The Washington Informer - March 16, 2023

Councilmembers Introduce Bills on Lead Pipe Replacements

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Reporter

The utility has pledged to remove all lead service lines—the pipes connecting buildings to water mains—by 2030. But at the current rate, making that deadline would be impossible.

Last week, two D.C. Councilmembers introduced separate bills aimed at speeding things up.

“It is critical to move this legislation now because DC Water is not on track to meet its own goal,” said Councilmember Janeese Lewis (D-Ward 4), who reintroduced her bill “Green New Deal for a LeadFree DC Amendment Act,” on March 7. She brought the initial version of the bill to the Council last year.

“I think this legislation will streamline lead pipe replacement in D.C. by addressing LEAD PIPE Page 35

Constituents Question Gray’s Position on ATVs, Policing, and Other Ward 7 Issues

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray’s recent comments, and that of his staffers, about public safety and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) have caused some of his Ward 7 constituents to question the level of Gray’s engagement with his mostly-Black constituency.

Earlier this month, shortly before D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) announced the expansion of a previously launched ATV Investigative Unit, Gray encouraged constituents to alert the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) to where people are hiding ATVs.

"When illegal riders know that we'll take their ATVs, more will be discouraged from breaking our laws and, ideally, they will find lawful places to ride," Gray said in a statement sent to The Informer.

"I support designating safe, off-road locations for ATV recreation, but we need to know that riders will use them before dedicating resources to a solution like this."

For Ward 7 resident Jay Brown, Gray’s recent position on ATVs doesn’t reflect

Black D.C. Residents Weigh in on Embattled Criminal Code Bill Questions Persist of Whether the D.C. Council Considered Victims of Violence, Political Climate

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The Senate overwhelmingly approved a measure blocking the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA). That measure will go before President Joe Biden (D), who said he wouldn't veto it.

5

While some District residents lamented the bipartisan congressional interference on District affairs, others, like Sandra Seegars, have spent the last few weeks pressing lawmakers to support the disapproval resolution.

Seegars, a longtime Ward 8 resident and leader of Concerned Residents Against Violence (CRAV), suggested that the D.C.

CRIMINAL CODE Page 43

5 Michael 'Polo King Roane, (center) is a master rider from Southeast Washington, D.C. He's highly respected within the bike life culture in multiple cities and countries. Roane describes the sport as a stress reliever from the realities of being Black in America. (Dee Dwyer)

Hours before the Senate’s 81-14-1 vote of the RCCA disapproval resolution on March 8, a collective of grassroots organizations,elected officials and advocates, such as Kelsye Adams and Nee Nee Taylor (pictured), marched to the U.S. Capitol in support of the legislation and the ongoing for D.C. statehood. (Cleveland Nelson/ The Washington Informer)

ATV RIDERS Page 43

Join The Washington Informer Digital Subscriber List

wi hot topics

Ruth Carter Makes History at 2023 Oscars

Celebrated costume designer Ruth E. Carter made history on Sunday, March 12, when she became the first Black woman to garner two Academy Awards. The barrier-breaking artist, who won her first and second Oscars for her work on “Black Panther,” (2018) and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” (2022) dedicated the history-making honor to her mother, who she said had died earlier that week.

“This past week, Mabel Carter became an ancestor,” Carter said, later adding that her mother was 101.

With the theme of moving forward past heartbreaking deaths present throughout the film, Carter said “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever,” served as preparation for losing her own mother.

“This film prepared me for this moment. Chadwick, please take care of mom,” Carter added, referring to the late “Black Panther,” star Chadwick

Boseman, who played King T’Challa.

The costume designer also thanked the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences for acknowledging the strength of Black women, as highlighted in the most recent iteration of the “Black Panther,” series.

“Thank you to the Academy for recognizing the superhero that is a Black woman. She endures, she loves, she overcomes, she is every woman in this film. She is my mother.”

Carter is the only Black woman to have received multiple Academy Awards. Denzel Washington and Mahershala Ali both have two Oscars. WI

Biden Issues Another Executive Order Seeking to Curb Gun Violence

As he visited Monterey Park, California, on Tuesday, President Joe Biden lamented that every few days in the United States, the country mourns a new mass shooting.

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:

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032

Phone: 202 561-4100

Fax: 202 574-3785

news@washingtoninformer.com

www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper 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

Biden argued that daily acts of gun violence, including community violence, domestic violence, suicide and accidental shootings, may not always make the evening news.

Still, they cut lives short and leave survivors and their communities with long-lasting physical and mental wounds.

Before the President met with the families and victims

of the Star Ballroom Dance Studio shooting on Jan. 21, which killed 11 people and injured nine others, he signed an executive order to stop gun violence and make the country’s neighborhoods safer.

Also, the President told the U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland to ensure that the laws already in place about background checks are followed.

Biden also told Garland to clarify the part of the law that explains who is required to do background checks because some gun dealers might not know that they fall under that part of the law.

“We cannot accept these facts as the enduring reality of life in America,” Biden asserted.

“Instead, we must together insist that we have had enough and that we will no longer allow the interests of the gun manufacturers to win out over the safety of our children and nation.” WI

2023 DC Jazzfest Planning a Jazz Lover’s Paradise

The best place for jazz in the Mid-Atlantic area will be the 19th Annual DC Jazz Festival (DCJF), scheduled for Aug. 30-Sept. 3. The traditional end-of-summer event has announced its first round of top international jazz talent. The festival aims to maintain its standard of presenting veteran musicians and up-and-coming jazz artists. Newly minted multi-Grammy award-winning vocalist, young phenom Samara Joy, and fellow Grammy winner Gregory Porter are on the schedule.

The festival’s signature Labor Day weekend event will be at The Wharf, Sept. 2-3. Among the many performing on multiple stages at The Wharf will be three National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters, including saxophonists Charles Lloyd and Kenny Garrett and four-time GRAMMY award-winning drummer Terri Lyne Carrington.

“It’s a jazz takeover over Labor Day weekend,” said Sunny Sumter, DC Jazz Festival president and CEO.

“We are proud to build on the District’s rich jazz heritage and bring some of today’s most exciting artists for our oneof-a-kind jazz experience.”

DC Jazzfest includes over 60 concerts and meet-the-artist events in more than a dozen neighborhoods citywide. DMV artists that will perform include saxophonist-bandleader Leigh Pilzer and Washington area WAMMIE music award-winner Brazilian band Veronneau. DC Jazz Festival Artist-in-Residence pianist-composer Orrin Evans will also return with his quintet.

Learn more about the DC Jazz Festival and all of our programs by visiting www.dcjazzfest.org. WI

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

5 Ruth Carter (Courtesy photo/Gage Skidmore)

First Week at the Well: Ward 8 Urban Farm Reopens March 21

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Reporter

Most of the planter boxes at The Well at Oxon Run contained empty-looking soil during the chilly days of early March, and black tarps still covered some of urban farms’ fields. But, tucked away behind a greenhouse of still-bare fruit trees, a small patch showed off rows of bright green veggies.

The lettuce, kale, cabbage, turnips and collards in that patch will soon have more company. The Well, a 20,000-square-foot farm and community space operated by DC Greens, will officially kick off its second growing season next Tuesday, March 21. Flowers, crops and even chickens will join those leafy greens in the farm’s greenhouses and fields this season, and—most importantly—the space will open back up for people as well.

“We have programs and resources here for everybody,” said Ronnie Webb, director of The Green Scheme, which provides outdoor education programming at The Well and in the nearby Oxon Run Creek. “Even if you don't want to

participate in any programming, you can still come and enjoy the space, relax. Get some therapy by getting outdoors.”

The Well’s opening week for the season will feature daily programming and events to celebrate the space. If you stop by, here’s what you might find:

• Tuesday, March 21: First planting and opening day

• Wednesday, March 22: Food and water distribution in celebration of World Water Day

• Thursday, March 23: Throwback Thursday, a slower-paced day for seniors to enjoy time at The Well

• Friday, March 24: Community art tours showing off The Well’s many installations created by local artists

• Saturday, March 25: Music, fun and learning in and around Oxon Run Creek with the Ward 8 Water Watchers, a youth education group run by The Green Scheme WI

5 Ronnie Webb, director of The Green Scheme, stands in Oxon Run Creek with Jaren Hill Lockridge, the director of The Well.

AROUND THE REGION

MAR 16 - 22, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

rican-American naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, is

MARCH 16

1827 – Freedom's Journal, the first African-American-owned and -operated newspaper published in the United States, is founded by Rev. Peter Williams Jr. and other free Black men in New York City.

1869 – Hiram R. Revels makes his first speech in the Senate, opposing the readmission of Georgia without adequate safeguards for Black citizens. This was the first official speech by a Black in Congress.

1956 – Hall of Fame tight end Ozzie Newsome, the first African-American to serve as general manager of an NFL franchise, is born in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

MARCH 17

1806 – Inventor Norbert Rillieux, widely considered to be one of the earliest chemical engineers, is born in New Orleans.

1877 – President Hayes appoints Frederick Douglass marshal of District of Columbia.

1919 – Famed singer Nat King Cole is born in Montgomery, Alabama.

1946 – Jackie Robinson makes his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers' AAA minor league team, in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name.

MARCH 18

1934 – Country music singer Charley Pride, one of just three African-Americans ever inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, is born in Sledge, Mississippi.

1963 – Famed actress and singer Vanessa L. Williams is born in the Bronx borough of New York City.

1972 – The USS Jesse L. Brown, named for the first Af-

1894 – Loretta Mary Aiken, best known as famed comedian Moms Mabley, is born in Brevard, North

1852 – Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is published.

Award-winning artist Allan Crite is born in North Plainfield, New Jersey.

, a Congolese man once kept in a human zoo exhibit at the Bronx Zoo in New York City, commits suicide in Lynchburg, Virginia, at 32.

Legendary Jamaican music producer Lee is born in Kendal, Jamaica.

James Baskett receives an Honorary Academy Award for his performance as Uncle Remus in Disney's "Song of the South," becoming the first African-American male actor to win an Academy Award. Renowned filmmaker and actor Spike Lee is born in Atlanta.

MARCH 21

1955 – Walter White, an African-American civil rights activist who led the NAACP for almost a quarter-century, dies at 61 of a heart attack in his New York City home.

1960 – Police officers kill 69 and wound 180 during an anti-apartheid demonstration in Sharpesville, South Africa, known as the Sharpesville Massacre. 1965 – In the name of African-American voting rights, 3,200 civil rights demonstrators, led by Martin Luther King Jr., begin the historic march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capitol at Montgomery.

MARCH 22

1943 – Chart-topping singer and jazz guitarist George Benson is born in Pittsburgh. WI

GEORGE BENSON

VANESSA L. WILLIAMS

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

After Jamie Lee Curtis won the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress over Angela Bassett, Bassett’s displeased reaction went viral, causing a conversation on social media about Black thespians often being snubbed at the Academy Awards. What are your thoughts?

DEVIN GRAHAM / SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS

There’s a grand difference between heartbreak and bitterness. And the difference was evident on her face. And the fact that she has to continue to go through this after losing is horrid. There’s bigger news. Let’s talk about bank failures …

ANDREA ROBINSON / WASHINGTON, DC

Forget the Oscars. Angela Bassett owns her craft and every character she takes on. Congratulations on being our winner.

TONYA RAY / ATLANTA, GEORGIA

I wasn’t surprised. This is what they do every year. Ms. Basset deserved that award, but as usual, they did what they usually do …

ALBERT SEON / BROOKLYN, N.Y.

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Just understanding the history of the Oscars, we should never be surprised at the results. I stopped watching the Oscars many years ago. It’s overwhelmingly one group of people making judgments over the works and talents of others. They do not speak for me, and history teaches me they will never speak for me, so why watch the Oscars?

RENEE S. / WASHINGTON, DC

Interesting that no one is pointing out that Jamie Lee Curtis did not applaud Angela at the Golden Globes. Mama is just giving her what she gave: nothing.

Upcoming Event to Highlight Summer Enrichment Programming

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As District parents embark on yet another endeavor to enroll their children in quality summertime programming, a collective of local agencies and community-based organizations are gearing up for an event that will allow for the exploration of various options.

On March 25, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education’s Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes will host “Summer in the City” at Eliot-Hine Middle School in Northeast. During this four-hour event, hundreds of parents and families can directly engage providers of summer programs, summer jobs and other enrichment activities.

Dr. Shontia Lowe, executive director of the Office of the Out-of-School TIme Grants and Youth Outcomes said that more than 40 Learn24 partners, community-based organizations and District agencies -- including Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), DC Public Library, and DC Public Schools -- will be represented at “Summer in the City.”

The focus, as Lowe explained it, is on families, especially those with the greatest need for access to quality programming. To meet equity goals, the Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes continues to take stock of where programs are placed throughout the city and

how best to include special-needs populations.

As D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) prepares to release her FY 2024 budget proposal, the Office of Outof-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes is also conducting a needsbased assessment that determines what community-based organizations and parents deem as essential when it comes to enrichment.

Lowe said the findings will help the Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes further coordinate resources for the benefit of parents and children.

“We’re on the heels of a pandemic and parents are looking for a safe space for their youth during the summer, a place where they can grow socially and emotionally and have fun,” Lowe said as she explained the premise behind “Summer in the City.” “We will bring together District agencies, Learn24 partners and community-based organizations that provide summer programming so parents know what’s being offered, which will help them make informed decisions about what our District children and youth are doing during the summer months.”

Bowser recently announced the launch of a lottery system for DPR summer camp registration that’s intended to bring more equity to a process that parents have criticized in past years. Over the next few months,

DPR will also expand weekday and weekend hours at some of the District’s most utilized recreation centers.

This development comes weeks after DPR provided mid-winter break programming for youth at local recreation centers -- including video games, hip-hop Zumba, and Black History movie night.

This summer, District government agencies and community-based organizations will unite to provide similar programming and then some. That means parents who attend “Summer in the City” can also seek out activities that promise to broaden their child’s horizons in the realms of app and web development.

Tim Weedon, founder of Tech Turn Up, a nonprofit dedicated to STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts, and math), education and equity, expressed his desire to enroll middle and high school students in a summer program that will teach them how to be producers of webbased technology, rather than consumers.

This summer, Tech Turn Up will offer 30 young people six weeks of intense training that establishes a connection between technology and the arts. Students who converge at Jelleff Recreation Center in Georgetown during the summer program will also learn coding through music, and how to edit and create videos. WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Tim Weedon (center), founder of Tech Turn Up, stood with middle school students at Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy in Northeast in January. This school year, he guided them in web development. Tech Turn Up counts among the many offerings featured at the “Summer in the City” event. (Courtesy Photo)

CORNER

New Balance and Atmos Team Up for The NBSE: The New Balance Experience

By WI Bridge Staff

Building on the rich history and relationship between New Balance and Washington D.C., atmos and New Balance have teamed up to offer an elevated retail experience within the atmos Georgetown store: the NBSE. Pronounced as “the Embassy,” a nod to the city, and standing for “the New Balance Shop Experience,” the space will be a home for events, community and exclusive New Balance apparel and footwear.

Speaking of New Balance, be sure to stay tuned for the upcoming screening of “DC’s Shoe: The Origin of New Balance,” on March 24 at the Village Cafe. To learn more visit: www.eventbrite.com/e/dcs-shoe-screening-tickets.

Check out the photos from the sneak peak opening event of NBSE on Friday, March 10 below and see the full photos on www. wibridgedc.com. WI

AROUND THE REGION

FRIENDS OF CARTER BARRON FOUNDATION FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Where Historic Preservation for The Carter Barron Amphitheatre and Education for DMV Performing Arts Youth Counts

FRIENDS OF CARTER BARRON in partnership with Erwin Pendergrast and DEO, CDC

Presents An Intimate Evening with The Legendary Temptations

BLACK-TIE PUBLIC AWARENESS AND AWARDS AFFAIR

The Sensational Opening Act Maysa

IN SUPPORT OF THE REOPENING OF THE CARTER BARRON AMPHITHEATRE

MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2023

HOWARD THEATER

620 T STREET NW - WDC

FOR TICKET INFO:  www.thehowardtheatre.com

Contact: 202-681-2744

SPONSORS:

The Council of the District of Columbia Earmark, DC Office of Cable, TV, Film, Media and Entertainment, EventsDC, Veterans Services Corp. and DDC, PEPCO, Woodbury Fund, Downtown BID and COMCAST, and Amy Jacques Garvey Institute

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

(L-R) Historian James Early, Art Curator Carol Rhodes Dyson, and Washington Informer photographer Roy Lewis after a discussion at Bus Boys and Poets in Northwest, on the historical images Roy captured at the month-long African and Black Conference in Nigeria in 1977. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Nick Mann Writer and Victoria Wynn read the Washington Informer for all the latest news. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

– Queen Latifah

“I don't want to be a supermodel. I want to be a role model.”

JPMorgan Chase Invests $350K with Black Women-Led Nonprofits

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Eight Black women leaders of nonprofits located in Wards 7 and 8 received $350,000 collectively from JPMorgan Chase Bank in concert with the Center for Nonprofit Advancement on March 9.

The recipients lead organizations such as the Children’s Legacy Theatre, Congress Heights Arts and Cultural Center, Fihankra Akoma Ntoaso, Guns Down Friday, Momma’s Safe Haven, The Safe Sisters Circle, Women Involved in Reentry Efforts and WANDA (Women Advancing Nutritional Dietetics and Agriculture).

Each of the nonprofits received $25,000. The awarding of the grants occurred at the bank’s branch location in the Skyland Town Center in Ward 7 in Southeast. The nonprofits won the grants based on each organization’s commitment and proven track record within neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Shae Harris, JPMorgan Chase Mid-Atlantic Region director of corporate responsibility, said the bank has a commitment to serve females of color.

“Since JPMorgan Chase began its significant philanthropic commitment to Washington, D.C. it found that women of color are the key drivers of household economic mobility in the region,” Harris said. “Through our support to the center, we are able to drill down and provide the necessary support to Black women-led organizations east of the river. It's through these women that we can intentionally drive impact in Wards 7 and 8.”

The center is one of the nation’s oldest state associations for nonprofit organizations. Its chief executive officer, Glen O’Gilvie, said his organization has made the commitment to help close the racial wealth gap and drive economic inclusion. O’Gilvie said his organization looks forward to partnering with the bank in this endeavor.

“The center has been addressing the most pressing community needs by strengthening nonprofit organizations for over 43 years,” he said. “Research confirms that corporations and foundations have historically underfunded, Black-led organizations. I am delighted by the opportunity to partner with

JPMorgan Chase, engaging Black women leaders and demonstrating the equity in a trust-based philanthropic and capacity-building model, as well as the lasting community impact we can create.”

O’Gilvie said the center created the Center for Race, Equity, Justice and Inclusion to focus on those issues and has spearheaded initiatives to address them.

“Partnering with JPMorgan Chase on this innovative, comprehensive program is another significant step in the center’s efforts to advance real change,” he said.

The funded organizations are set to receive technical assistance, health and wellness support, leadership de-

velopment and executive coaching by the center’s staff. Classes and resources include social media and marketing training, business plan guidance to improve organizational resilience and financial management.

The grantees will be enrolled in a customized 12-month capacity-building program. The program received 23 applicants. O’Gilvie said the unsuccessful applicants will receive a yearlong membership to the center in addition to full access to offerings such as courses, board matching and ongoing technical assistance.

Keyonna Jones, 35, serves as the executive director of the Congress Heights Arts and Culture Center. Jones, a resident of the Hillcrest neighborhood in Ward 7, said she is pleased to get the grant.

“This will help me with my general operating budget, hire staff and keep the venue up,” she said.

Juwanna Hardy, 35, is the founder of Guns Down Friday. She said the grant will help continue programming to fight gun violence in the District, specifically Wards 7 and 8.

“We have four programs designed to stop the violence and homicides in our community,” said Hardy, who resides in Prince George’s County. “With this grant, we can help people change their lives.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

“Since JPMorgan Chase began its significant philanthropic commitment to Washington, D.C. it found that women of color are the key drivers of household economic mobility in the region,” Harris said.

5 Eight nonprofits led by Black women have received a $25,000 grant from JPMorgan Chase and the Center for Nonprofit Advancement. (Courtesy of Briana Carter/JPMorgan Chase)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s Leaders and Small Business Owners Meet for Town Hall

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Over 70 small business owners from across Prince George County filled the County Council’s hearing room for a town hall focused on strengthening local procurement on March 7. With most of the County Councilmembers in attendance, some of the other notable

attendees included local business owner LaTasha Ward, construction photographer Denise Roberts, lobbyist Addison Pruitt and union leader Anthony Lee Wright. After the town hall, Council Vice Chair Wala Blegay (D) announced a bill that would give the right of first award to County businesses for procurements at $150,000 or less.

During the Townhall, State’s Attorney Braveboy (D) pointed out that local businesses are part of the solution especially by hiring returning citizens and victims of crimes.

Council Chair Tom Dernoga (D) gave introductory remarks about past constituent concerns regarding procurement issues, and passed the mic to Vice Chair Ble-

Bowie Delegate Boafo Seeks Protections for Local Burial Site

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing

Reporter

First-term Bowie Delegate Adrian Boafo (D) is seeking protections for a gravesite on the outskirts of Bowie. Citing increasing demand by descendants in the local area, he recently sent a formal request to the National Park Service to set the Sacred Heart Cem-

etary as a National Historic Place. This gravesite was at the Jesuit-run White Marsh Plantation. In 1741, the Sacred Heart Chapel was founded here and this area, now located on Annapolis Road, became the epicenter of Catholic life in Prince George’s County. An 1853 fire on the property destroyed much of the grounds and records of those who were buried at the gravesite.

gay, who noted the specific hurdles and frustrations of local business owners.

Blegay added that the town hall was in order to hear the entrepreneurs’ concerns so they can be better addressed. “We are not meeting our goals when it comes to minority businesses,” said Blegay.

“Only 6% of the school construction public-private partnership are

local minority businesses.”

Jonathan Butler, the director of the Office of Central Services (OCS), gave a briefing on his office’s role. This 250-person service delivery agency deals in procurement, facility and inventory management, and spurs local development. Following a disparity study, a bill passed by At-Large Councilmember Mel Franklin (D) provided bond authority at 4070% of project value, rather than the traditional 100%. In 2019, an online certification and compliance system (CCS) was implemented and reduced wait times in applying by 66%. In 2021, the OCS launched The Green Book, a platform exclusive to small and minority businesses that details millions of dollars worth of potential contracts, and a mentor-protege project.

Dr. Stephanie McMillan, who runs a balloon company in the County, wants to see the process streamlined. Instead of having to contact each agency’s events de-

Bowie Residents Protest 24/7 Tobacco Store

The Maryland Catholic Conference supports granting this historic status. A prayer service and legislative meeting with the District 23 representatives was held on February 25th to discuss further steps. During this meeting, Delegate Boafo met several local residents who are descendants of those buried in the Sacred Heart Cemetery.

“The cemetery that surrounds the Historic Chapel on the Hill at Sacred Heart is sacred ground and the final resting place for generations of Marylanders. The Church welcomes the proposal to more formally recognize this cemetery’s place in our nation’s history.”, said Jenny Kraska, the Executive Director of the Maryland Catholic Conference.

When asked what the next steps for local leadership are, Delegate Boafo said “At this moment, we are working with the National Park Service to get this burial site preserved as a historic place. Having this site federally preserved will allow for more money, manpower, and protection over maintenance and historical uncovering efforts.” WI

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Residents in Bowie are organizing to protest a 24/7 tobacco store that recently opened in the Pointer Ridge Shopping Center.

Patrice Murray, a longtime community resident and former County Council candidate, sent a template in her latest newsletter to provide local residents the opportunity to speak against the tobacco store. Specifically, she cited concern for public health and business/property values as reasons to oppose this business. In her template letter for the Bowie City Council, she desires that they ban these businesses from Bowie entirely.

Several other bills relating to zoning are coming before the County Council, which has zoning authority over the entire County excluding the City of Laurel.

Four bills, described by Bowie activist Milly Hall as “pro-resident zoning bills” will be publicly heard this Tuesday. CB-2 will limit text amendments in zoning practices

which can significantly increase density in a proposed project, CB-3 will require compliance with local Master Plans for development rather than using them as a guide, CB-5 will limit the addition of new gas stations, and CB-9 will better regulate tobacco and liquor stores. It is believed that these four bills have support from the majority of the County Council, including the Council Chair and Vice Chair. CB-9 passed, banning 24 hour tobacco stores and adding regulation to their signage.

Last week, Our Prince George’s sent an email to their membership list encouraging them to send letters of support favoring HB818, which would make it easier for aggrieved constituents to sue over zoning practices. Currently, a resident or community association must be within 1,000 feet in order to challenge zoning decisions.

Councilmember At Large Mel Franklin (D) voted to hold this bill’s council equivalent indefinitely, and County Executive Alsobrooks (D) opposes this legislation as well. WI

5 State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) was the first speaker at the town hall. She thanked local businesses for being the “first to hire returning citizens and victims of crime”. (Anthony Tilghman/TheWashington Informer)

5 The Sacred Heart Cemetery, located in a lot behind the church, is the burial site of dozens of slaves. As of yet, there is no signage or historic status for their gravesite. (Photo courtesy Anthony Tilghman)

Laurel Department of Public Works Seeks to Unionize

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

In Laurel, Department of Public Works (DPW) employees are seeking to unionize with UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO.

A recent Council hearing gave DPW employees the opportunity to testify during public comment about their experiences, and several called on the City Council to introduce legislation granting them collective bargaining.

During Mayor Craig Moe’s (D) tenure, the Laurel Police unionized under the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) and the City has grown by several thousand residents while adding over six miles of road.

“I have worked for the city for eight years in recycling,” said Kyle Lewis during the hearing. “A super danger-

ous job. We have a tough job, and we would like to get heard. We are in the streets every day.” Roofing and garbage collecting, jobs akin to their responsibilities in DPW, are listed among the five most dangerous jobs in America.

Bowie, College Park and Mount Rainier have unionized DPWs, and Greenbelt police are also unionized. Larger municipalities such as Baltimore, Frederick and Hagerstown also have unionized municipal workforces.

In a recent press release undersigned by Councilmembers Martin Mitchell (D) and Carl DeWalt (R), several employees cited low pay and dangerous conditions among the reasons they want to unionize. Driver Derrell Bridges said “We go out and buy a $250,000 truck and other employees have new vehicles, but there’s no pay raise for us.”

2023 Sponsors and Partners

7:00pm

5 Lloyd Holloway, one of the lead organizers with DPW, spoke to PGCTV on the 8th about ongoing collective bargaining efforts. (Courtesy photo/Martin Mitchell)

BUSINESS

STORYTELLERZ BOUTIQUE SUITS UP MALL IN ARLINGTON

Storytellerz Boutique is a dress shop located in The Fashion Centre at Pentagon City Mall in Arlington, Virginia, one of more than a dozen Black-owned businesses operating in the facility. Owned by Lakeisha Wells, the store specializes in trendy, edgy informal, casual wear primarily for women. The store sits north of an entrance to the Nordstrom.

“I tell people when they need to find me, go by the Nordstrom and look to the left,” Wells, 49, said.

Customers can purchase colorful clothes such as skirts, tops, dresses, pants, hoodies and non-clothing items such as butter perfume. She said some men shop in the store for the hoodies either for their female family members and friends or themselves.

“The hoodies are unisex,” she said. “As a matter of fact, men are my easiest customers because

they usually know what they want when they come to the store.” Wells said her products range in price from medium to high due to the quality of the clothing.

FITS YOUR life

With our unique tub-over-tub liners, replacements, and tub-to-shower conversions we can complete your bathroom renovation in as little as a day. At Bath Fitter, we don’t just fit your bath, we fit your life. Why have over two million people brought Bath Fitter into their homes? It Just Fits.

She said a healthy customer base visits her store and has made the location profitable.

“The Simon Property Group gave me a really good deal in terms of a lease for the shop,” she said. “I like it here and I intend to stay.” WI

BOWSER ADMIN ANNOUNCES SECOND ROUND OF NOURISH DC GRANTS

Bowser administration officials announced on March 10 the second round of Nourish DC Grants received by 13 BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) owned businesses to support the development of a more equitable food ecosystem in the District.

The grants were created by the

administration in 2021 to support the growth of locally-owned small food businesses in communities underserved by grocery and other food amenities.

“Nourish DC is an example of how we can support our small food business owners and work together to create new employment opportunities and thriving neighborhoods,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The 13 new grant recipients include Open Crumb (Ward 8), KFresh (Ward 8), Constituent Services Worldwide Public Benefit Corporation (Ward 6), Tae-Gu Kimchi (Ward 5), Elmira Market (Ward 8), The Fresh Food Factory (Ward 8), Kitchen Savages (Ward 8), Fight Juice (Ward 5), Inspire DMV Hospitality LLC (Ward 8), Marty’s Food and Catering (Ward 8), Oh-Mazing Food (Ward 5), SouthEats LLC (Ward 7) and Aurora Market (Ward 1).

The Bowser administration has awarded over $4.5 million in funding to Capital Impact Partners (CIP) to serve as the Nourish DC administrator. Each of the 13 grant awardees will receive technical and loan assistance to support their businesses throughout the year through CIP. WI

BLEGAY SPONSORS BILL TO AID MINORITY FIRMS

Prince George’s County Council Member Wala Blegay (District 6) introduced legislation—Council Bill-030-2030-County Based Business Utilization--on March 7 designed to increase opportunities for minority businesses and nonprofits in the county.

Under the measure, certified county-based small businesses will have the right of first award for procurements at or under $150,000 unless the total invoice exceeds the prevailing market range.

“Many of the county’s certified small and minority businesses are owned and operated by Prince Georgians,” Blegay said. “I am committed to doing everything within my purview to ensure they are provided with opportunities to grow and thrive in the communities where they live.”

The bill has been referred to the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy Committee for review. WI

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

5 Bowser administration officials announced on March 10 the second round of Nourish DC Grants received by 13 BIPOC owned businesses to support the development of a more equitable food ecosystem in the District. (Courtesy Photo)

Doors are Open in Commercial Real Estate, Experts Say

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

The Brookings Institute in Northwest published a study—

“The Devaluing of Assets in Black Neighborhoods: The Case for Commercial Property” on July 11, 2022, that said only three percent of Black households own commercial real estate compared with eight percent of white households, and their holdings are much smaller— valued at just $3,600 on average, compared with nearly $34,000 for white households. The study said Black neighborhoods are often undervalued, denying their commercial property owners in those areas some $171 billion in aggregate wealth. The way to end the cycle, according to the study, is to diversify owners of commercial real estate and change the rules that guide investment.

Jerome Nichols serves as the president of Standard Real Estate Investments, LLP with offices in the District and Los Angeles. Nichols, a former professional football player with the Washington Redskins and other pro teams, said African Americans lack the capital to get into commercial real estate because they don’t have the

family financial connections or the personal assets. Nevertheless, he said lack of capital shouldn’t discourage Black people from seeking careers in the field.

“There are plenty of opportunities to gain capital to get into commercial real estate,” Nichols said. “You can earn a paycheck at a real estate company or use equity in your home as ways to finance a project.”

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Jerome Nichols is the president of Standard Real Estate Investments, LLP.

(Courtesy Photo/ Standard Real Estate Investments, LLP)

“There are plenty of opportunities to gain capital to get into commercial real estate,” Nichols said. “You can earn a paycheck at a real estate company or use equity in your home as ways to finance a project.”

Despite Increased Black Unemployment Rate, Biden Celebrates Robust Job Market

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

America’s employers added 311,000 jobs last month, surpassing the 208,000 experts predicted.

Further, the last two years saw more jobs created since 1940, a sign that the country has recovered soundly from the COVID-19 recession.

In January, employers added 504,000 jobs, and then 300,000+ last month, robust gains that pointed to high demand for labor.

However, despite the solid report, the African American job market remained problematic.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall unemployment rate rose to 3.6% in Feb-

ruary from 3.4% the prior month.

Women over 20 saw an unemployment rate slightly rise to 3.2% from 3.1%. Unemployment rates for Black women climbed to 5.1% from 4.7%; among Hispanic women, it jumped to 4.8% from 4.4%.

The Black unemployment rate peaked at 5.7%, up from 5.4% in January.

But, President Biden said he was excited about overall progress.

“I’m happy to report that our economy has created over 300,000 new jobs last month, and that’s on top of a half a million jobs we added the month before,” a celebratory President Joe Biden exclaimed.

“All told, we’ve created more than 12 million jobs since I took office, nearly 800,000 of them

5 The last two years have seen more jobs created since 1940. (Courtesy Photo/ Oregon Dept. of Transportation, Wikimedia commons)

manufacturing jobs.

“That means, overall, we’ve created more jobs in two years than any administration has created in the first four years.”

Biden said he believes his administration’s economic plan is working.

The President asserted that when he took office, the economy was reeling.

“And 18 million people were unemployed, on unemployment insurance, compared to less than 2 million today,” he stated.

“Unemployment was 6.3%, and the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office predicted it

Federal Small Business (UBE) Bid Opportunity

Project: NAVFAC P-3002 Camp Springs, MD

Encouraging all SBE, SDE, WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZONE

Bid Date: 04/052023 at 10:00AM

Bid Kick Off Meeting 03/23/2023 at 8:30AM

For documents and RSVP to the kickoff meeting contact Michelle Evans mevans@consigli.com

wouldn’t get below 4 percent until 2026.

“Because of our economic plan, unemployment has been below 4 %for 14 straight months since January 2022.”

In February, the unemployment rate remained near the lowest level in a half-century, the president said.

“That’s really good news. People who were staying out of the job market are now getting back into the job market,” Biden noted. “They’re coming off the sidelines. They’re getting back into the job market. And today’s job numbers are clear: Our economy is moving in the right direction.”

Biden declared that jobs are available, and Americans are working again and becoming more optimistic about the future.

He called right-wing Republicans the biggest threat to America’s economic recovery.

“The reckless talk, my MAGA friends. This is not your — as you’ve heard me say, it’s not your father’s Republican party,” Biden railed.

“But the Republicans in the United States Congress, what they want to do with regard to the debt limit. You know, they’re threatening to default on our national debt. Planning to default, as some Republicans seem to be doing, puts us much at risk.”

He continued, “I believe we should be building on our progress, not go backward. So, I urge our extreme MAGA Republican friends in Congress to put the threats aside. Instead, join me in continuing the

progress we’ve built. We’ve got a lot more to do, so let’s finish the job.”

The jobs report arrived as House Republicans reiterated their desire to give tax breaks to the wealthy, based on a House Freedom Caucus proposal.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the proposal would amount to a “gutpunch to the American middle class.”

“This proposal would bring devastating consequences to our national security, working families, and community safety, and result in $0 in deficit reduction when coupled with MAGA Republicans’ support for trillions in tax cuts,” Jean-Pierre decried.

The right-wing GOP arm is seeking to impose work requirements on Medicaid and other programs and cut back health care benefits for many working-class individuals and reduce funding to the IRS.

“Extreme MAGA Republicans’ proposals would ship manufacturing jobs overseas, in a crushing blow to states from Ohio to Georgia to Arizona – and would provide a windfall of economic benefits to China,” Jean-Pierre stated. “They would increase health care premiums for nearly 15 million Americans and make the biggest Medicare benefits cut in decades, forcing America’s seniors to pay more for prescription drugs so Big Pharma can see new taxpayer handouts.”

wi @StacyBrownMedia

Democrats Join Push to Ban TikTok from American-held Devices

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Democrats in Congress are making it clear that they want to ban the Chinese app TikTok in the U.S.

Reported national security concerns over massive amounts of data that TikTok collects on its millions of American users sit at the core of why lawmakers want the app banned.

Democrats and Republicans alike have said certain information of serious concern could be transferred to China, making it a national security issue.

However, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, has repeatedly denied that it shares user data with the Chinese government.

“TikTok is a modern-day Trojan horse of the [Chinese Communist Party], used to surveil and exploit Americans’ personal information,” said Rep. Michael McCaul of Texas, the Republican chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

“It’s a spy balloon in your phone,” McCaul said, alluding to a February incident in which a spy balloon from China traversed American skies.

Last month, House Foreign Affairs Committee members pushed for a bill that would give President Biden the power to ban TikTok on all mobile devices in the U.S.

However, Democrats voted against the measure.

Democrats in the U.S. Senate did offer support late last year for a bill that would ban TikTok on federal devices, and a bipartisan group of senators, led by Mark Warner (D-Va.) and John Thune (R-S.C.), also introduced a bill that would let Biden ban TikTok and other apps that come from other countries.

Five Democrats and five Republicans have signed on as a co-sponsor on that legislation.

President Biden reportedly supports the measure and has indicated a willingness to ban TikTok, which has more than 1.53 billion users globally as of 2023, with 1 billion monthly active users.

“Unlike most social media platforms, TikTok poses a unique concern because Chinese law obligates ByteD-

ance, its Beijing-based parent company, to ‘support, assist, and cooperate with state intelligence work,’” said Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who has demanded that Apple and Google remove TikTok from their app stores.

During a national television appearance, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) said a TikTok ban “should be looked at.”

The economic battle between the U.S. and China has been ongoing, with escalating tensions leading to threats of a potential armed conflict.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre even alluded to the conflict in her remarks attacking a House Freedom Caucus budget plan.

“Extreme MAGA Republicans’ proposals would ship manufacturing jobs overseas, in a crushing blow to states from Ohio to Georgia to Arizona – and would provide a windfall of economic benefits to China,” JeanPierre stated.

TikTok spokeswoman Brooke Oberwetter argued that a U.S. ban on TikTok would ban the export of American culture and values to over a billion people who use the app worldwide.

“A ban would stifle American speech and would be a ban on the export of American culture and values to the billion-plus people who use our service worldwide,” Oberwetter declared. wi

@StacyBrownMedia

5 U.S. lawmakers seek a ban on TikTok. (Photo courtesy/Einsgoeins via Wikimedia commons )

fees may be required. Prices and offers subject to change and may vary by market. Additional taxes and fees may apply. Satisfactory credit required. A security deposit may be required. Simulated screen images and photos are for illustrative purposes only.

©2021 ADT LLC dba ADT Security Services. All rights reserved. ADT, the ADT logo, 800.ADT.ASAP and the product/service names listed in this document are marks and/or registered marks. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Third-party marks are the property of their respective owners. License information available at www.ADT.com/legal

DF-CD-NP-Q321

now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Angola to Send Troops to Democratic Republic of Congo

Angola has announced it will send troops to eastern Democratic Republic (DR) of Congo a few days after a ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the government coalition failed, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, March 12.

The office of Angola’s President Joao Lourenço said in a statement on Saturday, March 11, that regional leaders, the African Union and United Nations were informed about the decision to send troops to eastern DR Congo.

5 Angola has announced it will send troops to eastern DR Congo a few days after a ceasefire between the M23 rebels and the government coalition failed. (Courtesy Photo)

“The primary objective of this [military] unit is to secure the cantonment areas of the M23 elements and to protect the members of the Ad Hoc Verification Mechanism,” the statement reads.

The statement by Angola came hours after the M23 announced its withdrawal from multiple areas under its control.

Kenya and Burundi already deployed troops under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), which occupies territories vacated by the rebels since they began its withdrawal in December 2022.

As chair of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), President Lourenço is the mediator of the DR Congo conflict.

Following a meeting with President Lourenço in the Angolan capital Luanda, the M23 declared a unilateral ceasefire on March 7, which was violated by the DR Congo army FARDC and its coalition armed groups including the FDLR terrorists that are composed of remnants of those who perpetrated the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

Two days later, the rebels accused the government coalition of violating the ceasefire.

Seemingly, state-sanctioned protests against the EACRF in February suggested Kinshasa was not interested in a peaceful resolution, which has complicated regional efforts to broker an end to the conflict.

DR Congo’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the conflict has been questioned again after a minister declared that the government would integrate multiple armed groups to form a reserve force.

Minister Nzangi Muhindo said last week that militia fighters were “no longer negative forces” and they were now “reservists. WI

Educators Trained to Equip Students to be Peacebuilders

Several educators from across Jamaica have benefited from training aimed at enabling them to equip students to be peacebuilders in the school and wider society, The Jamaica Observer reported on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

The one-day Peace Symposium, hosted by the United Church in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands and the International University of the Caribbean (IUC), was held at the Alhambra Inn in Kingston on Thursday, March 9.

5 Richard Troupe, Director of Safety and Security at the Ministry of Education and Youth, speaking at the Peace Symposium. (Courtesy Photo)

The event featured three workshops focused on peacebuilding strategies in the school space, community and home, including conflict resolution skills.

Carlinton Johnson, Principal of Carron Hall High School in St Mary, said it is important that students are engaged in measures to resolve conflicts at the earliest stage.

“If we can teach the children from an early age how to deal with conflicts and get them to be part of the process [it would help] to bring peace in the schools first, then the community and the world,” Johnson noted.

Physical Education Teacher and coach at Clarendon College, Troy Barnes, pointed out that conflict resolution training for teachers is also important in equipping them to “find new ways to help students.”

He added that this is particularly in light of the influence of social media, which can have a negative impact on young people.

“A lot of schools have challenges with violence, and as an educator and a person who is always around students, I think I need to know more ways in which I can help to assist these students who are having these challenges,” he told JIS News. WI

HEALTH

CDC Recommends All Adults Get Tested for Hepatitis B

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The U.S. Centers for Control and Prevention have issued a new recommendation urging all adults to receive screening for hepatitis B at least once in their lifetime.

The agency describes hepatitis B (HBV) as a liver infection caused by the HBV virus. It can progress to liver cancer and other serious illnesses.

CDC officials said as many as 2.4 million people live with HBV, and most might not know they have it.

A severe infection could lead to chronic HBV, which could increase a person’s risk of getting cancer or cirrhosis.

Further, the CDC said those diagnosed with chronic or long-term HBV are up to 85% more likely to succumb to an early death.

“Chronic HBV infection can lead to substantial morbidity and mortality but is detectable before the development of severe liver disease using reliable and inexpensive screening tests,” CDC officials stated.

Even though the number of people with HBV has decreased signifi-

cantly in the last 30 years, the Office of Minority Health with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services says it is still a problem for African Americans. The office reported that, in 2020, non-Hispanic Black people would be 1.4 times more likely to die from viral hepatitis than non-Hispanic white Americans.

Also, non-Hispanic Black people were almost twice as likely to die

from hepatitis C as white individuals.

Further, while having comparable case rates for HBV in 2020, non-Hispanic Black Americans were 2.5 times more likely to die from HBV than non-Hispanic white people.

Medical officials noted that HBV spreads through contact with infected blood or bodily fluids, which can occur through sex, injecting drugs,

or during pregnancy or delivery.

The CDC previously issued a recommendation in 2008, when it urged testing for high-risk individuals.

In its most recent recommendation, the agency said that adults over 18 must be tested at least once.

The agency declared that pregnant individuals should also undergo screening during each pregnancy, regardless of whether they’ve received a vaccine or have been previously tested.

Additionally, incarcerated individuals, those with multiple sex partners, or people with a history of hepatitis C should test periodically, the CDC said.

The agency warned that symptoms of acute HBV could include fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, dark urine, and jaundice.

Symptoms could take several months or longer to present and last for months.

The CDC’s latest report further notes the following:

It’s estimated more than half of people who have the hepatitis B virus (HBV) don’t know they’re infected. Without treatment and monitoring, HBV infection can lead to deadly health outcomes, including liver damage and liver cancer.

The report updates and expands previous guidelines for HBV screening and testing by recommending screening for all U.S. adults and expanding continual periodic risk-based testing to include more groups, activities, exposures, and conditions.

Providers should implement the new CDC hepatitis B screening and testing recommendations to ensure all adults are screened for HBV infection with the triple-panel at least once in their lifetimes and that people who are not vaccinated for hepatitis B – but are at increased risk of HBV infection – receive periodic testing.

“Although a curative treatment is not yet available, early diagnosis and treatment of chronic HBV infections reduce the risk for cirrhosis, liver cancer, and death,” CDC officials noted in the report.

“Along with vaccination strategies, universal screening of adults and appropriate testing of persons at increased risk for HBV infection will improve health outcomes, reduce the prevalence of HBV infection in the United States, and advance viral hepatitis elimination goals. wi @StacyBrownMedia

5 As many as 2.4 million people are living with hepatitis B, according to the CDC (Courtesy Photo/ iStock)

DHS Discontinues Emergency Allotment of SNAP Benefits

How Residents Can Maintain Healthy Eating Despite Financial Cuts

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

District residents will see a decrease in monthly Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, as the Department of Human Services (DHS) has discontinued temporary emergency allotments provided during the COVID-19 pandemic. The withdrawn funding presents both financial and nutritional challenges to families across the city.

Avy Brunson, a District resident who has received SNAP benefits for almost three years, said she is mildly concerned about the decrease in assistance as she has just started to feel a sense of financial stability since the health emergency.

“The emergency funding was a big help for me at the time, especially when I got laid off from my job,” Brunson explained. “I am back working again, but the extra money let me stretch my shopping out more. Now I will have to be more cautious about what I buy since things are tightening back up.”

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the provided benefits were deemed instrumental in alleviating food insecurity issues across the District, with a study estimating that emergency allotments kept 4.2 million people above the poverty line during the last quarter of 2021, simultaneously reducing poverty by 10%.

SNAP recipients who received an average monthly increase of roughly $251, can now see cuts as low as $23.

FINDING SALVAGE IN THE FINANCIAL DISPARITY

While residents of various age groups are facing the supplemental cuts, senior residents have become the demographic most affected by the change. Across the District, the Legal Counsel for the Elderly, an offshoot of AARP, is working to alert senior residents of the new change in benefit packages, while suggesting productive ways to ensure they are receiving all available benefits.

“[Residents] want to check their [SNAP] balance either online, through the app, or by calling DHS. They want to reach out to DHS to ensure that they are maximizing their benefits, and they also want to check with their resources [including] the Capital Area Food Banks, and the food boxes [available] from Bread For The City to ensure that they are taking advantage of other resources to fill any gaps in their food budget,” said Robyn Griffin, senior attorney for the Legal Counsel for the Elderly.

Likewise, local dieticians like Charmaine Jones, registered dietician and founder of Food Jonezi, a consulting practice that specializes in nutrition counseling and education, wellness and prevention, and nutrition analysis, works heavily with District residents including those hit hardest by socioeconomic barriers. Jones encourages residents and families to be mindful of the resources available in the city that can help to provide healthy food options, while also taking advantage of household items.

“Ask yourself, ‘with the items that I have in my kitchen, what can I create?’ Go and meal plan first, and if you have children and you don’t know what to eat, kids will tell you,” Jones explained. “You can ask them, what do you want on Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday, and then as a family, come up with

what types of meals and recipes you can eat. Whatever ingredients you don’t have, that’s when you make your list, go to the grocery store, and stick with it. It’s all about meal planning.”

Jones enforces an often overlooked factor when examining food insecurity: the lack of education in what can be done with produce and food that is already in the kitchen or made available through District provided programs.

“There are a lot of programs out there that our community doesn’t know of. I think that the main part of food insecurity is the lack of education and lack of knowledge of the resources that are out here,” said Jones. “Working in the community, I’ve learned that there is a stigma about participating in those types of programs. We have to educate our people to look at it as free produce [or food] that [is helping you] save money. You have to reframe your mindset of thinking that it is a government handout, but [rather] something I am getting for free that is cutting down on my food budget.”

Local residents can receive more information on the Capital Area Food Bank’s Grocery Plus Program, and the Emergency Food Assistance Program by contacting phone number 202.644.9807. Senior residents may also contact the Legal Counsel for the Elderly at 202.434.2120 WI

5 Extra SNAP benefits are ending in the District of Columbia. (WI File Photo)

EDUCATION

Parents Continue to Demand Clarity on OSSE Bus Delays

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As special-needs students in the District experience their tenth week of prolonged daily commutes, parents continue to demand answers about why the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) didn’t immediately tackle bus driver staffing shortages that had been anticipated since the beginning of the school year.

Elizabeth Mitchell, a Ward 3

mother whose son attends a special-needs school in Baltimore, said her son’s bus driver warned her in the fall about the impending retirement of 60 bus drivers and the scheduling adjustments that would follow upon students’ return from winter break.

Without much clarity from OSSE however, Mitchell recounted not being able to adequately prepare.

“OSSE started sending weird messages in November about changes coming but they couldn’t elaborate on what,” Mitchell said. “We knew

Jan. 9 was going to be bad and we would be losing a bus driver.”

Once her son’s bus didn’t arrive on the morning of Jan. 9, Mitchell took him and his classmate on the hour-long trip north on Interstate 95. The last time she recounted her

son having normal bus service was on Jan. 10.

Mitchell said that since Jan. 11, her son’s bus arrives every morning 30 minutes earlier than the time window OSSE provides. Commutes back home are more than an hour because drivers are responsible for more than one bus route. Once buses make it back to the District, drivers zig-zag across the city to get students home.

For Mitchell’s son, that means often missing after-school appointments with specialists. Mitchell even had to pick up her son from school one time because his bus was involved in an accident and OSSE couldn’t immediately replace it.

Such experiences, Mitchell said, have diminished her son’s morale, which has affected his academic and socioemotional welling in the classroom.

In reaching out to other parents of special-needs students, Mitchell learned that, in light of the bus delays, parents are risking their economic security to get their children to school during work hours. That’s why, over the last few weeks, she and others have spoken at D.C. Council performance oversight hearings and reached out to D.C. council members.

Mitchell has also written a resolution she’s hoping that advisory neighborhood commissions across the District will support. “Why wouldn’t OSSE do something about this?,” Mitchell said. “Most of the children using OSSE’s transportation are al-

ready dealing with disabilities and most of them are in need of structure and stability.”

STATE SUPERINTENDENT GRANT ADDRESSES PARENTS’ CONCERNS

On Monday morning, OSSE reported 37 late bus arrivals of up to 90 minutes. Staffing challenges also meant that students on one of the bus routes experienced service delays as OSSE Division of Transportation attempted to assign a driver to that route.

Days earlier, on March 10, OSSE reported four routes experiencing similar problems.

During a D.C. Council performance oversight hearing in early March, State Superintendent Christina Grant described the new routing system that went into effect this year as an attempt to better serve the needs of special-needs students. She acknowledged the nationwide bus driver shortage as a hurdle in meeting that goal, noting that OSSE is addressing it with a $5,000 hiring bonus to attract prospective employees.

In her council testimony, Grant said OSSE gave contingent offers to 34 drivers and 81 attendants during a mid-February hiring fair that the agency hosted in conjunction with the DC Office of Human Resources. The hiring fair, which took place at the Old Council Chambers in the Marion S. Barry Building in Northwest, attracted more than 2,400 applications. Nearly 1,000 people appeared in person to engage District human resources personnel.

Meanwhile, OSSE has created attendance incentives for its bus drivers. The agency has also brought on private contractors while taking steps to train bus attendants to become bus drivers. For parents, OSSE doubled the parent transportation reimbursement rate, increased the capacity of its parent resource center and upgraded the OSSE website to provide updates on bus service delays.

Another strategy Grant highlighted during the council hearing involves collaborating with DC Public Schools (DCPS) and public charter schools to limit the number of students who can subscribe to bus services.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

5 (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

Howard County Becomes 100th U.S. Locality to Pass a Key Climate Policy

By Kayla Benjamin Climate and Environment Writer

With new legislation passed on March 6, Howard County became the 100th local-level jurisdiction in the United States to adopt a policy encouraging or requiring fossil fuel-free buildings, according to tracking conducted by the Building Decarbonization Coalition.

The “Clean New Buildings Climate Act,” which the County Council passed in a 4-1 vote, marks a starting point for the process of changing the county’s building codes to require electrification of all new buildings.

“Building electrification and decarbonization is not a question of if—it is a question of when and how,” said Council Chair Christiana Rigby (D) during Monday’s legislative session. Rigby introduced the original bill in January.

The new law, officially titled CB5, represents a step toward county- and statewide climate goals. It requires the County Executive’s office to craft a report detailing what changes the county would need to make to its building code in order to require electrification of all new buildings.

“Really the important part of this bill is actually reading that report and ensuring that we are making strides towards reducing carbon emissions in Howard County,” said Councilmember Deb Jung before voting yes on the bill. “Step one—a report. That will be done. Step two—how do we put that report into action. That’s going to take some heavy lifting.”

Howard County’s electrification law echoes similar policies passed last year around the region. In July, D.C. adopted legislation banning most uses of methane, or natural gas, in buildings constructed after 2026. That law, titled the “Clean Energy

DC Building Code Amendment Act,” also requires buildings constructed after that year to be net-zero, creating as much energy as they consume.

In November, Montgomery County followed the District’s lead, passing a law requiring the county to craft an all-electric building code by the end of 2026.

Doug Siglin, a volunteer organizer with Chesapeake Climate Action Network, worked on advocacy efforts for all three of the recently-passed building electrification bills in the DMV region.

“Hundreds of letters and emails were submitted [to the Howard County Council],” Siglin said. “We all got green t-shirts that said ‘be a real climate leader’ on them… There was just a high degree of citizen participation that helped to make this happen over the objection of the industry and the trade associations.”

A MULTIFACETED ORGANIZING APPROACH

Dozens of advocates showed up to council hearings for the bill in the neon green shirts. The effort, spearheaded by HoCo Climate Action, drew support from more than 15 coalition partners, including not just environmental nonprofits but also several faith groups and the immigrant support organization CASA.

Some organizations that do not usually address climate issues have focused attention on building electrification because of the public health impacts associated with gas appliances. For example, a recent study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found that one in eight childhood asthma cases in the

5 Dozens of advocates wore neon green in support of Howard County’s building electrification bill at a Feb. 23 hearing. (Photo courtesy of HoCo Climate Action)

Anthony Ogun

Home Lending Officer

301-332-6017

anthony.ogun@citi.com

citi.com/anthonyogun

NMLS# 132153

* Citi Mortgage Relationship Pricing A Citibank deposit account is required to receive the interest rate discount or closing cost credit.

Automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank Deposit Account using automated drafting will be required. Actual interest rate discount or closing cost credit will depend on the level of the Citi Eligible Balances, which will be verified after final loan approval.

Deposit Account Balances must be in the account five (5) Business Days following final loan approval and Investment Account balances must be in the account six (6) Business Days following final loan approval. Citi eligible accounts include a personal, consumer Citibank Deposit Account in which the borrower is a direct signer, Citibank IRAs, and Investments held in linked Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) accounts. The borrower must be an account holder on investment accounts. IRA and annuity positions shown on linked CGMI Account statements are eligible (except tax qualified annuities under sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code). Balances from Citibank Business / Commercial accounts, ERISA accounts, Keogh accounts, Bank Collateral accounts, Foreign accounts, Fiduciary accounts, and Trust accounts where the borrower is only listed as the Beneficiary are excluded. All Custodial type accounts are excluded with the exception of Custodial IRA accounts through Citibank or Pershing LLC where the borrower(s) is the beneficiary, which are eligible unless otherwise noted. Citibank IRAs that are not linked to a Citibank Deposit Account are excluded.

and balance validation. Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Glossary of terms for this offer: Business Day means Monday through Friday and does not include federal holidays; Eligible Balances means total funds showing in the account at the time we verify the balances less any funds we determine you will need for a down payment or closing costs; Deposit Account means a Citibank personal checking and/or savings account as well as certificates of deposit and money market accounts; Investment Account means IRAs and investments held in Citigroup Global Markets Inc. accounts.

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, offers, products and services are subject to change without notice at any time. Offer may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, except when applied with specific Community Lending Programs. Offers are not applicable on Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. This is not a commitment to lend.

This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S. Investment products are offered through Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”), Member SIPC (http://sipc.org). Citibank and CGMI are affiliated companies under the common control of Citigroup Inc.

© 2023 Citibank, N.A. NMLS# 412915. Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. Citi, Citi and Arc Design and other marks used herein are service marks of Citigroup Inc. or its affiliates, used and registered throughout the world.

Washingtonians Should Embrace Nationals as D.C.’s No. 1 Team

On March 30, Opening Day will commence for the Washington Nationals at the Nationals Stadium against the Atlanta Braves. Opening Day in Major League Baseball is a festive day with a carnival-like atmosphere throughout the ballpark for the fans. It is no different in the District where Nationals fans will populate the stadium on that day to cheer on the team with hopes of a shot at winning the pennant. Given that baseball has been characterized as “America’s pastime” it should become the sport of choice for Washingtonians.

The Nationals headquarters and the stadium are in Ward 8. The restaurants and bars surrounding the stadium that are profitable during the season are located in Ward 8. The Nationals Youth Baseball Academy is located in the Fort Dupont neighborhood in Ward 7. The team has summer camps for youth in the District. B. Doyle Mitchell Jr., president and CEO of Industrial Bank and Paxton K. Baker, president of PKB Enterprises Inc., are two Black co-owners of the Nationals with minority shares.

On the other hand, for decades, District residents have seemed to give their strongest support to the Commanders organization. The team plays in nearby Prince George’s County but the team’s management has been non-committal about building a new, state of the art stadium in the city. While individual Commanders host camps in the District, the team does not have a camping system as extensive as the Nationals. While Jason Wright’s selection as president of the Commanders as the first African American to lead an NFL team has been hailed as a milestone, there is no Black ownership in minority shares of the team. While the Nationals won the pennant in 2019, the Commanders haven’t won a playoff game since 2005. The Nationals have no revealing scandals to speak of, but the Commanders have been subject to congressional and local investigations based on accusations of sexual harassment and a toxic work environment and the NFL has probed the team on financial improprieties.

While rooting for the Commanders shouldn’t be discouraged, and even should be encouraged for local fans, Washingtonians should support the team that supports them. WI

Is the BBL Era Finally Concluding?

There’s nothing like Black Twitter to weigh in on significant cultural trends. So when this writer took to Twitter to check out the trending topics, there was a tweet that stood out among the rest, from tweeter @_ParadiseParis1: “The BBL era is coming to an end.”

Brazilian butt lifts, commonly known as BBLs, are procedures that remove excess fat using liposuction from other parts of the body to reshape and sculpt the buttocks without implants, according to the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery. However some celebrities have been known to get implants through what the American Society of Plastic Surgeons calls “buttock augmentation,” to improve the size and contour of the gluteal region.

DMV native, rapper, model and social media star Blac Chyna recently made headlines when she revealed via Instagram that she decided to remove some of her butt and breast implants.

“I’m changing my life and changing my ways,” she said. "One of the things that’s going to take me to the next level is…taking some of these a** shots out.”

Explaining the difference between BBLs and implants, the artist and mother warned against making the choices she made at 19.

“Do not get silicone shots because you can get sick and die,” she said, adding that other complications are possible, though she hadn’t had any.

The DMV-raised star is not the only celebrity to reverse plastic surgeries, which was also noted on Twitter.

“K Michelle started it, but her journey didn’t really make noise. When Dreka Gates got her breasts removed it didn’t really shift anything. Hazel E almost dying didn’t truly cause a stir,” the tweeter, who began the BBL conversation noted. She felt Kim Kardashian shifting to a skinnier aesthetic and now Blac Chyna deciding to remove implants as a reason for the big-booty augmentations to lose steam.

People like Blac Chyna have said that the decision to remove implants is a form of elevating and maturing.

“I want this out of my a** so I can grow,” she said on Instagram. While in Women’s History Month, it’s beautiful to see women embrace their natural bodies and hope this trend lasts beyond March. Loving the skin you’re in is important, and with the known health factors associated with implants, why risk the dangerous augmentation anyway? Self-love is the best love.

WI

TO THE EDITOR

Vital Information

I really enjoyed the Mental Health Supplement. Lots of great information I will use going forward.

Serena Michaels Suitland, Md.

Was Walmart Welcome?

The Walmart debacle is all for not. I’m surprised the store lasted as long as it did. The truth is that the monied people who live near the store didn’t need it and didn’t choose to spend their money there. Why would the struggling and the poor trek downtown with no car to go there and pass several places closer to them? They wouldn’t and don’t. My two cents.

Jedidiah Felder Washington,

DC

Readers' Mailbox The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Columnist Meron Agonafer

Biden Admin Should Make Non-Opioids Available to Address Spikes in Blacks' Overdose Rates

Every seven minutes. That’s how often we lose someone to a fatal opioid overdose. Opioids killed over 80,000 Americans in 2021 alone, and the nationwide trend shows Black communities are suffering more from the opioid addiction crisis than any other racial group. Unfortunately, a new pain treatment policy that would protect more Americans from the harm of addiction is not slated to go into effect until 2025. That puts tens of millions of patients at unnecessary risk for opioid addiction. Those

who undergo outpatient surgery in a system that defaults to opioids for acute pain despite CDC guidance although non-opioid therapies are just as effective. To prevent addiction before it starts, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) should accelerate policy to make non-opioids available for pain management without delay.

The costs of the opioid addiction crisis are unacceptable and unsustainable. In 2021, over 107,000 Americans died from an overdose — with a staggering 75% related

Guest Columnist

to opioids. The year before, there were over 142 million opioid prescriptions, which is enough for more than four out of ten of our friends, family, and neighbors to consume. In the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic, Black overdose mortality increased by 44% — twice as much as for white Americans overall, and seven times greater for older Black men than older white men. This is, in part, because of deep-seated disparities in access to medications for opioid-use disorder and telehealth access barriers. It’s also because

Marc H. Morial

the COVID-19 pandemic caused abrupt clinic and pharmacy closures in our communities, preventing Black Americans from receiving appropriate care and options to manage their pain.

To create meaningful change, we must understand that behind these statistics there are personal stories. They are grandparents who suffered a fall and required surgery. They are teenagers who underwent a routine wisdom teeth removal. They are even those recovering from addiction, still without the option of a

non-opioid after surgery. Outdated federal policy has traditionally put them all in danger. We must not allow another year to go by, with more families torn apart and more Black Americans victim to both limited options for pain, and the persistent health care gaps which make it harder for them to battle addiction once it starts.

In a big step forward in the fight against opioid addiction, Congress passed the NOPAIN Act at the

AGONAFER Page 45

Legislative Policy Conference is Key in NUL Fight for Civil Rights, Urban Advocacy

"Some of the best work that has happened in the ongoing movements for justice, for freedom, for liberty, led by the Urban League, have been fueled by what we all know we do so well when we do it, which is coalition building. Urban League does this so well."

Vice President Kamala Harris

The anniversary of the Selma-to-Montgomery marches this

week shone a spotlight on the escalating assault on voting rights. U.S. Department of Justice's scathing rebuke of the Louisville Police Department underscored the urgent need to redefine public safety. The U.S. Senate overturned criminal justice reform in the District of Columbia, reinforcing the case for D.C statehood.

In the midst of it all, about 500 Urban League leaders, staffers, and volunteers were on the ground in the nation's capital, advancing our agenda on these issues and others, as

Guest Columnist

part of the National Urban League's milestone 20th annual Legislative Policy Conference.

Before I became president and CEO of the National Urban League 20 years ago, I served in elective office, including two terms as mayor of New Orleans and one as a Louisiana state senator. As the first public official to lead the National Urban League, I understood better than most how the proverbial "sausage" of public policy is made and I was determined that the Urban League movement would play a more influ-

A. Peter Bailey

ential role in making it.

The Legislative Policy Conference became the centerpiece of our redefined role.

One longtime affiliate leader confided in me, "Before you came, we didn't understand the relationship between politics and policy." The preeminence of our Legislative Policy Conference, which attracted the top leaders from Congress, the Cabinet, and even President Biden himself, is evidence of how well we understand it now. The National Urban League's influence can be

DeSantis and Youngkin Urge Whitewashing of American History

A full page in the June 24, 2018, issue of The New York Times stated, "The truth affects us all. The truth helps us to understand. The truth can't be ignored."

When it comes to teaching the truth about Black history in the United States of America, Gov. Ron DeSantis of Florida, Gov. Glenn Youngkin of Virginia and

many other white politicians, educators, filmmakers and television producers and even some Black people ardently believe that the truth of American history can be ignored, downgraded and, in some cases, denied. Their position is clearly revealed in several 2023 articles in The Washington Post. Their headlines and subheds are as follows:

• DeSantis calls for end to Fla. college diversity programs

• College Board faces criticism over revised African American

studies course

• Board member charts battle for ‘soul of UVA': text messages show Youngkin's appointee's disdain for school's reckoning on slavery, campus leadership

• More states scrutinize AP Black studies

• On Black history, two roads diverge: As red states target school instruction, blue states embrace it

• AP course criticized in Florida gets update: College Board denies that its changes water down African American studies

• Fraught fight over AP's new course: politics forced changes to the African American studies plan, critics say Gov. DeSantis labels those who want the truth told about Black history as members of a "woke" mob. He, Youngkin and all of those who share their positions don't want real American history taught.

For instance, they want George Washington and Thomas Jefferson to be taught as nearly Godlike figures who strongly believed

seen throughout the most significant and wide-ranging federal initiatives undertaken in recent years, particularly those which impact the five pillars that drive our mission — workforce development, education, housing, health, and social justice.

The landmark American Rescue Plan, which helped bring the crippling COVID-19 pandemic under control and hastened a robust economic recovery, was dramatically enhanced by provisions the Na-

in and fought for freedom and justice for all. They don't want students to be taught that both of them also bought, sold and enslaved over 200 African men, women and children. They don't want students to be taught that advances made by Black people in this country didn't come about because of gracious, freedom-loving whites. The real deal is changes came about because thousands upon thousands of courageous

Guest Columnist

Most people with a casual interest in educational matters or those only interested in education processes as they affect their children or grandchildren would not know or consider the wide variety of academic opportunities which supplement traditional learning. Public and private school curricula will typically only include the subject matter of "general interest" to the "general public." Any learning beyond

Doing Us Student

that is usually a matter of individual interest and/or a conscientious desire to increase a personal base of knowledge.

Knowing how other ethnic groups and nationalities preserve and disseminate their individual group histories and cultural imperatives, I searched the internet to ascertain their most contemporary methodologies. I was not surprised that my search yielded a variety of available academies and learning opportunities.

I entered the term Hebrew School in my search engine, which yielded numerous local offerings. A random

E. Faye Williams

selection from them provided:

Congregation Agudas Achim infuses the values of Reconstructionist Judaism into all aspects of the Hebrew School. We place a high value on community as a source of strength and resilience in a challenging time. We aim to create a multi-generational community of Jewish learners, worshippers, and do-ers who share a desire to deepen our understanding of Jewish tradition and apply it creatively to serve the spiritual needs of our children and families, and to work collectively to build a world of justice and peace.

Svante Myrick

"Doing Jewish" is fun! Being Jewish is so much more than religious practice — it encompasses the rich heritage of Jewish culture from all over the world. We explore and celebrate many facets of Jewish life through games, art, music, dance, storytelling, and drama, making and sharing meals, and holiday festivities.

Utilizing weekend instruction, the Jewish community actively works to counter the current resurgence of antisemitism. I mention this because African Americans and people of color are searching for a remedy to the gradual-to-rapid elimination of our history

Debt Robs Our Country of Young Geniuses

Ever since it was taken over by farright justices nominated by Donald Trump, the Supreme Court has been eroding the quality of life for Americans. Now it looks like it could happen again, if the Court decides against President Biden's plan for student debt relief.

Oral arguments in the case happened in late February. Litigants,

backed by far-right politicians, are trying to derail the Biden plan that would significantly reduce or even eliminate debt for millions of lower-income people across the country. Nearly half of Latino borrowers and a quarter of Black borrowers would have their entire student debt relieved.

I sincerely hope the Court will not rule against this program, because debt relief would be good not just for individual students and graduates — it would be good for the country as a whole. Here's why.

We have a great tradition of innova-

Guest Columnist

tion and the entrepreneurial spirit in the U.S., stretching from Benjamin Franklin to Mark Zuckerberg and beyond. But what would have happened if our best-known inventors in recent decades had been weighed down by a massive student loan that they had to work off for five, 10 or even 20 years? How long would they have to be employees rather than innovators, robbing us and the rest of the world of their contributions?

That certainly wasn't a problem for Zuckerberg, whose father famously offered to pay either for him to go to Harvard or to have his own McDonald's

A Historic Vote and the Tools It Gave Us

Vice President Kamala Harris is sure to be remembered every March in Women's History Month as the first woman and the first person of color to serve our nation in that position. As notable as those two facts are, she may grow to be known just as much for a single vote in the Senate that helped save the planet.

Last August, she broke the 50-50 deadlock between Democrats and Republicans in the Senate to pass the Inflation Reduction Act. That historic package, along with the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that Harris had crisscrossed the country in 2021 to build support for, give us a once-in-a-generation chance to protect the climate and build a cleaner, fairer economy.

Both laws bear Harris' mark. For example, the two packages provide billions to replace diesel school buses

with electric ones and an additional tax credit for purchases that counties and cities make on their own. As a senator, Harris repeatedly sponsored bills to electrify the nation's school buses. Similarly, she championed proposals to help recovery in low-income communities that bear a disproportionate burden of pollution and climate; the IRA includes $60 billion directed to help those places.

Harris' role inside and outside Washington on environmental issues isn't surprising. When she was elect-

from American schools. This elimination is the result of historical truth unfavorably depicting some whites as the cruel and inhumane creatures they were/are. Whether the brutal continuum of enslavement from Africa to and in the New World, the Massacre at Wounded Knee and other acts of Manifest Destiny, the Passage of the Asian Exclusion Act or the recent theft and separation of thousands of Hispanic children from their families, the truth of this country's inhumane treatment of people of color cannot be

WILLIAMS Page 46

franchise. (And yes, Zuckerberg did drop out of Harvard, but for most of us that would be a bad idea.) Meanwhile millions of hardworking students, including a disproportionately high number of Black, brown and female students, are saddled with debt that will keep them working to pay it back for many years.

And because of that, it's highly likely that this debt crisis is costing us the next entrepreneurial genius, including the next (possibly Black or female) Mark Zuckerberg. With tens of thousands of dollars in debt hanging over their

heads, many young people can't think seriously about starting a business, or maybe a nonprofit, of their own. This debt is also linked to the issue of fewer young people being able to become homeowners; in the past, a house was often collateral for entrepreneurs raising money for a startup company.

That's a big loss for the country. But there's more. The debt crisis is also costing us jobs — the jobs that youthful innovators would create. After all, nearly half of Americans work in small

MYRICK Page 46

ed San Francisco's district attorney 20 years ago, she started one of the first environmental justice units in a prosecutor's office. When she moved on to be California's attorney general, she fought to protect the state from fossil fuel interests, winning tens of millions in civil settlements and a criminal indictment against the pipeline company responsible for an oil spill off Santa Barbara, as well as suing the federal government to block fracking off the coast. It's a path others have been able to follow in the years since (Columbia Univer-

sity keeps a database of attorneys general's environmental actions now).

It's a concern that runs deep. Like I did, Harris grew up in environmentally conscious northern California in a household deeply involved in the civil rights movement. She learned early that conservation was a good thing, so much so that she has joked she couldn't understand as a youngster why people she knew said conservatives were bad.

JEALOUS Page 46

Guest Columnist

Ben Jealous

LIFESTYLE

Black

Girls

Rock Fest! 2023 Brings Music, a Movie and Black Girl Magic

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Featuring four days of festivities filled with music, partying, a premier, and panel, Black Girls Rock! Fest 2023 (BGR!FEST) returned to the Kennedy Center, in Northwest, D.C., with programming to remind African American women of their strength, beauty and worth.

“BGR!FEST is much more than just a weekend of revelry; it is a powerful and symbolic affirmation that underscores the pivotal role that Black women play in shaping cultural discourse,” said Black Girls Rock! CEO and founder DJ Beverly Bond. “BGR!FEST's unparalleled celebration echoes the ethos of the Black Girls Rock Awards, amplifying our magic, and celebrating the excellence of Black

women in a way that is simply incomparable.”

The festival kicked off Thursday, March 9 with a performance by singer and harpist Kayla Ortiz as part of “Rock Like a Girl,” then an opening night party in the basement of the Kennedy Center’s state-of-the-art Reach building.

With two bars and appearances by Bond, DJ Ty Alexander, Maimouna Youssef also known as Mumu Fresh, and celebrated Go-Go band Be’la Dona, the spirits were flowing, the tunes were rocking and the dance floor was jumping.

“[I’m here] just to be surrounded by other Black women, celebrate Black women and be a part of it,” said Jalima Alicea of Baltimore, Maryland, who came to D.C. for the first night of the festival. “It’s a good vibe.”

With the fest in its fourth year at the Kennedy Center, women from around the country gathered at the national cultural center for the weekend of programming.

“Serving a home for this annual celebration is reflective of our institutional commitment to uplift the contributions of Black women and their critical role in both shaping and shifting global culture,” said Simone Eccleston, director of Hip Hop Culture and Contemporary Music at the Kennedy Center. Other events included BGR!FEST After Dark programs “Who Rocks Next?,” and “Black Men Rock,” a Saturday, March 11 “Rock Like a Girl,” performance featuring sister-songstresses The Amours, and a headlining concert with singers Estelle, Alice Smith and Jade Novah. The final day wrapped with a premier of the new Lifetime movie, “Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story,” followed by a panel featuring the film’s star Tatyana Ali, director Alpha Nicky, as well as the inspiration behind the film, Ni’Cola Mitchell, founder of Girls Who Brunch.

A True Story That Inspires

In more than 20 cities, Girls Who Brunch works to empower at-risk young women ages 9 through 17, however the journey to building up others wasn’t always easy for Mitchell.

As a young girl in Jamaica, a

left-handed Mitchell was told by a teacher she’d never amount to anything.

“Then when I had my oldest daughter at 15… they told me I wasn’t going to be anything, and then I had Diamond at 19 and they told me I wasn’t going to be anything. And so I’ve been working for my kids,” said Mitchell, adding that the opportunity to have her story told through film is a “dream come true.”

“And then to do it at Black Girls Rock, this was always a bucket list of mine to be here, so thank you Ms. Bond for even thinking enough of my story to have us here today,” the entrepreneur and author noted.

With more than three decades in the television industry, Ali said that working on such a project was “divine.”

“It is very rare to give people their flowers while they’re in the midst of their work. That’s when I saw it as the flowers that you deserve,” Ali, who plays the title character, told Mitchell.

The actress also noted the significance of screening the film as part of BGR!Fest weekend.

“To be able to see it for the first time, here at BGR Fest, with my BGR family, who have mentored me, who have told me that I matter, who have let me know that I’m special… the connection is of

God,” she explained.

Calling herself “Blackity Black,” the entrepreneur and inspiration behind the story emphasized the importance of having a Black woman director at the helm, and the film’s producers delivered. Ali also said it was refreshing to work with a Black woman director on this story.

“Oftentimes I’m working with white men… I just felt so safe with you,” Ali said speaking to Congolese French director Alpha Nicky. “You’re so fantastic.”

The director called the opportunity “God’s plan,” and thanked Mitchell for trusting her with her life story.

While she gears up for the world to learn her story when the film airs on Lifetime on April 9, Mitchell is still prioritizing “her babies,” the thousands of young ladies part of Girls Who Brunch.

“When I told the story… I wanted people to see the importance of [Girls Who Brunch] so then they can buy into it… We can’t do it without funding,” she said.

Through the rollercoaster that has been her journey, the entrepreneur also hopes to inspire others.

“I wanted any girl and woman… to know that no matter what your circumstance is, as long as you have breath in your body, you can recreate your story to be whatever you want it to be.” WI

5 The Kennedy Center hosted Black Girls Rock! Fest 2023 March 9-12. Sunday, March 12 featured the premier of “Giving Hope: The Ni’Cola Mitchell Story,” with BGR! Founder and CEO DJ Beverly Bond, Ni’Cola Mitchell, actress Tatyana Ali, journalist Janell Snowden and director Alpha Nicky. (Courtesy Photo, Instagram, Girls Who Brunch)(Courtesy photos/Margot Schulman)

WPA Gala Highlights the Breadth and Beauty of Arts in the District

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

In a night filled with artistic mashups, delicious dining and guests donned in “creative black tie,” the Washington Performing Arts (WPA) highlighted how the D.C. area is more than the nation’s capital, it's a hub to celebrate cultures worldwide. With the theme “The World in Our City,” the WPA Gala, held on March 11 at the National Building Museum, highlighted the wide array of local and international talent showcased in the District, and emphasized the critical importance of supporting the arts.

“What’s fantastic about WPA is the breadth and range of arts that they present annually,” said WPA supporter Paul Ashe.

Packed with performances, including: Vision Duo, the Christylez Bacon Quintet and the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs— Children of the Gospel Choir and Men and Women of the Gospel Choir— in a moment that brought the entire audience to their feet.

The gala also celebrated the Washington Performing Arts Gospel Choirs, which are celebrating 30 years in 2023, and honored Mars, Incorporated for its decades-long support of and collaborations with WPA.

Through a partnership with WPA, in 2013 Mars Arts D.C. was born, and since, presented more than 650 artists with opportunities throughout all eight of the District’s wards.

While still raving about the astounding talent and tribute to Mars, attendees shifted spaces for the live auction while being served a Ridgewells catered, marvelous multi-course meal, perfectly paired with suggested wines.

With bellies full and hundreds of thousands spent in the auction, guests dashed to the after party where they stopped by the photobooth and open bar before dancing the night away to the live tunes of The Experience Band and Show.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

Neighborhood Learns Life Lessons From Hula Hooping

By Brenda Siler WI Contributing Writer

A Harlem neighborhood is the setting where teen girlfriends playing hula hoops gradually end up planning a hula challenge. The winner of the competition can claim the title of Hula Hoop Queen of 139th Street. This play is now at Imagination Stage in downtown Bethesda until April 14, is adapted from the Oprah Winfrey recommended book “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen.” It’s a sweet tale adapted

for the stage by Gloria Bond Clunie from the book by Thelma Lynne Godin and illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton. Directed by Angelisa Gillyard, the 90-minute production has a six-member all-Black female cast. The play unfolds on a colorful set where three girlfriends hang out with their hula hoops.

LAYERS OF PROBLEMS WITH THIS COMPETITION

Planning this hula competition

is a major distraction for Kameeka, who was played by Ashley K. Nicholas, an understudy for the performance I attended. Kameeka is determined to beat her friend and oftentimes rival, Jamara, played by Renee Elizabeth Wilson. A third friend Portia, played by Alana Thomas, is the keeper of the rules for the hula challenge. There is a bigger challenge that conflicts with the competition. A milestone 80th birthday party for Miz Adeline, an elder in the neighborhood, is also scheduled for the same time as the hula competition. Kameeka is the lead planner of this party and is consumed with worry about how to pull off both events. In addition to party planning, Kameeka must stay on top of her chores. Understudy Phoenix Cross played Kameeka’s mama Mrs. Caroline Hayes, who she doesn’t play when it comes to chores. So, Kameeka tries to convince her rival to change the time of the competition, but Jamara is not going for it.

RIGORS OF HULA HOOP TRAINING

There are many delightful components to “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen.” When the actors enter, they are each carrying several hoops. Obviously, hula hooping has advanced way past what I enjoyed as a kid. For this play, train-

ing was required for all actresses from hula-hooping coach Latif Merritt Schofield from Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

“Latif came in for an intensive two-day workshop,” Gillyard said about the preparation for the actresses. “By intensive, I mean they were hooping for four to five hours each of the two days. After that, we just made sure there was time allotted in rehearsal to continue practicing.

A ROLLER COASTER OF EMOTIONS

What the audience sees immediately when “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen” begins is that these actresses can really work those hula hoops. The three actresses, who play the teens, were outstanding in their roles, with the usual teen banter and ups and downs in their feelings. Jamara engaged in a little bullying. Tameika Chavis is Miz Adeline, the 80th birthday neighbor, and Deidra LaWan Starnes is Miss Evelyn, another neighborhood elder who is funny, young at heart, and stays busy.

Conflicts between the characters in “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen” have emotions swirling. Assumptions are made between the characters, and many lessons were learned. Some of those lessons come naturally, while other lessons are a result of the love

for hula hooping by all the ladies on 139th Street in Harlem.

FUN FOR EVERYONE

Gillyard is working with an excellent production crew. Scenic Designer Natsu Onoda Power created a portable set with bright colors that the actors switched out while still in character. Street signs were used to show the time-lapse of days. Costume Designer Alexis Chaney has the actresses dressed in current, comfortable clothes that work well against the colorful set.

Even though this play is said to be for kids at least five years old, many in the audience were younger. As soon as the play began, all the attention from children in the audience was on the stage. When the actresses engaged with the audience, the response from the kids came without hesitation. Even if you do not have children, you should see “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen.” It’s a great time.

Imagination Stage is the metro D.C. region’s largest professional theatre for children. “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen” runs until April 14. On Saturdays, there are two afternoon performances, and on Sunday afternoons, there is one performance. For performance times and ticket prices, visit www.imaginationstage.org. A preview of “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen” is available online. WI @bcscomm

“Thought-provoking, challenging and complex…it’s all that and more”

Emily Townley

Dina Soltan

Katie Kleiger

5 The company of The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen celebrates Miz Adeline’s birthday in “The Hula-Hoopin’ Queen.” The play runs at Imagination Stage in downtown Bethesda through April 14. (Courtesy photos/Margot Schulman)

on the news, you need to have “balanced reporting.” That means that the reporter includes information from people with different opinions about the news.

Viewpoints

A balanced news report provides di erent points of view about the news.

There is a highway that starts in Alaska and ends at the southern tip of Argentina in South America. Or does it start in Argentina and end in Alaska? It depends on your point of view.

This silly news article is about Popcorn declaring itself the best movie snack. This is Popcorn’s viewpoint. Clearly not everyone has the same opinion, so the reporter interviewed a couple of other snacks to get their point of view.

Which movie snack does Red Licorice think is the best?

Why?

HOLLYWOOD — In an interview Tuesday, Popcorn declared itself the best movie snack in the world.

“Not to brag, but I’m the best-selling movie snack of all time. Obviously, people really love me!”

While signing autographs for fans, Popcorn added, “I’m crispy, buttery, salty and delicious. I’ve been a movie tradition for generations!”

Red Licorice was asked to comment on Popcorn’s statement. “It’s true that movies wouldn’t be the same without Popcorn,” Red Licorice said. “But with all that crunching, Popcorn can be kind of noisy. I’m sweet, tasty and quiet, which is good in a movie theater.”

Which movie snack does Chocolate Mints think is best?

Why?

After hearing Red Licorice’s comments, Chocolate Mints said, “I’m quiet, too. And I’m in a box that you can close and

movie. I’m delicious and convenient.”

Dismissing concerns about noise, a confident Popcorn replied that “people with good manners know how to eat popcorn quietly in a movie theater.”

“Besides,” Popcorn added with a grin, “Chocolate Mints can melt in a warm car ride home. Popcorn never melts.”

The photos that go with a news article can give

Advertising Points of View

If you were interviewed for this article, what would you say?

Graph It!

Ask some friends which movie snack they like the best and why. Then write a short article explaining which movie snack is the favorite among your friends. Make a graph to show your results.

What’s Outside the Picture?

Look at a photo in the newspaper. Cut it out and glue it in the center of a blank piece of paper. Think about what is outside the edges of the photo. Draw or list what you think is

Who will theater against

"Code Gray: Death, Life, and Uncertainty in the ER" By

Farzon A. Nahvi, M.D.

c.2023, Simon & Schuster

$27.99

256 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You know exactly who's in charge here.

It's the person in the white coat, a physician with a stethoscope around their neck and a packed pocketful of paper notes and pens. The white coat instantly gets your attention. It's meant to quickly convey authority, and it does — so much so that you trust your very life to the person wearing it. In "Code Gray" by Farzon A. Nahvi, M.D., that white coat won't leave you in the dark.

It was only supposed to be a friends-catching-up kind of text thread but for Farzon Nahvi and his colleagues around the country, the flurry of messages they exchanged during the pandemic became a lifeline. For each, it was good to know that their hospital's reaction to the COVID-19 pandemic wasn't the only one lacking.

And yet, Nahvi said, "The most challenging circumstances I faced during the pandemic … had little to do with the virus itself."

More than a decade ago, Nahvi went to medical school because he "wanted to help people," which is "a meaningless catchphrase" with good intentions, he says. Indeed, he was "surprised at how hard it was to truly help anyone at all." Sometimes, it made Navhi wonder if a goofy Labrador retriever might be the "doctor" his patients really need.

Patients, in a way, are surprised, too; treatment for a disease can save a life, but it comes with sometimes-hidden strings attached — and despite all that doctors do, people still die. A patient's family can rally around a bed and cheer as though they're in a race, but coaching and bargaining can't restart a pulse that's been missing for 20 minutes. And sometimes, getting what you want can be the worst thing of all.

Medicine can sometimes be rather arbitrary. Manuals are written for certain procedures, but not for others, which goes doubly when things are not always black and white. In fact, says Navhi, "the Code that most often applies in the emergency room, as in life, is code gray."

So you try to take care of yourself. You eat right, give up your vices, spend time exercising and look: you're going to die someday anyhow. As you'll see in "Code Gray," that's not at all for a lack of effort.

Beginning with text messages and an arc'ed story of a 43-year-old New York woman who comes to his ER with no pulse, author Farzon

A. Nahvi, M.D., writes about the daily struggles of life, health, and being completely truthful to patients versus doing what's easiest. There's frustration in this, of course, and with the medical system in America but also with decision-making that's never clear and maybe never will be. What Nahvi writes about here may be things your doctor wishes she could say; for sure, these are things every patient and family member needs to hear.

Medical drama fans will love everything about this book, as will those who enjoy thoughtful meditations on humanity, life, and death. If that's you, then you'll find that "Code Gray" is gold. WI

horoscopes

ARIES Early in the week, you'll be seized by a powerful impulse to go exploring. The farther out you go from your current situation, the better you'll feel. By Wednesday, you'll want to slow down quite a bit and take stock of yourself and your possessions. Lucky Numbers: 13, 17, 23

TAURUS The whole world will seem to be moving faster than you and pushing you harder than you like early this week. Try to go at your own pace and don't let yourself be rushed into making big purchases. The second half of the week will be much more your style, filled with good friends and family relations. Entertainment should be on your agenda. Lucky Numbers: 2, 18, 47

GEMINI Your dreams will be achingly close to reality early this week. Seek out the advice of trusted friends and you just might bridge the gap. By Wednesday, you'll need to abruptly come back to reality and face up to business-related issues. There's more going on than meets the eye, and if you ferret it out you'll end up ahead of the game. Save the weekend for good times. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 39

CANCER You'll be in such a rush early this week that you might forget your priorities. Try not to blow up at the smallest interruption or provocation. In fact, it's best if you just slow down until at least Wednesday. By then you'll be feeling more like staying in, but you might also get a few crazy notions about rearranging or redecorating, so it's a perfect time to work on the home front. Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 50

LEO Someone new could storm into your life early this week and set events in motion that will ultimately change the way you think about something dear to you. Later in the week, expect a showdown with an authority figure, most likely at school or work, with unreasonable expectations taking center stage. Stick to your guns and try to finish up what's already on your plate. Lucky Numbers: 19, 27, 52

VIRGO Monday brings a new sense of vigor and drive to your daily activities, but it might also engender some hostilities between you and those you perceive as obstacles. The latter half of the week is great for travel, philosophizing, therapy, and all other methods of expanding your horizons. Whatever you do, dig deep and try to really get a feel for your situation. Work might become a problem over the weekend even if you're not scheduled. Lucky Numbers: 4, 15, 34

LIBRA Whatever happens early in the week will depend considerably on your mood. If you're up, you'll have great times; if you're down, the whole world will seem to be down there with you. A culture clash might arise on Wednesday or Thursday, but your natural diplomatic skills should help ease the tensions before the weekend kicks in. Lucky Numbers: 20, 44, 49

SCORPIO On Monday, you'll learn that no good deed goes unnoticed when a seeming act of Samaritanism goes awry. It will be something to laugh about later, but at the time it will feel ugly. Intense feelings arise later in the week, but the only solution will be compromise. It will feel more difficult than it really is, and the sense of relief when it's over will be palpable. Lucky Numbers: 2, 25, 42

SAGITTARIUS On Monday and Tuesday, you'll be living the good life. If you're looking for romance (or even if you're not), it'll find you. You might be too caught up in the good times to even notice, though. Later in the week, you'll need to get serious about figuring out the details of your latest plans to help friends or the community. You can get it all done quickly if you discipline yourself. Lucky Numbers: 9, 25, 53

CAPRICORN Stay firmly resolved early this week. Your concerns about safety or security are warranted, and you'll soon find that the opposition melts away. Your romantic side will come out in full force this week, and by Wednesday or Thursday you'll be wanting to take long walks with someone special. You don't have to spend a bundle on fancy dinners or hotels, and you'll want to keep it simple anyway. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 10

AQUARIUS You'll feel at liberty to do almost anything early this week and amazed by your good fortune. Take advantage of it. The rest of the week will be an odd combination of strange events and intervening periods of quiet boredom. See it as a sign of the changes happening underneath the surface. Lucky Numbers: 3, 27, 30

PISCES Monday and Tuesday will be confusing at best, It might seem like you're stuck in a puzzle book with no way to check the answers in the back. The feeling will pass soon enough. You can turn those emotions into healthy creativity for the rest of the week, because you'll be in touch with your artistic side and able to express yourself by just about any means, from painting a landscape to cooking a great meal. Lucky Numbers: 19, 36, 59

Patrick Ewing Fired as Hoyas Head Basketball Coach After Six Seasons

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

After six seasons in his first coaching stint, the Georgetown Hoyas fired basketball coach Patrick Ewing on Thursday, March 9. He had a record of 75 wins and 109 losses, a winning percentage of 40.8%. In 2021, the Hoyas qualified for the Division 1 tournament for the first time in seven years after defeating Villanova and Creighton in the Big East tournament. The Hoyas have officially begun a national search for a new head coach.

Ewing, a Hall of Fame center in the NBA best known for his time leading the New York Knicks, played for Georgetown under legendary coach John Thomson and was the first overall pick in the 1985 draft after winning National Player of the Year honors. Ewing was a pioneer in future NBA stars attending the prestigious D.C. school, with Hall of Famers Alonzo Mourning, Dikembe Mutumbo and Allen Iverson later attending the university. Ewing, like Thompson, has prioritized mentorship and speaking out on issues regardless of backlash.

“I am very proud to be a graduate of Georgetown University," Ewing said in a statement. "And I am very grateful to President DeGioia for giving me the opportunity to achieve my ambition to be a head basketball coach. It is particularly meaningful for me to be in charge of the basketball program at my alma mater. I wish the program nothing but success. I will always be a Hoya." WI

HU Advances to the NCAA Tournament

By Edward Hill Jr. WI Contributing Writer

It has been a long time coming but the drought is over for the Howard University men's basketball team. The Bison won a thrilling 65-64 game over two-time defending champion Norfolk State for the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference championship on Saturday at the Norfolk Scope Arena.

As a result, Howard received the NCAA automatic bid and will take on the No. 1 seed, Kansas on March 16 in Des Moine, Iowa at 12 noon.

The Bison (22-12) showed its mettle, overcoming a four-point deficit in less than 15 seconds to come away with the hard-fought victory that was one of the most exciting in recent history.

"We played him (Bryant) to zig zag, but it was like he zigged, but did not

zag," said an emotional Howard Head Coach Kenneth Blakeney.

Following the timeout, Bison graduate guard Jelani Williams (Washington, D.C.) went to work, driving to the basket and getting fouled in the process, sending him to the foul line with 6.5 seconds on the clock. The graduate from the University Penn in his first year with the Bison, calmly sank both free throws to give Howard the lead at 65-64.

"You all may laugh at this," gestured Williams, who came off the bench to lead all scorers with 20 points. "It all started with my father when I was young. He talked to me about how important it was to learn how to shoot and make free throws under all kinds of circumstances. So he used to sing lullabies to me. When I go to the line, I blocked out everything and sang that lullaby to myself."

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI

COMMENTARY

Georgetown Can Rebound By Hiring HU’s Blakeney

By Mark F. Gray WI Contributing Writer

The Thompson era has officially ended at Georgetown and the basketball program needs a total reboot. The Hoyas (7-25) finished as the least marketable college basketball franchise in an area where they were once the big dogs. Their brand needs a makeover and the stylist is at the District’s HBCU.

Howard’s Kenny Blakeney is the perfect fit to succeed Patrick Ewing and restore the shine to a program whose brand has grown dormant at best. Georgetown is a program that was on the cutting edge of urban culture and resonated with the masses at its peak during the late 1980’s through the mid-90s and the dawn of the Big East.

These days, however, Georgetown’s basketball program resembles the previously dilapidated brownstones on New York Avenue until the era of gentrification.

Blakeney is the perfect blend of Ivy League intelligence and urban social savvy that plays well in the boardroom and the backroom simultaneously. He’s already light years ahead

of where Ewing was when it comes to recruiting and marketing. There has been a buzz swirling around Howard’s program since he took the reins in Burr Gymnasium while the Hoyas are now irrelevant.

The arrogance of Georgetown’s last two coaching regimes lost touch with the fertile recruiting base of the DMV. However, Blakeney was able to build a MEAC championship around four players from this area who earned all conference honors that stayed home to play college basketball. More blue chip players are taking inquiries from Blakeney to play at Howard than they were while Ewing was the coach. Playing for Georgetown is no longer 'cache’ for top prospects from this area.

Blakeney understands the new culture of intercollegiate athletics.

Ewing took his marching orders in media relations from Big John, which worked during the Reagan years, but doesn’t fly post Obama. As a basketball program Georgetown can be aloof and condescending which is another reason the intellectually affable Blakeney is a better fit for this generation.

Georgetown needs someone who

understands how to use name, image and likeness to the school’s advantage while playing the game of recruiting via the transfer portal. Blakeney also checks that box as well.

The demographics also lineup perfectly too. There are generations of loyal Georgetown fans and supporters who will turn their back on the program if Ewing is replaced by a white coach. There are socio-political optics that go with their next hire that can’t be overlooked. Scar tissue remains throughout the athletic department after the outside intervention of local politicos which led to the Ewing hire and the demise of his era.

Blakeney played and coached at Duke so he understands how a major college program runs. He’s street savvy and youthful enough to attract the type of players who could have them making a deep run in the NCAA Tournament within three years.

Georgetown plays in a solid conference in a major media market with a championship pedigree, but needs a philosophical upgrade. Blakeney represents all that and he’s already comfortable rocking the Jordan brand too. WI

5 The Georgetown Hoyas fired head basketball coach Patrick Ewing on Thursday, March 9. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Celebrated as one of the team’s most talented and trendsetting players, the Georgetown Hoyas fired Patrick Ewing on Thursday, March 9. (Courtesy Photo)

CAPTURE the moment

all our major challenges that are slowing us down: many, many lead pipes being unidentified or misidentified; low voluntary program participation; insufficient financial support; and not enough workers to get the job done,” Lewis George said.

Two days after the Ward 4 Councilmember reintroduced that legislation, Councilmember Brooke Pinto introduced a similar bill, titled the “Lead-Free DC Omnibus Amendment Act.” Though some details vary, the two bills share many of the same goals. The same eight council members co-sponsored both bills; Lewis George and Pinto each signed each other’s as well as their own.

“I was proud to be a co-introducer on Councilmember Lewis George’s bill—I think it's a complementary bill,” Pinto said. “It's my understanding and hope that Councilmember Allen, who chairs the Transportation and Environment Committee, will be able to have a hearing on both.”

The legislative efforts seek to leverage new federal funding to support free or low-cost lead service line replacements for every resident. That funding originates in a 2021 act called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which includes billions of dollars for clean water projects nationally. From that funding, the District expects to receive $28 million a year for the next five years, according to Pinto.

That money still won’t cover the entirety of the project: an independent assessment commissioned by the D.C. Council estimated it would likely cost between $480 and $628 million.

That report, which came out in September, also recommended that the city pass a lead service line replacement mandate requiring property owners to let DC Water replace their lead pipes. Both bills introduced last week include such a mandate.

Even in replacement projects initiated by the agency, which are free to residents, DC Water has about a 20% non-participation rate, according to the agency’s vice president for market-

ing and communications, John Lisle. That means replacing every single service line would require returning to the same streets multiple times, doubling costs and making it impossible to complete the task by 2030.

While DC Water agrees on the need for a mandate, the agency has in the past pushed back on a different provision that shows up in both bills introduced last week: a requirement to provide water filters to residents whose homes still have lead service lines. Advocates working on DC’s lead water challenge have made that a key demand.

“You can't tell me ‘hey, your house is connected to a lead pipe’ and then say, ‘well, we're going to replace your pipes in a couple of years. And until then, cross your fingers, good luck,’” said Neil Boyer, chair of NAACP D.C.’s Environmental and Climate Justice committee. “There’s no such thing as a safe lead pipe.”

Lead exposure, even at relatively low levels, can have serious health impacts. High levels of lead during pregnancy

increases the risk of miscarriage, and can cause babies to be born prematurely or at a low birth weight. Even very low levels of lead in children can cause behavior and learning problems. I often encounter community members who are dismissive of the risk or think that it doesn't impact them, but the reality is that this is an urgent public health crisis,” Lewis George said. “We cannot really afford to delay replacement any longer. Not only is this about protecting public health, but also planting the roots for a safer, healthier and more thriving DC.”

Lewis George’s bill includes a central focus on workforce development opportunities for District residents to learn how to get jobs replacing lead pipes. That’s the biggest difference between her bill and Pinto’s, which does not feature specific employment-related plans.

“D.C. currently does not have enough lead remediation dispatch specialists to meet its goal,” Lewis George said. “You can throw as much money

as you want and lead pipe replacement but it's not going to work unless you have a workforce that's big enough to get the job done.”

The provisions around workforce programs may mean that the legislation needs to go through more committees, potentially slowing down the process. Last council term, the bill was referred to the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor as well as the Committee on Transportation and Environment. But Lewis George sees the jobs piece as crucial to the success of the program.

“We believe that creating good green jobs is a critical component of injecting opportunity into our communities and lifting them up,” she said. “And communities will be more willing to embrace the lead pipe replacement program because they see that their sons, daughters, relatives, friends or neighbors are doing the work.”

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Roohee Marshall, author of "A Generation Found: The Journey Continues" discusses her book on over 50 elders, ages 78 to 110, ranging from civil rights heroes to nationally known business and community leaders, social workers, school teachers, and military officers. A book discussion and documentary screening was held at Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe in Northwest on March 11. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

LEAD PIPE from Page 1

4 Dr. Edwin J. Nichols in an interview with author Roohee Marshall at Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe in Northwest on March 11. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Peter Bailey poses with Roohee Marshall at her book discussion held at Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe in Northwest on March 11. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

be encouraged, inspired, and empowered never to give up and keep an attitude of gratitude and faith.”

Instead of dwelling on her pain, she focuses on the positive side of her illnesses. “The gift,” she explained, “is that God shows us to appreciate the little things in life.”

In addition to battling several illnesses, Pettus is a domestic violence survivor.

Rev. Dr. Unnia Pettus Emphasizes ‘Faith-i-tude’ to Fight Life Battles

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The Rev. Dr. Unnia Pettus has almost died three times. But despite a stroke, heart failure, and four cancer diagnoses, she keeps the faith and preaches God’s word.

“The doctors can give you a diagnosis, but only God can give you destiny, and destiny will always win,” said Pettus, a 57-year-old minister, Ph.D., and book author who has outlasted a grim prognosis many times.

Last month Pettus received the Lilly Daniels Legacy Award from the Open My Heart Foundation, named for a woman who raised thousands to fight cancer before dying in 2018.

“The Lilly Daniels Legacy award was started by myself because she was a cancer survivor who gave whatever she could until cancer claimed her life,” said Florence Champagne, CEO of the foundation that organized the Red Dress Ball at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt last month.

In 2004, Pettus was diagnosed with colon cancer, then came kidney cancer, gynecologic cancer, breast cancer, and then had a stroke. “

In 2007, she wrote her first book, “Nobody But God: A Journey of Faith From Tears to Triumph.” Since then, she has co-authored a book about President Obama and co-edited another by her late public relations mentor,

5 Despite health challenges the Rev. Dr. Unnia Pettus uses “faith-i-tude,” to continue fighting. (Courtesy Photo)

Ofield Dukes. Pettus describes her ups and downs with cancer this way.

“My journey started with Stage 4 colon cancer when I was 33. Then in 2012, a blood clot caused me to have a stroke with right-side paralysis. I ended up in a wheelchair, and I had to learn how to write, walk and talk again. It took nearly two years to be functional, like going from a baby to an adult. After that, three brain tumors in

Washington Bach Consort’s Presents

Handel’s

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

‘Messiah’ During Lent

While many might be accustomed to presentations of George Friedric Handel’s 18th century piece during the Advent and Christmas seasons, Washington Bach Consort’s decision to present “Messiah: The Greatest Oratorios,” during Lent at the Music Center at Strathmore on March 19, is an intentional choice that adds to the organization’s unique flair.

“It doesn’t happen very often in the Lenten calendar, so I think it’s very cool of the Bach Consort to put it here, because it’s a little bit off the beaten track to do it that way,” said bass Jonathan Woody.

Audiences originally heard Handel’s celebrated work during Lent

in 1742, and as Washington Bach Consort tackles the music from a “historically informed,” approach, local listeners can be treated to a live performance of “Messiah,”

with nods to the original era.

“The instruments that members of the orchestra are playing, those instruments, are actually going to be the versions that were in use during Handel’s time.”

Woody, a DMV native with various advanced degrees and training in classical music and its history, noted that audiences can appreciate “Messiah,” more when listening to it in its intended sound.

“You notice, when you hear these instruments, that there really is a difference in the sound,” he said. “And it allows for the music to sound… a lot more present, and dynamic, and it serves the storytelling of the piece more, when you can use the style and articulations that Handel’s musicians would’ve used.” WI

my pituitary gland, which were benign but painful, resulted in extreme memory disabilities and speech issues that I still have today.”

Pettus Is still preaching hard and not giving up on life even though it was thought she had to say goodbye to her family many times.

“When people hear about my cancer four times, a stroke with paralysis, living with moderate cardiomyopathy, I want them to

Having faced all these challenges, Pettus inspires others, particularly her mother, Beverly Hudgens.

“She is a fighter,” Hudgens said. “ They told me at least three times that she would not live past 45 days, and she did.”

“Some days I can hardly get out the bed, like the day I received the open heart foundation award,” Pettus explained, “But I have a faith-i-tude which is the attitude that no matter what I go through, I am not going to allow my circumstance to affect my unwavering faith.”

Pettus also said she has learned to advocate for her own health and educate her medical team about clinical trials and alternative medicine.

“I had to become vigilant not for myself, but for those coming behind me.”

Follow Pettus on all social media at @DrUnniaPettus and visit her website, www.UnniaPettus.com.

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com. WI

partment, she sought to have a vendor’s meeting but was unable to. McMillan asked, “How can I get to the people who can tell me where to go?”

Butler recommended she work with the Office of Central Services and to reach out to the supply schedule.

LaTasha Ward, a 17-year business owner, missed the Supply Schedule during her recent campaign for office. “The issue that I experienced with the supply schedule, I don’t have my GSA supply number yet. It can take four to six months.”

The County exceeded all minority procurement goals in 2022, but several business owners and council members sought to go above the minimum required by law.

“My goal is to work with Council to put in practical legislation to

help our minority businesses. We need procurement laws that meet the needs of those we serve,” said Councilmember At Large Calvin Hawkins (D) in an interview.

“It’s important that we make it easier for our small, minority county businesses to do work with the County government. That really is the goal. There are so many roadblocks and barriers that really prevent our own businesses from thriving in our community,” , said Councilember Ed Burroughs. “ I hear from business owners all the time that they are more successful outside the county than at home. It’s my hope that specific to minority construction businesses, that we do better work with our labor unions. We want our small businesses to do well and we want their employees to do well. Good pay, retirement, protection from wage theft, it can be a win-win.”

5 Johnathan Woody (Courtesy photo)

TOWN HALL from Page 12

Ward 5 Democratic Committeewomen Hazel Bland Thomas was elected to serve as a liaison between the policy-making D.C. Democratic State Committee and the residents of Ward 5. She recently collaborated with Robert "Bob" King to establish the Ward 5 Leadership Council which identifies and makes recommendations of priority policies to the Ward 5 Council member and to other at-large D.C. Council members.

Currently, she is the 2022-2023 co-chair of the National Federation of Democratic Women (NFDW)/ Women in Blue Advocacy Day Committee along with Christine Pelosi. A recent recipient of the Fannie Lou Hamer Community Service Award, Thomas frequently says, "I am incredibly honored to even be associated with the name of such a trailblazer who made so many sacrifices."

She served for nearly three years on the successful renaming committee for the new Lamond-Riggs Lillian J. Huff Library. She is also the president of the Eleanor Holmes Legacy Scholarship Fund (EHNL Fund), a 501(c)(3) organization that raises funds to provide scholarships to students at the UDC School of Law who emulate the qualities of Congresswoman Norton, the District of Columbia's "Warrior on the Hill." Hazel Thomas works diligently to help raise funds for this project each year!

While living in Central and West African countries with her husband, Hazel worked with the Cameroon Extension Service and was success-

the religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Salute to Hazel B. Thomas, Ward 5 Democratic Committeewoman

ful in acquiring motorcycles for rural workers. She later worked with several U.S. embassies overseas as a community liaison officer with the role of linking official Americans to the surrounding people and culture. Upon finishing graduate school in Public Administration and Policy at George Washington University, Hazel became more focused on public policy, urban planning, and community and economic development.

It was in 1983, when I met Hazel Thomas. She worked at the D.C. Chamber of Commerce in membership development and later moved into business and economic development, creating the Chamber's first one-stop business and economic development training center. She later began working with the D.C. Office of the City Administrator in the area of economic development with a portfolio that included downtown development, the downtown partnership, the Washington Convention Center and the D.C. Chamber of Commerce. Upon the office director's assignment of the mayor's press office, she became director of the Deputy Mayor for Economic Development's Office of Information and Marketing.

Since returning to the States, Hazel Bland Thomas has worked in various positions at the Department of State. She is currently a legislative affairs specialist who works as a liaison between U.S. embassies overseas and the Congress to coordinate Congressional delegation trips. To maintain her core interest in economic development, Hazel became the Board Chair of Premier Community Development Corporation (Premier CDC), a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, volunteer organization committed to creating and retaining affordable housing in Ward

5. She helped to create the Rhode Island Avenue Task Force which brought together neighboring community organizations, churches and civic leaders to take leadership in the direction and scope of projects such as the 4th and Rhode Island development, Brookland Manor and others.

Hazel has worked on Council, mayoral and presidential campaigns and GOTV in D.C., Virginia and Pennsylvania. Additionally, Hazel has been an officer in the Ward 5 Democrats and attended five DNC Conventions. A past president of the DC Federation of Business and Professional Women (DC/BPW), known for designing training programs; and the DC Federation of Democratic Women, and has been active for over 10 years, primarily with writing and directing legislation policy.

She has been a member of the Shiloh Senior Choir for over 30 years and currently serves as its public relations coordinator and parliamentarian; and she earned her associate's degree in bible class at Greater Mount Calvary in D.C.

It has been my pleasure to work with Hazel B. Thomas from time to time, over these past 40-plus years. We salute you, Hazel Bland Thomas!

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

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black 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"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

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

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

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

Rev. 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.

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

Rev. Stephen E. 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”

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

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM

New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM

Church School: 9:45 AM

Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM

Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

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 “

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service Bible Study

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 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM

Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Rev.

Dr.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of Whitc Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: "Jermaine DcEdward Lucas", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Ilaqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " JERMAINE DEEDWARD LUCAS corp.sole Dba.: "JERMAINE D. LUCAS", [LUCAS, JERMAINE D., J., LUCAS, LUCAS„J., MAINGO, TOCOPACA INIIIA JERMAINE], having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to 'Ille Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, "Ihe Constitution for the united States of America, Article Ill Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, 'Ille Geneva Conventions, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples l, and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. am that I am: " Jermaine I) eEdward Lucas ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “tocopaca iniha jcrmaine de lucas bey Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article Ill, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, '111LE 11, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF FLORIDA BUREAU of VITAL STATISTICS : STATE FILE NUMBER, 109-1984-019149 " JERMAINE DEEDWARD LUCAS ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Tocobaga Maroon Moorish American De Lucas Bey Trust All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " tocopaca iniha jermaine de lucas bey ", nom deguerre:" Jermaine DeEdward Lucas", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Tocobaga Maroon Moorish American De Lucas Bey Trust ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. 'Illis deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. "Illis deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

2022 ADM 000363

Beverly McLaine Nickens Decedent

Antoine Wade, Esq. 440 Stamp Rd, Suite 207 Temple Hills, MD 20748

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Steven S. McLaine, whose address is 115 Burholme Dr., Hamilton, NJ 08691-3336, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly McLaine Nickens who died on November 8, 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 9/2/2023. 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 9/2/2023, 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:

March 2, 2023

Steven S. McLaine

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001007

Jacqueline M. Caul aka Jacqueline Mcrae Caul Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tamica Flora, whose address is 200 Florida Avenue NE, #806, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline M. Caul aka Jacqueline Mcrae Caul who died on April 25, 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 9/2/2023. 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 9/2/2023, 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

Tamica

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001183

David Earl Griffin

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Aujah Griffin, whose address is 23377 Superstition Way, California, MD 20619, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Earl Griffin who died on 3/14/2022 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 9/2/2023. 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 9/2/2023, 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:

3/2/2023

Aujah Griffin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 FEP 000127

August 3, 2020

Date of Death

Felicia Maurine Johnson aka Felicia Johnson Bradley Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Edward G. Varrone, Esq., whose address is 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Felicia Maurine Johnson aka Felicia Johnson Bradley, deceased, by the Register of Wills for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on February 26, 2021.

Service of process may be made upon Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 441 Valley Avenue, SE; 208 Malcom X Avenue, SE; and 1130 47th Place, NE. 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:

3/2/2023

Edward G. Varrone, Esq.

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2019 ADM 000652

Jean Smith King Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed

Personal Representative of the estate of Jean Smith King who died on March 13, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 9/2/2023. 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 9/2/2023, 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:

March 2, 2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 000663

Elsie Bessie Garner Decedent

Chidinma Iwuji 419 7th Street, NW Suite 405 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

David Garner, whose address is 6606 Lansdale St., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie Bessie Garner who died on July 3, 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 (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 9/2/2023. 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 9/2/2023, 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:

3/2/2023

David Garner

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF DEFAULT & OPPORTUNITY TO CURE

OTICE TO PRINCIPLE IS NOTICE TO AGENT ; NOTICE TO AGENT IS NOTICE TO PRINCIPLE

TO: New York State Attorney General, SSA OIG, Commissioner, HHS OIG/ Commissioner/Secretary/OCSE Commissioner, County of Bronx Family Chief and/or Clerks of court YOU ARE HEREBY NOTICED that you are in default of an opportunity to respond to the PUBLIC ADS, PUBLIC RECORDS, COMMERCIAL AFFIDAVITS sent to you throughout 2/2023, 3/2023 by certified, registered mail. You were given the opportunity to rebut the claims made against you by your failure to answer said notices, declarations, AFFIDAVITS. You have consented and agreed to all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

This is a good faith effort in providing you an additional 30 (thirty) days to cure your default. If you do not remedy the default in the allotted time, I will seek further action to protect my rights.

A DEFAULT JUDGMENT is being sought against you having waived the right to answer by acquiescence tacit admission and failure to contest rejecting your due process opportunity.

IN ABSENCE of such response Affiant Charles Samuel, hereby inserts and records this NOTICE OF DEFAULT upon and against New York State Attorney General, Social Security Administration OIG, Commissioner, Health Human Services OIG/ Commissioner/ Secretary,/OCSE Commissioner, County of Bronx Family Chief and/or Clerks of court . Whereas such actions now shall be taken in accordance to the procedures set forth in the Commercial Affidavit defaulted.

I Charles of the family Samuel have personal knowledge of the above facts and competent to testify to the above facts and declared that the foregoing is true, correct and complete under the penalty of perjury. No blanket statement, send Affidavits to my email:Charles.s47@yahoo.com and/or for my physical mailing address. All my natural unalienable rights reserved. Real Land North America. 3/2/2023

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : am that I am: " Anthony Demetrice Hunt II© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ANTHONY DEMETRICE HUNT II ", corp.sole Dba.:

" ANTHONY D HUNT II© ", Anthony Hunt, Anthony Hunt Jr, Anthony D Hunt Jr, Anthony Hunt II, and any variation having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Anthony Demetrice Hunt II© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " anthony demetrice bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV),

ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records : 112-88-067895, " ANTHONY DEMETRICE HUNT II© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Aledem Terseb Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " anthony demetrice bey© ", nom deguerre: " Anthony Demetrice Hunt II© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Aledem Terseb Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee agent / bailee donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000011

Bessie L. Davis

Decedent

Mark G. Griffin Griffin, Murphy & Wiggins, LLP 1912 Sunderland Place, NW Washington, DC 20036

Attorney

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

Janet A. Wilson, whose address is 24 Danbury Street, SE #2, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bessie L. Davis who died on May 10, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/9/2023. 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 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Janet A. Wilson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 120

Mervin A. Snead

Decedent

Iris McCollum Green,Esq.

1714 15th Street, NW, Suite B

Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kimberly Thorpe, whose address is 4020 20th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mervin A. Snead who died on November 13, 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 9/9/2023. 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 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Kimberly Thorpe Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Notice (for publication)

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001388

Michele Jeffery aka Michele Alloyce Tucker

Decedent

Ethel Mitchell Wills and Trusts LLC

8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

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

Jason Jeffery, whose address is 6505 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michele Jeffery aka Michele Alloyce Tucker who died on 6/20/2022 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 9/9/2023. 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 9/9/2023, 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:

3/9/2023

Jason Jeffery Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

This publication certifies the existence of one man assuming the role of head for his house. Notice the man to be mature and to act of sound mind as the bearer for all good deeds.  Notice “See” United States foreign relations manual 8 FAM 505.2-1 Endorsement Code Procedures the Bearer IS ALSO KNOWN

AS (L-L GIVEN NAMES) (L-L SURNAME).

Bearer uses an assumed name in addition to their legal name.

Name LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE II

The address of the known place of business is Post Office Box 584, Lanham MD 20703

note:I Le Vern Lamont, of the Lawrence come forth as the executor public and private for the name LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE.

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, perpetually.  The original known place of existence for the entity known as LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE is:  Prince Georges County Hospital, 3001 Hospital Dr, Maryland 20785, the agent for this entity is a living, breathing and comprehensive man, notice I am original to the land mass referenced by given names Maryland, America, and Amexem, North America.

III Notice I the bearer, am that I am reflection of man. Having power of attorney in fact for Le Vern Lamont Lawrence and for my new court commissioned named change as Le Vern Lamont El, in esse. Notice by this publication an act of good deeds I assume the role of executor, guardian, conservator, and power of attorney over the following names estates and trusts as caretaker for all legal names: JAMARI LAMONT LAWRENCE, JOE’L NICHOLAS LAWRENCE, DESTINY ELISA LAWRENCE, CHANCE QUALEE LAWRENCE, NOAH TYRALL LAWRENCE, HARMANI LOVE LAMONTEE GLOVER, LAVENIA LA’RAYNE LAWRENCE.

IV Copyright notice for stramineous homo. This copyright notice informs any potential use, usage, users, of any constructive use thereto any legal names created for my paramount use may be a direct violation for using the expressed intellectual property protected by this notice. Any user of the names expressed heron shall be protected by this notice intended to protect all intellectual property and not to interfere with any commercial activity regarding trafficking or employment thereto. I intend to uplift humanity and help all my fellow mankind. In propria persona, sui juris, proprio solo, proprio heredes, in esse.  Notice any unauthorized use thereof hereon without my express, prior, written authorized permission signifies the users unauthorized users’ consent. Notice that use will imply your debt obligation to any injury, damages, loss, etcetera. In the amount of $500,000 per use, plus time material and additional cost. Notice this publication is not expressed to take advantage of anyone for anybody. I redeem IAW 12 USC 411 and 412.

V Special indorsement i grantee "accept" and "certify" that am of sound mind over the age of majority. I notice all parties living and robotic that claim all proceeds exceeding $1 USD for good cause and for non-failure to state claim for which relief can be granted. Relief can be granted by thy appointing all public and private officials, officers, commissioners and each agent or employee fiduciarily responsible to settle this matter without recourse. Sincerely, manager, real party of interest, non-commercial, not trafficking, not understanding anything commercial. Notice claim all extensions of credit from the cradle to the grave. All extensions of credit exceeding one dollar go back to LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE TRUST. Notice I am not trading with the enemy nor am I an ally to any enemy of the state of the union, so be it.

VI Declaration of nationality

Notice of Special Appearance: I am: lawrence, le vern lamont© in full life, in proprio, by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: LAWRENCE, LE VERN LAMONT© corp.sole Dba: LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE© having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the north Americas and south-western shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly sworn, hereby affirms to declare my intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: shabtau Moorish American moslem national, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and inalienable, allegiance to the Moorish Empire, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados / United States Republic, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Barbary Treaties, International Law, United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and all Natural laws governing moors and herby Declare and Proclaim my nationality as an: shabtau Moorish American moslem national. Any and all facts contained  in this publication, are fully applicable to any and all private tribal issue offspring of: lawrence, le vern lamont©, my wives, Nunc pro Tunc, not limited to but including: 1. octavia cassandra, lawrence©, the beneficiary and heir of Noah Tyrell, Lavenia Le’Rayne, Oliyah Pearsall, Kasey Pearsall© corp sole, Dba: OCTAVIA LAWRENCE© I am: lawrence, le vern lamont© from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality /Status /Jurisdiction, shall be known as “le vern lamont le©”. Notice of Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title and interest, in the property, Re: LAWRENCE,LE VERN LAMONT© corp.sole DBA.: LEVERN LAMONT LAWRENCE TRUST©, Board of Trustees: L. Lawrence Chairman of the & Re: Noah Tyrell, La Venia Le’Rayne,Jamari Lawrence, Joe’l Lawrence, Destiny Lawrence, Chance Lawrence, Harmani Glover©,corp sole Dba: JAMARI LAWRENCE, JOE’L LAWRENCE, DESTINY LAWRENCE, CHANCE LAWRENCE, NOAH LAWRENCE, LA VENIA LAWRENCE, HARMANI GLOVER©, etc., to the depositor and or in the capacity as Guardian/: el, le vern lamont© nom deguerre: lawrence,le vern lamont©. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor/ Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal Creditor: el, Le Vern Lamont© nom deguerre: lawrence, le vern lawrence© as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is used exclusively for the benefit of: LE VERN

LAMONT LAWRENCE TRUST, to be used exclusively for the benefit of THE BOOK OF LEVERN TRUST, a private foreign Islamism ecclesiastical trust. Notice, the direct living beneficiary in flesh as people and in person having rights in name(s): octavia-cassandra; jamari lamont lawrence, joe’l nicholas lawrence, destiny elisa lawrence, chance qualee lawrence, noah tyrell lawrence, la venia le’rayne lawrence of the house Lawrence and now officially known as house of EL This deposit is not to commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary /trustee / agent /bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including discharge and set off, all outstanding liabilities accord and satisfaction. All that which provides for me also provides for my wives and offspring vice versa. In addition, common law copyright JAMARI LAMONT LAWRENCE, JOE’L NICHOLAS LAWRENCE, DESTINY ELISA LAWRENCE, CHANCE QUALEE LAWRENCE, NOAH TYRELL LAWRENCE, LA VENIA LE’RAYNE LAWRENCE, HARMANI LOVE-LAMONTEE GLOVER, KASEY MICHELLE PEARSALL, OLIYAH CALI PEARSALL, OCTAVIA CASSANDRA LAWRENCE ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © common law, in esse; Notice we are in union and good faith with the United States, the United States of America, and the United Nations we are not sovereign citizens.

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

2021 ADM 0000097

Helen Y. McWilliams Decedent

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

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.,whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen Y. McWilliams who died on April 24, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 9/9/2023. 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 9/9/2023, 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: 3/9/2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Last Will and Testament of LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE©

I go by LeVern R.© declare this to be my Last Will and Testament. expressly revoke all prior Wills and Codicil. I leave all property to LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE TRUST©. I Le Vern R.© precisely leaves all property to LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE TRUST© All Rights Reserved Common law

I by Will and Codicil revoke all prior acts I came to claim 6 of my children JAMARI LAMONT LAWRENCE©, JOEL NICOLAS LAWRENCE©, DESTINY ELISA LAWRENCE©, CHANCE QUALEE LAWRENCE©, NOAH TYRELL LAWRENCE©, LAVENIA LE’RAYNE LAWRENCE© and I denied by Will here on 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 offsprings are inherited to me and I 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. I claim to be the king of the estate first name Levern 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. claim these offsprings 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 Levern R.© name transfer all property to LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE 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 Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000156

Magdalene J. Renfrow aka Magdalene Juanita Renfrow Decedent

Tabitha R. Brown, Esq.

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Angela Renfrow Brown, whose address is 6804 Pamela Lane, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Magdalene J. Renfrow aka Magdalene Juanita Renfrow who died on 11/20/2022 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 9/9/2023.

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 9/9/2023, 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: 3/9/2023

Angela Renfrow Brown 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 000199

Barbara Hill Whitlock

Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin

5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carlton Whitlock, whose address is 409 Oakwood Street SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Hill Whitlock who died on February 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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Carlton Whitlock 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 FEP 000023

July 27, 2020

Date of Death

Randolph Theodore Oldes Sr.

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Angelia O. Powell whose address is 10007 Edgewater

Terrace Ft Washington MD 20744 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Randolph Theodore Oldes Sr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on December 12, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Priscilla Burch 811 4th Street NW #120 Washington DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property.

2800 Buena Vista Terr. SE #1 WDC 20020; 318 Channing St. NE WDC 20002; 5176 Jay Street NE WDC 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:

March 16, 2023

Angelia O. Powell

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

1999 ADM 001582

Estate of Jimmie L. Ward

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative.

Date of first publication: 3/16/2023

Esward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Petitioner/Attorney:

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

2020 ADM 000280

Deborah A. Clark

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nicole C. Clark, whose address is 4272 East Capitol Street, NE #202, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Deborah A. Clark who died on May 13, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Nicole C. Clark

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 000201

Willie Warren Shubert

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jacqueline Michelle Alston, whose address is 3131 Q Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willie Warren Shubert who died on December 20, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Jacqueline Michelle Alston

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 205

Kenneth S. White Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Gertie L. Hurley, whose address is 14417 Dolbrook Lane Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth S. White who died on 1/14/2023 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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Gertie L. Hurley

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

2022 ADM 000146

Renee M. Pringle

Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700

Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Andrea D. Pringle, whose address is 5811 Edson Lane, #T1, North Bethesda, MD 20852, was appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of Renee M. Pringle who died on October 16, 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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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.

CLIMATE from Page 23

U.S. can be attributed to gas stove use. Burning gas for cooking can release unhealthy levels of nitrogen dioxide into the kitchen.

“It's just very close to all of us—I mean, certainly transportation and other sectors are also very important, but people make food in their kitchens, over an open flame,” said Joelle Novey, director of the DMV chapter of the faith-based climate advocacy group Interfaith Power and Light. “But it’s increasingly clear that this poses immediate dangers to people's health, and that it is imposing real, tangible health risks onto the children we are cooking food for in those kitchens.”

The coalition supporting Howard County’s electrification law was also multigenerational, with supporters ranging from high schoolers to retirees. Siglin said he saw much more involvement from students in Howard County than in the building electrification campaigns in either D.C. or Montgomery County.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001150

Herlene G. Kennedy

Decedent

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

Cathy H. Somers, whose address is 113 Rock Creek Church Rd., NW, Washington DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herlene G. Kennedy who died on April 17, 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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Cathy H. Somers

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001378

Leroy Brown Jr. Decedent

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

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

Verita Brown Gerald, whose address is 5556 Blackhawk Way, Denver, CO 80239, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leroy Brown Jr. who died on 3/17/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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: 3/16/2023

Verita Brown Gerald Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000178

David F. Dowdell Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Crystal Davis, whose address is 6070 Allen Parkway, Olive Branch, MS 38654, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David F. Dowdell who died on March 9, 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 9/16/2023. 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 9/16/2023, 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:

3/16/2023

Crystal Davis Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

A letter to the council in support of the bill received 180 signatures from Howard County high school students, and more than 20 students submitted individual letters. In one such letter, River Hill High School sophomore Sara Khan described visiting family in Pakistan over the summer when devastating floods hit. The rains set off a months-long humanitarian crisis in the country, killing more than 1700 people and displacing almost 8 million.

“Massive floods destroyed the city I was in and we could not leave our building,” Khan wrote. “If we do not work to curb our carbon emissions, the tragedy in Pakistan will become commonplace. I recognize that carbon emissions are a global problem with global impacts but the solution happens at the local level with bills like CB5.”

Howard County has seen its share of climate change impacts, too. In July 2016, torrential rains hit Ellicott City and caused flash flooding that killed two people and destroyed many buildings along the town’s main street. The water—gushing from overflowing river tributaries nearby—swept cars down streets and ripped up swaths of pavement.

Scientists said the 2016 rainstorm was a once-in-a-thousandyear event. But two years later, the city saw more catastrophic flash flooding, which killed one person

CLIMATE Page 46

Council and social justice advocates deliberately kept District residents in the dark about the RCCA until the last minute.

On Wednesday, March 8, Seegars and other members of CRAV released a statement in which they accused members of the D.C. Council of using statehood as a distraction from their failure to engage their law-abiding constituents.

"The council should have had meetings about this bill in every ward,” Seegars said.

"Why would you reform the laws and not the criminals? People who are making money off of criminals don't want them locked up. If crime stopped, then all the organizations would stop."

Addressing a Gap between the D.C. Council and Constituents

Hours before the Senate’s 81-141 vote of the RCCA disapproval resolution on March 8, a collective of grassroots organizations, advocates and elected officials marched to the U.S. Capitol in support of the legislation - and the ongoing fight for D.C. statehood.

Plans for what was called the "Hands Off D.C." rally and march coalesced after Biden said in a tweet that the D.C. Council’s overturn of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s veto of the RCCA compelled his support of the GOP-introduced disapproval resolution.

Speakers scheduled to speak at a rally outside of Union Station included Makia Green and NeeNee Taylor of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams; D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D); D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At large), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6); ANC Commissioners the Rev. Wendy Hamilton (8D06) and Jamila White (8A05); and Patrice Sulton, executive director of DC Justice Lab.

Had Congress and Biden approved the RCCA, it would’ve gone into effect in 2025. The legislation, which took 16 years to shape and pass through the D.C. Council, would've updated the District's more-than-a-century criminal code, which experts designated as one of the worst in the country.

Polarizing elements of the RCCA include expansion of jury trials to defendants charged with misdemeanors, lowering of penalties for carjacking, and inclusion of offenders older than 25 years old in the

mocratize civic engagement," Sulton said. "Changing policy can't happen without changing who is changing the policy."

NAVIGATING TREACHEROUS POLITICAL WATERS

Shortly after the Senate's vote on Wednesday, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) tweeted that lawmakers on Capitol Hill who supported the disapproval resolution didn't know what was in the RCCA.

ATV RIDERS from Page 1

the nature of the man who he often spoke and texted with after his nephew Jeffery Price’s police-involved death.

In 2018, Price was killed on Division Avenue and Fitch Place in Northeast when his dirt bike collided with an MPD vehicle during a pursuit. Brown said that since Price’s death, Gray has maintained contact with Brown and his family, even going as far as to connect MPD Chief Robert J. Contee III to Brown so they could discuss how to approach policing in a balanced way.

In January, Gray, who’s recovering from a stroke, expressed plans to temporarily communicate via written statements. A Gray staffer told The Informer he's "well and very active."

Earlier in the year, Gray held a listening session with advisory neighborhood commissioners, civic association leaders and other officials. In a statement, his office said that the forum served as a continuation of other events Gray held in 2016 and 2019 to discuss issues of concern, particularly public safety and health care.

Second Look Amendment Act.

Residents, such as Robbie Woodland, a Ward 8 resident and CRAV member, also took issue with a part of the RCCA that increased the burden of proof in rape cases.

In revealing her apprehensions about the RCCA last year, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) said that advisory neighborhood commissioners and others who are on the ground should have been able to weigh in on the law.

Sulton pointed out that a commission composed of attorneys and a data scientist took on the task of shaping the bill. She told The Informer that constituents had a chance to comment on the RCCA during the research and writing portion of the process, and after the Office of the U.S. Attorney, the D.C. Office of the Attorney General and the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia approved it.

In 2021, the D.C. Council conducted three hearings about the RCCA that attracted at least 70 public witnesses -- including government officials, ANC commissioners, returning citizens, and representatives of nonprofit organizations. A bill recently introduced by Bowser earlier this year postpones implementation of the RCCA to 2027 and brings the more controversial provisions of the bill before the D.C. Council for further deliberation.

With the RCCA going back to the John A. Wilson Building, Sulton said that the work continues in dispelling misconceptions circulated by media outlets and detractors about the legislation. She suggested that part of that strategy involves speaking about the bill in its entirety and better ensuring that District residents are able to weigh in on elements of concern.

"There's a lot to do to change how policy making is done to de-

Earlier in the week, Mendelson unsuccessfully attempted to take the RCCA out of the congressional review process with plans to review the legislation. On Monday, he acknowledged that the council needs to take the RCCA directly to District residents on the second goaround.

Meanwhile, District residents continue to reel from levels of violent crime not seen in years. As of Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police Department reported 40 homicides, more than 200 assaults with a dangerous weapon, and more than 400 armed robberies.

A recent incident of gun violence that critically injured an elderly woman in a Safeway parking lot in Southeast compelled local organizer Ron Moten, former mayoral candidate Rodney "Red" Grant, ANC Commissioner Robin McKinney (8A06) and others to publicly demand the infusion of public safety resources in Ward 8.

Moten said the D.C. Council dropped the ball on passing the RCCA in the current climate. He likened this situation to other instances, like marijuana decriminalization, when local officials passed laws without considering how they would affect native Black Washingtonians -- particularly those who are victims of violence.

While he doesn’t support congressional interference in District affairs, Moten went further to point out that local officials didn't keep in mind D.C.'s precarious position as a city under federal control when they let the RCCA go to the Republican-controlled legislature.

"You give the Republicans a field day," Moten said. "Whenever someone has a bill they want to pass, they count the votes and check the temperament [of the politicians]. That's Politics 101. You don't just send the policy down to Congress." WI

@SamPKCollins

Brown said that he and Gray spoke at length before the pandemic about how to address the longstanding ATV conundrum in a manner that met drivers’ safety needs and provided dirt bike riders the latitude to enjoy their pastime.

Though their conversations have fallen off, Brown said he didn’t expect Gray’s tone to totally change on the matter. He told The Informer that he wants to work with the Ward 7 council member for the good of the community.

“Why would Councilmember Gray support these ³positions without some public dialogue, especially with people in the community who’ve lost loved ones?,” Brown said. “There has to be accountability to constituents. We don’t think we have a council member for Ward 7 right now. We’ve been dealing with Councilmember Gray’s staff and there hasn’t been any real strong coordination with the office on quality-of-life issues.”

QUESTIONS PERSIST ABOUT WARD 7 REPRESENTATION

Gray’s comments about ATVs followed his introduction of legislation in February to bring the local police force back to 4,100 officers. He, along with D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) also introduced a bill that exempts D.C. police officers and firefighters from local income tax.

On Monday, Gray announced, via Twitter, the monthly virtual meeting of the 6th District Citizens Advisory Council where dozens of participants were expected to discuss public safety. By that time, MPD had reported more than 40 homicides so far this year. Nearly a dozen of those homicides took place in Ward 7. Overall, instances of crime reported in Ward 7 over the last two months more than doubled compared to figures reported around the same time last year.

Gray’s office didn’t specify whether the most recent listening session was in person or virtual.

A representative of the Ward 7 council member went on to note that messages from constituents this year, received via email, text, phone and in-person communication, have centered on crime and increasing the police presence in Ward 7. This input, in tandem with media reports, social media and feedback received by the office, informs Gray’s decisions as it relates to legislation, budgeting and oversight, they said.

Deanwood resident Alicia L. Rucker said Gray has surrounded himself with enough people that could help him keep his office running during this precarious time. She said Gray has maintained constant communication via weekly e-newsletters.

In speaking about Gray’s embrace of the police, Rucker pointed out that he’s responding to the absence of a grassroots leadership and a government-facilitated safety net that's needed to fulfill people’s basic needs and provide structure for young people. Though she doesn’t support an influx in police officers, Rucker noted that the police seems like the ideal answer for people who are scared and feel like there’s no other immediate solution.

“Since COVID, people have lost their minds,” Rucker said. “A [civilized] society shouldn’t require police. Our babies are being affected by things that would’ve been corrected back in the day. In order to put the police out of business, we have to shore up our education and out-ofschool time programming.”

Earlier this year, residents came to Gray’s defense against council colleagues who’ve questioned his ability to chair the D.C. Council Committee on Health. There however remains criticism about what some describe as Gray’s lack of attention to health and education issues.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors

Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-877-420-7280 or visit http://dorranceinfo.com/informer

Two great new offers from AT&T Wireless! Ask how to get the new iPhone 11 or Next Generation Samsung Galaxy S10e ON US with AT&T's Buy one, Give One offer. While supplies last! CALL 1-877-370-2155

DISH Network. $64.99 for 190 Channels! Blazing Fast Internet, $19.99/mo. (where available.) Switch & Get a FREE $100 Visa Gift Card. FREE Voice Remote. FREE HD DVR. FREE Streaming on ALL Devices. Call today! 1-855-402-3370

SAVE 67% PLUS 4 FREE BURGERS - The Favorite Feast - ONLY $49.99.                                        ORDER Today 1-888-318-1190 Use Code 48643VFW or www.OmahaSteaks.com/ ffmb93

Do you know your Testosterone Levels? Call 888-692-5146 and ask about our test kits and get a FREE Trial of Progene All-Natural Testosterone Supplement

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Bergamonte, a Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with amazing results. Call today and save 15 percent off your first bottle!

866-640-5982

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE talking meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today! 1-866-680-1822

Any laptop repaired just $79. Macs too. REALLY! FREE Fedex shipping! $69 extra for screen or motherboard replacement. CALL Authorized Laptop Repair Specialists 1-866-437-6184

Ever Consider a Reverse Mortgage? At least 62 years old? Stay in your home & Increase cash flow! Safe & Effective! Call Now for your FREE DVD! Call Now 888-420-4716

READERS & MUSIC LOVERS. 100 Greatest Novels (audio books) ONLY $99.00 (plus s h.) Includes MP3 Player & Accessories. BONUS: 50 Classical Music Works & Money Back Guarantee. Call Today!

1-866-680-1822

Personalized holiday gifts for Everyone on your list! Save 20 percent off qualifying products from

Personal Creations! To redeem this offer, visit www. PersonalCreations.com/Beauty or Call 1-888-7320679

Diabetes/Cholesterol/Weight Loss Natural Product for Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and weight. Physician recommended, backed by Human Clinical Studies with fast acting results within 30 days. Call to hear about our special offer

866-640-5982

ATTENTION DIABETICS with Medicare. Get a FREE Talking Meter and diabetic testing supplies at NO COST, plus FREE home delivery! Best of all, this meter eliminates painful finger pricking! Call 888-421-1874

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY BENEFITS. You WIN or Pay Us Nothing. Contact Disability Group, Inc. Today! BBB Accredited. Call For Your FREE Book & Consultation. 888-649-5110

Attention Joint & Muscle Pain Sufferers: Clinically proven all-natural supplement helps reduce pain and enhance mobility. Call 888-760-5952 to try Hydraflexin RISK-FREE for 90 days.

HEAT YOUR HOME FOR 5¢ AN HOUR! Portable infrared iHeater heats 1000 sq. ft. Slashes your heating bills by 50%.  FREE Shipping too! Use claim code 6239 WAS $499 NOW $279 Call

1-866-784-5182

CADNET & NANI CLASSIFIED NETWORK

HEALTH & FITNESS

VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00. 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888445-5928 Hablamos Español

Dental insurance - Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance - not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-855-526-1060 www.dental50plus.com/ads

#6258

Attention oxygen therapy users! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. Free info kit. Call 877-929-9587

MISCELLANEOUS

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-855-948-6176

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule free LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-833-610-1936

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY!

Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725

Donate Your Car to Veterans Today! Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800-245-0398

HughesNet - Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live. 25 Mbps just $59.99/mo!

Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499-0141

Become a published author. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR

Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/31/24. 1-866-479-1516

The Generac PWRcell solar plus battery storage system. Save money, reduce reliance on grid, prepare

CLASSIFIEDS

for outages & power your home. Full installation services. $0 down financing option. Request free no obligation quote.

1-877-539-0299

Safe Step. North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time!

Financing available.

1-855-417-1306

Switch and save up to $250/yr on talk, text & data. No contract or hidden fees. Unlimited talk & text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time get $50 off any new account. Use code GIFT50.

1-855-903-3048

MobileHelp, America's premier mobile medical alert system. Whether you're home or away. For safety & peace of mind. No long term contracts! Free brochure!

1-888-489-3936

Free high speed internet if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom!

1-833-758-3892

Caring for an aging loved one? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and inhome care? Caring.com's Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Inflation is at 40 year highs. Interest rates are way up. Credit Cards. Medical Bills. Car Loans. Do you have $10k or more in debt? Call National Debt Relief to find out how to pay off your debt for significantly less than what you owe! Free quote:

1-877-592-3616

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation ExpertsOver $50,000,000 in timeshare debt & fees cancelled in 2019. Get free info package & learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. 833-308-1971

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the most local MLB Games! Choice Package $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.) No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774-0206 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/ads

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! GIBSON, FENDER, MARTIN, etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. TOP DOLLAR PAID. CALL TOLL FREE 1-866-433-8277

MID ATLANTIC COMMUNITY PAPERS ASSOCIATION CLASSIFIED NETWORK (MACNET)

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Become a Published Author. We want to Read Your Book! Dorrance Publishing-Trusted by Authors

Since 1920 Book manuscript submissions currently being reviewed. Comprehensive Services: Consultation, Production, Promotion and Distribution Call for Your Free Author`s Guide 1-866-482-1576 or visit dorranceinfo.com/macnet

Donate your car, truck, boat, RV and more to support our veterans! Schedule a FAST, FREE vehicle pickup and receive a top tax deduction! Call Veteran Car Donations at 1-877-327-0686 today!

Replace your roof with the best-looking and longest-lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors are available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer - $500 Discount + Additional 10% off install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

Metal Roofs: 1-855-338-4807

AUTO INSURANCE

Looking for auto insurance? Find great deals on the right auto insurance to suit your needs. Call today for a free quote! 866-924-2397

GENERAL SERVICE

Internet & WiFi Starts at $49 Call us Today to Get

Started. Find High Speed Internet with Fiber Optic Technology No Credit Check, No SSN Required. Call us Today! 866-396-0515

GIFTS/ Switch and save up to $250/year on your talk, text and data. No contract and no hidden fees. Unlimited talk and text with flexible data plans. Premium nationwide coverage. 100% U.S. based customer service. Limited time offer – get $50 off on any new account. Use code GIFT50. For more information, call 1-888-684-1169

HEALTH/MEDICAL

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-877-553-1891 www.dental50plus.com/macnet #6258

DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER? You may qualify for a substantial cash award - even with smoking history. NO obligation! We've recovered millions. Let us help!! Call 24/7, 1-888-650-9135

Stroke and Cardiovascular disease are leading causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Screenings can provide peace of mind or early detection! Contact Life Line Screening to schedule your screening. Special offer - 5 screenings for just $149. Call 1-866-518-8391

Don ’t let the stairs limit your mobility! Discover the ideal solution for anyone who struggles on the stairs, is concerned about a fall or wants to regain access to their entire home. Call AmeriGlide today!

1-844-317-5246

HOME IMPROVEMENT/

Eliminate gutter cleaning forever! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 20% off Entire Purchase. Plus 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-791-1626

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options Request a FREE Quote – Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-465-7624

Safe Step. North America ’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-833-356-1954

The bathroom of your dreams for as little as $149/ month! BCI Bath & Shower. Many options available. Quality materials & professional installation. Senior & Military Discounts Available. Limited Time Offer - FREE virtual in-home consultation now and SAVE 15%! Call Today! 1-877-540-2780

The Generac PWRcell, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services available. $0 Down Financing Option. Request a FREE, no obligation, quote today. Call 1-866-783-0292

Vivint. Smart security. Professionally installed. One connected system for total peace of mind. FREE professional installation. Four FREE months of monitoring! Call now to customize your system. 1-855-870-2073

MISCELLANEOUS

DIRECTV Stream - Carries the Most Local MLB Games! CHOICE Package, $89.99/mo for 12 months. Stream on 20 devices in your home at once. HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/CHOICE Package or higher.) No annual contract, no hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-6296086

Are you receiving SSDI/SSI Benefits? You may be eligible for additional benefits. CALL US TODAY Citizen Disability 1-888-490-6616

Attention Viagra users: Generic 100 mg blue pills or generic 20 mg yellow pills. Get 45 plus 5 free $99 + S/H. Call Today 1-877-707-5518

DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply. Promo Expires 1/21/23. 1-866-590-5561

Need IRS Relief $10K - $125K+ Get Fresh Start or Forgiveness Call 1-877-705-1472 Monday through Friday 7AM-5PM PST

Wesley Financial Group, LLC Timeshare Cancellation Experts Over $50,000,000 in timeshare debt and fees cancelled in 2019. Get free informational package and learn how to get rid of your timeshare! Free consultations. Over 450 positive reviews. Call 888-965-0363

WANTED BUYING CLASSIC CARS, TRUCKS, SUVs **American and Foreign** Any Condition. Buying entire car collections. $$PAYING CA$H$$ Please call 717577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

WANTED! MOTORCYCLES! ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, Triumph, BSA, and other foreign models. $$PAYING CA$H$$ 717577-8206 Krmiller1965@yahoo.com

MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK

HOME IMPROVEMENT SERVICES

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 877-738-0991.

FOR SALE

Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator. $0 Money Down + Low Monthly Payment Options. Request a FREE Quote. Call now before the next power outage: 1-855-993-0969

PETS/PET SUPPLIES

Are you a pet owner? Do you want to get up to 100% back on Vet Bills? Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-888-928-1656 to get a free quote or visit insurebarkmeow.com/mddc

SERVICES

DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www. dental50plus.com/MDDC#6258

VEHICLES WANTED

DONATE YOUR CAR/TRUCK/RV - Lutheran Mission Society of MD Compassion Place ministries help local families with food, clothing, counseling. Tax deductible. MVA licensed #W1044. 410-228-8437 www.CompassionPlace.org

WANTED TO BUY

PAYING TOP CA$H FOR MEN'S SPORT WATCHES! Rolex, Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, Heuer, Daytona, GMT, Submariner and Speedmaster. Call 844-506-3622.

end of 2022 to expand access to FDA-approved non-opioid therapies in the outpatient surgical setting. The law will expand access and creates choices, but will do nothing to curtail access to pain management options. The policy allows decisions about pain management to stay where they belong — between medical experts and their patients.

Unfortunately, the policy does not go into effect until 2025.

Each day without the NOPAIN Act in effect means more lives lost. The number of outpatient surgical procedures has grown steadily over the past quarter century with nearly 20 million procedures in 2018 alone. Because of the 2025 delay,

MORIAL from Page 26

tional Urban League proposed and advocated like the expanded Child Tax Credit, extended SNAP benefit increases and supplemental unemployment insurance, and a National Urban League-backed community-based vaccination plan to target the hardest-hit neighborhoods.

President Biden's historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was modeled on the Main Street Marshall Plan, the National Urban League's comprehensive blueprint for addressing lack of opportunity and economic inequality in America's urban communities. In addition to once-in-a-generation investments in modernizing the nation's railways, roads, bridges, airports; the legislation also includes the transformational expansion of broadband internet infrastructure for which we advocated in the Lewis Latimer Plan for Digital Equity and Inclusion.

Not only did President Biden heed our call to make the Minority Business Development Agency permanent, but he also appointed National Urban League Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Donald R. Cravins, Jr., to lead the agency as the first-ever Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.

President Biden's Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Ac-

BAILEY from Page 26

and determined Black people sacrificed their lives in battles with white supremacists and racists.

tens of millions more will unnecessarily undergo outpatient surgery without expanded access to non-addictive, potentially life-saving pain therapies.

Across both sides of the aisle, lawmakers agreed that we must address the opioid addiction crisis upstream.

I urge CMS to turn that legislative progress into regulatory action to protect Americans of all backgrounds from the fatal consequences of opioid addiction. My message is simple: Implement the NOPAIN Act as soon as possible.

Overdose deaths are preventable. But clearly the past two decades — with over half a million lives lost to opioid-related overdoses alone — have shown that we are not doing enough. CMS must step in and ex-

countable Policing, and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety, incorporates many of the themes of the National Urban League's comprehensive framework for criminal justice advocacy, "21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust." These include bans on racial profiling, chokeholds, no-knock warrants, and shooting at moving vehicles; investigation of police misconduct, revision of useof-force policies, demilitarization of police, data collection on misconduct and use of force, mandatory use of dashboard and body cameras strengthening of hiring and training standards, and increased diversity among both leadership and ranks.

The National Urban League's influence on national policy stretches back through the decades: Execu-

pand access to non-opioids as soon as possible. Anything short of that means Americans, especially those in Black communities, will continue to suffer through avoidable battles with opioid addiction. WI

tive Director Eugene Kinkle Jones served as part of President Franklin Roosevelt's "Black Cabinet" in the 1930s. His successor Lester Granger led the effort to desegregate the nation's armed forces under President Harry Truman. The legendary Whitney M. Young Jr., was integral to the passage of the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act. And Vernon Jordan rebutted President Ford's State of the Union Address with the first State of Black America report, the definitive annual benchmark of the economic and social status of African Americans. The Legislative Policy Conference, however, represents a historic expansion and redefinition over the last 20 years of the position our movement now occupies in the nation's legislative, administrative, and political institutions. WI

Not only did President Biden heed our call to make the Minority Business Development Agency permanent, but he also appointed National Urban League Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Donald R. Cravins, Jr., to lead the agency as the first-ever Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.

For further information about Black and American history it is necessary to connect with organizations such as the Association for the Study of African American Life

and History (ASALH), the History Makers, the Pan African Federalists Movement (PAFM) and the Malcolm X Leadership Group/Positive Black Folks in Action. WI

Unfortunately, the policy does not go into effect until 2025. Each day without the NOPAIN Act in effect means more lives lost.

WILLIAMS from Page 27

erased.

You ask, "What must we do?" The clear answer is that, like others, we must teach our own history and culture. We must establish the infrastructure and provide opportunities for our children to learn about us. We must spark inquisitiveness in our children about our ancestors whose strength brought us through the most brutal conditions imaginable. Looking in

MYRICK from Page 27

businesses, the kinds of companies that young business owners would start out building. And it's reasonable to assume that this debt burden is harming the economy in other ways. Paying off debt gobbles up discretionary income. Debt relief could put money back in college graduates' pockets and give consumer spending a boost.

The Supreme Court case that will be decided later this year hinges on a legal argument about the law under which

JEALOUS from Page 27

The Biden-Harris administration has provided leadership. With Congress, they've given us the tools to clean up pollution, to boost communities' resilience to climate related natural disasters like wildfires, and to create good jobs in clean manufacturing across the country in unprecedented ways. Through the in-

the mirror, our children must see themselves as part of a noble people whose contributions to humanity are incalculable and ongoing. They must realize they live because of the strength of our past and fulfill their responsibility to respect that past while laying the foundation for a more fruitful future.

As expressed by Carter G. Woodson, "Real education means to inspire people to live more abundantly, to learn to begin with life as they find it and make it better."

the debt relief plan was created, the HEROES Act. In a nutshell, conservatives have turned the plan's enormous economic benefit into a legal argument against its legitimacy. They argue that debt relief that extensive is a "major question" of policy that goes beyond what the HEROES Act provided for. They also argue that the law permits the government to relieve student debt only if it doesn't leave the borrowers “better off” than they were before. Of course, which individuals are “better off,” and by how much, is always arguable. And

frastructure and inflation reduction packages, the United States can spend more than double protecting Earth than we spent putting astronauts on the moon.

"I think we all understand we have to be solutions driven. And the solutions are at hand," Harris said at a climate summit earlier this month. "We need to make up for some lost time, no doubt. This is going to have

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

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more!

And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

The Washington Informer is all about you!

Name Address City, State, Zip

Phone number (daytime)

Yes! I want to subscribe for:

n1 year/$55.00 n 2years/$70.00

Method of payment:

n Check Enclosed n Visa/MasterCard

Credit card number

Signature

Dr. Woodson also opined, "Philosophers have long conceded, however, that every man has two educators: that which is given to him, and the other that which he gives himself. Of the two kinds, the latter is by far the more desirable. Indeed all that is most worthy in man he must work out and conquer for himself. It is that which constitutes our real and best nourishment. What we are merely taught seldom nourishes the mind like that which we teach ourselves." WI

there are lots of things that government does to make some segments of society better off than others — but that is a bigger conversation.

What is clear right now is that relieving student debt — and solving the problem of the high cost of education overall, also a bigger conversation -would make our country “better off.” I wish the conservative politicians who want to squash the Biden plan could see that. Meanwhile, we'll wait and watch to see what the Supreme Court decides.

WI

an exponential impact on where we need to go."

It's time for the rest of us to pick up those tools and build. There are powerful interests that would be more than happy to let the inertia that allows people and places to be treated as disposable continue indefinitely. Our planet can't afford that, and we have to marshal a movement to prevent it. WI

and once again created a river out of Main Street. Ellicott City, built around three Tiber River tributaries and at the bottom of a hill, has always struggled with flooding. But climate change has made heavy rainfall events both more common and more extreme.

“It's increasingly, I think, self-evident to everyone on Earth: we're in a climate crisis,” Novey said. “And we are inviting folks to think about what they're called to do about that in their homes, in their communities.”

Bringing Momentum to the State-Level Climate Fight

The Maryland legislature passed one of the most ambitious climate laws in the nation last spring. Advocates celebrated the “Climate Solutions Now Act of 2022” for centering environmental justice and setting a goal of net-zero carbon emissions

by 2045. But one provision, which would have banned fossil fuel use in new buildings, disappeared from the legislation before its final passage.

Liz Feighner, an activist with HoCo Climate Action, said that after the plan fell through at the state level, her organization had pivoted back to advocating for the policy at the Howard County level.

“The thought is, if we can get counties to electrify, then that might help make it easier to keep the momentum going to get it at the state level,” Feighner said.

This year, many climate advocates have focused attention on another aspect of the building electrification fight—gas appliance replacements. The federal Inflation Reduction Act, passed in August 2022, provides significant cash rebates for low- and moderate-income families to buy electric stoves, water heaters and heat pumps. Activists have urged

state and local governments to make sure that money can reach the people who need it.

“The real work is about helping Marylanders who are increasingly concerned about having gas appliances in their homes be able to make those switches,” Novey said. “And [making sure] that we don't just help the most motivated, most privileged, most affluent Marylanders switch and leave everybody else behind.”

Still, Novey said that adopting policies to stop new fossil fuel-powered buildings from being constructed is an obvious first step. Completing retrofits and replacements will be a far more expensive task. Many feel that, now that the health and climate harms of gas-powered homes are known, it makes little sense to keep creating new buildings reliant on fossil fuels.

“Let's stop digging the hole,” Feighner said. WI

CLIMATE from Page 42

of unlimited possibilities

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