January filing sent to the U.S. Supreme Court, the Department of Justice said it agreed with President Joe Biden’s plan to forgive student loans.

A federal judge in Texas invalidated a program in October that would have helped 40 million people with their student loan debt.

Two people who didn’t qualify for aid under Biden’s scheme sued the initiative on behalf of the conservative Job Creators Network Foundation.

At the time, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the government strongly disagreed.

“The President and this Administration are determined to help working and middle-class Americans get back on their feet, while our opponents, backed by extremist Republican special interests, have sued to prohibit millions of Americans from getting much-needed relief,” Jean-Pierre remarked.

The HEROES Act of 2003, according to the White House, gives the Secretary of Education the au-

thority to forgive student debt.

“The program is consequently an illegal exercise of Congress’s legislative power and must be vacated,” wrote a Donald Trump nominee, Judge Mark Pittman.

“In this country, we are not dominated by an all-powerful executive

with a pen and a phone,” he continued.

Biden’s plan would forgive federal student loan debt of up to $10,000 for borrowers with yearly incomes less than $125,000 in 2020 or 2021 and up to $200,000 for married couples or heads of

Click. Save. Submit!

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, upload a few documents, then submit! Apply by August 18, 2023

households.

Borrowers who also got a federal Pell Grant could see $20,000 in their loans discharged.

Six states with Republican governors sued to stop Biden’s plan to forgive debts, an action that led to the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals putting the plan on hold.

One plaintiff in Texas lost her right to have her federal student loans forgiven because the federal government did not service her loans.

Since the other plaintiff did not obtain a Pell award, the amount of debt relief to which he is entitled is just $10,000.

They said they could not voice their disapproval of the program’s regulations because the administration had not followed the Administrative Procedures Act’s notice and comment rule-making procedure.

In its petition, the Justice Department said, “The lower courts’ decisions have wrongly taken away the Secretary’s legislative authority to give targeted student loan debt relief to borrowers affected by national emergencies.” WI

5 Among the approximately 30 cases pending before the Supreme Court ends its current term in June, Biden’s debt relief plan is a focal point. (Courtesy Photo/ HBCU Buzz)

NATIONAL Study Finds Over One Quarter of Homeowners Struggle with Housing Costs

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A recent study conducted by the Chamber of Commerce, a product research company specializing in real estate, revealed that more than 25% of homeowners in the United States are burdened by housing costs, spending over 30% of their income on their homes.

The study utilized data from the U.S. Census Bureau, analyzing monthly housing costs and median household income in the 170 most populated cities nationwide.

The findings indicate that 27.4% of all homeowners are considered “cost-burdened.”

Miami, Los Angeles, and New York City are leading the list of cities with a significant number of financially strained homeowners, where more than four in 10 feel stretched

beyond their means due to housing expenses.

Interestingly, all but one of the top 10 cities for cost-burdened homeowners are in California or Florida.

In the District of Columbia, 26.3% of homeowners also grapple with the weight of housing costs.

Recent studies have revealed that when transportation costs are taken into account the District area is the priciest for moderate-income households.

Transportation expenses constitute a significant portion of the budget for families earning between $44,531 and $89,063 per year, according to recent figures.

Approximately 30% of their income is dedicated solely to transportation costs.

However, the financial burden does not end there.

Once housing costs are factored in,

a staggering 72% of a family’s income is consumed.

Researchers have defined the income range of $44,531 to $89,063 as “moderate-income,” representing 50 to 100 percent of the median income for the Washington metro area.

On average, moderate-income families in the Washington metro area spend more than $1,100 per month on transportation and $1,600 per month on housing.

These figures highlight the growing strain on families trying to make ends meet in an area where the cost of living continues to rise.

Further, the rise in mortgage interest rates is one factor that contributes to the financial strain homeowners experience.

At the pandemic’s beginning, rates hit historic lows but surged past 7% in 2022, reaching the highest level since 2002.

While rates have cooled slightly since early 2023, new homeowners still face significantly higher monthly mortgage payments compared to those who locked in lower rates.

Combined with skyrocketing inflation and stagnant wages, Americans now owe trillions more than before the pandemic.

The higher housing costs are eating into savings, spending, and emergency funds.

The impact of rising housing costs is not limited to homeowners alone. Renters also bear the brunt of this trend, as escalating housing expenses increase rental rates.

It means that renters and homeowners feel financially strapped by growing housing costs.

The study sheds light on the long-standing personal finance

5 In the District of Columbia, 26.3% of homeowners also grapple with the weight of housing costs. (Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia commons)

Groundbreaking Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Releases New Book Ellison Set to Deliver Keynote During Black Press Convention

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, who successfully prosecuted all the officers involved in the murder of George Floyd, has penned a new book about the experience.

In, “Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence,” Ellison recounts the arduous journey undertaken by his legal team to secure the conviction of the four police officers responsible for Floyd’s murder.

Despite the public availability of video evidence, Ellison sheds light on the challenges faced by prosecutors when seeking justice against law enforcement officers.

In “Break the Wheel,” each chapter examines the roles of various stakeholders within the justice system, including prosecutors, defendants, police union leaders, judges, activists, legislators, politicians, and media figures.

Further, the publishers stated that Ellison’s work serves as a call

to action for individuals and institutions to work together to dismantle systemic barriers and create a more just and empathetic society for all.

ELLISON TO SPEAK AT BLACK PRESS CONVENTION

Later this month, the now-author and attorney general plans to deliver the keynote address at the 2023 National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) national convention.

Ellison will speak to the more than 230 African American-owned publishers and media company owners during a special address on Friday, June 30, at the JW Marriott in Nashville, Tennessee.

With the theme, “The Black Press: Amplifying Progress, Excellence, and Voices of Black America,” the convention begins on Wednesday, June 28.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 Keith Ellison recently released the book “Break the Wheel: Ending the Cycle of Police Violence.” (Courtesy Photo)

5 Leaders at the end of the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), in Luanda, Angola, on Saturday, June 3, 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

ICGLR Summit Tasks DR Congo to Speed Up Disarmament of Armed Groups

Regional leaders have asked DR Congo to accelerate the process of disarming all armed groups in the eastern part of the country as part of the essential condition for the resolution of conflict in eastern DR Congo, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, June 4.

The call is part of the 16-point communique issued on June 3, at the end of the 10th Extraordinary Summit of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

There are more than 130 Congolese and foreign armed groups operating in eastern DR Congo. The foreign armed groups include FDLR, a genocidal militia formed by remnants of the perpetrators of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. The FDLR is now embedded in the DR Congo national army, FARDC.

The ICGLR Summit encouraged the Congolese Government to accelerate the implementation of the Disarmament, Demobilization and Community Reintegration and Stabilization (P-DDRCS) Program, an essential condition for the resolution of the conflict in eastern DR Congo, noted in point 13 of the ICGLR summit communique.

Also, part of the decisions taken by the ICGLR summit is the emphasis on decisions of the Mini-Summit on Peace and Security in eastern DR Congo held in November 2022. By then, the mini-summit had ordered the FDLR to disarm immediately and embark on an “unconditional repatriation.”

To date, no action has ever been taken by the DR Congo government to disarm and repatriate the FDLR.

The latest ICGLR summit also reaffirmed the need to implement the decisions taken at another mini-summit held on Feb. 17 in Ethiopia. The latter summit noted the presence of DR Congo refugees in Rwanda and the urgent need for their safe repatriation back home.

There are nearly 80,000 Congolese refugees in Rwanda, some of whom have lived in refugee camps for over 25 years. The situation has recently worsened as more DR Congo refugees continue to flee to Rwanda over fighting in eastern DR Congo, particularly between the M23 rebels and the government coalition, which includes armed militia such as the FDLR terrorists. WI

Guyana Folk Festival Honoring CARICOM’s 50th

This year marks 50 years since the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been in existence and since the treaty of Chaguaramas was signed. CARICOM is revered as the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world, The Guyana Chronicle reported on Sunday, June 4, noting that 50 years is certainly worth celebrating,

5 Vibert Cambridge, one of the organizers of this year’s Brooklyn -based Guyana Folk Festival in New York. (Courtesy Photo)

The Chronicle explained that the Guyana Folk Festival organizing committee is making its contribution this year under the theme “Recognising and Celebrating its New York Roots.”

One of the organizers of the event, Vibert Cambridge, said that “this year, Brooklyn-based Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc. will explore New York’s Caribbean, adding that “It is our contribution to the 50th anniversary of CARICOM”.

In a document released, the Brooklyn-based Guyana Cultural Association of New York, Inc published its first online edition magazine for 2023 .

The document also noted that the Guyana Folk Festival is a family day of the best in Guyanese culture, food, music and entertainment

The first Guyana UK Folk Festival was held in 2008. This cultural extravaganza aims to bring a taste of Guyana’s rich cultural heritage to the shores of the U.K.

Performers have included GUSDA’s Patron and Guyanese icon Ram John Holder (aka Pork Pie), Flautist Keith Waithe, actress Doris Harper-Wills, and poet Marc Matthews. The event has also had special performances from U.S. and Guyanese-based artist Terry Gadraj, Big Red, Jumo Primo (former lead singer of the world-famous Byron Lee & the Dragonaires), and comedian Liza Singh. WI

DIRECTOR

CHARON P.W. HINES

June 2023 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

the District of Columbia (UDC) Theatre of the Arts at 2:00 pm for this remarkable event. To purchase tickets, please call the Model Cities Senior Wellness Center at 202635-1900.

Next, on Saturday, June 10th, we will proudly march alongside Mayor Muriel Bowser in the Capital Pride Parade. Demonstrating our support and solidarity, we will participate in the parade with our Senior Pride Trolley. If you identify as an LGBTQ older adult, aged 60 and over, and wish to ride along with us during the parade, please reach out to my office at 202-7245626. While seats are limited, we welcome everyone to walk with the Mayor and DACL, showcasing our unity and commitment to inclusivity.

HAPPY PRIDE!

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of Pride Month, I am thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming events organized by the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) in collaboration with Mayor Muriel Bowser. We are gearing up for an active summer out in the community, and we invite you to join us in celebrating the diverse and resilient spirit of our older LGBTQ adults.

First, get ready for the highly anticipated Ms. Senior DC pageant on Saturday, June 3rd! The contestants have been working diligently on their presentations, and we are eagerly awaiting the crowning of our next Ms. Senior DC. Join us at the University of

Continuing the celebrations, on Sunday, June 11th, DACL will host a booth at the Capital Pride Festival. At the festival, our DACL outreach team will highlight our programs and services designed to keep you healthy, engaged, and active throughout the hot summer months and beyond. I encourage you to connect with us during this festive weekend and celebrate the extraordinary contributions of our older LGBTQ adults, who show all of us, each and every day, how to live and love boldly.

In addition to Pride festivities, we have one of our most anticipated events approaching! On Wednesday, June 28th, Mayor Bowser will host the 12th Annual Senior Symposium at Ballou Senior High School. Building on the energy from Older Americans Month, this year's symposium is focused on highlighting housing resources the District has to offer

seniors. The theme for this year's symposium is "Educate, Empower, Encourage," reflecting on the Mayor's commitment for seniors to stay in DC and to thrive in the very communities they know and love. We aim to educate you on available resources, empower you to take advantage of what's afforded to you, and encourage you to continue to live boldly. The symposium will feature performances, educational sessions, and exhibitors. To register, please contact my office at 202-724-5626.

As we move forward, we are excited to kick off our 2023 Centenarian Salute search! In September, we will honor some of our city’s oldest residents who are 100 years and older at our annual Centenarian Salute Luncheon. It will be the first luncheon since

the public health emergency, and we can’t wait to celebrate our city’s most treasured and respected residents. If you know someone who has celebrated or will celebrate their 100th birthday by July 31, 2023, please call us at 202-7245626.

As you can see, there's an abundance of activities happening across the city throughout the month of June and there’s so

much more coming this summer! Whether you're interested in attending the Senior Symposium or joining us for Pride events, DACL is here to keep you connected and engaged.

I look forward to seeing you this summer as we come together to celebrate the strength and resilience of our community.

In Service,

As we embrace the vibrant spirit of Pride Month, I am thrilled to share some exciting news about the upcoming events organized by the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL) in collaboration with Mayor Muriel Bowser.

Charon P.W. Hines

HEALTH

Q&A With Company CEO Karen Dale

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Washington Informer sits with Karen M. Dale, R.N., M.S.N., market president and CEO for AmeriHealth Caritas DC, a mission-based Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MCO), to discuss the scope of work the organization is continuing to provide for the care and overall wellness of local residents.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

LV: AmeriHealth Caritas DC offers local residents so much support in health care coverage, and overall lifestyle support. Can you tell us some of the organization’s key focuses and goals this year, especially now that we are on the other side of the pandemic health emergency?

KD: [ A key goal is] certainly, ensuring that we do everything we can to educate District residents about renewal and the fact that they should update their information so that they get the information they need to renew. If not for the Medicaid program, the District has other programs that they can qualify for. The most important thing is to be able to get the appropriate information so that they can renew either for Medicaid or other types of insurance the District offers that they may be able to get.

The other thing that we're focused on is building on the success in terms of the engagement we've had with the community we've been serving for a decade, to really provide holistic interventions and support to who we serve.

[We’re] really proud of our “food as medicine” efforts that we have had in place for quite some time,

where we recognize that if someone is diagnosed with a nutrition sensitive condition, that providing a medically tailored meal is very useful and it's even useful in pregnancy, which is not necessarily a chronic condition.

However, for someone that is a high risk pregnancy, it's very useful for them when we provide meals that are already prepared. And we provide meals for the whole family, not just the mom to eat, so that is one less thing that she may be having to stand on her feet to do. Our whole “food is medicine” strategy also includes having a nutritionist work with the family, or the identified person with a chronic disease, to help them think through what's going well in their diet and what are some of the things that are tweaks or changes they can make.

We are aligned with our council members, the Mayor, and stakeholders in terms of how we in the District improve maternal health outcomes, and again, I’m very proud of how long we’ve been doing this work.

LV: How is AmeriHealth Caritas DC addressing mental and behavioral health in the city?

KD: We are really proud of the focus we have had around behavioral health coming out of the pandemic. We know that children, adolescents, and many adults experienced collective trauma, right? We know the violence in our city

treatment or dialysis for kidney failure, we don’t want for the first time that they figure out that they don’t have coverage, [to be] when they show up for care.

Having health insurance is key to health and well-being. If something goes wrong, we want you to be covered, and the District has some of the best coverage in the nation, and we want people to have the access they should.

LV: Now that COVID emergency has ended, D.C. has reopened Medicaid eligibility renewals. Can you explain the renewal process, and how District residents who seek medicaid coverage need to approach that this year?

is affecting people's well being as well. And so we certainly have the traditional ways that people can get behavioral health therapy.

LV: We know that there is a lot of concern and conversation behind health benefits across the country, and particularly here in the District of Columbia. Can you tell me, why is Medicaid Renewal so important for District residents?

KD: When the federal government during the pandemic said, “We don't want people to,” of all times, “to not have health insurance,” they said everyone gets to stay in the program they're in so that they have insurance [coverage]. So, believe it or not, this has been a little over three years, right? That's a long time. Lots of changes could have happened in people's lives. They've moved, and all kinds of things. And so restarting this effort to ensure that people are in the program only if they're eligible, or they get access to something else, is super important because we want people to have coverage and have the right coverage.

The challenge is we have stale contact information for people, and so they may not even recognize or know that this renewal effort is starting. We don’t want, especially for someone who is more vulnerable with a chronic condition requiring medication, maybe they're getting chemotherapy for cancer

KD: It’s pretty easy. The District has a great website set up, so all people have to do is go there and update their information. They even have an app that you can use, which is districtdirect.dc.gov. They can go create an account right in the portal, update their information without having to be on hold.

Technology is great in this way. There is even a mobile app where they can go to the Apple store, or GooglePlay store and download it so then it’s right there on your phone which most of us have with us all the time.

LV: I love the classes and services that Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center offers. Can you tell me about what inspires the work and services provided in this location, and how resourceful this has been for Ward 8 residents?

KD: We have two programs that we have had for some time.

One is “Pathways to Work” which is a 12-week paid internship program for adults, so that people are in a work environment with lots of classes they take that supports them, and gives them that step forward to be able to earn a liveable wage.

We also have one for adolescents, called, “Bridges to The Future” for juniors and seniors, which is also a paid internship. That works for them after school to support that important step, an infusion of information and support, that helps them to have the best position to start a career or advanced degree, whatever their [goals] are. WI

5 Karen Dale, RN, MSN (Courtesy photo)

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EARTH OUR

Students Explore Academics, Impact and Employment at Youth Environmental Summit

By Sam P.K. Collins and Kayla Benjamin WI Staff Writer and WI Climate & Environment Reporter

More than 200 young people converged on Oxon Run Park on June 1 for a day of activities, lessons and further enlightenment about employment opportunities in the environmental field and how the environment intersects with their daily lives.

“I am hoping that students walk away from the D.C. Youth Environmental Summit feeling like a

bolt of lightning,” said the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation’s Kehmari Norman, who created the program alongside environmental education nonprofit The Green Scheme.

“I want them to feel like nature is cool…most of all, I really want them to connect the dots of how local action really creates positive global climate impact,” Norman said.

This year marked the sixth annual D.C. Youth Environmental Summit, and the largest one yet.

Since 2018, the number of attendees has more than doubled, from about 100 students to 215. This

year’s group hailed from five different high schools around the city, including Ballou and Anacostia.

ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVITIES GALORE

The summit kicked off with a tour of the farm at the Well. Halim Flowers, an author, poet and visual artist, then gave a keynote address touching on how he overcame adversity in the prison system.

From that moment on, students perused through various activation stations.

At one station, Ward 8 Water Watchers and the Green Scheme simultaneously conducted a cleanup of a nearby creek and examination of the microvertebrates living in that body of water. DC Greens also conducted a composting and seedling demonstration while Casey Trees showed students how to identify trees.

Meanwhile, the sweet, savory smell of sauteed broccoli filled the air around young people as they joined members of Green Things Work at the Vegan Culinary Lab. This happened as a DJ several feet away played hip-hop and R&B hits from the 1990s and early 2000s. Moonverse channeled young people’s fervor for meditation with the Go-Go and Sounds of the Environment activation station.

The event involved 10 different government agencies and nonprofits, as well as with 17 local businesses.

“All of our vendors are small, minority-owned, and D.C.-based businesses,” said Norman, who works as a Cultural Heritage specialist at DPR. “Everything is hy-

perlocal.”

On the other side of the Oxon Run Park, Jaren Hill Lockridge helped young people center themselves with Mindful Moments. Rainbow Wellness also conducted yoga sessions while Maurice Andreas guided students in the exploration of their inner feelings with Art in the Park. Staying true to the spirit of self-care, Nail Bed Bar rolled out a nail art lab for the youth while Face Value Artistry provided professional grooming services.

“I'm excited to see all of these partners that we have engaging and being able to really connect with the kids,” said Ronnie Webb, director of the Green Scheme and one of the annual event’s key organizers. “The environment is a big topic, so there are many ways to engage in the environment.”

In the realm of academic and professional development, students sampled professional wear at SWAP DC’s Dress for Success activation station. Some of them also participated in a mock interview and resume-building station while learning about higher education and internship opportunities.

Kaleb Bland, a junior at Coolidge High School in Northwest, said he focused on his mental health while at the DC Youth Environmental Summit by taking part in Mindful Moments and visiting the culinary lab. He also joined Ward 8 Water Watchers at the water conservation station.

That experience, among several at the summit, further opened Kaleb’s eyes to the symbiotic relationship humans have with nature.

“As a young Black man in society, it’s easy to be disconnected from nature,” said Kaleb, 17, a member of the nature club at Coolidge. “I learned that I’m not as in tune with the earth as I could be. I have the free time to pick up trash and do what I can to better my community. This problem is prevalent among today’s youth [because] we’re on televisions and social media.”

Jaylyn Derriott, a sophomore at Coolidge, said she focused more on social and academic development during the DC Youth Environmental Summit. She told the Informer that the gardening station and job fair placed her closer along her path to figuring out how she wants to serve others in the future.

“We got a feel for jobs that teach you to do things that help people. You become a better person,” said Jaylyn, an aspiring nurse. “The keynote address was inspirational because Halim Flowers came out of prison to do great things in his life. After 22 years, he came out better. Most young people think it’s okay to do drugs, carry guns and follow what everyone else is doing.”

EXPANDING WORLDVIEWS AND HELPING STUDENTS TAP INTO LOCAL OPPORTUNITIES

As part of the summit’s academic goals for students, Norman and other organizers created a pre- and post-summit survey to find out if the event increased students’

5 High school students at the June 1 D.C. Environmental Youth Summit pick up litter and perform water quality tests in Oxon Run Creek. (Robert R. Roberts / Washington Informer)

D.C.’s Air Quality Hits Code Red As Wildfire Smoke Drifts From Canada

June Begins With Multiple Air Quality Alert Days in the D.C. Region

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

D.C. residents woke up to a visibly hazy summer day on June 7 as air quality hit Code Red, marking the air as unhealthy for the general public. Smoke from wildfires burning in eastern Canada has drifted across much of the northeast U.S., causing multiple air quality alert days in the District since early June.

By late morning on June 7, the Environmental Protection Agency’s Air Quality Index rating for fine particle pollution in D.C. reached 199—the second highest rating before crossing the threshold into Code Purple, or “very unhealthy.”

During Code Red days, everyone should stay inside when possible and avoid strenuous physical activity outdoors. On Code Orange days, similar advice applies to “sensitive groups,” which includes seniors, children and people with heart or lung disease.

D.C. residents will likely see more Code Red or Code Orange days in the coming months, because summer is the worst time for air quality in the city. The region has experienced at least eight air quality alert days so far in 2023, compared with just four alerts issued during the entirety of 2022, according to records kept by Clean Air Partners. The organization’s data shows that nine air quality alerts occurred in the region throughout 2021.

The District monitors air quality using five monitoring devices stationed around the city. The agency is in the middle of expanding its air quality monitoring programs in environmental justice communities.

A LITTLE BIT OF EXTRA CONTEXT

Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds or thousands of miles, adding harmful particulate and fine particulate matter to the air. As

greenhouse gas emissions heat up the planet and cause hotter and drier weather, wildfire seasons are starting earlier in the U.S. and across the globe.

D.C. hit 90 degrees for the first time in 2023 on June 2, which was also a Code Orange day. Hot temperatures can contribute to air quality issues, especially in cities.

Ground-level ozone, a pollutant that can trigger asthma attacks and cause other respiratory issues, forms because of a reaction between pollution from cars and industrial sources and sunlight.

Per the Environmental Protection Agency, ozone is most likely to reach unhealthy levels on hot, sunny days in urban environments.

Climate change is making this problem worse, too. Heat waves will become increasingly common and average temperatures will continue to climb. In fact, the District already experiences about 16 more days above normal temperatures

during the summer than it did in 1970, according to a recent study by Climate Central. The same study found that the city’s summers are more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit hotter than they were in 1970.

Generally, air quality in the U.S. and in the DMV has gotten much better since the 1970s, largely due to increased monitoring and regulation of pollution. However, the overall improvement in U.S. air quality has not touched all communities equally. Black, brown and Indigenous Americans experience higher levels of air pollution and air quality-related health issues than White Americans, and that trend holds true within the District as well.

One 2021 study published in the journal GeoHealth found that some neighborhoods in Southeast experience more than four times as many premature deaths related to pollution compared to some wealthy areas in Northwest. And

a child in D.C.’s predominantly Black communities is 20 times more likely to go to the emergency room because of asthma than a child in predominantly white neighborhoods, according to a World Health Organization report from last year.

Individuals can take some steps to mitigate immediate health risks

from air pollution spikes. Keeping an eye on the daily Air Quality Index—which can be found in most regular weather apps—is an important first step. On days with poor air quality, it may be a good idea to limit outdoor time, reduce strenuous activity outside and keep windows closed. Wearing a correctly-sealed N-95 mask outdoors can also help. WI

4 Graphic by Climate Central.

5 (Courtesy photo/ TravelScape on Freepik)

EDUCATION

A Computer Science Degree, 33 years in the Making

By Talib I. Karim, Esq. WI Contributing Writer

Have you ever set out to do something but gave up after it took you longer than expected? Recently, Hassan S. Karim did “a thing” that took a very long time. He earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Sciences from Howard University 33-years after he started.

According to Indeed.com, Dr. Karim’s degree is the most valuable paper in the United States. Computer Science PhDs earn $104,587 on average annually, more than any other degree holder, according to Glassdoor.

With this credential, the world is open to Dr. Karim, almost literally. Although he’s already a well-established executive, as vice president of Software Engineering for the investment banking firm, Goldman Sachs, Karim has a wide array of future jobs prospects, from university professor ($75,547 annual average salary) to computer network architect ($125,658 annual average salary).

Dr. Karim’s diploma is rare, especially for an African American. According to the Census Bureau, as of 2019, only 4.5 million or 1.2% of the U.S. population had a PhD. Of those only 3.7% are African Americans with doctorates in computer science. This makes Karim one of only 180,000 PhDs in the U.S. who are African American.

Earning your PhD in Computer Science is not for the faint of heart as it requires time, energy and perseverance—and lots of it. Typically, it takes eight to 11 years on average for someone to earn a doctorate in computer science.

Dr. Karim’s academic journey was

far from typical. It took him 10 years to earn his bachelor’s degree then another 17 years to get his masters, followed by five years of Ph.D. coursework and research.

The pilgrimage to obtain a Computer Sciences PhD from Howard, considered the “Mecca” of African American Higher Education, began with the dreams of his parents, civil rights activists, who met in Washington, D.C. during the 1968 Poor People’s Campaign.

When Dr. Karim was a child, his parents launched a technology-focused day care center from the basement of the family home, in the Detroit enclave of Highland Park, Michigan. While enjoying exceptional exposure, life was filled with sacrifices for the Karim family. At the age of 13, Karm’s mother and motivator-in-chief, passed away.

Karim’s father, an imam, community activist, and high school classmate of former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry, then moved the family to Memphis, Tennessee.

After highschool, Karim enrolled in Howard University’s Electrical Engineering program. He was joined at Howard by his older brother, Talib (the writer of this article), who transferred there from the Air Force Academy.

As one of 14 children, Karim could not expect much financial support from home. “When I arrived, I had a dorm room but only a one-meal-a-day meal plan,” recalled Karim.

Later, Karim’s father, Dr. Talib Karim Muhammad, was elected a Memphis At-Large City Councilman, becoming the City’s first elected Muslim leader. A short time after taking office, Dr. Karim’s father also passed away.

Around this same time, Dr. Karim dropped out of Howard and began a family of his own. Although no longer a Howard student, he worked in the University’s computer lab gaining valuable experience in the early days of the world-wide web. This experience paved the way for a job at the White House as one of its first web engineers.

To earn more money for his family, Dr. Karim accepted a cyber security engineer position for Saudi Aramco. Later Dr. Karim returned to the U.S. to lead a technology services arm of Banneker Ventures, a construction company owned by his younger brother, Omar. Dr. Karim then transitioned to fin-tech as a vice president with PNC before his current position.

“I’ve built a solid reputation as a top-performing cyber security leader,” stated Dr. Karim. “I’m driven to serve the Almighty by improving the lives of all earth’s eight billion plus inhabitants.”

Now armed with a PhD in Computer Science and proven research in Security Engineering for Mobile-Based Cyber Physical Systems, Dr. Karim has the knowledge and credibility to innovate technology that achieves his life’s mission. He’s paying it forward by mentoring youth at the upcoming “STEM4US! Hackathon.” WI

5 Dr. Hassan S. Karim earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Computer Sciences from Howard University 33-years after he started. (Courtesy Photo)

DR. HASSAN S. KARIM

Leadership Shakeup at Hardy MS Raises Questions about Race, Privilege

By Sam P.K.Collins WI Staff Writer

More than a week after the central office in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) removed Errol Johnson from the helm of Hardy Middle School, some teachers continue to express anxiety about the group of parents they credit with engineering the end-of-the-school year personnel change.

In speaking about the turn of events, a Hardy Middle School teacher who requested anonymity said Johnson, a Black man in his first year as a DCPS principal, wasn’t without his faults.

By the time DCPS central office announced Johnson’s removal on May 18, teachers had been up in arms about scheduling changes they said Johnson made without engaging them. That incident, the teacher said, spoke to the lack of transparency Johnson maintained with teachers and families about on-campus fights and other areas of concern.

Days before Johnson’s removal, hundreds of parents attended a meeting that led to the collection of 447 signatures for a petition demanding leadership change at Hardy. In years past, a small contingent of parents have taken a similar course of action, or at least threatened to do so, against teachers and administrators, the teacher told the Informer.

Despite their qualms with Johnson, the teacher said that this group of parents, most of whom are white and residents of Georgetown, should not be able to compel a sudden, consequential personnel decision, especially with a petition exaggerating on-the-ground conditions at Hardy.

Frustration about Johnson's dismissal, and previous encounters with the group of parents, has compelled teachers to jump ship, the teacher told the Informer. As recently as last week, a well-regarded teacher left Hardy, which the teacher said has further weakened the sense of community at the school.

“It’s a sustained attack on teachers,” the Hardy instructor said. “Parents have collaborated with the community to get positions [cut out]. I’ve seen it about four or five times. Some teachers are scared or angry. It’s not all parents. It’s a group of extremely powerful parents who are bullies."

HOW HARDY MS PARENTS ORGANIZED AGAINST ERROL JOHNSON

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to contact Johnson. DCPS instructional superintendent Larry Hughes, Johnson's supervisor, forwarded inquiries about the circumstances of Johnson's removal to a DCPS spokesperson.

In a May 16 letter sent to DCPS central office, the group of Hardy parents mentioned an incident during which a student brandished a sharp object and threatened their peers. They said the student hadn’t been held accountable for their actions.

The letter also raised concerns about falling standardized test scores, graffiti on the bathroom walls, footage of fights that circulated on social media and other incidents that hadn’t been reported to parents or DCPS central office, even with the involvement of D.C. police and medical emergency personnel.

DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee told the Informer that the parents’ petition had no bearing on the decision to remove Johnson from Hardy. He, however, alluded to an investigation of issues of which he declined to provide comment.

Before working at Hardy Middle School, Johnson served as an assistant principal at Dunbar High School where he managed the 9th Grade Academy. Under his stewardship, ninth grade in-seat attendance increased to 90%, and student promotion rate to the 10th grade reached 96%. Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Ca -

reers (PARCC) l test scores of 4 and 5 also increased by 10%. Johnson’s previous stints include service as a resident principal at IDEA Public Charter School in Northeast and a Teach For America (TFA) instructional coach. While in TFA, Johnson also served as a special education math teacher at Roosevelt High School in Northwest.

Johnson's time at Hardy, though short, would be peppered with tenuous moments with parents, many of whom reached out to Hughes. Through the school year, Johnson often met with Hardy's parent-teacher organization co-presidents, members of the local school advisory team, and grade level representatives to discuss campus affairs.

This happened as Hardy Middle School community members testified before the D.C. Council in request of what one parent described as more resources for Johnson, including an assistant principal.

A Hardy parent who requested anonymity said Johnson didn't appear open to parents' suggestions about how to stop the proliferation of graffiti on the bathroom stalls. This parent, one of several who signed the petition, also said that Johnson didn't put systems in place to prevent physical conflicts or hold accountable those who were involved.

In speaking about the petition, the parent said that the DCPS central had already been contemplating replacing Johnson.

“The challenges had become apparent: the principal’s lack of experience, fighting getting worse, falling test scores, teacher retention and the scheduling," the parent said. "The things needed to run a school effectively were slowly breaking down. This guy had a team of parents working to help him. We engaged him for months. We wanted him to be successful.”

WI @SamPKCollins

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5 After continued complaints, some credit from a particular group of parents, Errol Johnson was removed as the principal of Hardy Middle School. (Courtesy Photo)

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Homeownership is a key pillar of the American Dream, offering financial opportunity for consumers and enhancing economic security and stability for communities nationwide. Owning a home is also one of the most important pathways to wealth creation, providing families with a foundation for improving their financial position across generations.

At Wells Fargo, we believe deeply in the benefits of homeownership, and we’re proud of the fact that we’ve served more minority customers over the last decade than any other bank lender. We’re deeply focused on building on the strong foundation we’ve put in place to ensure that we not only maintain but also deepen our support for minority homeownership.

In April of 2022, the Company announced an expansion of its efforts to advance racial equity in homeownership. The announcement included a $150 million investment in a new Special Purpose Credit Program for refinance customers, $60 million in Wealth Opportunities Restored Through Homeownership (WORTH) grants, and broadened partnerships with the National Urban League and UnidosUS.

...Informing you everyday in every way

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

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Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor

Austin Cooper, Our House Editor

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Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

In January 2023, Wells Fargo took our efforts to the next level by announcing a renewed strategic focus centered on serving bank customers and minority communities. The strategy includes an additional $100 million investment to advance racial equity in homeownership. We are working to reach more customers in underserved communities by leveraging our strong partnerships with the National Urban League, UnidosUS and other non-profit organizations, hiring additional mortgage consultants in communities of color, and expanding our Special Purpose Credit Program to include purchase customers.

As Wells Fargo’s new head of Home Lending, I am humbled and honored to lead this team as we work to deliver for our customers and advance racial equity in homeownership. I’m proud to follow in the footsteps of our former head of Home Lending, Kristy Fercho, who was recently promoted to lead Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion across all of Wells Fargo. I’m also excited to work with the countless non-profits, advocates, policymakers, and other stakeholders across the industry who share Wells Fargo’s deep belief in the benefits of homeownership.

I believe that – together – we can bring the dream of homeownership closer to reality for all.

Kevin Reen Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending

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

5 Kevin Reen, Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending

As Wells Fargo’s new head of Home Lending, I am humbled and honored to lead this team as we work to deliver for our customers and advance racial equity in homeownership.

Our House D.C. Offers ‘How To’s’ in Home Owning

Dear Readers,

In August 2021, The Washington Informer launched the Our House D.C. Newsletter, a monthly platform designed to document and examine factors contributed to the loss of housing among Blacks and marginalized residents in Wards 7 and 8.

Our House opened dialogue and provided critical resources to readers that assisted homeowners, their communities and local government agencies in practical solutions to a myriad of housing concerns. We served not only as ambassadors, of sort, to homeowners, but also found ourselves learning a lot about great programs and networks that aid homeowners.

Our House D.C. has made a difference in the way conversations are conducted about homeownership in Wards 7 and 8. Indeed, the newsletters are helping place these considerations into spaces where improvements and policy changes occur.

Last year while visiting my mother, I asked her to define “generational wealth.” She immediately spoke of the importance of living within your means, paying a mortgage, not rent, and “saving, saving, saving.” Mom’s perspective, I found, was similar to the sentiments of U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD) Marcia Fudge and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young.

“The biggest thing we do in our society to build wealth is ownership,” Fudge told Yahoo Finance Live. “If we start to devalue the homes of people of color, then we have taken away the opportunity to build wealth.”

Reflecting on generational wealth, Young considered 1966 in Chicago during protests regarding inequities in poverty and slum conditions.

Young said housing owned by White slumlords was their form of generational wealth: “But it was usually a form of generational wealth for them that they really didn’t need.”

“Generational wealth is absolutely necessary and essential if possible,” Young continued. “The first possibility of generational wealth is probably to own a home. If you can own a home and pass it on to your children, you’ve really done something.”

Consistent with my mother, at the core of generational wealth for Ambassador Young and Secretary Fudge is leaving a home for your children. It is also a definition passed on from their parents. Getting into and maintaining a home is not an easy process. It can be, at times, for first-time buyers and current homeowners

June is National Homeowner’s Month

alike, quite challenging. Chief among those concerns is the costs of homes. The average home in the District is $600,000.

What’s affordable about $600,000 for the average Washington resident?

In this week’s edition and in the Our House newsletters you’ll find a lot of “How To’s” in home buying and maintaining ownership as the push for Black homeownership continues.

We discuss how the housing crisis challenges renters and buyers, explain the importance of making and implementing sound financial decisions in building and achieving generational wealth, outline steps to keep homes safe for elderly loved ones, and offer seven ways to protect your family from exposure to lead in water.

In other words, the Washington Informer is dedicated to being your reliable resource guide on keeping abreast of the issues confronting Black homeownership and educating readers about opportunities and programming promoting continued local Black homeowners and generational wealth.

Pleasant reading!

Sincerely,

Austin R. Cooper, Jr

Working Together for Black Homeownership

By Kristy Fercho, Head of Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion, Wells Fargo

Owning a home is also one of the most important pathways to wealth

creation, providing families with a foundation for improving their financial position across generations and building stronger communities in the process. Unfortunately, a significant gap between White, non-Hispanic,

and minority homeownership rates has existed for decades and persists today. Closing this gap is my personal passion and a core pillar of the work we’re doing at Wells Fargo. We’re

Strength in Working Together

As the leading large bank lender to African Americans Wells Fargo understands that our strength comes from working together across the country to achieve racial equity in homeownership.

Our close collaboration with prominent African American civil rights organizations, real estate trade groups, and housing counseling agencies helps bring home buying information and resources to more communities.

proud of the actions we’ve taken to advance racial equity in homeownership, including a new Special Purpose Credit Program that has helped more than 2,000 families reduce their interest rate to 3.75% without extending their loan term. Wells Fargo remained the nation’s leading bank lender to Black and Hispanic families in 2022, and we’re eager to build on this strong foundation.

We also know that more work remains, and that no single entity – no matter how large – can address systemic barriers to minority homeownership alone. Common pursuit of shared goals and meaningful collaboration across the housing ecosystem are essential to driving lasting impact. We are committed to continuing to play a leading role in the effort to advance racial equity in homeownership and are excited about the work that’s underway.

In the last year alone, we’ve launched substantial initiatives that we believe can help drive real progress in closing the racial wealth gap. For example, Wells Fargo and the T.D. Jakes Group just announced a strategic partnership to drive economic vitality and inclusivity in communities across America. Over the next 10 years, the partnership between our organizations could result in up to $1 billion in capital and financing from Wells Fargo, as well as grants from the Wells Fargo Foundation, with the goal of revitalizing neighborhoods, fostering economic opportunity, and creating long-term change in communities most in need.

In February, Wells Fargo announced a $50 million grant to the largest civil rights and social justice organization in the United States, the NAACP, to support its continued efforts to advance racial equity in America. I’m proud to say that the grant is the single largest donation the civil rights organization has ever received.

In the last year alone, we’ve launched substantial initiatives that we believe can help drive real progress in closing the racial wealth gap. For example, Wells Fargo and the T.D. Jakes Group just announced a strategic partnership to drive economic vitality and inclusivity in communities across America.

Scan to learn more about our Home Lending Priorities

Wells Fargo also announced a refined strategy for its Home Lending business – including a deeper focus on serving minority customers. In addition to expanding our Special Purpose Credit Program to purchase customers and hiring more Home Mortgage Consultants in minority communities, the strategy also deepened our partnerships with groups like the National Urban League and UnidosUS.

These announcements build on ex-

tensive work that’s already underway across Wells Fargo to advance racial equity in homeownership – including the $60 million “Wealth Opportunities Restored Through Homeownership” (WORTH) program, a diverse appraiser apprenticeship program launched in partnership with the National Urban League, and the $40 million Growing Diverse Housing Developers grant initiative focused on expanding the growth and success of real estate developers of color. Individual actions to build a more equitable housing system play a crucial role in driving progress. The most powerful path to progress, though, lies in the actions we take together to make the dream of homeownership more accessible and sustainable for all. n

At Wells Fargo we also continue to optimize our teams to better serve you and help you create a home buying journey that is right for you and your family.

5 Kristy Fercho, Head of Diverse Segments, Representation & Inclusion, Wells Fargo

Strength in Working Together

The Black homeownership rate has seen the largest percentage point increase of any racial or ethnic group since the end of 2019, moving from 42.7% to 45.2% in the third quarter of 20221

As the leading large bank lender to African Americans Wells Fargo understands that our strength comes from working together across the country to achieve racial equity in homeownership.

Our close collaboration with prominent African American civil rights organizations, real estate trade groups, and housing counseling agencies helps bring home buying information and resources to more communities.

At Wells Fargo we also continue to optimize our teams to better serve you and help you create a home buying journey that is right for you and your family.

Four Options For Homebuyers and Owners That Could Save You Thousands Of Dollars

By Jennifer Block Martin

Wherever you are on your homeowning journey, these programs provide assistance with buying a home or paying your mortgage and other housing costs. And you may be eligible for more than one program.

Wells Fargo offers and administers programs to help owners like you buy and stay in their homes, accumulate savings, and pass down wealth to future generations.

1. Dream. Plan. Home. SM closing cost credit

Closing costs, such as appraisal fees, processing fees, title-related fees, recording fees, and city, county, or state tax stamps, are a significant amount of cash often overlooked by buyers. The Wells Fargo Dream. Plan. Home. closing cost credit provides up to $5,000 toward nonrecurring closing costs for borrowers with a combined income of up to 80% of the area median income in select areas across the U.S. This credit may be combined with other Wells Far-

go down payment assistance programs and gift funds.

Wells Fargo Home Mortgage consultants are available to discuss your options with you. Call 1-877937-9357 for more information.

2. Homeowner Assistance Fund

If you’re facing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic, you may want to look into the Homeowner Assistance Fund, or HAF, a federal program to help people catch up on past-due mortgage payments and utility bills, and pay other housing

costs, such as homeowners association fees or insurance. The benefits are offered by most states and vary by state, and in most states, the money from HAF is available as a grant, so you don’t have to pay it back. For example, the lifetime cap for HAF assistance in Washington, D.C., is a $120,000 grant per household, while the state of Georgia offers a grant up to $50,000. However, some states may require the money to be repaid under some circumstances, such as if you sell your home before a specified date.

American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian homeowners can receive funds in addition to their state’s program. This fund is not just for members who live on tribal land; some services are available for members of a tribe living outside a reservation.

Visit wellsfargo.com/homeownerassistancefund for more details.

3. Union Plus Mortgage Program

If you’re an active or retired union member or an eligible family member, you may be able to take advantage of the Union Plus mortgage

Home financing options for union families

program, which provides special home financing options, benefits, and interest-free mortgage assistance loans or grants in the event you experience an unexpected loss of income. Call 1-866-807-4154 or visit mortgage.wf.com/unionplus for more information.

4. Housing counseling agencies

Do you feel intimidated by the homebuying process and don’t know where to start? Or do you already own a home and are experiencing financial distress? You don’t have to go it alone. You can talk with a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development housing counselor in your area to get free counseling assistance related to buying or keeping your home. Visit hud.gov/housingcounseling or call 1-800-569-4287. Not sure how much house you can afford? An online mortgage affordability calculator can give you an estimated home price and monthly mortgage payment based on your income, monthly debt, down payment, and location. Go to wellsfargo.com/mortgage/home-affordability-calculator. n

Wells Fargo Executive on a Mission to Close Gap in Homeownership

By Angela Swinson Lee Special to The Informer

For Chuck Bishop the path to homeownership is personal. He didn’t live in a house until he became an adult and bought his own.

As a native of the District of Columbia, he is extremely passionate about helping people get on the path to homeownership.

Bishop, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments, watched his own mother live in the same apartment for the last 42 years and pay a total of $907,000 in rent. “She paid someone else’s mortgage when she could have been growing her own personal assets if she’d fully understood the benefits of homeownership,” Bishop said. “I see firsthand the wealth that's being taken out of our community. My goal is to help more people not have that experience.”

In his role, it is Bishop’s job to expand homeownership opportunities for the underserved communities, which includes people of color and individuals with low to moderate incomes.

“While it sounds really simplistic, it really isn't just that. We have to do the work. I say that because I have the luxury of working for a company that is really committed to this work,” Bishop said.

As Bishop sees it, homeownership is critical for a lot of reasons. “For one, we know that homeownership is the beginning of the creation of wealth. Most people use their homeownership journey as a passageway to legacy opportunities,” Bishop said adding, that some families aim to pass their property to their heirs. “It is often the biggest purchase that many people make, so it also requires some financial discipline.”

Bishop added that social impacts of homeownership exist, and studies – including recent analysis by the Minnesota Housing Center – have shown that children who grow up in a home where their parents are homeowners often do better in school, have a higher graduation rate and a lower truancy rate than children of parents who rent. Those children are also

less likely to suffer from severe childhood disease and sickness.

Even the small things can make a difference, such as being able to paint walls as you like them and hanging items where you would like them in your home. “I didn’t have such luxuries growing up,” Bishop said.

In his day-to-day work, Bishop can be creative in his how he reaches potential customers. He works to bring an informed approach to the marketplace, such as tailored marketing campaigns and educational outreach. He also works with external stakeholders, such as government entities, ethnic real estate organizations and other industry trades.

Internally, his team engages with sales partners and other departments to do what is necessary to have success in the space that he is in.

Bishop says there is lots of work that needs to be done to close the significant gap between white, non-Hispanic and minority homeownership rates that have already existed for decades. In the black community, the homeownership rate lags that of white, non-Hispanic households by 30 percentage points. “It is as wide as it was when discrimination was legal,” Bishop said of the homeownership gap. “It speaks for the need to do continued work in this space.”

Bishop spoke of the policies that existed in years past that did not allow for equity in homeownership. Some deeds couldn’t be transferred to persons of color and the government would not insure loans in communities that housed black people. “There was purposeful redlining done. When you think about it, the homeownership race was started with unequal opportunities, and they lasted for decades, it’s really hard to catch up today,” Bishop said.

In an effort to overcome that gap, Wells Fargo announced a new initiative in April 2022 that included the development of a Special Purpose Credit Program in which the bank committed a $150 million investment initially aimed at helping eligible Black homeowners with mortgages serviced

by the institution to lower their interest rates and reduce monthly mortgage payments without extending their loan term. “We also recognize sustainability. It’s not just about putting people in homes, it’s keeping people in homes who already have them,” Bishop said.

The rate and one-time expenses, such as non-recurring closing costs and the VA funding fee (if applicable), were subsidized by Wells Fargo. More than 2,000 customers have been helped by the program as of May 2023.

Earlier this year, Wells Fargo announced it would launch a Special Purpose Credit Program aimed at helping purchase customers. Other Wells Fargo initiatives include, investing an additional $100 million to advance racial equity in home-

ownership, including partnering with non-profit organizations and community-focused engagements, deploying additional Home Mortgage Consultants in local minority communities and donating more than $390 million to help address housing affordability in the country since 2019.

The bank, through its foundation, also established the Wealth Opportunities Restored through Homeownership, or WORTH, grant program, a $60 million national effort to address systematic barriers to homeownership for people of color. Wells Fargo also recently announced the expansion of the Dream. Plan. Home.SM closing cost credit program, which provides eligible borrowers with an income at or below 80 percent of the area median income where the

property is located up to $5,000 to use toward closing costs in certain markets.

The company also announced Growing Diverse Housing Developers, a $40 million grant initiative focused on expanding the growth and success of real estate developers of color, including Black and Latino-owned firms.

“We are using our resources to empower those who are in the community doing that work,” Bishop said. “I can’t tell you the joy I get out of making a difference in someone’s life when we can create programs and see the tangible effects it has, whether it’s moving the needle in a certain geography for homeownership or from a single family saying, ‘Thank you. We didn’t know we had an opportunity to become homeowners.’” n

“We also recognize sustainability. It’s not just about putting people in homes, it’s keeping people in homes who already have them,” Bishop said.

5 Chuck Bishop, Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments

A Continuum of Solutions

Momentus Capital is a first-of-itskind financial organization that brings together leading organizations rooted in social mission to provide a continuum of financial, social, and knowledge capital at every growth stage to support economic mobility and wealth creation.

● Supporting real estate developers of color with training, mentorship, and financing through our Equitable Development Initiative and Diversity in Development Loan Product

● Providing flexible lending to purchase commercial real estate and build long-term equity through our Impower loan product

● Deploying low-cost and flexible financing to preserve affordable housing through the DHCD Preservation Fund

● Expanding opportunity for local, POC-ownead food businesses to engage in the robust food ecosystem and increase health equity through the Nourish D.C. Fund

How to Keep Seniors Safe at Home

By Rosalind Strickland WI Contributing Writer

“Home is Where the Heart is,” so sang Elvis Presley without even realizing that as people age, many want to remain living in their own homes as long as possible.

Not only is this often more affordable than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility, but it also provides seniors with a sense of independence and comfort, familiar surroundings, and access to the services they need.

However, living at home as an older adult can present unique challenges, such as mobility limitations, vision or hearing impairment, and increased risk of falls.

But with a few modifications, seniors can continue to live safely at home and enjoy their golden years.

AVOIDING THE TRAUMA OF MOVING TO A NURSING HOME

Seniors who stay at home have more control over their lives and schedules than those who move into nursing homes or other facilities. ‘

Moving to a nursing home can be traumatic, involving leaving cherished memories and downsizing.

Additionally, nursing homes can be costly, with expenses increasing for round-the-clock care.

Many seniors prefer to retain assets and stay in their own homes, but this may pose risks for those living alone or with limited mobility.

Thankfully, home modifications can enhance safety and accessibility.

Here are some modifications that can be made to a home to make it safer and more accessible:

BUILDING SELFCONFIDENCE BY MAINTAINING INDEPENDENCE

One of the biggest challenges for seniors is maintaining their independence while also staying safe. Many older adults fear losing their independence and relying on others for help with daily activities. By making modifications to their homes, seniors can maintain their independence and continue to perform daily tasks without assistance. This can help build self-confidence and improve overall quality of life.

MOVING THE BEDROOM TO THE FIRST FLOOR

The bedroom is where seniors spend most of their time, so it is essential to make it safe and com-

fortable. For seniors with limited mobility, climbing stairs can be a major challenge. Therefore, moving the bedroom to the first floor is essential.This eliminates the need to climb stairs to access the bedroom, reducing the risk of falls and making it easier for seniors to navigate their homes. Also, install safe seating in the bedroom. Seniors should have a comfortable chair in their bedroom where they can sit and relax. The chair should have a firm seat and backrest to provide support when getting up or sitting down.

MODIFYING A BATHROOM

The bathroom is one of the most dangerous rooms in the house, especially for seniors. Here is a tip for modifying a bathroom. Install a roll-in shower that has no threshold, making it easier for seniors

to enter and exit and a safe and comfortable space for seniors to bathe. This modification can also make it easier for caregivers to assist seniors with bathing. Also, install grab bars on both sides of the shower to prevent accidents from happening.

INSTALLING SAFE SEATING IN THE SHOWER

Installing safe seating in the shower can provide additional support and stability for seniors while bathing. A sturdy, non-slip shower chair or bench can be a simple yet effective modification that can greatly improve safety in the bathroom. It can also make it easier for seniors to bathe independently.

SENIORS ON PAGE HS 22

creating stability and prosperity for families throughout

we have supported over 6,000 families in becoming

through your homeownership journey:

DCHFA Celebrates 10 years of DC Open Doors

This month, the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its flagship homeownership program DC Open Doors. DC Open Doors makes homeownership in Washington, D.C. affordable by offering qualified buyers home purchase loans, down payment and closing cost assistance.

DCHFA’s Single Family Programs division has a commitment to developing and administering innovative programs that grant all District residents the opportunity to become homeowners. Launched in 2013, DC Open Doors offers deferred repayable loans for a homebuyer’s minimum down payment requirement in addition to below-market interest rates for first trust mortgages for the purchase of a home in the District of Columbia. Qualified firsttime and repeat homebuyers are eligible for the program.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY & REQUIREMENTS:

• Open to both first-time and repeat homebuyers

• Open to all neighborhoods and wards

• Open to both residents and non-residents of DC

• Minimum credit score of 640

• Maximum income of $199,200 (borrower NOT household)

• Maximum debt-to-income

(DTI) ratio of 50%

• Maximum First Trust Loan: $726,200

Borrowers do not have to be first-time homebuyers to use the program; but cannot own another home at the time of closing on their DC Open Doors purchased home. D.C. residency is not a requirement, so long as the home you’re

purchasing is in the District of Columbia. Borrowers can also combine DC Open Doors with other programs, like the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), which DCHFA is a co-administrator of for the DC Department of Housing and Community Development. Throughout Fiscal Year 2022-2023, DCHFA was able to help more than 500 residents become homebuyers with the help of its homeownership programs. The Agency remains committed to launching new programs that increase access to homeownership. DC4ME is another resource aspiring homebuyers can use if they work for the D.C. government. Applicants must be a current fulltime District government employee, including employees of District government-based Instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/ borrower’s employer falls under

the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DCHFA hosts monthly homebuying seminars where people beginning their homeownership journey can come learn about all of these programs that are available to provide financial assistance. At these monthly seminars hosted on the first Wednesday of each

month, attendees also get to hear from a local lender and real estate agent who can walk them through the process, cover topics like credit repair, and let them know why it is never too early to start preparing for a home purchase. Learn more at www.dchfa.org/homeownership. n

America’s Housing Crisis Hammers Those Trying to Buy or Rent

By Barrington M. Salmon Special to The Informer

Anyone trying to buy a house that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, or hoping to land an affordable rental unit knows how difficult and frustrating that goal can be to achieve.

America has been plagued by a severe housing shortage for at least a decade with the COVID-19 global pandemic laying bare the deficiencies in the housing and rental ecosystems. A housing analysis report released by Realtor.com in March laid out the scope of the problem.

According to Realtor.com’s Hannah Jones, housing markets in the U.S. continue to struggle because of a significant shortage of new homes, as a consequence of more than 10 years of under-building relative to population growth.

Jeffrey Hayward, executive vice president and chief administrative officer with FannieMae said in a 2022 article that the causes of the housing supply crisis are widely understood.

“After the Great Recession, new home construction dropped like a stone. Fewer new homes were built in the 10 years [that] ended 2018, than in any decade since the 1960s,” he said. “By 2019, a good estimate of the shortage of housing units for sale or rent was 3.8 million. The pandemic-induced materials and labor shortage exacerbated the trend, however, as evidenced by the surge in rents and home prices in 2021.”

Hayward said increased mortgage interest rates – which The Federal Reserve has used to try to cool inflation – “have already reduced housing demand, particularly for new homes, and a possible economic slowdown could reduce demand further.”

Americans have been dealing with record high inflation and mortgage rates, amid a housing affordability crisis driven by low inventory, alarmingly high rents, and a drop in real wages.

As real estate analysts predicted, the multiple pressure points affect-

ing housing eased this year. According to the National Association of REALTORS, housing affordability had double-digit declines from a year ago in all four regions of the country.

“The South had the biggest decline of 25.3%, followed by the Midwest with a dip of 25.1%. The Northeast experienced a drop in affordability of 22.2%, followed by the West, which fell by 19.2%, the NAR said. “Affordability was up in all regions from last month.”

But even as housing market prices and rents have begun to stabilize and fall in some markets, the supply issue remains acute particularly for low- and moderate-income families.

A U.S. House panel report released in July 2022 said “corporate landlords” evicted tens of thousands of residents last year despite the evictions moratorium implemented during the COVID-19 global pandemic, just as private equity firms and businesses are gobbling up real estate at a record pace.

CHALLENGES FOR RENTERS

Juan Pablo Garnham, Audience and Community Engagement Manager at Princeton University’s Eviction Lab, said those forced to rent now face obstacles because of government policies and business acquisition of property.

"In many parts of the country, there’s … been regulations that limit access to renters and low-income people, which add pressure to the market, including zoning restrictions and limitations for building more units,” Garnham said in a 2022 interview.

He said the rent squeeze is also exacerbated by “more corporate groups and LLCs buying housing in larger numbers, increasing rent prices, making it more difficult for individual buyers to compete, and potentially provoking evictions and displacement."

In a report last year, the National League of Cities (NLC) said the U.S. suffered from a short-

5 Tammie Barrett

Potomac Electric Power Company, 2023

CONTINUED FROM PAGE HS12

age of seven million affordable rental homes. In addition, renters racked up billions of dollars’ worth of debt after falling behind during the pandemic. As a consequence, the NLC said, many cost-burdened households are now spending more than half of their paychecks on rent and utilities, as opposed to the 30% level often recommended by financial planners.

Eliana Roberts Golding, Senior Policy Analyst for Housing and Workforce Development at the DC Fiscal Policy Institute, said it’s a question of economic policy priorities in a society that sees housing as a commodity and not a basic human right. Too many elected officials and policymakers, Golding added, look at housing issues in starkly financial terms.

"For example, renters can’t take any deductions, but mortgage interest deductions are available to those holding wealth through the asset of housing. And there are policy choices on the federal and local levels that we can’t undo,” Golding said.

She described the District of Columbia’s rent control policy as "very outdated," and in need of an overhaul.

"Rent control is a way to temper markets and keep units, but it has remained stagnant and every year, we lose units,” Golding said.

HOUSING CRISIS AND RACE

Golding emphasized it is impossible to discuss the housing crisis

without talking about race. She said the United States has to reckon with the consequences of generations of racially discriminatory policies and programs devised by federal, state and local elected officials, corporations, stakeholders and others that has locked African Americans out of communities using redlining, restrictive covenants and barriers as well as blocking Black people from buying homes, securing loans and mortgages, and limiting the areas of cities and towns where they might live.

“The present system is built on de jure racism, discrimination, segregation and inequity. Certain places received investments and others [Blacks] didn’t," Golding said. "As you’re investing in one place, that increases in value while causing displacement of people unable to afford homes and apartments spurring gentrification.”

Some solutions experts, analysts and advocates offer as ways to address both the housing and affordability crises is for Congress and state lawmakers to move expeditiously to expand America’s housing stock; revamp evictions laws; boost funding for rental assistance to low-income people; and remove exclusionary zoning and other laws which have historically been used to bar primarily Black and brown lower-income residents from living in more well off suburban enclaves and boost their access to jobs, quality, high-performing schools and other features. n

5 With America’s housing shortage affecting affordability both renters and buyers face challenges. (Courtesy Photo)

Navigating the Current Housing Market: The Secret to Purchasing a Home

Submitted by George Mason Mortgage

The current housing market has been plagued by a multitude of challenges that have made it difficult for homebuyers to achieve their dream of owning a home. The pandemic, high interest rates, inflation, and a lack of inventory have all contributed to this challenging situation. However, there is a way to overcome these obstacles and achieve homeownership. The secret to purchasing a home lies in education, affordability, teamwork, and being open to change.

EDUCATION: THE KEY TO SUCCESS

One of the most important factors in successfully purchasing a home is education. Many resources are available to assist borrowers with home buying, and they are

to educate homebuyers on the ins and outs of the process. These classes answer many questions and concerns that homebuyers may have and are a great way to start the homebuying journey. After completing a homebuying class, it is recommended that you contact a lender and a realtor to begin your search for the perfect home.

AFFORDABILITY AND BUDGET: THE FOUNDATION OF SUCCESS

Affordability and budget are the foundation of successful homeownership, especially in the current economy. Having a financial plan is crucial, and having a great mortgage lender can assist you in finding the sweet spot of affordability. This will help you to make a well-informed decision and avoid any financial difficulties down the road.

TEAMWORK IS DREAMWORK: THE IMPORTANCE OF EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS

Having the right experienced team in your realtor and mortgage lender is essential in making the homebuying process go smoothly. Your team should be there for you regarding your questions, suggestions, or concerns. They should guide you through the entire process and be available to help you make informed decisions.

CHANGE: EMBRACING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

Although the current economy has caused the housing market to decline, there are still many resources available for homebuyers. At George Mason Mortgage, we are dedicated to assisting you with

ABOUT GEORGE MASON MORTGAGE: YOUR PARTNER IN HOMEOWNERSHIP

While the current housing market presents a challenging environment for homebuyers, it is still possible to achieve your dream of homeownership. By focusing on education, affordability, teamwork, and embracing change, you can overcome these challenges and

find the home of your dreams. At George Mason Mortgage, we are here to help you every step of the way, and we are committed to working for you. As a digital mortgage lender, we have the technology and security resources to make your home buying experience as smooth and safe as possible. We are dedicated to being your go-to resource. Please feel free to contact us with any questions you may have or to get started on your journey home. n

Contact me with any questions you may have or to get started on your journey home:

Michelle Fields-Hall Senior Loan Officer

NMLS#: 270722

Phone: (443) 798-6112

Email: MFields-Hall@gmmllc.com

www.gmmllc.com/michellefields-hall

program eligibility requirements. HomeReady® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. Mortgage Insurance is required for properties with over 80% loan-to-value. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

UP TO $10,000 FOR DOWN PAYMENT & CLOSING COSTS

Do you dream of owning a home, but have limited funds for a down payment and closing costs? Our Journey Home Grant1 and Welcome Home Grant2 may be the answer to your home buying dreams. Get

visit: www.gmmllc.com/grants

(www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Advertising Notice - Not a Commitment to Lend - Subject to Program Availability. All loan applications subject to credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), programs, rates, fees, closing costs, terms and conditions are subject to change without any notice and may vary depending upon credit history and transactions specifics. Other closing costs may be necessary. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. To be eligible, buyer must meet minimum down payments, underwriting and program guidelines. 1. Subject to Credit Approval. Journey Home Grant is a lender grant and is not available in all market areas. Grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase or refinance of primary residence. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-to-value of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. In addition to Journey Home grant requirements, borrowers must meet Fannie Mae HomeReady program eligibility requirements. HomeReady® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. Mortgage Insurance is required for properties with over 80% loan-to-value. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. 2. Subject to Credit Approval. Welcome Home Grant is a lender grant and is not available in all market areas. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase or refinance of primary residence. For Purchase transactions, grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. For Refinance transactions, up to 3% of appraised value, with a maximum of $10,000 will be applied towards closing costs. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-to-value of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.

George Mason Mortgage, LLC | NMLS ID #: 153400

Don't Forget About the Basics: The Importance of Income, Credit, and Assets in Mortgage

Submitted by George Mason Mortgage

In the world of mortgage lending, it's easy to get caught up in the complexities of interest rates, loan types, and down payments. However, it is crucial not to overlook the fundamentals that form the bedrock of any mortgage application. As a Loan Officer at George Mason Mortgage, I've encountered numerous cases where borrowers focus on the bells and whistles, only to neglect the essentials: income, credit, and assets. In this article, we will explore why these elements are paramount in the mortgage application process and the significance of keeping them in mind.

1. Income: When it comes to securing a mortgage, having a stable employment history and a reliable source of income are vital. Lenders need assurance that borrowers have the means to repay the loan. Employment stability demonstrates a borrower's ability to maintain a

consistent income stream, which is essential for long-term financial commitments such as a mortgage. Regular pay stubs and employment verification documents are often required to establish this stability.

2. Credit: Credit history is a crucial factor in determining mortgage eligibility. Lenders assess credit scores and reports to gauge a borrower's creditworthiness and ability to manage debt responsibly. A strong credit score shows a history of timely payments and responsible credit utilization, indicating a lower risk for the lender. To maintain a good credit standing, it's important to pay bills on time, avoid excessive debt, and monitor credit reports for errors or discrepancies.

3. Assets: Assets play a significant role in the mortgage application process, particularly when it comes to down payments and reserves. Lenders evaluate a borrower's assets to ensure they have the necessary funds to cover upfront costs and demonstrate financial stability. Ex-

amples of assets include savings accounts, investments, and real estate. By maintaining a healthy level of assets, borrowers can increase their chances of mortgage approval and secure better loan terms.

In recent years, the rise of digital payment apps has transformed the way people handle their finances. These apps provide convenient and instant peer-to-peer money transfers, simplifying transactions and making financial management more accessible. However, it's important to note that mortgage lenders typically view funds from these apps differently than traditional bank accounts.

While the apps offer convenience, they may lack the level of transparency and documentation required by lenders during the mortgage application process. Lenders prefer to see a clear and traceable paper trail for funds, ensuring they are obtained from legitimate sources. This can complicate the verification process, as they often display infor-

mal names or usernames instead of proper account information.

When considering using a digital payment app for financial transactions related to a mortgage, it is crucial to consult with your Loan Officer beforehand. They can guide you on the best practices for documenting these transactions and help you navigate any potential issues that may arise. It's advisable to maintain a separate bank account specifically for mortgage-related funds, making it easier for lenders to verify the transaction history.

In the pursuit of homeownership, it's essential not to lose sight of the fundamentals. Income, credit, and assets remain the pillars upon which mortgage lenders evaluate borrowers' financial sta-

bility and capacity to repay loans. Remember to maintain a stable employment history, monitor and improve your credit, and nurture your assets. By paying attention to these basics, you'll be better equipped to navigate the mortgage application process and increase your chances of securing your dream home.

At George Mason Mortgage, we are here to help you every step of the way, and we are committed to working for you. As a digital mortgage lender, we have the technology and security resources to make your home buying experience as smooth and safe as possible. We are dedicated to being your go-to resource. Please feel free to contact me with any questions you may have or to get started on your journey home. n

Levonia Wiggins, Jr. VP, Sales Manager Community Lending

NMLS ID: 104482

O: (240) 268-1924

M: (571) 216-8931

F: (703) 653-8119

700 King Farm Blvd Suite 620 | Rockville, MD 20850

lwiggins@gmmllc.com

Apply online: www.gmmllc. com/levonia-wiggins/

This article is based on the personal opinion and experience of the author and the views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of George Mason Mortgage, LLC. The information is intended solely for the personal non-commercial use of the user who accepts full responsibility for its use; it is provided on an “as is” basis with no guarantees of completeness, accuracy, usefulness or timeliness and without any warranties of any kind whatsoever, express or implied. This article is general in nature and should not be considered to be legal, tax, accounting, consulting or any other professional advice. In all cases you should consult with professional advisors familiar with your particular factual situation for advice concerning specific matters before making any decisions.

Prince George's Home Sales: High Demand Increases Home Values,While Low Supply Decreases Days on Market and Sales

The Prince George's County Association of REALTORS® (PGCAR) reports a Spring Market with high homebuyer demand but limited supply. While “Days on Market” decreased by 31.6% down to 13 days, “Closed Sales” also dropped, from 751 in March to 656 in April. New “Pending Contracts” were steadier, decreasing slightly from 890 in March to 868 in April.

The strong demand for Prince George's County homes at lower supply resulted in more all-time record highs in Median Sold Price and Aver-

age Sold Price for April. Median Sold Price was $419,950, a 1.2% increase over March and a 5% increase over April 2022. Average Sold Price was $435,243, a 2.3% increase over March and a 2.7% increase over April 2022. Contract activity for Prince George's County homes (656 Closed Sales, plus 868 New Pending Sales) greatly outnumbered “Active Listings” (averaging 810 in April) for the fourth consecutive month. This dropped the “Months of Supply” of "for sale" homes to 1.0, meaning that if no new listings are add-

ed, current listings would sell out in one month.

The increased mismatch in April sales activity versus inventory pushed the Contract Ratio (Pending Contracts per Active Listing) higher again to 1.60, an 18.5% increase over March. A rising Contract Ratio shows movement toward a Seller's market. All market indicators point to the continued strength of the Prince George's County home market, especially given the attractiveness and relative affordability of Prince George's County within the greater

Washington, D.C. region.

The lack of inventory to meet the demand for Prince George's County homes is of great concern. Several promising factors are helping Prince George’s market maintain its strength, although greater home inventory is a critical need to be solved.

POSITIVES INCLUDE:

1.  Interest rates are continuing to settle closer to 6%, historically considered a good rate.

2.  With several new home developments nearing completion, a wide range of single-family, condo, and townhome communities will come onto the market throughout the summer.

3. More owners of second or investment homes within the county are seeing the high value of selling.

4. Several new homebuyer savings programs are making the transition from renter to homeowner even more attractive and profitable.

5.  A lower DOM (Days on Market) tends to bring out Sellers who have been on the fence.

As PGCAR president and associate Broker of Keller Williams Preferred Properties, Rachel Jefferies provided insights on the economic and lifestyle benefits of homeownership.

"Prince George's County home sales are once again straining against a limited supply of ‘for sale' homes. A Spring sales surge of 40.6% in March followed by only 780 New Listings in April, further tightened available home inventory,” Jefferies said.

Due to the high demand and low inventory, Prince George's County Sellers are seeing faster sales and higher “Sold Prices.” Home values are strong. In fact, Prince George's County home values reached all-time April record highs. In April, the “Prince George's Median Sold Home Price” rose to $419,950, a 5% increase over 2022. The “Average Sold Price” increased 2.7% over 2022 to $435,243.

Prince George's still enjoys relative affordability within the greater Maryland-DC-Virginia region and is a highly desirable location for homeownership, allowing the county to outperform regional and national market trends.

A GREAT TIME TO SELL AND BUY

Sitting on the fence about selling?

It's a great time to sell! There is unmet homeownership demand at every price point, the April “Median Days on Market” was 13 days, and the “Average Sold Price” to “Original Listing Price" was 99.5%.

IT'S ALSO A GREAT TIME TO BUY!

First, with 30-year interest rates continuing to hover closer to 6%, now might be the ideal time to lock in a mortgage rate and payment. Once locked in, your monthly mortgage payment is protected against inflation.

Second, homeownership remains the greatest indicator of generational wealth. As economic concerns come and go, homeownership can stabilize your costs, steadily build your equity as you pay your mortgage, and is likely to provide a substantial financial gain as home values continue to increase over the next three, five, 10, and 20-plus years. Homes have a long track record of increasing in value over any 10-year period."

"Whether selling or buying, please contact a REALTOR® early in your decision,” Jefferies added. “Let a REALTOR® help set a favorable and realistic budget or price; manage the home searches and showings, inspections, appraisals, and myriad other details; and guide you towards a favorable outcome in buying or selling a home."  Buyers, have valuable discussions with your REALTOR® that help find the right home for you.

An objective professional working on your behalf can reveal more options to discover and best match your most important family, work, and lifestyle desires.

For example - a couple with two children purchased their ideal home. It was a townhome with a spacious common area and neighborhood pool they didn't need to maintain, instead of the single-family home they originally envisioned.

Also, let your REALTOR® introduce you to lenders experienced in a variety of mortgage options and incentives. Several homebuyer programs exist that can lower interest rates or assist with your down payment. There are amazing incentives available for Prince George's County homebuyers, including the $10,000 Pathway to Purchase,

CONTINUED ON PAGE HS19

Mortgage Assistance Program Expansion Estimated to Help More Than 1,000 Additional Marylanders Stay in Their Homes

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development has helped more than 11,000 homeowners behind on housing-related payments, including 6,000 who were facing foreclosure, stay in their homes since the Homeowner Assistance Fund program launched in March 2021. The Department has expanded the program to add an additional option for mortgage servicers to provide eligible homeowners with relief as interest rates have risen and affected the affordability of some loan modifications. The program now is able to fund up to six months of forward payments for eligible applicants and is estimated to help more than 1,000 additional Marylanders.

“The department has quickly adapted the Homeowner Assistance Program to extend its reach given new housing market conditions that didn’t exist when the program started,” said Jake Day, Secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. “This assistance supports long-term, sustainable solutions for homeowners who are still dealing with the aftereffects of pandemic-related hardships.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE HS18

Maryland SmartBuy which allows up to $50,000 in student debt elimination, and numerous others."

THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

PGCAR is the voice for REALTORS® in Prince George's County, Maryland. Representing more than 4,000 real estate professionals in the national capital area, PGCAR is an affiliate of the Maryland and National Association of REALTORS®.

We are proud to serve our members and our community, and work to ensure professionalism in the industry. Our volunteers and staff work to offer services to real estate professionals and to provide avenues for our members to become more successful.

We proudly work to promote and protect homeownership and private property rights.  n

The Homeowner Assistance Fund offers legal assistance, loan modifications with payment of delinquent mortgages, grants to avoid displacement due to property taxes, association and water and sewer fees, and other housing related costs. So far, the program has provided more than $125 million to eligible homeowners, with an average of $17,100 of assistance for each household.

One such homeowner, a Bowie resident, was days away from foreclosure and shared their story on working with the Maryland Homeowner Assistance Fund.

“If it were not for DHCD and its Homeowners Assistance Fund team, I would have lost my home to foreclosure,” the resident wrote to the Department. “I was in a Chapter 13 bankruptcy and fell behind on mortgage payments due to COVID-related income reduction. I had consultations with two lawyers and they both informed me that time was not on my side and to try to sell my house as quickly as possible so I could get some equity out of it, but they were even pessimistic about that. I'm a single parent and was very scared of how losing my home would impact my 12-year-old daughter. My home was about 7 days away from a foreclosure sale when HAF stepped in and processed my application. The foreclosure sale was canceled two days later, and my loan was reinstated. HAF also paid for my water bill arrears! Shout out to HAF for having such amazing staff!”

No additional application is required to be considered for the new forward payment option, and the Department is also reviewing past applications to determine if those homeowners would be eligible for the forward payment option and reaching out to them to offer assistance. For more detailed information on eligibility and to apply for assistance, go to homeownerassistance.maryland. gov.

The HAF program was established by the American Rescue Plan Act enacted in 2021 to help homeowners experiencing financial hardship after January 21, 2020. The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development was awarded a total of $248 million to administer through the program. n

Seven Ways to Protect your Family From Exposure to Lead in Water

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

The District still has about 42,000 water service lines with lead in them, according to a D.C. Council-commissioned report released in September 2022. These pipes can leach the heavy metal into the water used for cooking and drinking. Lead is dangerous even at low levels, especially for children.

DC Water has committed to replacing every lead service line in the District by 2030, but the city will need to make some major changes in order to meet that goal. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis-George and Brooke Pinto both introduced legislation that would make some of those changes. But even in the best case scenario, thousands of D.C. households will wait years to get the lead pipes removed from their homes—and Black and low-income families are more vulnerable to the impacts of exposure. Luckily, there are steps you can take to reduce lead exposure from your family’s water. We spoke to

Dr. Olanrewaju Falusi, a longtime pediatrician at Children’s National in Columbia Heights and a former president of the DC Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, to get her top tips for preventing and watching out for lead exposure in kids.

CHECK YOUR HOME’S SERVICE LINE MATERIAL ONLINE

DC Water maintains an online map of the city’s service lines, which are the pipes that connect water mains to homes and other buildings. You can search for your address to find out what your service line is made of at geo.dcwater. com/Lead/.

Each point on the map has information about the part of the pipe that runs from the water main to the curb, called the “public-side” service line, as well as the “private-side” part of the pipe that runs from the curb to the building. Each building is marked with a circle cut in half. If both halves of the circle

are green, your pipe is fully nonlead. Gray indicates a lead service line, and white indicates that the material is unknown.

If you click on the circle at your address, you can find more specific information on what your service line is made out of. That’s important because pipes made of brass and galvanized iron may still contain lead; in 2020, D.C. Council added them to the service lines slated for replacement.

INSTALL A FILTER AT YOUR TAP OR USE A PITCHER FILTER

If your home’s service lines are lead, brass, galvanized iron, or even copper—which often uses lead solder to join together segments of pipe—it’s a good idea to use a water filter for drinking and cooking, especially if you have children in your household. It’s also important to replace the filters on-schedule, according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Look for filters labeled “NSF Standard 53.” Water filters certified

by the National Sanitation Foundation for that standard keep 99% of lead from reaching the drinking glass or cooking pot. Prices vary, but a 3-month filter that attaches to a faucet head can cost as little as $20.

USE COOL WATER—BOILING YOUR WATER WILL

NOT DECREASE LEAD CONCENTRATION

Lead is more likely to dissolve in warm water. Use cold tap water instead and heat it separately on the stove or in the microwave if it needs to be warm.

However, unlike bacterial con-

Five Ways to Increase Your Home’s Value

Marcia Griffin Homefree USA

855-493-4002

There are many rewards to homeownership. You have a place to call your own, you can leave a legacy to your family and you have a vehicle for building wealth.

However, you may decide that you don’t want to stay in your current house forever. You may choose to move to a bigger house, you may want to relocate to a different city or state or you may simply want to sell your house for a profit.

If you do decide to sell, you want to get as much money for your house as you can. While you can’t control the real estate market, here are some steps you can take to increase the odds that your house will increase in value over time.

Keep the outside looking good. While you may be focused on your kitchen or your family room, the way your home looks on the outside to those who are passing by can affect your house’s worth. Many people are willing to pay more for a house that is attractive to the eye. That also goes for the houses of your neighbors. Houses in neighborhoods where the grass is cut, bushes are trimmed and yards are neat are likely to command a higher sales price than houses that are unkept and appear to be neglected. By taking the time to beautify your outdoor surroundings, you can increase your home’s overall value.

Get rid of inside clutter. Not only can it help to make the outside look appealing, but it can make a difference in your home’s value if you pay attention to how it looks inside as well. If you’re trying to sell your house, potential buyers could be turned off if they’re walking through and see closets stuffed with bags, clothes and other objects. Some potential buyers may not even realize why they’re turned off; they simply may feel like your house is not the one for them. When your house is free from clutter and your be-

longings are stored neatly, your home feels more comfortable. For a potential buyer, that extra comfort could be the one thing that drives them toward sealing the deal.

Advocate for stores, restaurants and leisure activities. Homeowners can benefit from Living near a lot of amenities. People like to have things to do. If your neighborhood has restaurants, stores and other places of leisure, you’re likely to attract buyers that would be willing to pay more money for your home. Neighborhoods near transportation hubs are also likely to attract more buyers. If you already own your home, pay attention to efforts to bring new amenities into your community and support them.

Make renovations that make sense. You may be dreaming about renovating your kitchen, but there is another reason to make the effort: Some renovations can increase the value of your house because potential buyers might be willing to pay more because you made those renovations. Some renovations are more valuable than others.

For example, credit scoring company Experian points out that renovating the kitchen and adding hardwood floors are among the changes that can make a big difference.

Make your home energy-efficient. One thing that many buyers take into consideration when choosing a house

is energy efficiency. If a house uses energy more efficiently that can translate into lower heating, cooling and maintenance costs for the buyer. There are a number of changes you can make to increase your home’s energy efficiency:

• You can upgrade to a smart thermostat that lets you adjust the temperature from anywhere.

• You can replace any windows where you notice drafts of air coming in.

• You can add insulation to your house.

Not only will you enjoy a more comfortable environment by making these changes, you may also be able to get more for your house when it comes time to sell.

Buying your home is only the first part of the journey. You want to make sure your home is kept up so that you can protect your investment and make it grow. If you’re unsure of steps you can take to ensure your house retains and increases value, contact a Homeownership Advisor.

Your home is a key component to your long-term plan for wealth. n

taminants, boiling water does nothing to reduce lead. In fact, it increases the concentration of lead in the water, because some of the water evaporates while the same amount of lead remains.

“If you're mixing up formula, or giving drinking water to babies, and you're using tap water, it’s best to use cold, filtered water,” Dr. Falusi said. “Sometimes people think, ‘Oh, if I boil my water, then it's safer.’ It's actually the opposite for lead.”

GET YOUR CHILD SCREENED FOR LEAD ON TIME: TWICE BEFORE AGE TWO

Children should be tested for elevated levels of lead in their blood once around their first birthday and again around their second. This is the time when children are most

likely to be exposed and the time when lead exposure is most dangerous.

“Even though lead can cause sometimes irreversible brain damage, the quicker we address it, the better the outcomes are for children,” Dr. Falusi said.

Only about a third of D.C.’s children are screened for lead, according to Janet Phoenix, a public health expert focused on environmental-related health issues like lead exposure and childhood asthma. Many District children are tested just before starting kindergarten. By that time, lead levels would have dropped even if the child was exposed earlier, when they were more vulnerable.

CONNECT WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN

Symptoms for lead poisoning are hard to detect, but if your child starts experiencing unusual mood changes, stomachaches, or headaches, reach out to your doctor.

HANDRAILS THROUGHOUT THE HOME

Handrails can be installed throughout the home to provide additional support and stability. This can be especially helpful in areas with stairs or uneven flooring. Handrails can also be installed in bathrooms and near toilets to provide additional support when getting up and down.

NO STEP, LOW OR FLAT THRESHOLDS

No step, low or flat thresholds can also be an important modification to consider. This eliminates the need to step over high thresholds or navigate uneven flooring, reducing the risk of trips and falls. This modification can also make it easier for seniors to move freely around their homes.

IMPROVED LIGHTING

Improved lighting can greatly improve safety in the home, especially for seniors with vision impairments. This can include installing brighter light bulbs, adding additional lighting fixtures, and installing motion-sensor lights in key areas. Improved lighting can

While these symptoms have many different causes, your pediatrician may want to conduct a lead screening test just in case.

“The thing about lead is that no level is really considered safe. And it can be very deceptive because the symptoms are often vague,” Dr. Falusi said. “That's what makes it tough to say, ‘Oh, that is definitely a child who has been impacted by lead.’ We don't know unless we check.”

Check for other sources of lead

In recent years, drinking water rarely causes acute lead poisoning in the District. If your child is experiencing noticeable symptoms, the exposure is more likely to come from paint, soil, or lead objects your child has put in their mouth.

If your house was built prior to 1978, you may want to check your walls for lead paint. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission also keeps track of products recalled for containing too-high lead content.

also help reduce the risk of falls by making it easier to navigate the home safely.

A FEW SIMPLE MODIFICATIONS DO THE TRICK

Living safely at home as a senior can be a reality with a few simple modifications. Avoiding the trauma of moving to a nursing home is achieved by making the home safer and more accessible.

By taking the six steps, seniors can maintain their independence and continue living in their own homes. This can lead to a better quality of life, as seniors are able to stay connected with their communities and maintain their social lives.

Resources from local governments, nonprofits and healthcare providers can assist with the planning and investment required.

Additionally, staying active, eating well, and engaging socially further promote a healthy lifestyle for seniors. This way, seniors remain connected with their communities.

Rosalind Strickland is the owner of Rosalind Strickland Interior Design LLC and is a certified Senior Home Safety specialist. For more information, call: (216) 581-7233.

SENIORS FROM PAGE HS 9

Make homeownership your path to personal and intergenerational wealth

When Black homeownership rates increase, more Black households gain access to a proven way to build personal and intergenerational wealth.

Markets change but that does not mean buying a home is out of reach. At Wells Fargo we can help you navigate the home buying journey during all types of economic cycles.

Our mortgage affordability calculator1 on wellsfargo.com helps you determine which mortgage options best align with your financial goals.

When you are ready to talk, our Home Mortgage Consultants are here to help you create a plan to optimize the benefits of homeownership now and over time.

The Black homeownership rate rose throughout 2022 even in the face of rising mortgage rates, hitting 45.2% in the third quarter - up from 42.7% in 2019. This is the largest point increase of any racial or ethnic group.

Black Male Health is in a Crisis

June is widely known as Men’s Health Month. It is a time of year that men focus on their physical and mental well-being with the aim of prolonging life with a healthy lifestyle. Unfortunately, African American males many times suffer from health disparities that puts them at a disadvantage when trying to live a disease-free life.

There are approximately 21 million Black men in the U.S. However, it is common knowledge in academic and medical circles that African American men consistently suffer worse health conditions and disparities than any other racial group in the country. Statistics reveal the average life expectancy of Black men in the U.S. is 72 years, the shortest lifespan of all groups by race and gender—except Native American men.

The Center for Health of Minority Males in its “Black Men’s Health Handout” reports 38% of Black men 20 years or older are obese; 23% of Black males 18 years and older smoke cigarettes; 40% of Black men 20 years old and older have hypertension; 40% of Black men die prematurely from heart disorders as opposed to 21% of white males; and African American males are five times more likely to die from HIV/AIDS than their white counterparts.

There are several reasons for these disparities in ailments, such as systemic racism, a lack of affordable, quality health care, cultural barriers, poverty, and employment that does not offer health insurance.

Roland J. Thorpe of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg Center for Public Health said some Black men think health repair is more important than health maintenance.

Another reason for Black male reluctance to monitor health is knowledge of the infamous Tuskegee study in which Black men in that city were knowingly withheld treatment for syphilis from 1932 to 1972 to examine its trajectory.

Black men should be urged by their families and friends in fraternal, social, and church groups and at work to monitor their health. This is a solvable problem, with the help of everyone in a Black male’s village.

Pride is More

Than Waving Rainbow Flags, It’s About Addressing Challenges

D.C.’s LGBTQIA+ Community Still Fighting for Equity

Happy Pride Month! It’s June, which means that many businesses and people alike are showing off their Pride by incorporating rainbow colors, sharing stories and moments, and ensuring it's clear they display full support for the LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning/ queer, intersex and allies) community.

All over the District, rainbow flags can be seen hanging in windows and throughout the month are Pride parties and festivities, including the Capital Pride Parade on Saturday, June 10.

With a UCLA report noting D.C. is the U.S. city with the highest LGBTQIA+ population, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasizes that the District has long celebrated its queer community, with the first Capital Pride held in 1975.

“Washington, D.C. is a leader in both LGBTQIA+ and human right6s, and I am proud that our laws reflect our D.C. values,” Bowser wrote in a proclamation. “D.C. has the highest percentage of LGBTQIA+ people in the nation, attracting LGBTQIA+ visitors from across the U.S. and the world to visit and move to Washington, D.C. because of our record as a welcoming and inclusive city.”

Despite having the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQIA+ Affairs and celebrations year round, with such commemorations as Trans Pride, D.C. Black Pride and more, members of the District’s LGBTQIA+ community still face more inequities, violence and challenges than their nonLGBTQIA counterparts.

According to a report as part of the “DC Healthy People 2020” initiative: “LGBT Health in the District of Columbia,” LGBTDistrict adults are more likely to report 15 to 30 days of mental health “not being good, which includes stress, depression and problems with emotions,” in comparison to non-LGBT residents. Also, the report reveals LGBT adults are more likely to be binge drinkers and report that they have used cocaine or heroin; and more likely to have been diagnosed with asthma and depression than their non-LGBT counterparts.

Further, in 2019, the Washington Blade reported that 6% of LGBTQ residents are unemployed and uninsured, 19% are food insecure and 18% have income less than $24,000.

Nationwide statistics show young LGBTQ people face higher statistics of rejection, violence, suicide and homelessness in comparison to their non-LGBTQ peers, according to the Annie E.

Pretty in Pink

Wow! The Pretty in Pink party looked fabulous! I enjoyed the photographs seeing our people shining and living life to the fullest!

Monique Johnston Washington, D.C.

Lyte as a Rock

Shout out to MC Lyte for continuing to carry the torch of female rap from the Golden Era of hip-hop! With the musical artform in its 50th year, it's important to honor the legends and educate the young people. Respect.

Khalif Terry Seat Pleasant, Md.

Casey Foundation. The foundation also reported that LGBTQ youth are overrepresented in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems, and more likely to drop out of school than their classmates.

Moreover, while trans violence is rampant throughout the country and world, Black trans people are disproportionately affected, according to Human Rights Watch, with at least 88% of the transgender people killed in Florida, 91% in Ohio and 90% in Texas being people of color.

As the world, nation and city rallies from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the District’s most marginalized communities, including the LGBTQIA+ community, continue to feel the burn of poverty, food insecurity, violence, and lack of access to housing, healthcare

and behavioral and mental health services. Combined with homophobia, hate crimes and hurtful stigmas, D.C.’s LGBTQIA community still must fight to make their voices heard and address challenges to improve disparities and inequities.

So this June, as you celebrate Pride from up close or from a distance, remember there’s more to the commemoration than rainbows and parades, it’s a time of year to show support for a community who has been historically marginalized and continues to face issues today. It’s a moment to celebrate how far LGBTQIA+ rights have come, while also acknowledging there’s more progress to be made in the fight for true equity. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Mama, Oh Mama

I have heard men talk about when their attitudes about women changed and usually this revealing moment comes when they found themselves looking into the eyes of their firstborn daughter. It's like the moment the Grinch has in the Christmas movie, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The Grinch was a "mean one!"

He was miserable and he wanted everyone else to be miserable also. You know, "misery loves company." Well, I believe happiness loves company too, and while I want to spread love and happiness in the midst of the societal ills we are dealing with, I also want to spread justice, equality, consequences and repercussions. It would help if the Grinches of this world would have an attitude adjustment, a change of heart.

All I can say is, "WOW!"

Which brings me to my truth.

Guest Columnist

Wear Orange

May 29 was Memorial Day in the United States, and the long weekend that is traditionally observed with shared American remembrance made headlines again for the shared all-American epidemic of gun violence. The nonprofit Gun Violence Archive, which keeps track of American gun violence incidents, noted there were at least 175 people killed and

another 496 injured during the Memorial Day weekend, and 20 mass shootings in which four or more people were injured or killed. This included the mass shooting on a crowded beachside promenade in Hollywood, Florida, that injured nine people, including four children, the youngest just 1 year old. Other shootings happened during neighborhood or community conflicts. Many happened at home, with a family member's own gun. The Gun Violence Archive now calculates that more than 17,000

Guest Columnist

Cheryl Smith

Parenting is hard. There's no play book or guide. When you're in school there are so many things that you can't be taught and so you spend a significant portion of your life in a trial-and-error mode. Fortunately for me, my mother lived long enough for me to "get it," to have an understanding of many of the "whys" we lived through and that I questioned. The Fresh Prince rapped, "Parents Just Don't Understand." I submit that children don't understand either!

Entertainer, activist Harry Be-

lafonte was interviewed by journalist Roland Martin and talked about his mom's journey, which was challenging. He said he came to understand her better and elaborated about the significance of counseling. It is important and I highly recommend it. I am also grateful that l had that "Grinch moment" because it cemented my relationship with my mother, woman to woman. Later that year, when she transitioned, her celebration was scheduled for my birthday.

Marian Wright Edelman

people have died so far this year in the U.S. from guns, including more than 100 children under age 12.

June is National Gun Violence Awareness Month, and June 2-4 is Wear Orange Weekend to join thousands of others across the country calling for an end to gun violence in all of its forms, including domestic violence, suicide, and city gun violence. The Wear Orange movement began in honor of Hadiya Pendleton, an honors student and drum majorette who

David W. Marshall

was shot and killed on a Chicago playground in January 2013 just days after she had performed in President Obama's second inaugural parade. As President Obama gave his State of the Union speech that year, he remembered Hadiya: "She was 15 years old. She loved Fig Newtons and lip gloss. … She was so good to her friends, they all thought they were her best friend. Just three weeks ago, she was here, in Washington, with her classmates, performing for her country at my inauguration. And a week

America's Progression Toward Self-Destruction

of Commerce and the United Way sent a joint letter to every member of Congress and Obama urging them to end the shutdown.

Each election cycle we get closer. In 2013, the nation experienced a 16-day federal government shutdown when the Republicans demanded the government's spending bill include provisions which would impede or delay President Barack Obama's Affordable Care Act. In the midst of the 2013 shutdown, the AFL-CIO, the U.S. Chamber

They wrote, "As leaders of the business, labor and the nonprofit sector, we are writing to urge you to end the federal government shutdown immediately. Our country is navigating the most challenging economic time in a generation. While we may disagree on priorities for federal policies and we even have conflicting views about many issues, we are in complete agreement that

the current shutdown is harmful and the risk of default is potentially catastrophic for our fragile economy. … Our three disparate sectors share a common view — no one benefits from the current shutdown and everyone will be harmed if the government defaults. It is in the interest of our nation that Congress restore the normal functioning of our political process, fund the government immediately and quickly move to restore the impasse over the debt ceiling limit."

The letter was signed by AFL-

CIO President Richard Trumak, Chamber President and CEO Thomas Donohue and United Way Worldwide U.S. President Stacey Stewart.

While the 2013 shutdown eventually ended, Congress has yet to permanently restore a sense of normality to its political procedures. When the next government shutdown occurred in 2018, both chambers of Congress and the White House were controlled by the same party — Republicans. The 35-day shutdown, which was the longest

I remained close-mouthed because I didn't want anyone saying I was trying to run things. Then a lightbulb went off and someone said, "That's Cheryl's birthday, we need to change it." When I protested a change, I was told that every birthday I was going to remember "Mother." My response was that every day I was going to remember her, so it didn't matter. As I spoke at her service, I said, "It was a Friday, June 20 when

SMITH Page 53

later, she was shot and killed in a Chicago park after school, just a mile away from my house."

As a sixth grader, Hadiya had appeared in an anti-gang video to encourage other young people to avoid gang violence, saying, "It's your job as students to say 'no' to gangs and 'yes' to a great future." Hadiya could have meant a future like her own; the talented high school sophomore was excelling at her college preparatory school,

in U.S. history, was caused by a funding dispute over the U.S.-Mexico border wall. While government shutdowns seriously affects small businesses working with the federal government, routine government operations in addition to thousands of federal workers, it's been proven to be an effective political weapon used by Republicans when in power. It's a reckless weapon that tells the American public, "I don't care about the national consequences as

Guest Columnist

Targeted Treatment

in her/his character. One of those traits without the other is a recipe for poor governance. Too many of our current "leaders" share that fault.

One of the most important questions a "thinking and responsible" citizen must ask is, "Who governs me?" Active participation in the governance of others is a solemn responsibility of which only a few are worthy. Without question, to present oneself for such a position requires a well-developed sense of self-esteem AND the humility of acknowledging the great trust placed

Several days ago, I watched a television program that listed numerous politicians and the institutions of higher learning they attended. Since most of the universities attached to the subjects of the program were considered the "cream of the crop" of higher learning, I only wondered, if those schools are so good, how did some of these people get in, and more worrisome is, how did they graduate?

Columnist

I judge the quality of formal education by the ability of the student to move with skill and alacrity in familiar circumstances and adaptively in those in which they lack familiarity or experience. This is essential for effective governance, especially in a nation as culturally and geographically diverse as ours. It is more of a necessity for those whose formal education is limited in depth and detail.

Among those on the referenced program were Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who attended Princeton University and received a law degree from Har-

Marc H. Morial

vard; Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), who attended Stanford and received a law degree from Yale; John Kennedy (R-La.), who attended Vanderbilt and received his law degree from the University of Virginia; Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) who attended Harvard and Harvard Law School; Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), who attended Harvard; and Matt Gaetz (R-Fla.), who attended the State University of Florida and the Law College of William and Mary. I must also mention Ron DeSantis, who attended Harvard, Yale, and the Naval Justice School. Others among these "question-

ables" attended Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Princeton, and Dartmouth. Non-Ivy League graduates like Donald Trump (University of Pennsylvania), Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) (University of Georgia), and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) (Stanford) and also besmirch the academic character of their alma maters.

Among "leaders" with no, limited or questionable academic credentials: Lauren Boebert (R-Colo.), who recently received her GED; WILLIAMS Page 54

Celebrating 20 Years of Upholding a Tradition as 'The Voice of Black America'

of leadership of the National Urban League -- one of which is the honor to author this very column, To Be Equal, established by the esteemed Whitney M. Young Jr.

"Show me a person who is full of prejudice, and I will show you a sick, unhappy, fearful individual who is not going anywhere and who is not growing. People don't shut other people out; they fence themselves in." —

Whitney M. Young Jr.

It was 20 years ago this week that I humbly assumed the responsibilities

The column shares its name and takes its inspiration from Young's first full-length book, published on New Year's Day 1964, in the wake of what Young called "the year of the Negro Revolution," a year that saw thousands of children, marching through Birmingham, Alabama, attacked by police dogs and blasted with firehoses; the Woolworth's lunch counter sit-in

Guest Columnist

in Jackson, Mississippi; Gov. George W. Wallace's Stand in the Schoolhouse Door at the University of Alabama, the assassination of Medgar Evers, the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice, and the deadly bombing of Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church.

The first To Be Equal column to be published in New York's Amsterdam News was headlined, "How Much Are Negroes Worth?" Young recounted his conversation with "a middle-aged white housewife" who declared she harbored no prejudice against Black

A President for Every American

In his Jan. 20, 2021, inaugural address, President Joe Biden pledged an administration that looks like America and to "fight as hard for those who did not support [him] as for those who did." It is clear and convincing that President Biden has kept those promises.

I often say the 117th Congress was the most productive since the

89th and 90th Congresses, which enacted President Lyndon B. Johnson's vision of a "Great Society" and led to his appointment of the first Black American, Thurgood Marshall, to the United States Supreme Court.

In addition to keeping his promise to appoint the first Black woman to the Supreme Court, President Biden has signed into law bold and history-making legislation, to include the American Rescue Plan (ARP), the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the

CHIPS and Science Act (C&SA), the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act (BSCA), and the Honoring Our PACT Act.

The ARP pulled us out of the trenches of the COVID-19 pandemic by investing $350 billion to help state, local, and tribal governments fight the pandemic and build a strong and equitable recovery. We expanded access to health insurance, reopened schools and businesses safely, and expanded the Child Tax Credit, which cut child poverty

Americans but could not comprehend the push to desegregate schools. "Her arguments against school integration, it turned out, were directed against sending her children to slum schools," Young wrote. "But supposedly there is nothing wrong with sending Negro children to slum schools."

The last To Be Equal column published under Young's byline ran three weeks after his tragic March 11. 1971, drowning in Nigeria and consisted of excerpts of his various speeches. The last column he authored, also published after his death and headlined

"Old Story, New Beginning," concerned his efforts as part of a special commission tasked with updating the recommendations of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission.

"The Kerner report's sound recommendations have been ignored, and concerned citizens are going to have to put some muscle into their principles if this nation is to survive," Young wrote. "The Kerner Commis-

Page 54

nearly in half.

The IIJA ushered in over $220 billion in funding and 32,000 specific projects or awards, reaching over 4,500 communities across all 50 states, D.C., and territories in 18 months. The C&SA is strengthening our supply chains and has put us on the fast track to reclaiming our place as a leader in manufacturing on the world stage.

The IRA capped the cost of insulin for Medicare Part D recipients at $35 a month, includes the largest U.S. investment in the fight against

the climate crisis ever, and will cut the deficit by an estimated $300 billion.

The BSCA has helped reform policing by investing in community-based violence prevention programs, children and family mental health services, protections for victims of domestic abuse, and support for state red flag laws.

The PACT Act provided our toxic-exposed Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with access to lifesaving

Page 54

Guest

Rep. James E. Clyburn CLYBURN

E. Faye Williams MORIAL

LIFESTYLE

WIN-TV Live interview. “They want to sign along and at the same time, not be delayed a few bars back. And that's the art and the work that we do.”

With a lineup that included the likes of: Usher, Lauryn Hill with a surprise appearance by The Fugees, The Isley Brothers, Ari Lennox, Eve, Busta Rhymes, Lil Uzi Vert, Backyard Band, Rare Essence and The Roots, as well as podcast stages, Roots Picnic had a lot going on, which meant the interpreters had their work cut out for them.

“People need us to be clear. People need to be well versed in both English and American Sign Language in order to interpret the message and in real time,” Sanders said.

Preparation for the festival began months ago.

“These interpreters are already practicing once The Roots put out on their social media the artists,” Sanders

explained. “We immediately begin thinking which artists we can do or cannot… So what I try to do is ensure that we're maximizing everybody's potential, and matching everybody's skillset with the artists that will bring the best out of them.”

Even for the best festival interpreters, practice is important. Studying the artists is key as the sound could be muffled or performers could turn their microphones towards the audience and have fans showcase knowledge of the lyrics.

“It's not just because they're skilled, they literally put the work in practice, time and time again,” Sanders said, adding that the interpreters also use prep materials like memorizing lyrics and watching artists’ live performance footage. “Many times they put the interpreters in what we call ‘a dead space,’ which is right next to the speaker. And they don't they don't give us a monitor. We may have headsets but

we are just in a dead space. So you really have to know the music… to the point where we know that we know nothing is going to knock us off our square. Which is why I need the best interpreters in D.C.”

Sanders is not new to the importance of interpreting. He told the Informer he’s been doing it practically since birth.

“I came out the womb and had to tell my mom that the doctor said I was a boy,” he said jokingly. “I don't know when I started professionally, per se. I think there was a lot of volunteering going on and being voluntold going on before I transitioned into making this a full career. And now I'm just at a beautiful place where I get to build bridges for a lot of other Black interpreters.”

Increasing Diversity in Interpreting, Culturally Aware Interpreters

African Americans represent a small percentage of interpreters and Black men account for an even smaller portion. According to 2023 Zippia statistics women make up 75.9% and men 24.1% of the ASL interpreter pool. The same Zippia report reveals that African Americans represent 7% of ASL interpreters, while 53.4% are White, 22.9% are Latinx, 11.8% Asian, 4.5% unknown and .4% American Indian and Alaska Native.

“Statistically speaking, Black men represent less than 1% of the entire interpreting profession– less than 1%,” Sanders emphasized. “Black women make up about 6 to 7% of the entire profession. This team, ironically, has five Black men and one amazing Black woman. You're usually going to find that the ratio is the other way around on larger platforms.”

Having culturally aware interpreters is integral for festivals such as Roots Picnic.

“Seeing a group of ASL interpreters that look like me, who also move and groove to the music like I would, makes me proud that our hearing impaired family can have a similar experience as those of us who are hearing-abled,” said Tierra R., 33, a D.C. native living in Philadelphia, who attended Roots Picnic. “[Those who are deaf and hard of hearing] are not left out of the full experience of a music festival. They get to have an enhanced experience with an elevated level of artistry, complimenting the talented artist they paid to see.”

For the Washingtonian living in Philly, it was a proud moment to know that the interpreters hailed from her hometown, and added that all people can appreciate witnessing their work.

“I think everyone enjoys seeing sign language performed, and it gives awareness that our society needs to make this skill more accessible to learn in order to accommodate our…communities.”

Sanders said the District and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is leading the way in ensuring there are ASL accommodations and applauded her establishment of the Office of the Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard of Hearing.

“The D.C. mayor has done a wonderful job– shout out to Muriel Bowser. She has done an amazing job in ensuring accessibility and representation. She demands that we have deaf interpreters at her press conferences. That's the first mayor I know that has done that,” adding that the mayor also has staff interpreting positions.

“I think D.C., as a whole, is leading the way in ensuring actual accessibility and representation and moreso equity of all things, so people have a voice at the table and not are spoken for or seen about. But they have you know they have a vested interest. And that's what I see throughout the entire community,” Sanders said. “I expect to see interpreters anytime I go anywhere in public. I expect to see interpreters when I show up to a rally… and I expect to see Deaf people in the audience.”

While the nation’s capital has been intentional about incorporating interpreters, artist Phonte, of the North Carolina Hip Hop group Little Brother– who performed Sunday at Roots Picnic– said ASL interpreters should always be readily available for musical events.

“Music is vibrations. Even if you can’t hear it, you can feel it. In the case that you’re deaf and someone is signing it, you can see it. I think it’s important for festivals now– you have to meet people wherever they are,” said Phonte. “If [people are] differently abled, if they’re hearing impaired, seeing impaired, whatever, you just want to do everything you can to make sure you give everyone in your festival the ability to experience it.”

The seasoned interpreter emphasized the importance of ensuring all kinds of people and voices are represented, recognized, uplifted and empowered.

“It is imperative that all our voices are heard, whether it's through verbal conversation or through our hands.”

5 Lauryn Hill served as the headliner during Roots Picnic on Saturday, June 3, where fellow Fugees members Wyclef Jean and Pras made a surprise appearance. (Courtesy photo/Roots Picnic 2023-Taylor Hill/Getty)

ROOTS from Page 1

Messages From ‘What’s Going On’ Remain Important

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) celebrates the 50th anniversary of “What’s Going On,” the iconic album by D.C.’s native son Marvin Gaye. With the “What’s Going On, Now,” concert is on June 16 and 17 at the Kennedy Center, NSO will feature a group of top vocalists interpreting Gaye’s lyrics in new arrangements for songs from his best-selling album as well as other songs recorded by the “Prince of Motown.”

Local poets and writers from organizations “826DC,” “Shout Mouse Press,” and “Words, Beats & Life,” will put their spin on Gaye’s messages. The youth poets range in age from middle school to college and their performance is coordinated by Marc Bamuthi Joseph, a spoken-word poet who is the Kennedy Center’s vice president and artistic director of social impact.

This upcoming performance at the Kennedy Center has been in the making for quite some time, according to Principal Pops Conductor Steven Reineke. There have been few instances that Gaye performed “What’s Going On” in its entirety, except for one legendary exception, which was at the Kennedy Center with the symphony on May 1, 1972.

“It was called ‘What’s Going On

– Live’,” said Reineke. “He was very nervous and almost pulled out at the last minute. Now we are doing it with incredible vocalists joining us.”

The lineup of vocalists will take the concert beyond “What’s Going On” to honor Gaye’s impact on culture through his other hits, including his work with Tammi Terrell. Some of the women vocalists include Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and Destiny’s Child member Michelle Williams and Grammy-nominated pop/ soul star Emily King. Male vocalists scheduled to perform are singer, songwriter and producer Bilal, three-time Tony and Grammy-nominated Broadway star Joshua Henry, internationally renowned keyboardist, singer and former member of Snarky Puppy Cory Henry, and three-time Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Luke James.

The Marvin Gaye tribute brings Henry back to the Kennedy Center. The Hamilton star will release a new single on June 30 called “Burning Up.”

“The cast is incredible with so many people I’ve admired, and to do it for the icon and the legend that is Marvin is an honor. Between him and Donny Hathaway, they have developed my sound as a singer.”

For ticket information, visit the Kennedy Center website at https:// www.kennedy-center.org

5 WHAT’S GOING ON Album cover

More help with your energy bill. More peace-of-mind.

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Hang On With Mosaic’s ‘one in two’

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Three actors make up the entire ensemble of multiple characters in Mosaic Theater’s latest play, “one in two,” and each performance it’s never the same production. Determined by an audience vote that will impact what happens with the characters, the actors take on different roles every show. To identify the performers, they each have a number for the night as number one, number 2, or number three. Sounds confusing? It can be, but it gives the audience incentive to see this revealing play more than once.

“It’s literally like rehearsing the play three different times,” said director Raymond O. Caldwell. “They have to know everything.”

“one in two” is a D.C. premiere from award-winning playwright Donja R. Love inspired by his own HIV diagnosis. The play takes the audience on a journey of a man being diagnosed as HIV-positive. There is a roller coaster of laughs and heartbreak as family and lovers need to be told, keeping up with counseling and medications, plus trying to figure out how to manage day-to-day life.

The cast of “one in two” includes Ryan Jamaal Swain, an alumnus of Howard University. Swain rose to fame as the central character “Damon” on the popular FX show “Pose.” Rounding out the cast of three are Justin Weaks and Michael Kevin Darnall.

The acting is superb. It is hard to imagine how the cast copes with not knowing the role they will undertake until the opening lottery. Before settling into the storyline, the actors go

back and forth joking with each other to figure out their approach. As the play evolves, Swain, Weaks and Darnall give honest and smart depictions as characters playing a mother, a nurse, a bartender, a quick hook-up guy, and participants in an HIV counseling group.

Scenic designer Nadir Bey deserves major kudos for the efficient set he created. For each scenario in the play, the actors are required to move the set to fit the action.

“I asked Nadir to build me a playground that felt like a system,” Caldwell said.

Caldwell is well-known in the D.C. theater community with directing credits at Signature Theatre, Round House Theatre, Imagination Stage, The Kennedy Center, National Players/Olney Theatre, Solas Nua, CulturalDC, and African Continuum Theatre. The award-winning director, writer, and producer led D.C.’s Theater Alliance as producing artistic director. His approach to “one in two” gave Caldwell something different to tackle.

“I’m always looking for plays to produce that are not conversations we’re having about Black people,” Caldwell said. “I think sometimes our conversations or our ideas about Black people in America are monolithic.”

“one in two” is 90-minutes and moves quickly. A drawback is that depending on where you are sitting, it might be hard to hear the dialog if an actor has his back to you. Get a seat in the middle section. Again, “one in two” is at Mosaic Theater Company of DC until June 25. For ticket information, visit https://mosaictheater.org WI

5 (L-R) Ryan Jamaal Swain, Justin Weaks, and Michael Kevin Darnall in Donja R. Love’s “one in two” now at Mosaic Theater until June 25. (Courtesy photo/Chris Banks)

IN Series Honors

Lawrence Brownlee at Denyce Graves Awards Gala

Evening Celebrates Bold, Brave Artists and Arts Advocacy

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Entertaining Washington area audiences with innovative, exciting, engaging and thought provoking opera, is what IN Series has been about since its founding by Carla Hübner in 1982; and at the arts organization’s gala on May 23 at Planet Word Museum in Northwest, D.C., it was evident the legacy of inspiring through art continues. In a post-pandemic world, IN Series Artistic Director Timothy Nelson has furthered and elevated the organization’s mission of “disrupting expectations” and “deepening the conversation,” with the Denyce Graves Awards Gala, which not only honors artistic achievements but salutes arts advocacy and bravery.

Tenor Lawrence Brownlee, 50, is the first recipient of the Denyce Graves Award, and while the award’s namesake couldn’t be present, she offered a statement emphasizing why the tenor was the perfect person to receive the honor.

“He has already left an indelible mark on our industry and in addition, he’s a down-to-earth-, fun, un-tenory, kind of tenor,” a spokesperson read on Graves’ behalf– which was answered with a roar of laughter. “Larry sees his platform and career as tools to use for good, which resonates with me because during the pandemic, artists were made aware, more than ever, that we must contribute to elevate people, raising consciousness, and healing.”

The renowned mezzo-soprano, who grew up in Washington, D.C., emphasized the importance of arts advocacy, and noted that the award acknowledges artists who are also changemakers.

“What really thrills me is that the award recognizes current, worldclass artists, who view their careers as opportunities to sing into the light… using repertoire to advocate for equity and justice. We cannot dismiss history and we cannot avoid the truth. What do we do? We can

present programs for the purpose that speak to the times in which we live,” she said, before highlighting IN Series’ bold work and highlighting the evening’s guest of honor.

“Thank you, IN Series for awarding my name and a tremendous artist like Lawrence Brownlee as the first recipient.”

Brownlee has spent more than two dozen years in show business ensuring he shows up as his best self, offering his unique flair and proudly advocating for diversity, equity and inclusion not only in classical music, but across the arts and all fields— values he said that began as an adolescent in church and continued through college. The singer isn't new to arts advocacy, but the pandemic became an opportune time to ensure his voice was heard even when opera houses were dark.

“Of course we all witnessed George Floyd and industry leaders started to reach out to me to say, ‘Where is it, what can we do, to make the change? How can we be advocates, allies for what you seem to be speaking out for?’ And I said, I will take that challenge on and I want to be… not that I have all the answers, but to be a voice that people can begin to work together to find our way so that we can find more equity,” the celebrated artist emphasized.

“I want to see the audience be like it is today,” Brownlee added, referencing the diverse, intergenerational gala crowd. “This place is so beautifully diverse, and people are getting along, because that is just part of society.”

Brownlee encouraged the young artists in the room to continue on their artistic journeys with the goal of bettering the world.

“I witnessed all of the young singers here tonight... Great, keep going,” he said. “I applaud you. I pray for you. I want you all to see your dreams to the fullest.”

In outstanding, unforgettable and unique performances artists wowed the audience in a night that also included a cocktail reception and opportunity to view the Planet Word Museum and delectable, filling three-course dinner.

Soprana Teresa Ferrara, an IN Series artist who, like Graves, grew up in the D.C. area and attended her alma mater Duke Ellington School of the Arts was one of the singers for the evening’s festivities.

“I sang a spiritual ‘I Hear Music Over My Head,’ which is one of my favorite pieces of all time. I first heard Kathleen Battle sing it and it's very near and dear to me,” Ferrara told the Informer. “I've sung it at a number of events, actually, for the IN Series, and it's very meaningful to me, and I'm so grateful to have opened the evening with it tonight.”

Ferrara said it was an honor to perform at an event celebrating, not only the engaging work of IN Series, but the important work of the phenomenal talent that is Brownlee.

“The fact that I am in here in a room and a space honoring Lawrence Brownlee, honestly it feels like a dream to me because of everything that he has done,” she said.

“It's a dream to be here to honor him, to honor his work, to honor his legacy.”

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Old Town Arts & Crafts Fair

Taste of Del Ray

Portside in Old Town Summer Festival sponsored by Ting Internet

Juneteenth African American History Bus Tour with Manumission Tour Company

USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration

10th Annual Old Town Pub Crawl hosted by Port City Brewing Company

Beats, Bites and Brews in Old Town Alexandria (at John Carlyle Square)

Best of the West by West End Business Association

Del Ray Bands and Brews Summer Bar Crawl

Around the World Cultural Food Festival

5 Guest of honor, tenor Lawrence Brownlee, receives his award at the IN Series Denyce Graves Awards Gala on May 23 at Planet Word Museum in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo) IN SERIES from Page 36

4

High School Students Prove to Be Seasoned Jazz

Musicians

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Entering the stage wearing jackets, shirts, and ties, while the audience members could see it was a group of younger guys, many had no idea these were high school musicians. These young musicians were members of the Herbie Hancock Institute Peer-to-Peer jazz education program.

Introducing the Institute’s National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Sextet at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown was JB Dyas, Ph.D., vice president for Education and Curriculum Development at the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz.

Dyas went on a 13-city recruitment tour to find the young musicians in this Peer-to-Peer group. The six students completed a week of performing at high schools throughout Virginia and spoke to students about their study of jazz and career aspirations.

“These kids are fantastic. They have gone through a set of adversities that we have not seen in a long time,” said Dyas. “They’ve gone through the pandemic. But they have a certain level of coalescence that they have found with one another.”

The junior and senior high school students opened with Hancock’s hit “Cantaloupe Island,” and the group’s setlist included songs by a variety of composers, including Cyrus Chestnut, who is an award-winning pianist and professor at Howard University. The set ended with a rousing rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Higher Ground.”

Performing with the sextet on several songs was Kansas City jazz and blues and past winner of the Institute’s International Jazz Vocals Competition, Lisa Henry. Also playing with the sextet was Sean Jones, a globally acclaimed trumpeter, band leader and jazz educator at the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.

The members of the all-star sextet selected to participate in the Virginia tour and Blues Alley concert were saxophonist Leo Milano, age 18, from Chicago; trombonist Evan Dexter age 17, from Los Angeles;

guitarist Leo Sandoval, age 17, from Houston; bassist Camara Dupree age 17, from New Orleans; and pianist Jose Andre Montano, age 17 and drummer Kevin Kearney, age 17, both students at the Duke Ellington School for the Arts in the District.

Five members are graduating high school seniors with their college careers already set. Milano will attend the University of the Pacific, Dupree will attend Louisiana State University, Dexter is going to the Manhattan School of Music, and both Kearney and Sandoval are scheduled to go to Peabody Conservatory.

From the standing ovation received by the group at the end of their set, the future is bright for these talented jazz musicians. They were all smiles and obviously thrilled with the audience’s response. Like past students in the Hancock Institute Peer-to-Peer jazz education program, Dyas will keep an eye on these students.

“Those of us that are in education, it’s important for us to help them stay together,” Dyas said. WI

Three members of the Herbie Hancock Institute’s National Peer-to-Peer Jazz Sextet are (L-R) bassist Camara Dupree, age 17, from New Orleans; trombonist Evan Dexter age 17, from Los Angeles; and saxophonist Leo Milano, age 18, from Chicago performing at Blues Alley in Georgetown (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

“These kids are

fantastic. They have gone through a set of adversities that we have not seen in a long time,” said Dyas. “They’ve gone through the pandemic. But they have a certain level of coalescence that they have found with one another.”

Summer Sounds at Strathmore

FROM INSIDE THE MUSIC CENTER TO OUTSIDE ON THE LAWN, THERE’S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE THIS SEASON

Summer is heating up at Strathmore, with a diverse lineup of musicians, dancers, and performance artists set to entertain audiences of all ages.

Throughout June, the Concert Hall will host a series of shows that highlight the diversity of artistic expression in the Black community, starting with Grammy-winning Beninese singer-songwriter, Angélique Kidjo. World-music icon Kidjo will bring her acclaimed global sound back to the DMV on June 15—a fusion of West African traditions with elements of American R&B, funk, and jazz, as well as European and Latin American influences.

Four days later, Strathmore and Step Afrika!, one of most acclaimed African American dance companies in the world, celebrate Juneteenth with the high-energy Step Xplosion. The performance, now in its 8th year at Strathmore, honors stepping’s rich roots in the Black fraternity and sorority experience. This year’s performance features the return of in-person regional step teams and an explosive new work rooted in the resilience and determination of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Resilience is also a theme of Parable of the Sower, a musical adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s sci-fi Afrofuturist masterpiece. Created by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon, the fully staged congregational opera, which sold out twice last year, incorporates 200 years of Black music, including rock, blues, and gospel.

When July arrives, music at Strathmore will move outside. This summer’s free Live from the Lawn concert series offers 11 performances that will have audiences on their feet—when they’re not relaxing on picnic blankets with snacks and drinks.

LIVE FROM THE LAWN LINEUP

Fellow Pynins

Wed, July 5 | 7pm

The award-winning duo of Dani Aubert and Ian George will take audiences on a whimsical journey through folk originals and reworked traditional ballads gathered from their travels.

Chopteeth

Wed, July 12 | 7pm

This 11-piece Afrofunk orchestra, a 14-time Wammie-winning group, explores the common groove between West African tribal music and James Brown-inspired rhythms.

Cool Concerts for Kids: Falu’s Bazaar

Thu, July 13 | 7pm

Grammy-winner Falu and her band celebrate the instruments, languages, and cultures of South Asia in a trilingual celebration of diversity for young audiences.

Cecily

Wed, July 19 | 7pm

Known for her reflective lyrics, the DC-based singer-songwriter’s rich sound comes from her deep appreciation for mid-century soul, jazz, ‘90s R&B, and folk music.

Cool Concerts for Kids: Sonia De Los Santos

Thu, July 20 | 7pm

The Mexican songstress shares stories about her favorite things—including birds, friendship, and chocolate—in this bilingual interactive celebration of Latin American musical traditions.

Carly Harvey

Wed, July 26 | 7pm

DC’s Queen of the Blues, Harvey combines blues, jazz, soul, and Indigenous American styles for a unique sound that’s all her own.

Cool Concerts for Kids: Fyütch

Thu, July 27 | 7pm

This Grammy-nominated musician and social justice artist combines hip-hop and visual storytelling to educate, entertain, and empower the next generation.

Incendio

Wed, Aug 2 | 7pm

The dynamic guitar ensemble’s instrumental global sound is inspired by Latin American, Middle Eastern, Celtic, and jazz grooves.

Cool Concerts for Kids: Dan + Claudia Zanes

Thu, Aug 3 | 7pm

Grammy-winner Dan Zanes and Haitian American jazz vocalist Claudia Zanes engage audiences of all ages with their joyful modern-day folk sound and commitment to accessibility.

Lakou Mizik

Wed, Aug 9 | 7pm

This multigenerational collective of Haitian musicians creates dance-party vibes with roots music that weaves together African, French, Caribbean, and US influences.

UkeFest Finale

Wed, Aug 16 | 7pm

Strathmore’s 15th annual UkeFest, created by Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, will culminate in an interactive celebration featuring an all-star lineup of diverse ukelele virtuosos.

ABOUT STRATHMORE

Strathmore is a multidimensional creative anchor in the community, where everyone can connect with the arts, and artists can explore their full potential.

A 501(c)3 nonprofit, Strathmore presents hundreds of performances, visual arts, and education programs, annually, for diverse audiences on its Montgomery County, Maryland, campus and in the community.

All of Strathmore’s facilities are Global Biorisk Advisory Council® (GBAC) STAR™ accredited.

The excitement continues even after summer ends. Strathmore recently announced 25 new shows for its next season, featuring a range of captivating performances. Highlights include a special klezmer performance from Itzhak Perlman and guests, the joyful family-favorite Air Play, and Terrence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones, which holds the distinction of being The Metropolitan Opera’s first work written by a Black composer. These upcoming shows promise to deliver unforgettable experiences for audiences of all backgrounds and interests.

5 Parable of the Sower has music and lyrics by Toshi Reagon and Bernice Johnson Reagon (photo credit: Ehud Lazin)

5 Strathmore presents Octavia E. Butler's Parable of the Sower (photo credit: Ehud Lazin)

Juneteenth is the newest federal holiday in the United States. President Biden signed the legislation that officially made Juneteenth a federal holiday in 2021.

A Holiday with Many Names

Juneteenth celebrates the ending of slavery in the United States and was first celebrated by African Americans in 1866.

How many di erences can you nd between these two pictures?

Why is it called Juneteenth?

Juneteenth is celebrated on June 19th. Juneteenth combines the word June and the word nineteenth

The Juneteenth Flag

The Juneteenth flag was created to celebrate the end of slavery and a hopeful future. Color by numbers to complete the flag.

Each year, the Juneteenth flag is raised in a special ceremony in this city in Texas. Circle every other letter to discover the name of this city.

BGHAFLTVREWSVTJOLN

Juneteenth Celebrations

People celebrate Juneteenth in many ways. Some people have parties and there are parades. Some make memorials thanking the people who fought for the end of slavery.

While Juneteenth celebrates the freedom, or emancipation, of enslaved African Americans in the United States, it’s a great day for everyone to celebrate their freedoms.

Celebration!

How many balloons can you nd?

The Fight for Freedom

Replace the missing words.

Long ago, _________ your great-grandparents were born, some Americans could legally own other people. They called the ___________ they owned slaves

Slaves did not have freedoms that people enjoy today. They could not ________ where they wanted. They could not live where they

wanted. They could not work where they wanted. Slavery was cruel and __________.

Even though President Abraham Lincoln ___________ the Emancipation Proclamation in 1862 freeing all slaves, it took three ______ and a Civil War to finally make it __________.

Juneteenth marks the day in 1865 that U.S. soldiers took __________ in Galveston, Texas and the last slaves were finally freed.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

Juneteenth Scavenger Hunt

Look through the newspaper and find the letters that spell Juneteenth. Cut out the letters and glue them onto a piece of paper and decorate! Post your Juneteenth picture in a window so people outside can see it.

Standards Link: Use the newspaper to locate information.

Celebrate Freedom

Think about the things that make freedom so important. Write a letter to the editor of this newspaper telling them why freedom is important to you.

Standards Link: Calculate sums to a particular amount.

How I Helped

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

review wi book

Juneteenth Books by various authors and illustrators

c.2023, Various publishers

$5.99-18.99

Various page counts

horoscopes

ARIES Your week should get off to an explosive start, in a good way! Monday suits your adventurous spirit perfectly as you find exciting and unexpected opportunities for meeting new people and trying new things. Watch for the pace to slow back down by Monday evening and on into Wednesday. You'll need to rely on your (ample) charms rather than your can-do attitude to make things happen. . Lucky Numbers: 4, 12, 53

TAURUS Take your time! Put faith in your usual pattern of patience as the week begins even if you're feeling the urge to jump the gun on Monday. From Monday evening on through Wednesday, you won't need to hold back at all. You're full of energy and enthusiasm, which could turn out to be a very attractive combination. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 32

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

The celebration is coming soon, you can feel it in the air. Your entire family will gather together for one special day. There'll be picnics and tasty foods, dancing, and storytelling. No, it's not Christmas or your birthday, not Easter or Ramadan. It's Juneteenth and these three new books will help you understand why that day is important … For the uninitiated, Juneteenth has a lot of traditions! In "Jayylen's Juneteenth Surprise" by Lavaille Lavette, illustrated by David Wilkerson (Little Golden Book, $5.99), a young boy learns how all the pieces fit in his new favorite holiday. The fun begins when Paw Paw Jimmy comes to visit, and he introduces Jayylen to the frottoir, a musical instrument that means there's going to be dancing. With the cute and simple illustrations in this book and the excitement it conveys, you know it's gonna be a party, and this book is a great (and inexpensive!) Juneteenth introduction for kids ages 3 to 5.

In David's house, Juneteenth doesn't start until Grandma's ready to tell stories and in "The Night Before Freedom: A Juneteenth Story" by Glenda Armand (Crown Books/Random House Kids, $18.99), the best one is the one that her grandmother told her. Mom Bess was just a little girl when the first Juneteenth arrived, and hearing the story is a can'tmiss for David and his family. Five-to-8-year-olds will love this tale, told as a beautiful, fantastical memory. Parents will love the artwork by Corey Barksdale inside the covers.

Find "A Flag for Juneteenth" by Kim Taylor (Neal Porter Books/Holiday House, $18.99) for your 5-to-8-year-old, and share it with your favorite seamstress. Here, all the illustrations are quilted, crafted, and embroidered, leaving readers with nostalgia to match the tale of almost10-year-old Hulda, who wakes up on her birthday morning to hear the best news ever. "All slaves are free," she and her parents are told, and everyone celebrated — everyone, that is, except the plantation owners. And while her neighbors danced, some women sat down and sewed freedom flags that looked like warm, soft quilts. The children found branches for use as flagpoles, and their fathers carved the branches with designs and symbols like the intricate "Fawohodie. It means independence and freedom." Be absolutely sure that you read the author's note at the end of this story; it's a great explanation, written for parents who will appreciate knowing about the work that went into this book.

These three tales might not be enough for your family, which is why your favorite librarian or bookseller is waiting for you. They'll have something perfect for every age group and everyone in your household who'll partake in your Juneteenth picnic or party. They'll know just the thing you want to read for yourself, or read aloud.

One of the best parts of Juneteenth is the storytelling, and these great books will help you do that in a way your child can understand. Make them a new tradition in your house, and add to the celebration. WI

GEMINI Seek out the advice of good friends (and even work associates) as the week begins. You've got good instincts on Monday, but you'll have even more luck hitting the mark with a little friendly guidance. From Monday evening on through Wednesday, you'll need to fight your more flighty qualities. Flitting around from conversation to conversation is still OK, but just make sure you pause to concentrate on any obstacles that crop up. Lucky Numbers: 8, 12, 25

CANCER Your brain is still in high gear as the week begins. Expect to have a quick wit and a sharp memory on Monday, but just be sure you think before you speak. That mental might should transform into irresistible charm on Monday night and continue on through Wednesday. Use that boost in charisma to socialize, especially in large groups. Others will look to you to take the lead. Lucky Numbers: 7, 28, 55

LEO Start your week off by learning something or meeting someone entirely new. Monday should provide unexpected opportunities to challenge your opinions, and you'd do well to take them. From Monday evening through Wednesday, you might find yourself obsessing over ego and status. A little healthy self-confidence is a good thing, of course, but make sure you're doing things for the right reasons (not just to show off). Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 14

VIRGO Get in touch with your true sense of purpose as the week begins. Monday should give you a good chance to pause, reflect, and embrace your priorities anew, but be aware that your renewed perspective could bring you into conflict with others. From Monday night and on through Wednesday, look for chances to travel and expand your outlook even if it's just a short journey. Lucky Numbers: 5, 22, 59

LIBRA Be careful in your relationships as the week begins. Monday will present you with some interesting choices (in work and possibly romance too) and you'll need to work hard to strike a balance between selfishness and selflessness. From Monday evening and on through Wednesday, your famous grace and diplomacy will take center stage. Lucky Numbers: 18, 37, 47

SCORPIO Look out for conflict as the week begins. Monday could find you butting heads with someone who doesn't share your point of view, but a little selflessness on your part could defuse the situation. From Monday evening through Wednesday, you might still find yourself at odds with the ideas and agendas of others, but the competition is apt to be much more good-natured and spirited. Lucky Numbers: 3, 28, 46

SAGITTARIUS Count on getting a lot done as this week begins. Your usual carefree attitude will be eclipsed by a big burst of energy on Monday, so you can't help but be productive. From Monday evening and on through Wednesday, your cheerful adaptability will be put to the test as you're called on to juggle countless details and demands. Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 57

CAPRICORN Put a priority on family and history as the week begins. Monday should find you reflecting on your big-picture legacy and figuring out how you can ensure safety and stability in the long term. From Monday evening through Wednesday, your creativity should climb, helping you find innovative ways to get things done and have some fun at the same time. Lucky Numbers: 10, 15, 22

AQUARIUS Expect your head to be filled with downright electrical ideas and inspiration as the week begins, and Monday should prove an excellent time to put some of these amazing discoveries into action. Your preoccupation with peculiar and intriguing ideas should continue through Wednesday, even if all you're really doing is keeping yourself from getting bored. Lucky Numbers: 19, 39, 50

PISCES Mystery swirls around you as the week begins. Monday could find you faced with riddles to solve and puzzles to piece together, but it's nothing you can't handle. From Monday evening through Wednesday, express your more affectionate, compassionate side, whether that means making a romantic dinner or just telling someone special how you feel. Lucky Numbers: 7, 9, 54

SPORTS

Mystics Split Home Games

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

After dropping back-to-back early season setbacks, the Washington Mystics were hopeful that two home games would start a streak that would put them above 500 and stay close in the Eastern Conference.

That quest would start on Friday when they hosted the Dallas Wings (3-2) before a hopeful throng at the Sports and Entertainment Are-

na in Southeast Washington Washington (3-3) maintained the slight advantage early and once led by as many as 11 in the third quarter before the Wings stormed back and took a brief lead late in the fourth quarter.

Led by their powerful duo, forward Elena Delle Donne and center Shakira Austin, who both finished with double doubles, the Mystics closed the deficit to three. The two combined to be what was the deciding factor in the outcome

of the game. First Austin blocked a shot attempt by the Wings that would have given the visitors a potential two-possession lead with time running out.

It proved to be crucial as on the Mystics ensuing possession, Delle Donne, the two-time WNBA MVP, hit a three pointer that would prove to be the difference in a 75-74 victory.

Delle Donne led all scorers with 23 to go along with 10 rebounds, while Austin, the second-year budding star from Ole Miss, contributed 12 points, 11 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Just as important to the win was the quiet contributions of Ariel Atkins, with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Natasha Cloud, who made 10 points and eight assists.

The hard-fought victory appeared to be what the doctor ordered for the Mystics as they would face off 24 hours later against the winless Minnesota Lynx (1-6), who were playing without one of the top players in rookie Diamond Miller of the University of Maryland and second overall pick in this year’s draft.

The Lynx seemed to have to have a more sense of urgency as they were trying to avoid the worst start in franchise history.

Minnesota took control early, led by Kayla McBride and Napheesa Collier, opening a 62-52 advantage at the end of third quarter, but the Mystics rallied in a fourth quarter run that knotted the game at 78-all. However, the Lynx were not to be denied, as reserve guard Tiffany Mitchell scored on a tipin with three seconds remaining to pull out the win and help her team end its winless streak.

A long heave by the Mystics’ Austin fell short as the buzzer sounded.

Austin got yet another double-double (14 points, 10 rebounds), Atkins tallied 18, Cloud with 14. But Delle Donne, who came into the game averaging a team-high 19 points, finished with 12 to go along with seven rebounds.

The Mystics have to put the disappointing defeat behind them as they go on the road for two games against the winless Portland Storm and at Indiana on June 13 before returning home on June 16 against the Phoenix Mercury at 7 pm. WI

5 Washington Mystics forward Elena Delle Donne (11) scores 23 points in a win over the Dallas Wings. (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

5 Washington Mystics center Shakira Austin (0) scores a basket during a game with the Minnesota Lynx (Jonae Guest/The Washington Informer)

The Mystics have to put the disappointing defeat behind them as they go on the road for two games against the winless Portland Storm and at Indiana on June 13 before returning home on June 16 against the Phoenix Mercury at 7 pm.

the moment CAPTURE

3 A DC Circulator wrapped for D.C. Pride Month in front of the John A. Wilson Building. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

6 Cerise Turner (right), 65, crowned Ms. Senior D.C. during the pageant held in the auditorium of the University of the District of Columbia. (R-L) Valerie Robinson, 62 - 1st runner up, Kadija Ash, 72, 2nd runner up, and Annette B. Bush – 3rd runner up. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

5 The DC Director of Latino Affairs Eduardo Perdoma speaks during the 2nd annual Afro Latino Festival held in Malcolm X Park in Northwest on June 3. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5 The Malcolm X Drum Circle performs during the 2nd annual Afro Latino in the park on June 3. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 The Washington Informer celebrates Jerald Jude who represented Washington, D.C. and made it through the sixth round in the Scripps National Spelling Bee held at the Gaylord Hotel at National Harbor May 31-June1. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Getting Rest and Dealing with Stress, Area Pastors find Various Ways

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

As the pastor of Mt. Ennon Baptist Church, the Rev. Delman Coates says there is no such thing as a day off when he is out in the community.

“You have to always be on,” said Coates, 50, who has more than 10,000 members at his Clinton, Maryland church. “ I was at the grocery store and I bumped into five people. I have to always be available to pour out, but one thing that is not multiplying is my body.”

From the pastors of megachurches, to those who lead storefront sanctuaries, dealing with stress is an occupational hazard for many faith leaders. In the last three years COVID, racial tensions and even politics have made the pastor’s job that much harder. So how do pastors and ministers deal with stress as they preach and counsel others?

“I take one day out of the week and one month out of the year,” Coates said “I reset by cutting off technology like cell phones because social media can overwhelm

collectively secured 35% of Arts 4 Learning’s grant -- nearly $350,000.

the mind and the nervous system.” Coates, 50, a single dad with four children, said he tries to create margins in his life and mini breaks. “As I get older, I realize that it is important to leave a legacy for my children.”

Minister Floyd Williamson Phd. , 67, of Silver Spring Church of Christ, said dealing with stress really depends on the person. “Some people are extroverts who enjoy being around people and some people enjoy being alone. I enjoy solitude. I like a bit of both.” While Williamson enjoys

sports, reading books and spending time with his family, one of his favorite things is reading the entire Bible every year, because it helps him stay balanced.

“I am always giving to other people but when reading the Bible, and I’m not preparing a sermon, I’m getting fed from God.”

The Rev. Henry P. Davis, pastor of the First Baptist Church of Highland Park, is known for hosting revival meetings and Easter services, but one of his favorite past-times is long distance running.

“I have run more than 30 races of 10 miles or more and I have run at least 20 marathons,” Davis said. “ When I am outside and running, I’m connecting with nature and I feel like I’m connecting to the will of God.”

The Rev. Keith Battle, the pastor of Zion Church, said, “For me, pastoring is a stress-laden job full of anxiety because of all of the pressures: Being your best all of the time out in public, people calling you with their painful problems. As a minister We don’t get calls when people get promotions, we get calls when people lose their jobs or there is a tragic death, a car accident, a suicide.”

In terms of dealing with stress, Battle said he does things that “add value,” and make a deposit to his life.

“I like writing and research. I like going shopping. I like spending time [with] and dating my wife. I love laughter and comedy. I love playing card games. I play pinochle every day online.”

“I love exercise because it helps me chemically fight off stress because of endorphins released into the brain,” Battle continued. “The other thing that helps me is prayer and spending time in God’s word.”

DCPS to conduct summer enrichment programming at two public schools.

Guerilla Arts Ink founder Gabriel Benn and Devin Walker, founder of The Uncle Devin Show, first became aware of the procurement when DCPS sent a letter to the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) on April 10 requesting exemption from a requirement that obligates contractors to set aside 35% of funds greater than $250,000 for CBEs -- defined as D.C.-based independent enterprises that receive preferential placement for government contracts.

As Guerilla Arts Ink founder Gabriel Benn told the Informer, Arts 4 Learning abruptly ceased communication with Guerilla Arts Ink and The Uncle Devin Show midway through the discussions.

In speaking with DCPS, Benn and Walker learned that Arts 4 Learning told DCPS that both CBEs didn’t answer emails to finalize an arrangement through which they could have

Benn denied such allegations, citing follow-up emails sent over the course of several weeks.

He told the Informer that Arts 4 Learning, which expressed a need for at teaching artists, curricula and other resources, didn't want to give Guerilla Arts Ink any more than $100,000 for six weeks of summer programming, which he said led him to question how the nonprofit would spend the majority of its funds, if not for the facilitation of the programming.

In the end, DCPS awarded Arts 4 Learning $999,901, an amount slightly below the threshold of what would trigger a D.C. Council approval process. In discussions with Arts 4 Learning, Benn and Walker learned that not only had the nonprofit been in discussions with DCPS for three years, but they applied for a much larger amount than what DCPS awarded them.

Benn and Walker would also learn that Arts 4 Learning, as a nonprofit, didn’t need to follow the subcontractor provision that required them to set

aside 35% of their grant for CBEs. This raised Benn and Walker’s suspicion that DCPS purposely circumvented the D.C. Council approval process to help a contractor with whom they had a strong rapport.

For Benn, the whole debacle reinforced what he has always worried about regarding the forces at play in the District’s public school system, in terms of working to keep students disconnected from native Washigtonians, like many of the teaching artists under his purview who can reinforce elements of D.C. culture with young people.

“It’s the arrogance of someone thinking they can come into your city, not knowing anyone and having any groundwork done to have work done of that magnitude,” Benn said.

“I told Arts 4 Learning that they don’t know the landscape and they could use me as a partner for curriculum development and teachers,” he added. “[In the end], they told me that they didn’t need me. That’s messed up and criminal. And they lied on us. We don’t even know if the contract was posted publicly but if it

was, why not honor the 35% waiver?"

THE D.C. COUNCIL TACKLES DCPS PROCUREMENT ISSUES

Last July, Darrell Brooks, Jr. started his role as chief of people, equity and culture at Arts 4 Learning after leaving Cardozo Education Campus in Northwest, where he served as director of strategy and logistics for two years.

DCPS said that Brooks, who had no involvement with central office procurement or summer programming while working in the public school system, didn’t play a part in DCPS entering a contract with Arts 4 Learning. In regard to Arts 4 Learning’s decision to not follow through with Guerilla Arts Ink and The Uncle Devin Show, DCPS said that conversations ended with both CBEs once DSLBD issued Arts 4 Learning a subcontracting waiver.

a mobile software company didn’t align with the scope of work that Arts 4 Learning was seeking, a DCPS spokesperson said.

For nine years, Arts 4 Learning has partnered with more than 100 musicians, dancers, actors, poets, storytellers and visual artists to provide hands-on learning through the arts in Baltimore City Public Schools. DCPS said that Arts 4 Learning’s track record of increasing student attendance, achievement and socioemotional learning, along with teachers’ delivery of content made them an ideal partner in the post-pandemic era.

Through its contract with DCPS this summer, Arts 4 Learning will train teachers at two District-operated summer school sites where nearly 500 students will receive five weeks of full-day summer programming. That arrangement includes professional development, coaching, feedback and on-site supervision to help teachers provide arts-integrated programming throughout the summer.

In addition to that, DCPS will

In addition to Guerilla Arts Ink and The Uncle Devin Show, Arts 4 Learning engaged Star Route 19 but found that what it provided as DCPS Page 48

5 Rev. Keith Battle – Zion Church (Courtesy photo)

DCPS from Page 1

This is a principle I find difficult to write about in a religious column, for what I really want to say, I cannot! Read between the lines and understand how crucial it is that we ask ourselves, "What would Jesus do?" Do you have the ability to switch your mind from thoughts of physical expression to thoughts of some other nature? In 20 years of research, Napoleon Hill found almost every successful person had a supportive person (a love interest) to count on, whether sex was involved or not. The companionship is good to have, with or without sex.

Please recognize, there is a link between creativity and sexuality. When some men get older, many times they become overtaken by a project, and sex takes a back seat; that's what it means to use your sexual energy for your goal. Therefore they can use all of their creativity for their work, and they've learned it is true, that when you allow all of that energy to flow into your thoughts, it works no matter what your age. It was not until I read this principle, when it all began to make sense to me.

The world would be a better place in which to live if we had sex according to the Word of God. Let's take a look. Since 1 Corinthians 7:2 clearly includes sex before marriage in the definition of sexual immorality, all of the Bible verses that condemn sexual immorality as being sinful also condemn sex before marriage as sinful.

Sex before marriage is included in the biblical definition of sexual immorality. There are numerous Scriptures that declare sex before marriage to be a sin (Acts 15:20; 1 Corinthians 5:1; 6:13, 18; 10:8; 2 Corinthians 12:21; Galatians 5:19; Ephesians 5:3;

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Colossians 3:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:3; Jude 7). The Bible promotes complete abstinence before marriage. Sex between a husband and his wife is the only form of sexual relations of which God approves (Hebrews 13:4).

Often we focus on the "recreation" aspect of sex without recognizing there is another aspect: procreation. Sex within marriage is pleasurable, and God designed it that way. God wants men and women to enjoy sexual activity within the confines of marriage. Song of Solomon and several other Bible passages (such as Proverbs 5:19) clearly describe the pleasure of sex.

However, the couple must understand that God's intent for sex includes producing children. Thus, for a couple to engage in sex before marriage is doubly wrong — they are enjoying pleasures not intended for them, and they are taking a chance of creating a human life outside of the family structure God intended for every child.

When one takes these scriptures into account, and save themselves until after marriage, there is a better chance for a successful man and woman in the African American communities and other ethnicities throughout the country, busy going to college, starting businesses, selling real estate at record numbers no matter what the market, selling insurance, opening franchise businesses, becoming doctors, lawyers, whatever it is they desire to become.

Shiloh Church

7th Day

With the help of God, and while saving themselves until married, they would be utilizing that energy which will definitely propel anyone who uses it, to new and record high levels of success.

We have so many moralistic assumptions and beliefs about sexual energy that we prevent ourselves from fully understanding what it is and what it is capable of. The whole subject is so complex that many books have been written about the subject without fully explaining it. Sexual energy is also closely related to charisma and charisma attracts not only people, but wealth and power.

The drive for success is "coincidently" often also strongest in those who also have a high sexual drive. The truly empowered person is one who has learned, as Hill says, to transmute much of that sexual energy into creative energy and not squander it in vain physical pursuits.

Mexico's soccer team announced in 2014 that its players were asked to abstain from sex during the World Cup in Brazil in order to maximize their athletic performance. The team lost in the round of 16, as they had in every World Cup since 1994.

On the other hand, onetime UFC champion Ronda Rousey told Showtime's Jim Rome in 2012 that she tried to have "as much sex as possible" before a fight since it has been linked to higher testosterone levels in women.

Church

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

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

11:00 AM

Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

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

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

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

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

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

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

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

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

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

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

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

Bishop

Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

(202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services:

1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE

5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church

Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round

Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

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

Services and Times

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

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

Service and Times

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

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Alfred A. Owens,

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

Park

Interim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

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

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

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020

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

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

Service and Times

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

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

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

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

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

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

Pastor’s Bible Study:

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

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

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

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

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

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

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

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”

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

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

Service and Times

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

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

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

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

Service and Times

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

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

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

Senior Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

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

Peace Baptist Church

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

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

Service and Times

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

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

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

Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln

United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

BUDGET from Page 1

C&O Canal for the T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, Yaayme and another local violence prevention program.

However, a large portion of the Tuesday afternoon budget discussion centered on amendments introduced by D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8). Though White had six amendments on the agenda, council members spent significant time discussing those dealing with the construction of recreation centers in Fort Greble Park and on the campus of Bard High School Early College DC.

To fund these endeavors, White’s amendments took dollars that the District’s Department of Transportation set aside for Ward 8 traffic safety projects on Wheeler Road and Alabama Avenue. Concerned about the funding source, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Wards 6), and Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large) pushed back against White’s efforts, citing motor vehicle crashes and traffic fatalities in the aforementioned areas.

Another area of concern was the proliferation of recreation centers in the areas surrounding Bard and Fort Greble Park, where students and residents can walk to a facility within a mile of their homes.

For the Ward 8 council member, that particular point didn’t hold weight in the face of violent conflict that keeps young people from frequenting recreation centers outside of the immediate boundaries of their home.

“The proposed recreation center is in close proximity to another recreation center being done but we know there are beefs between neighborhoods -- over 32 people shot in four years [in that area],” White said on Tuesday.

introduced by Frumin, alluded to the possibility of a future council hearing that explores even stronger transparency measures.

Frumin, a freshman legislator, said reaching this milestone took some wheeling and dealing, and engagement of a constituency not particularly fond of oversight.

provide afternoon enrichment programming for students at several of its traditional elementary summer acceleration sites.

of the Deputy Mayor of Education, Ferebee told Mendelson and D.C. Councilmember Robert White (DAt large) on May 31.

“Sometimes government doesn’t understand community dynamics. This is a reality for people in Ward 8, and I hope we can counter that by building spaces no matter the capacity.”

A FINALIZED BUDGET CHOCK FULL OF LAST MINUTE AMENDMENTS

The D.C. Council approved Councilmember White’s amendment for a new recreation center at Bard by a 9-31 vote. D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) voted present while Allen, Henderson, and Mendelson voted against the amendment. Later on during the legislative session, the amendment for a recreation center at Fort Greble didn’t hold up, mainly because of questions about whether the U.S. Park Service supported such a project.

Other amendments of note included D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie’s allocation of $5 million to the Food Access Fund with money that had originally been intended for the D.C. Wharf. That amendment overwhelmingly passed, with Allen opposing it out of regard for his constituents. Earlier, D.C. Councilmembers Pinto and Nadeau successfully introduced an amendment funding a study about the possibility of a D.C. public library branch near the U Street corridor.

Long after the D.C. Council finalized the budget, D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D- Ward 3), with some adjustments from Mendelson, successfully passed an amendment requiring D.C. public charter schools receiving matching Washington Teachers’ Union contractual funds to release their pay scale by the 2024-2025 academic year.

During discussion around the amendment, Mendelson, an opponent of the amendment as originally

“Nobody likes more requirements, but I’m trying to work with folks in the charter sector to make sure [the amendment] is reasonable,” Frumin told the Informer. “Reasonable looks like transparency like what D.C. Public Schools and some of the charter local education agencies [LEAs] provide in a way that doesn’t slow processes or lower pay.”

“THE WHOLE STORY” OF PANDEMIC RECOVERY

This year’s budget process proved to be a test of what the D.C. Council could accomplish with a projected decline in revenue. Bowser’s proposed budget included reduction to SNAP benefits, emergency rental assistance and other programs for which she said the District no longer received COVID-related federal support.

Since March, the D.C. Council went hard at work closing the gaps being mindful, as Mendelson repeatedly stated on Tuesday, that the mayor could refuse to follow through with some of the budget items. That reality became a topic of discussion during Mendelson and Councilmember Trayon White’s exchange. Mendelson similarly expressed concerns about whether the District, in its precarious economic condition, could produce enough excess revenue to follow through with Lewis George’s amendment for SNAP benefits and excluded workers.

In a statement, Bowser expressed satisfaction with the finalized fiscal year 2024 budget, saying that it “reflects what we know to be true about the next few years: the key to our city’s comeback is in our people. We’re going to bring more people – residents, visitors, and workers – downtown. We are investing in our workforce and city services, especially our public safety teams and teachers. We are staying true to our commitment to fund affordable housing and the programs that support our neighborhoods across all eight wards and keep DC families in DC. WI

@SamPKCollins

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

On May 25, D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) conducted a public hearing, via the D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations, about the District of Columbia Public School Procurement Authority Amendment Act, legislation that she and Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) introduced to repeal DCPS’ independent procurement authority.

During a council breakfast on June 6, representatives of the Office of the Chief Financial Officer (OCFO), in response to a question that Nadeau asked, said that their office is currently examining various checkpoints in the contract approval process. They expressed plans to explore measures that ensure D.C. government agencies don’t follow through with contracts of $1 million or more without council approval.

DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee told the Informer that he didn’t support Nadeau and Mendelson’s legislation, alluding to instances when families didn’t receive services in a timely fashion without DCPS’s procurement authority.

On May 31, Ferebee testified before the D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole on about what inspired the fulfillment of 36 contacts totaling $269 million without D.C. Council approval, as mandated in the D.C. Home Rule Act.

Earlier this year, the D.C. Council conducted a hearing about the quality of lunches provided by DCPS vendor SodexoMagic amid an attempt by Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) to stop the retroactive approval of D.C. government contracts.

In preparing for the hearing, council staff discovered several instances when DCPS entered contracts without council approval for food services, curriculum development, and security, among other services.

In acknowledging DCPS’ noncompliance, Ferebee apologized and emphasized that officials are currently addressing underlying procurement issues dating back to the early days of the pandemic, when DCPS made emergency orders to ensure continuity of services.

DCPS has since disciplined those responsible for the backlog, launched its Office of Fiscal Strategy and entered a third-party audit by the Office

Even with those gains, Ferebee alluded to seven out of the 36 retroactive contracts that needed approval during its June 6 legislative meeting. On Monday, Mendelson said that DCPS filed paperwork late for three of those contracts, leading to the D.C. Council to waive its filing rule.

Even so, he recommended that the council approves the seven contracts. Minutes later, the D.C. Council unanimously followed suit.

For years, Walker has provided an action-packed, percussion-based musical experience for schools, libraries, and festivals under the Uncle Devin moniker. He had even secured opportunities with Arts 4 Learning as an independent contractor.

By the time that Walker testified at the May 25 hearing, he had already filed a complaint against DCPS and Arts 4 Learning alleging that DCPS provided DSLBD with false information about The Uncle Devin Show and Guerilla Arts Ink, which damaged the reputation of both organizations and pushed them out of the procurement process.

He also filed a fraud complaint with the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.

In his testimony before the D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Works and Operations, Walker argued that a loophole in the 35% subcontracting goal provision also allowed Arts 4 Learning, a nonprofit, to avoid awarding CBEs a portion of its nearly million-dollar contract.

He said that a failure to close that loophole would allow other nonprofits to use similar methods against hardworking District residents who spend time and resources to maintain their status as CBEs. “It’s honestly showing me that the certified-business enterprise program is more theory than practice,” Walker said.

“There’s no reason why we shouldn’t have been able to bid on that contract,” he added, citing Arts 4 Learning’s commitment to racial justice and equity. “For DCPS to not provide us with the appropriate information about subcontracting and then turning it around to say we weren’t responsive is wild. That’s why we filed a fraud complaint.”

WI @SamPKCollins

Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com

5 Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese Lewis George and Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto both successfully introduced amendments to the 2024 budget during the DC Council’s May 30 session. (WI File Photos)

SUMMIT from Page 24 knowledge and understanding of key environmental concepts and facts.

“With the post-summit survey, success to me would mean that the students can define clearly what climate change is, and they can define clearly the steps that they can do locally in order to create a global impact,” Norman said.

The survey also includes questions about D.C. environmental landmarks. Norman said she hopes students walk away with some factual knowledge—like the fact that Oxon Run Creek flows into the Potomac River—along with an increased understanding of environmental skills like how to plant trees.

“I want these students to feel empowered, that they've built skills right in their hometown and they can partner with the Peace Corps or with the World Bank or any global institution, to lead environmental programs literally all over the world where they're needed,” Norman said.

For Ballou High School librarian Melissa Jackson, opportunities that the D.C. Youth Environmental Summit provided will help her students think more deeply about fulfilling college and career opportunities they can pursue in their own backyard.

Ballou has fostered a relationship with D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation and the Green Scheme over several years that has exposed young people to the outdoors. In the past, Jackson’s students made naturally flavored water from herbs and fruit.

For many of those young people, the journey continued on Thursday when they put on heavy rainboots and walked through creek water in search of trash and other debris. Jackson said it not only served as a learning experience for the students, but opened her eyes to an entirely new world.

“I’ve never seen the creek [as a Southeast resident and Ballou alumna], so to get in the water, and even see a deer was amazing,” Jackson said. “The lesson [for students] is to dream big and not let anyone or anything stop them. The summit helped [in the fight] against climate change by showing students what’s on earth and helping them take notice of the creek and how it's flourishing. Even to see that everything evolves and has its place.” WI

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 562

Emmett S. Young, Sr. Decedent

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

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Pamela D. Barksdale, whose address is 206 Dauntley St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emmett S. Young, Sr., who died on February 8, 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 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Pamela D. Barksdale

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 589

James H. Grigsby, III

Decedent

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900, South Building

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Crystal D. Dixon, whose address is 4906 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD 20781, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James H. Grigsby, III who died on March 11, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Crystal D. Dixon

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 FEP 45

March 23, 2021

Date of Death

Lolisa Sherrina Hardy

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Victoria Bracey fka Victoria Tyler whose address is 10598

Sourwood Avenue Waldorf, Maryland 20603 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lolisa Sherrina Hardy, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Lake County, State of Florida, on February 7, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Norman Harvey 6011 3rd Street, NE Washington, DC 20011 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

114 56th Street, SE Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 5/25/2023

Victoria Bracey

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 19

Terry M. Crosby (aka Terry Mereece Crosby)

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Terry M. Crosby whose address was 1841 41st Place SE Washington DC 20020 created a revocable trust on 1/29/2003 which remained in existence on the date of his/her death on 12/17/2022, and Alma Crosby, whose address is 4949 Marbrisa Drive, Apt. #301, Tampa, FL 33624, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to E. Regine F. Williams, Esq. at 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 301 Largo MD 20774

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 11/25/2023 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) 12/17/2023, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 11/25/2023, (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

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

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

Date of First Publication: 5/25/2023

Toni C. Crosby Agent for Alma Crosby Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000507

Cynthia Celeste Guinn

Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq.

Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Channa Guinn-Wilson, whose address is 915 Lawrence Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Celeste Guinn who died on December 22, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Channa Guinn-Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 619

Estate of James Edward Jacobson aka James Jacobson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Appoint a Personal Representative in a large estate

Date of first publication: 5/25/2023

Sandy Irish-Oien 12281 41st St., NE Saint Michael, MN 55376

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000612

Dennis Jacobsen Decedent

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

Teresa McCauley, whose address is 56 Johnson Rd., Pasadena MD 21122, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dennis Jacobsen who died on April 28, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Teresa McCauley 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 000613

Barbara L. Belton Decedent

Laurie Pyne O’Reilly, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carlton Jeffery Belton, whose address is 1823 Knoll Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara L. Belton who died on 10/5/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Carlton Jeffery Belton Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000580

Anita Denise Powell Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sebrina Bradford, whose address is 810 Wheeler Hill Drive, SE, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anita Denise Powell who died on January 2, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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:

5/25/2023

Sebrina Bradford 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 575

Paulette Lyon Decedent

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

Kevin Andre Lyon, whose address is 7408 Mulberry Grove Drive, Elkridge, MD 21075, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paulette Lyon who died on 5/11/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Kevin Andre Lyon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT

COUNTY OF CHARLESTON DOCKET NO.: 2023-DR-10-0785

Notice of Adoption ProceedingS

TO THE DEFENDANT: John Doe, Birth Father YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE:

1. That an adoption proceeding was filed in the Family Court of Charleston County on March 15, 2023, and in this Complaint, you are alleged to be the father of an African-American male child born in Alexandria, Virginia on March 6, 2023. 2.

That the Plaintiffs in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of confidentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plaintiffs and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2023-DR-10-0785. 3. That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is filed by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption. To file notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Charleston County Courthouse, Clerk of Court Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above-named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings.4. That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identified child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7).This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E).

Raymond W. Godwin, Esq. (SC Bar #2162)

PO Box 354 Greenville, SC 29602

PH (864) 241-2883

FAX: (864) 255-4342

ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS

Date: May 3, 2023

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 375

Mehmet Bajin

Decedent

Sean P. Hatley, Esq. 162 West Street

Annapolis, Maryland 21401

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Hayriye Ercin, whose address is 1740 Hickory Station Cir., Snellville, Georgia 30078, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mehmet Bajin who died on November 27, 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 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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: 6/1/2023

Hayriye Ercin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 559

Wallace Henry Dews Decedent

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Coleville Road Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Betty Jean Dews, whose address is 3010 8th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wallace Henry Dews who died on June 23, 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 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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: 6/1/2023

Betty Jean Dews Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 577

Lois D. Saunders aka Lois E. Saunders Decedent

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

Robert Matthew Saunders, Jr., whose address is 2633 Marcey Rd., Arlington, VA 22207, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lois D. Saunders aka Lois E. Saunders who died on February 13, 2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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: 6/1/2023

Robert Matthew Saunders, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 000022

Juanita J. Moore Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Juanita J. Moore whose address was 1500 Oates Street, NE, Apt., 3, Washington, DC 20002 created a revocable trust on March 9, 2016, which remained in existence on the date of her death on February 21, 2023, and LaShawn Jackson, whose address is 7801 Regal Court, Clinton, MD 20735, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to LaShawn Jackson at 7801 Regal Court, Clinton, MD 20735.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 12/1/2023 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 2/21/2024 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 12/1/2023 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

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

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

Date of First Publication: 6/1/2023

LaShawn Jackson

Signature of Trustee

TRUE TEST COPY

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000598

Irene Neal Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ivy Neal Turner, Valerie Neal, Annette Neal Miles, whose addresses are 506 Garner Avenue, Waldorf, MD 20602, 2852 Vista St., NE, Washington, DC 20018 and 6114 Cabot St., District Heights, MD 20747, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Irene Neal who died on December 10, 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 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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:

6/1/2023

Ivy Neal Turner

Valerie Neal

Annette Neal Miles

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 00598

Barbara Walls Decedent

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

Claudette Walls, whose address is 14106 Reverend Rainsford Ct., Upper Marlboro MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Walls who died on 1/4/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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:

6/1/2023

Claudette Walls Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 597

Mustafa Abdul-Rahim Decedent

Robinson Kirlew & Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, MD 20781

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Teresa A. Waters, whose address is 507 Main St., Baltimore, MD 21222, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mustafa Abdul-Rahim who died on August 3, 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 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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: 6/1/2023

Teresa Waters 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 611

Patricia S. Carroll Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kellie J. Carroll, whose address is 720 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia S. Carroll who died on November 15, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 12/1/2023. 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 12/1/2023, 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: 6/1/2023

Kellie J. Carroll Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Last Will and Testament of KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II© go by KENNETH R.© declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. expressly revoke all prior Wills and Codicil. I leave all property to KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II TRUST©. I KENNETH R.© precisely leaves all property to KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II TRUST© All Rights Reserved Common law .I by Will and Codicil revoke all prior acts I came to claim 2 of my children KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS III©, NAJAH KENNA SIMMONS© and I denied by Will hereon any Mothers, State, Union, Employee,  Associate,  Agent, Man, Women or child out there for taxing me giving me the authority on how to raise my offspring. I’m a man by plant by seed by blood adoption or marriage. These offspring are inherited to me and claim them from here on. If any one has a claim higher than me rebut it in the next 21 days or this claim stands and I'm filing this in the local newspaper in the legal section. claim to be the king of the estate first name KENNETH R. expressly dated. With 2 witnesses by my side rise to claim all my prizes, possession and reproduction rights. I claim all inherit priority to myself as Man Hood. I claim these offspring as mine and I claim all extensions of credit from the cradle to the grave. All extensions of credit exceeding one dollar go back to the man trust in KENNETH R.© name transfer all property to KENNETH MICHAEL SIMMONS II TRUST© for concentration in ten dollars United States stamp and ten dollar piece of silver if anyone wish to rebut it do so under penalty and perjury reasonability like a prudent man otherwise this stands official.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

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 000628

Kim Yeon Lee aka

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

NOTICE OF 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

HOUSING from Page 18 guideline known as the “30 percent” rule.

This rule advises individuals to ensure that their housing expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, property taxes, and utilities, do not exceed 30% of their monthly income.

However, with the current housing affordability challenges, many individuals need help to abide by this rule.

The study also reveals a concerning trend.

From 2015 to 2019, the percentage of financially burdened homeowners in the United States decreased annually, dropping from 29.4% in 2015 to 26.5% in 2019.

However, the pandemic has begun to reverse these gains, with cities like Los Angeles and New York experiencing an upward trend in cash-strapped homeowners.

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In Los Angeles, almost half of homeowners are considered “house poor,” despite a four-percentage-point decrease between 2015 and 2019.

Similarly, in New York City, the percentage of house-poor homeowners increased to over 45% in 2021, up from 41.3% in 2019. WI

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 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

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

SMITH from Page 30

she looked at my face for the first time and here it is Friday, June 20, 2014, and I am looking at her for the last time. My message to everyone reading these words is to reach an understanding before it is too late. Have that Grinch moment. It is a two-way street, true;

EDELMAN from Page 30

doing everything right, with the world ahead of her. But all that changed because of a gun. Wear Orange began on June 2, 2015, the day that would have been Hadiya's 18th birthday. It is now observed nationally every year on the first Friday in June and the weekend that follows. It was Hadiya's friends who originally chose to remember her by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others.

Hadiya Pendleton deserved to be protected. She, and the thousands of other children who have been killed by guns in our nation in the ten years since she died, deserved the freedom to grow up. Last year, former first lady Michelle Obama

MARSHALL from Page 30 long as I get what I want."

Today, refusing to increase the debt ceiling is the latest weapon used for political gain. In 2013, it would have been inconceivable for members of Congress to allow the nation to default or even come close. Ten years later, our politics have progress to toward the point of self-destruction where too many members of Congress are willing to let the nation default on its debt thereby forcing a global economic catastrophe. It makes no sense to the rational person, and it makes no sense to our allies around the world. More than half of the world's foreign currency reserves are held in U.S. dollars, according to the Council on Foreign Relations, and many nations look to Treasury bonds to safeguard their own economies and guard against drowning in debt.

"I just cannot believe they would let such a major, major disaster happen of the United States defaulting on its debt," European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde told CBS News. "This is not possible. I

but you can't make the decision for anyone but yourself and it's a great way to move toward healing and living a more rewarding life. So, if your mom is alive, consider, if you haven't already, finding out her "why."

It could be a healing experience!

"And tell her "Happy Mother's Day," everyday!" WI

unveiled plans for the Hadiya Pendleton Winter Garden at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago. Mrs. Obama said, "I never had the chance to meet Hadiya while she was alive, but after she died, I was able to spend some time with her loved ones. I learned about how she was an honor student, how much she loved music, how she loved going out to get ice cream with her friends. And the more I heard, the more I understood the extraordinary potential inside her — a potential that was stolen by the epidemic of gun violence." She continued: "Like me, Hadiya was raised by parents who wanted to give her opportunities they never had. They signed her up for volleyball, cheerleading, and a dance ministry at church. They supported her education, and with

cannot believe this would happen."

As President Biden and House Speaker came to an agreement only days before the June 5 hard deadline, our international reputation was already damaged. The mere fact that a U.S. default is being talked about is enough to unsettle markets worldwide, experts say.

Our allies have every right to question our economic leadership and our ability to defend our national security interest when listening to MAGA officials like U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz. Leading up to the June deadline, U.S. Rep. Matt Gaetz confirmed how House Republicans view the debt ceiling standoff as a hostage taking situation they can exploit to advance their political agenda. Gaetz told reporters, "my conservative colleagues for the most part support Limit, Save, Grow, and they don't feel like we should negotiate with our hostage."

The deep cuts associated with the Limit, Save, Grow Act passed in a party-line vote, ironically hurts their MAGA constituents just as much as those who would be considered constituents of liberals lawmakers or

their encouragement, she became a star student. From an early age, Hadiya's parents made sacrifices to introduce her to opportunities throughout Chicago so that she could one day find her place in the world."

Hadiya, who should be turning 26 right now, never got that chance. We must never tire of the really hard work demanded to transform the pervasive culture of violence and pervasive presence of guns in America. We must love our children more than the gun manufacturers and some NRA members love their guns. We must love our country enough to ensure the safety of our children and of all of us and demand the future free from gun violence that all of our children deserve. WI

just "others."

The default crisis of 2023 is a manufactured crisis just as the government shutdowns of 2013 and 2018. Rep. Jim Jordan was among the House members pressuring Speaker McCarty to hold the line even if it means default. What is extremely disturbing is how middle and low income MAGA voters refuse to protect their own self-interests by blindly supporting Republican officials who are targeting Social Security, Medicare and other entitlement programs. Those same MAGA voters will never see the benefits from tax cuts for the wealthy. 2023 was too close for comfort in regard to the debt ceiling crisis. What will happen the next time we are faced with raising the debt ceiling? Will Republicans retake their 2023 hostage and the hostage gets destroyed? In 2013, the AFL-CIO, Chamber of Commerce and the United Way showed that groups who are typically on opposing sides can see the risk of default and stand together.

As the world is watching, America still has time to fix this. WI

It could be a healing experience! "And tell her "Happy Mother's Day," everyday!"

WILLIAMS from Page 31

Madison Cawthorn (R-N.C.), homeschooled, mostly D grades before dropping out of Patrick Henry College); and Matthew Rosendale (R-Mont.), who removed his ID as "Rancher" from his website when questioned about it. George Santos (R-N.Y.) — who knows anything about him? Although some completed some college, such as an associate degree or a training course at a specialized school, I must wonder how they convinced other citizens to give them such important jobs.

are two points of commonality: They are all Republicans and their words and actions demonstrate an intense hatred of all things different. I speak with authority when I say that none of the mentioned schools had courses labeled "Hate the Poor, Hate Black People, Hate the LGBTQs, Hate Anybody With Whom You Disagree." You get the point! I must wonder if any administrator or board member from these schools has ever called some of these people and said, "You are making our school look bad! Cut out the craziness!"

"leaders" should find agreement with every point of view, but, given the concept of personal freedom, their stated agendas uniformly reject uplifting all people, fair voting rights, women's rights, peace, justice, or any of the myriad personal freedoms we have lived with for years. Their words and actions resurrect the hatred, unfairness, disrespect and racism of history to another level.

We must find and elect those who will govern for the benefit of our diverse communities — not just for a disgruntled minority.

Among those I have named there

I am not suggesting that these

MORIAL from Page 31

tee for Commitment to Brotherhood, formed to support the work of the National Urban League, NAACP and Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

WI sion recommended, among other things, greater concern by private citizens, and it's good to note that at a time when many private groups are simply throwing up their hands and refusing to become involved, at least one national organization has devised an imaginative new program.

That national organization was the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the imaginative new program was the National Commit-

CLYBURN from Page 31

benefits and care, and rectified some long-standing inequities suffered by our Vietnam veterans.

One would think my Republican colleagues would be celebrating these historic investments. After all, a recent Financial Times report revealed that more than 75% of these capital investments of at least $100 million have gone to Republican-held Congressional districts. But not a single Republican voted for the ARP or the IRA. Only a handful of Republicans supported the IIJA, only 34 House Republicans joined the Democrats to pass the PACT Act, and only 24 stood alongside us for the C&SA.

My home state of South Carolina serves as a perfect example. I was the lone House member to vote for all six bills. One Republican, Nancy Mace, voted for the PACT Act, and one Republican, Tom Rice, voted for the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act. Still, that same Financial Times report found that South Carolina is the leading beneficiary of new manufacturing projects that have occurred because of the Biden-Harris Administration's transformational investments.

Specifically, South Carolina is ex-

The first To Be Equal to be published after Young's death was authored by Harold R. Sims, who served as the National Urban League's acting executive director until the appointment of Vernon E. Jordan. Appropriately, it was a tribute to Young headlined "Nation Mourns A Great Leader."

periencing a boom because of new manufacturing incentives created by the IRA and the CHIPS and Science Act. We just welcomed Volkswagen's Scout Motors expansion, an over $2 billion investment that will yield over 4,000 jobs in Blythewood, South Carolina. Last December, Redwood Materials announced a $3.5 billion investment to construct a new electric battery facility in Berkeley County, the largest single economic development in South Carolina's history.

SEM Wafertech, a new solar manufacturer, just came to Sumter; Proterra, an electric battery manufacturer, is expanding in Greer; and Kontrolmatik, another battery manufacturer is coming to Colleton County. And of course, new incentives for electric vehicles and semiconductor production have made South Carolina well positioned to continue expansions at BMW, Volvo, and SKF.

We are also making foundational investments in our crumbling infrastructure. Earlier this month, we announced over $1.3 billion in ARP funding to modernize and upgrade water infrastructure across over 200 South Carolina communities. And, thanks to the ARP and the IIJA, South Carolina finally has the

"Whitney Young was a man who transcended the boundaries of race, nationality, and ideology," Sims wrote. "He was a man who formed a human bridge between the rich and the poor, the white and the black, the conservative and the liberal. Labels simply don't apply to such a universal man."

Each of Young's successors has continued to publish To Be Equal, and it has been my honor to uphold the tradition as he intended it to be, "the voice of Black America."

WI

funding it needs to bring high-speed internet service to every unserved household by the end of 2026.

Our broadband investments not only focus on high-speed access, but also on affordability and adoption. The IIJA created the Affordable Connectivity Program to provide a $30 monthly discount on internet service to all qualifying households. Over 336,000 South Carolinians currently participate in the program.

Our efforts on broadband are underway and yielding tangible results. A recent report listed South Carolina as the 6th best state for internet coverage and price — a 25-spot increase from 2020. This will connect our rural communities to health care and job opportunities, our children to education, and every South Carolinian to opportunity.

We are on the precipice of a future in which this country will continue serving as a beacon of opportunity and advancement for all. President Biden's "Investing in America" agenda is inspiring bold changes, and whether you supported him or not, he is making this country's greatness accessible and affordable for all. WI