The Washington Informer - March 24, 2022 by The Washington Informer

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Vol. 57, No. 23 • March 24 - 30, 2022

Bowser Helps Black Businesses Facing Financial Hurdles with $40 Million Legacy Initiative

First Awardees Receive Down Payment Assistance thru Commercial Property Acquisition Fund WI Staff Report

Victory!

5 Prince George’s 2022 Spelling Bee Winner Noemie Jackson-Weaver is a sixth grader attending New Hope Academy in Hyattsville, Md. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development recently announced the inaugural awardees of the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund – a program that provides eligible businesses down payment assistance for the acquisition of commercial property in the District. The first two awardees include Tsunami Hair Studio in Ward 7 and The Spice Suite in Ward 4 moving to Ward 5. Through the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund, D.C.-based businesses

that have historically faced barriers in obtaining financing can become commercial property owners. The $4 million investment serves as part of Bowser’s efforts to support local businesses and part of her $40 million Legacy Initiative to keep longtime residents and businesses in the District. “When residents and businesses own property in D.C., they stay in D.C.,” Bowser said. “Owning property offers stability, it helps business owners think bigger about their businesses and it is a critical tool for helping Black and Brown

LEGACY Page 44

Pastors Rally in Support of Jackson Ahead of Supreme Court Hearings

D.C. Rallies Around Supreme Court Nominee Jackson, Despite Lack of Senate Representation

Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

James Wright Jr. WI Staff Writer

Members of the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc. (PNBC) led a throng of demonstrators in D.C. on Monday as the U.S. Senate began hearings on the nomination of Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. As senators officially began hearings on the nomination of Jackson, a chorus of civil rights leaders and pastors marched and spoke on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol in support of her confirmation, which would make her the first

As the Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson got underway Monday, District residents rallied in support of the D.C. native but lamented that the city has no say in the matter. D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who recommended Jackson to President Obama as a judge for the U.S. District Court for D.C. in 2012, pointed out the District has no representation in the Senate and is therefore left out of the process. “Today also reminds us of the stark reality that despite Judge Jackson’s connections to D.C., without statehood, the District

PBNC Page 37

5 Judge Kentaji Brown Jackson is grilled by Senators during the confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice at the Hart Senate Office Building on March 23. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

CONFIRMATION Page 38

SPELLING BEE Page 12 Celebrating 57 Years of Service / Serving More Than 50,000 Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area

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Around the Region........................................................................4-11 Prince George's County........................................................... 12-13 Business.......................................................................................... 14-15 National.......................................................................................... 16-17 International...................................................................................... 18 Health............................................................................................20-22 Education..................................................................................... 24-25 OpEd.............................................................................................. 29-31 Women's History Month.............................................................. 32 Lifestyle........................................................................................33-42 Sports.................................................................................................. 43 Religion............................................................................................... 45

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MBI Health Services, First 24/7 Urgent Care Clinic, Opens East of the River A ribbon-cutting ceremony for MBI Health Services, LLC, the first urgent care clinic serving Wards 7 and 8, will be held on Thursday, March 31, followed by a community day on April 2. The clinic, located at 5140 Nannie Helen Burroughs Ave NE, provides speedy, affordable, non-emergent care treatment for adults and children for colds, flu, respiratory illnesses, ear infections and more. COVID-19 testing and vaccinations are also available. For more information call 202-984-7310 or visit www.mbihs.com. WI

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Fish Market Restaurant Now on the Market

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark 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 D. Kevin McNeir, Senior 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 Angel Johnson, Admin. Asst. REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Aja Beckham, Ed Hill, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Editor), Hamil Harris, 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

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The Fish Market Restaurant in Clinton appears to be listed for sale at $4.2 million, according to the property listing service called LoopNet. The one-story, 7,523-square-foot building on Old Branch Avenue closed for more than two months in the summer of 2020 after an alleged racial incident that involved the late co-owner, Rick Giovannoni. Former patrons and community activists protested across the restaurant property. Some 5 Fish Market Restaurant (Photo courtesy LoopNet.com) wore “I can’t breathe” t-shirts that represented a rallying cry for Blacks being killed by police and other forms for police brutality, which came after George Floyd uttered, “I can’t breathe” to Minneapolis police as one kneeled on his neck and caused his death. Fish Market co-owner Sherry Giovannoni didn’t respond to a phone call for comment Tuesday, March 22. WI

Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day at Air Force Memorial A wreath-laying ceremony will take place Thursday, March 24 as part of the 81st annual Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. The event at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, will also pay tribute to airmen who died known as the “Lonely Eagles.” Later that day, a virtual fund-raiser will be held featuring remarks from Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and the Rev. Grainger Browning, pastor of Ebenezer A.M.E. Church in Fort Washington. In Maryland, state lawmakers in the House 5 Members of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. (FILE: Photo by Robert R. Roberts) and Senate passed legislation this month to honor the Tuskegee Airmen on the fourth Thursday in March. It must now be approved in the respective chambers. A public hearing on the Senate bill sponsored by Sen. Obie Patterson (D-District 26) of Fort Washington will be heard by the House Health and Government Operations Committee on Tuesday, March 29. A hearing on the House bill sponsored by Del. Diana Fennell (D-District 47A) of Colmar Manor hasn’t been scheduled before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee. Approval must be done before the 90day session ends April 11. WI

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AROUND THE REGION District Residents React to Bowser’s $19.5 Billion Budget James Wright WI Staff Writer District residents’ reaction to the D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s $19.5 billion 2022-2023 budget proposal released on March 16 has drawn mixed reviews. Bowser’s budget calls for the funding of an array of city services but doesn’t increase taxes. In a statement, the mayor noted city residents have made sacrifices during the coronavirus pandemic and “we want to make up for lost time and opportunities.” Highlights of the proposal include: *$30 million to hire, recruit and retain police officers *$251 million to build a new annex to the D.C. jail *$35 million to build a create a community-based program at Winston Educational Campus in Southeast with a state-of-the-art laboratory equipment for handson learning *Funding for a new indoor sports complex at RFK Stadium in Southeast that will include amenities such as gymnastics training facility, indoor track, climbing walls and boxing *A new high school in the Palisades neighborhood in Northwest *A dog park at Oxon Run in Ward 8 *A new indoor pool at the Hillcrest Recreation Center *The creation of a $10 million Black Homeownership Fund and Strikeforce designed to help longtime Black homeowners in the city and *Increasing the Housing Production Trust to $500 million, a new high. Feedback on the proposed budget D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) asked questions about the expansion of the police cadet program from Anacostia High School to other campuses and the administration’s commitment to more funding for violence interrupters during the mayor’s introduction of her proposal to the D.C. Council on March 16 at the Martin Luther King Jr, Memorial Library. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) inquired

about the expansion of the health care facilities in neighborhoods east of the Anacostia River. Bowser responded to Gray saying the new St. Elizabeths Hospital will open in late 2024 and in Ward 8, an urgent care facility will be operational in the fall and with its counterpart in Ward 7 functional in 2023. Additionally, the council held a full briefing on the budget with the mayor on March 18. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson said the committees will consider their portions of the budget from March 21-April 8. On April 8, Mendelson said the Committee of the Whole will hold a public hearing on the budget and encouraged residents to participate. He said committee markups of the mayor’s budget will occur on April 20-21 with the first vote on the proposal on May 10 and the second vote and final action on May 24. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At Large), who serves as the chairman of the Committee on Housing and Executive Administration, likes the mayor’s proposal. In a statement, she praised the increase to the Housing Production Trust Fund, $41 million for project vouchers to make housing deeply affordable for low income residents, $120 million in rental and utility assistance, more funds for down payment assistance for low-income homebuyers, $1 million to help muti-generational families maintain their property after the death of the original homeowner and a 2% senior property tax cap, which lowers the cap on annual increases in property taxes for seniors from 5% to 2%. “This budget prioritizes the needs of our most vulnerable residents while providing new resources to our middle-income community and seniors,” Bonds said. “I am ready to work with the mayor, her staff and my council colleagues to make sure that these initiatives are fully funded and implemented during the next fiscal year.” Villareal Johnson, a former Ward 7 advisory neighborhood commissioner and a leader in the Hillcrest Community Civic Association, said the mayor’s budget on Winston has promise.

“There is excitement that the mayor responded to community voices about Winston,” Johnson said. “However, the community thinks they can benefit from a new school.” Johnson noted a letter sent to the civic association regarding Winston recently saying the existing building will be demolished and a new facility will replace it. The letter said it will be open for students in both the District’s public and charter schools. Johnson said the administration’s plans for Winston are intriguing but lacking as far as what the neighborhood really needs. “We really need a middle school in this area,” Johnson said. “Many parents in Hillcrest are sending their children west of the river to go to middle school or their kids are going to private school. The closest middle school to Hillcrest is Sousa Middle School but it is a hassle to get there and the neighborhood is questionable. Basically,

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser wants to add a new annex to the D.C. Jail. (Courtesy photo/WJLA.com)

what does the mayor’s proposal mean for elementary school children who reside south of Massachusetts Avenue?” Eric Weaver, the founder and chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Returning Citizens, likes the mayor’s plan to add a new annex to the D.C. Jail. “This is long overdue,” Weaver

said. “The conditions at the D.C. Jail have been bad for a long time. It’s been close to 50 years since some parts of the jail have been built. It is my hope that the new annex will be program-centered where residents will be able to get the training and skills they need to function in the outside world.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 5

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

MAR 24 - 30, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

MARCH 26

1831 – Richard Allen, founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME), the first independent Black denomination in the United States, dies in Philadelphia at age 71. 1872 – Thomas Martin patents an improved fire extinguisher. 1937 – William Hastie is appointed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to the U.S. District Court for the Virgin Islands, making him the first African American federal judge. 1944 – Famed singer and actress Diana Ross (bottom right) is born in Detroit. 1962 – Augusta Savage, a famed Black sculptor from the Harlem Renaissance era, dies of cancer in New York City at age 70.

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MARCH 27

1924 – Renowned jazz singer Sarah Vaughan is born in Newark, New Jersey. 1934 – Acclaimed dancer and choreographer Arthur Mitchell, founder of the Dance Theatre of Harlem, is born in New York City.

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ARETHA FRANKLIN MARCH 24

1912 – Civil rights and women's rights activist Dorothy Height (right) is born in Richmond, Virginia. 2002 – Halle Berry becomes the first Black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in "Monster's Ball."

MARCH 25

6 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

1866 – George Alexander McGuire, founder and first Bishop of the African Orthodox Church, is born in Swetes, Antigua. 1939 – The New York Renaissance Big Five, one of the most successful all-Black professional basketball teams in the 1920s and 1930s, becomes the first all-Black pro team to win a world championship.

MARCH 29

1904 – Granville T. Woods patents the first of two improvements on railroad brakes. 1918 – Award-winning actress and singer Pearl Bailey

1931 – African American journalist, suffragist and civil rights activist Ida B. Wells dies of kidney failure in Chicago at age 68. 1931 – Nine Black teenagers are arrested in Scottsis born in Southboro, Alabama, and accused of raping two white ampton County, women on a train, a landmark case in the fight Virginia. against racism and unfairness in the U.S. legal system. MARCH 30 1942 – Legendary singer Aretha Franklin, known 1870 – The 15th as the "Queen of Soul," is born in Memphis, TenAmendment, nessee. which granted Afri1965 – The Selma to Montgomery marches, held can American men in protest of segregation and voter obstruction the right to vote, against Blacks in the South, end after 18 days. is formally adopted 2009 – Historian John Hope Franklin, author of into the U.S. Con"From Slavery to Freedom: A History of African stitution. WI Americans," dies in Durham, North Carolina, at age 94. THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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Do you mean like the tons of support he initially received? Many Black folks simply believe either he flat-out lied or there’s enough lies mixed in that he doesn’t deserve our energy. Overall, however, we believe that him going to jail is a bit much. But I’m not marching for Jussie.

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WASHINGTON, D.C.

I absolutely loved Jussie on “Empire” and probably watched the show longer than I should have because of Jussie and his talents. Initially, I believed his story and was saddened to hear that this happened to him. However, don’t carry me along if it’s BS and seek support. I’m not here for that. All that stated, I still think jail time is excessive. How many others have filed false reports and not served a day for it?

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DUNCANVILLE, TEXAS

What did he expect? Black folks to loot and tear down the city on behalf of his brother’s lies? Of course, we care. We always care when there is an extreme miscarriage of justice. He pulled a narcissistic stunt he contrived in his head for his ego, and now he’s feeling the fire because everyone’s on to him.

OTIS TROTTER / CANTON, OHIO

I think there’s some truth in her claims of homophobia in the Black community. But I don’t think this was a significant factor in Black people’s skepticism surrounding his story. When it first happened, I think Black people believed him and were supportive even for a great while after his story continued to unravel. Eventually, it got to the point where people just had enough of this ridiculousness. He still could have retained some of his dignity if he would’ve confessed and demonstrated some contrition.

ROLANDO SANCHEZ / LOS ANGELES

No, lying about what happened is what caused the lack of support.

Stay Informed!

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 7

AROUND THE REGION

Maryland Comptroller Candidates Square Off in Prince George’s Forum William J. Ford WI Staff Writer

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Maryland Democratic candidates for comptroller presented their platforms virtually to improve the statewide office before a major voting bloc: Prince George’s County voters. Bowie Mayor Tim Adams and Del. Brooke Lierman (D-Baltimore City) participated in a candidate’s forum Tuesday, March 22 hosted by the Prince George’s Young Men’s Democratic Club. Both candidates seek to make history with Lierman as the first woman to the position. Adams seeks to become the first African American after being elected as the city’s first Black mayor in 2019. But they must receive votes from fellow Democrats in the July 19 primary election that includes Prince George’s voters, which has the most registered Democrats in the state. One question posed during the nearly one-hour discussion asked how each candidate would manage the comptroller’s office, especially when trying to speak with a person to get a tax refund. Lierman, who has represented Baltimore’s 46th District since 2015, said the office should be adequately staffed to pay employees sufficient wages led by a “taxpayer advocate office.” “There should be more automated alerts so that if it has gone too long and somebody hasn’t [received] a re-

5 Bowie Mayor Tim Adams. (Photo courtesy of Tim Adams for Comptroller)

5 Del. Brooke Lierman. (Photo courtesy of Maryland General Assembly)

sponse, that the comptroller’s office internally is seeing that and counting down the clock and can check that in quickly,” she said. Besides representing the largest municipality in Prince George’s, Adams owns a company called Systems Application & Technologies, Inc. (SA-TECH) of Upper Marlboro. His company of more than 600 employees and annual revenues of nearly $100 million provides technology, engineering and other support services for the defense industry. “We really need to have the executive experience to understand how to make organizations truly run,” he said. “Running an organization and legislating are two important things, but very different.” Besides working as the state’s tax collector, the comptroller also serves alongside the governor and state treasurer on the Maryland Board of Public Works, which approves millions of dollars on government contracts and other spending. The comptroller’s office also encompasses the Bureau of Revenue Estimates, with one of its jobs to provide fiscal analysis on the state budget for the governor and legislature. Comptroller Peter Franchot, who’s held the position since 2007, seeks the Democratic nomination for governor from among nine other candidates. The second, four-year term for Gov. Larry Hogan expires in January. During the forum, former school board Belinda Queen, now running to represent District 6 on County Council, asked if the candidates would ensure county residents work at the local comptroller’s office. Both candidates said yes.

“We need to make sure in our areas, we have greater outreach to all of our constituents,” Adams said. Phillippa Johnston, a community activist who resides at Cameron Grove in Upper Marlboro, asked Lierman’s experience in managing complex organizations. The state delegate summarized her work as a development director for a nonprofit organization 20 years ago that’s still in existence, statewide advocacy on various pieces of legislation and her current job as a civil rights and disabilities attorney. “I will be able to lead and bring people together to build a team that can get things done for the people of Maryland in the comptroller’s office,” Lierman said. The winner who receives the Democratic nomination could face a Republican challenger. Harford County Executive Barry Glassman represents the only GOP member who filed paperwork to seek the office. He seeks to become the first Republican elected comptroller in 100 years. Trina Brown, the Prince George’s Young Men’s Democratic Club’s first Black woman president, had a message for the more than four dozen people listening via Zoom. “Whoever you vote for, it’s important to vote. It’s a very important election year,” she said. “Make sure your family members are registered to vote. Your vote counts and it matters.” Maryland Board of Elections released a statement that early voting in the primary election will be July 7-14. The new deadline to request a mail-in ballot will be July 12. WI @WJFjabariwill

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Ward 7 Residents, Education Leaders Question Bowser’s Budget Proposal Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer Since its 2014 closure, some Ward 7 community members have fought to keep Winston Education Campus [EC] in the D.C. public school building inventory with the hope that it would eventually reopen as a middle or high school which meets the academic needs of Ward 7’s youngest residents. However, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s FY 2023 budget proposal has jeopardized that vision. It not only allocates funds to Winston EC’s demolition and reconstruction as a citywide project-based learning facility, but also finances the construction of an entirely new high school on MacArthur Boulevard in Ward 3. That high school would serve as a feeder school for Hardy Middle School students and address the overcrowding at nearby Wilson High School. Much to the chagrin of Ward 7 community members who have sought investments for their neighborhood schools, Bowser said 500 seats have been set aside for students designated as “at-risk.” In expressing her dissatisfaction with this aspect of Bowser’s budget proposal, Dr. Marla Dean said Ward 7 parents, out of frustration with the lack of school choices in their community, often send their children to middle and high schools in other parts of the District. As a result, students spend hours on daily commutes to and from their out-of-boundary school. Dean told The Informer that the construction of a new high school in Ward 3, a community with a smaller population of school-aged children, further exacerbates inequity and perpetuates the narrative that communities located east of the Anacostia River have nothing to offer when it comes to education in the District. That’s why Dean wants Bowser to reconsider her plans for Winston EC. “In Ward 7, there aren’t any other buildings left to create sensible feeder patterns so if we lose this, we don’t know what the path will

5 Dr. Marlene Dean (Courtesy photo)

be forward to correct this situation,” said Dean, chair of the Ward 7 Education Council. “We don’t know anything [about what Winston EC will be] but we do know we need a feeder pattern. We’re the only ward with a net positive birth rate in the last census count and this community said they wanted the building to stay in the DCPS inventory,” she said.

MANY ARGUE WARD 7 HAS BEEN FORGOTTEN

Ward 7 has 18 public schools, two of which serve middle school students and two others that serve high school students. One of those two high schools – Ron Brown Preparatory High School – serves only young men. In some cases, like that involving students from Kelly Miller Middle School, the feeder pattern ensures entry into either H.D. Woodson High School or Eastern High School in Ward 6. While some of the elementary schools provide dual-language programs and other special offerings, parents have been hard pressed to find similar programming at the middle school level. That’s why,

AROUND THE REGION

as has been the case in years past, families spent much of the school enrollment season exploring options in other parts of the District. This situation occurred as community members at Anne Beers Elementary School, Burrville Elementary School and other schools continue to complain about infrastructure issues. Meanwhile, no capital improvement projects regarding Ward 7, other than the revamp of Winston EC and citywide enhancement of school HVAC and boiler systems, have been included in the FY 2023 budget. In her assessment of Bowser’s budget proposal, Ward 7 State Board of Education [SBOE] Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson lauded the plans for Winston EC and the investments in schoolbased mental health services and nurses but said the mayor had serious blind spots when it came to improving Ward 7 schools. “In that sense I do not want to come out of the pandemic returning to normal. I hoped to use this budget to create a new normal that moves schools like Beers, Burrville, Plummer and Nalle up the timeline and urgently addresses their needs,” Thompson said. “I am happy to see the addition of Winston and look forward to planning how it may serve our community in the future but I cannot stress the urgency of supporting students now with quality, nurturing programs in their communities not across town,” she said.

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D.C. Council to Consider Domestic Workers Rights Bill

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5 D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) addresses supporters of domestic workers rights legislation. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

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had no labor protections. What she did was the result of the legacy of slavery and indentured servitude. Domestic workers lack union protections. This is a women’s, racial, economic justice, civil rights and immigrants’ rights issue.” Altagracia Kubinyi serves as an activist with the National Domestic Workers Alliance [NDWA], an

organization that has worked for years to persuade the council to pass legislation similar to Silverman’s. Kubinyi said as a domestic worker, employers often took advantage of her. “They would be happy to hire me but refused to provide me with a contract,” Kubinyi said. “There was a lack of professionalism by my employers when dealing with me. The present laws provided little protection to me. I could not protest any mistreatment because I wasn’t covered by the city’s Human Rights law. Even when I found a good family to work for, they still didn’t provide me a written contract.” Kubinyi said she joined the NDWA to support the rights of her colleagues and likes the progress that has been made. “We are essential workers in the lives of the families we work for and in the city,” she said. WI @JamesWrightJr10

The D.C. Council is considering a bill that would expand the rights of domestic workers including formalizing work arrangements and benefits.

The D.C. Council is considering a bill that would expand the rights of domestic workers including formalizing work arrangements and benefits. D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At Large) has introduced “The Domestic Worker Employment Rights Amendment Act of 2022” that would require anyone hiring a domestic worker in the District for more than five hours to provide the employee a written contract establishing their hours, pay, duties and other specifics about the work being performed. Silverman’s bill would apply to the more than 9,000 domestic workers in the District, many of whom are women of color and immigrants. Domestic workers in the District constitute home caregivers (41%, agency and nonagency), nannies (24%), house cleaners (19%) and others (15%). D.C. Councilmembers Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Anita Bonds (D-At Large), Christina Henderson (I-At Large) and Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) have signed on as co-introducers of Silverman’s bill. Silverman said her legislation is long overdue. “It is amazing that this bill needs to be filed and implemented,” she said on March 15 at a news conference in front of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest with supporters of the legislation. “Domestic workers in D.C. are excluded from basic worker protections because their workplace is in a private home. These women perform difficult work for not high pay. They need clear wages and clear work schedules.” George, who attended the news conference with her colleagues Allen and Henderson, said the plight of the city’s domestic workers reminds her of one of her ancestors. “My great grandmother was a domestic here,” George said. “She cleaned hotel rooms and took care of wealthy residents’ families. She

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Paid Family Medical Leave Remains Uncertain in Maryland

Senate, House Approve Distinct Versions By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Shannon Sneed recalled when she found out being pregnant more than five years ago after being laid off from her job at Big Brothers Big Sisters. That experience propelled the former Baltimore City Council member to become a strong advocate for policies involving child

care and paid family leave. “We shouldn’t have to choose between work and family,” Sneed, chosen by Democratic gubernatorial candidate Tom Perez as his choice for lieutenant governor, said last month at a rally in Annapolis. “When you’re working, you should definitely have paid family leave. This is important. I think [lawmakers] can get it out this year.”

It did appear that way when the 90day session began in January, especially with support from House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) and Senate President Bill Ferguson making paid family and medical leave as one of the top priorities in the state. Both the Senate and House of Delegates presented similar legislation that proposed to offer employees up to 12 weeks of paid leave, but a person must work at least 680 hours over a 12-month period. It provided long term care such as following childbirth and helping an ailing family member. The legislature approved different versions Friday, March 18 with the bills going to the opposite chambers. A House version of the bill will be reviewed by the Senate Finance Committee on Tuesday, March 29. As of Tuesday, March 22, a public hearing for the Senate bill still hasn’t been scheduled before the House Economic Matters Committee. The Senate version includes employees contributing 75% toward a paid leave fund and employers 25%, but the House sought at least a 50-50 split. The Senate approved last week to amend the bill to allow an additional 12 weeks for new parents to bond with a child, or care for a baby who’s

Hogan, Maryland Leaders Sign 30-Day Gas-Free Tax Into Law William J. Ford WI Staff Writer ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Mary-

land Gov. Larry Hogan proclaimed the state as the first in the nation to officially suspend the state’s gas tax amid the coronavirus pandemic and

5 Maryland House Speaker Adrienne Jones (right) signs emergency legislation into law March 18 to suspend the state’s gas tax for 30 days. Gov. Larry Hogan (left) looks on as he awaits his turn to put his signature on the document. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

12 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

a global war. Joining Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones, the governor signed a law that will give motorists a 30day break from paying about 36 cents per gallon at the pump. Lawmakers from the House of Delegates and Senate granted final approval Friday, March 18, which took about a week to accomplish after scheduling public hearings. The gas tax will remain in effect through April 16. “I want to sincerely thank the legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle for coming together to swiftly and unanimously pass this emergency legislation,” Hogan said inside the governor’s reception room in Annapolis. “It’s almost unheard of for a major piece of legislation to pass in such a short period of time with such universal,

TAX Page 53

5 Maryland Sens. Antonio Hayes, left, and Joanne C. Benson on the Senate floor March 18 as the Senate approved legislation for paid family and medical leave. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

ill. That person could also utilize up to 12 weeks of benefits to care for a family member “with a serious health condition.” That person could receive up to 24 months of benefits, which could cost the state nearly $21 million to administer by the state Department of Labor. Another part of the legislation amended would require the state to cover contributions for developmental disability and behavioral health providers. To ensure the program works, the Senate bill incorporates an actuarial study, or a financial analysis. Contributions wouldn’t begin until January and employees wouldn’t begin to receive claims starting in January 2025. “People here in Maryland want to see some type of paid family leave,” said Sen. Antonio Hayes (D-Baltimore City) and lead sponsor of the legislation. “I’ve only had the last three years to debate this. Given the overwhelming support of Marylanders, this is something that we should definitely do.” Del. C.T. Wilson (D-Charles County), who chairs the House Economic Matters Committee, led efforts to amend the House version and create a commission to assess paid family and medical leave in the state. According to the amended version, it would be the General Assembly’s “intent” to establish a statutory framework for a family medical leave and insurance program. A commission would analyze how other states established its programs, appropriate eligibility a person would

qualify for benefits and how they are financially sustained. A report would be presented to the governor and General Assembly by Dec. 1. The commission would include two members appointed by the Senate president and House speaker, representatives from a labor union, Maryland Retailers Association, Maryland Chamber of Commerce and an economist. Del. Nino Mangione (R-Baltimore County) asked about the Senate bill being different from the House’s proposal. “We are not the Senate, correct,” Wilson said Friday. In the meantime, advocates praised the Senate for passing legislation, but also hopes the House will be convinced to pass a similar measure before the session ends April 11. “The bill passed by the Senate, which contains an actuarial study on contribution rates within it, is the right approach, and we are thankful to the Maryland Senate for working to make it happen this year,” Myles Hicks, campaign manager for the Time to Care Coalition, said in a statement Friday, “Regarding the house approving a different bill, it is our coalition’s job to continue to advocate for legislation that will establish a paid family and medical leave program. We are glad Speaker Jones has paid family and medical leave as a priority this session and look forward to continuing to work with members of the House to get this critical piece of legislation passed this session.” WI @WJFjabariwill

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Women Veterans Week Proclaimed in Prince George’s County William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Out of the 60,000 military veterans who reside in Prince George’s County, women account for slightly more than 10,000. La’Shanda Holmes counts as one of those women, making history in 2010 as the first African-American woman helicopter pilot to serve in the Coast Guard. Holmes joined nine other women veterans Tuesday at a ceremony proclaiming the county’s first ever Women Veterans Week from March 21-25, which also coincides with Women’s History Month. Prince George’s accounts for the largest population of veterans in the state of Maryland. “With this being the first ever in P.G. County, it’s especially important . . . and to have the county executive honor us really means a lot,” said Holmes, a native of Fayetteville, North Carolina, who resides at National Harbor and works as a Coast Guard liaison to the U.S. Senate. Besides standing alongside her fiancé, Marvin Hawkins, who also served in the Coast Guard for 21 years, Holmes shared the moment with her mentor, Penny Collins. Collins joined the Coast Guard in 1973 and retired in 2007. It’s the only military branch that’s part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and not within the federal Department of Defense. “Young women who are coming up through high school or college can see someone like La’Shanda who not only served her country but is doing other things,” she said. “The Coast Guard is a wellkept secret.” Besides honoring women who served in the military, part of the announcement highlighted an exhibit coming to Oxon Hill Library on April 13 called the “Color of Freedom: Honoring the Diversity of America’s Servicewomen.” Two exhibits will be featured at two other library branches in Laurel and Largo starting in May. The national exhibit, which opened last year at the Military

Women’s Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, focuses on women of color who served in the military. The exhibit features more than 200 pictures, memorabilia and oral recordings of women who served in or alongside the military branches of the Coast Guard, Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Holmes’ name has been noted in the exhibit with others including Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard of Hawaii, who became the first combat veterans sworn into Congress in 2013. The Prince George’s Memorial Library System’s Workforce and Community Development Team Digital collaborated with the Military Women’s Memorial to bring the exhibit to the county. Lisa Williams, chairwoman of the county’s Commission for Veterans, served in the Navy for four years from 1988 to 1992. As she glanced around the Sojourner

Truth Room inside the library, she summarized what she saw. “I see bad women, brave, valiant, strong, feminine, attractive, all of those things that tend to make people say I don’t see you as a veteran,” said Williams, who lives in Hyattsville. “A veteran can look like any one of us. It’s important for women to know that if they signed up for active duty, or if they did reserves and had more than six months of service, they are veterans. They served their country and should be recognized for their service.” James Dula, a 30-year veteran in the Air Force, called this week’s honor “fantastic.” As veteran affairs officer for the county, he said the honor allows women to be recognized “who raised their right hand to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies both foreign and domestic. This is a great time to be a veteran

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (center) stands with women veterans as they hold proclamations in honor of the county’s first ever Women Veterans Week March 21-25. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

in Prince George’s County.” Meanwhile, Maryland lawmakers are proposing to create a commission to study a memorial dedicated to women veterans. A bill received unanimous approval in the House of Delegates and will be reviewed in the Senate

during a public hearing Thursday. If approved before the legislative session ends April 11, a preliminary report will be submitted to the governor and General Assembly by Feb. 1, 2023, and a final report by September 2023. WI @WJFjabariwill

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 13

BUSINESS U.S. Consumer Agency Offers Info for Renters and Homeowners James Wright WI Staff Writer Officials at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau want it known that information exists for struggling renters and homeowners who have been undermined by the coronavirus pandemic. Many state-level jurisdictions, such as the District, have exhausted or time has run out, on rental and mortgage relief programs for people financially hurt due to the pandemic. Data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) reveals over 7.5 million families are at risk of eviction and foreclosure. Black and Latino families are twice as likely to report being behind on their housing payments than white

families, the CFPB data said. The agency also disclosed 39% of adults in households in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area not current on rent or mortgage could face eviction or foreclosure in the next two months. However, Jessica Russell, the mortgage data assets program manager at the CFPB in the Office of Mortgage Markets, said the agency has compiled information to help people who are at risk of eviction or foreclosure. “A lot of people have been hurt by the pandemic,” Russell said. “The Consumer Financial Bureau Protection agency doesn’t provide direct financial assistance to renters and homeowners who are recovering from the pandemic but we have

5 A home in the foreclosure process. (Photo courtesy shutterstock.com)

information and tools that can help them get back on their feet.” The CFPB operates as a federal agency responsible for consumer protection in the financial sector. The agency’s creation came as a result of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010 and its operations started a year later. Its work includes enhancing financial education, enforcing laws that outlaw bias in consumer finance and taking consumer complaints.

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Russell said people facing housing difficulties due to the pandemic can consult www.consumerfinance.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

INVITATION FOR BID SOLICITATION NO.: 0009-2022 MICROSOFT OFFICE 365 The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires a qualified Microsoft Licensing Service Provider (LSP) to provide Microsoft Office 365. SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, March 21, 2022 on DCHA’s website at www.dchousing.org under “Business” and “Solicitations”. SEALED BIDS ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Thursday, April 21, 2022 at 11:00AM. Email LaShawn McLeod, Contract Specialist at LMMCLEOD@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

14 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

gov/housing for the federal government’s unified hub, where renters and homeowners can find current information on their rights and protections, how to avoid scams and details on requesting forbearance, mortgage relief or help with back rent or utility payments. Specifically for homeowners, Congress has authorized a nearly $10 billion Homeowner Assistance Fund program than can provide financial assistance with mortgage payments that include past due bills, homeowner’s insurance, utility bills, property taxes, homeowner’s association fees, home repairs and other housing costs. Russell said some states have already implemented the Homeowner Assistance Fund and people should visit their state website for more information. She said people need to move fast in applying for the program and if needed, a U.S. Housing and Urban Development-approved housing counseling service should be consulted in addition to their mortgage servicer. She said informa-

tion on the Homeowner Assistance Fund can be found on consumerfinance.gov. Russell said if a forbearance – when a mortgage servicer allows a homeowner to temporarily pay their mortgage at a lower amount or pause payments – needs to be addressed, the homeowner should consult a housing counseling service and their servicer. Homeowners who are having problems with their forbearance can visit consumerfinance.gov/complaint or call toll free 855-411-2372. Regarding renters, the federal moratorium on evictions terminated on Aug. 26 but some states have extended protections for tenants. In the District, the federally-funded STAY DC program for renters no longer accepts applications but other public and private programs exist. Russell said the CFPB has launched a rental assistance finder available at www.consumerfinance. gov/renthelp. Renters encountering scammers should visit consumerfinance.gov for next steps. WI @JamesWrightjr10

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Behavior Specialist Consultant Two Rivers PCS is seeking a Behavior Specialist Consultant to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individual students and school consultation services. For a copy of the RFP, please email Rossana Mahvi at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

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Mental Healthcare System Becomes Major Concern During Budget Season Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

MORTGAGE LOANS

In her FY 2023 budget proposal, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) dedicates $3.8 million toward the support of in-school mental health programs. This follows the launch of the $36 million Recovery Fund for the increase in socio-emotional programming in District public and public charter schools over two years. Even so, parents, clinicians and advocates continue to raise questions about how the District could best create a healthcare system with mental health services that young people and families can easily access, whether at home, in school, or any other setting. For Ward 4 parent Amber Golden, doing so means connecting District schools with community-based organizations and attracting more clinicians of color that can tend to the needs of emotion-

ally overwhelmed young people. “I’m interested in seeing where the money is going, if the District will use a portion of the money to assess the services needed across the schools, and how well the process is going to be put together to ensure people who need services are getting them at different levels,” Golden said. Golden, a mother of three, reflected on her efforts to connect her children to services during the pandemic. She said some places in the District had a six-week waiting period, while other providers never returned her calls. Golden commended administrators at her son Xavier’s school, Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, for partnering with the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation to provide clinicians during the quarantine period. This budget season, Golden wants to ensure that young people in the District can access more cli-

nicians of color. “It’s a different way of thinking about education and mental health,” said Golden, a member of Parents Amplifying Voices in Education. “It’s going to require increasing the [therapist] pipeline so more people are able to provide services and the Department of Behavioral Health [DBH] and community partners aren’t overloaded.” During a budget oversight hearing on Monday, the D.C. Council Committee on Health engaged DBH representatives in discussion about school-based behavioral health programs and other topics of concern for parents and mental health advocates. One week prior, Children’s Law Center and other community partners revealed their budget requests, including $10.3 million in funding for community-based

HEALTH Page 35

5 Amber Golden (Copurtesy photo)

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NATIONAL Blacks Hit Hardest as NYC’s Homeless Population Grows Amid Mental Health Crisis Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Homelessness in New York City has reached its highest levels since the Great Depression of the 1930s, with Black and Hispanic residents disproportionately affected. The nonprofit Coalition for Homeless reported that about 57 percent of heads of households in

16 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

shelters are Black, 32 percent are Hispanic/Latinx, 7 percent are white, less than 1 percent are Asian-American or Native American and 4 percent are of unknown race/ethnicity. The numbers are startling and when adding a mental health component and recent high-profile attacks on the homeless community in the Big Apple and the nation’s capital, many advocates said the statistics

5 The homeless crisis in New York is the worse since the Great Depression of the 1930s. (Photo courtesy/iStock via GSU)

are more alarming. Earlier this month, police arrested Gerald Brevard III, 30, linking him to shootings that left two homeless people dead and three wounded in the District and New York City. The arrest came just a

day after police departments in both cities published fliers with a photo of the suspect and telling vulnerable residents to seek shelter. In addition, New York City Mayor Eric Andrews and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser held a joint news

conference to ask for the public’s help. According to the Coalition for Homeless, in January 2022, approximately 48,413 city residents were

HOMELESS Page 17

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HOMELESS from Page 16 homeless, including 15,057 children who sleep each night in the central municipal shelter system. In addition, a near-record of 18,749 single adults slept in shelters each night in January 2022. Research provided by the Coalition revealed that, compared to homeless families, homeless single adults have higher rates of severe mental illness, addiction disorders and other severe health problems. Additionally, the number of homeless New Yorkers sleeping each night in municipal shelters is now 15 percent higher than 10 years ago. The number of homeless single adults is 92 percent higher than 10 years ago. Further, in November 2019, officials estimated that 77 percent of adult families, 68 percent of single adults and 53 percent of families with children sleeping in shelters had at least one disability. “New York City faces unique challenges with its homeless population in terms of mental health,” said Jesston Williams, the executive director of Tangelic, a start-up organization geared to helping people move on from traumatic experiences. “Homeless single adults experience higher rates of addiction disorders, mental illness and other severe health complications than homeless families. Furthermore, the pandemic seems to have worsened these underlying structural issues and what organizations, the government and citizens can do to alleviate the problem,” Williams wrote in an email. Since Brevard’s shooting spree and subsequent arrest, New York officials announced plans to remove the homeless from subway stations where many take shelter. Williams said the plan includes strict enforcement of mental health services, transit system rules and housing options. Studies have shown the cause of

homeless for most include eviction, inadequate affordable housing, job loss, domestic violence and hazardous housing conditions. “Installing dozens of mental health professionals who can order involuntary hospitalization of homeless people deemed a danger to themselves or others [can help],” Williams noted. Michael Rose, a founding partner at the New York City law firm Hatch & Rose, said the more things change, the worse they are for the homeless. “The mask that the city wears may change with gentrification but the real face of New York never does,” Rose insisted. “Seeing so many people living on the streets is a constant reminder for most residents that we’re all just a couple of paychecks from being there ourselves and in the city that never sleeps where the pace of life is always frantic at best, that’s a red rag to a bull. It can and does eat away at people and can be the spark that lights a tragic, brutal touch paper.” Rose wondered how all could address the issue. “Maybe if we actually cared enough as a city to do something more about eliminating homelessness, we could start our journey down the path to be the best version of ourselves that we can be,” Rose stated. “Will that happen? Speaking from experience as a New York lifer, I think its chances are slim to zero.” Still, advocates remain adamant that being homeless brings about specific other mental stress, particularly if homelessness persists. Multiple reports have outlined that mental stress and illness have proven even more evident in homeless individuals who already struggle with mental health issues. “Many of them have experienced more isolation and material harm that would physically and mentally impact anyone,” Catherine Trapani, executive director of Homeless Services United, told reporters. WI

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mali Records Highest Cotton Production

Mali has recorded its largest cotton production of more than 760,000 tons for the 2021-2022 season. The President of the Transition Assimi Goita declared the record production on Saturday with numbers that place Mali as the top cotton producer on the African continent. According to the government, record production was made possible by maintaining a subsidy on agricultural inputs, maintaining a minimal shift in the cost of cotton seen among other initiatives. In September 2021, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) had indicated in its report that "Mali will be the largest cotton producer in Africa for the 2021/2022 season, followed by Benin, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso. Mali planted a record 795,000 hectares (ha), up 630,000 hectares (382%) from last year's crop, the document noted. In addition, the U.S. report explained that "Côte d'Ivoire also planted a record 460,000 ha, while Benin and Burkina Faso each planted more than 600,000 hectares this year." At the end of the 2019/2020 season, Mali's cotton production totaled 700,000 tons, up 6.6 percent from 2018/2019. The volume harvested for the 2019/2020 campaign makes Mali, for the second consecutive year, the second-largest producer of white gold in Africa behind Benin (714,000 tons). Cotton producers boycotted the 2020/2021 cotton season following a misunderstanding with the authorities over the price of cotton seeds set by the government. In 2018, Mali was ranked as the leading cotton producer on the continent with 725,000 tons of cotton seeds, according to data from the Malian Textile Development Company (CMDT). WI

caribbean now Turks and Caicos to Host 2022 CDB Board of Governors Meeting in June The 52nd Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) is scheduled for June 14 – 16 in the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI), bringing together the Bank’s highest decision-making body to discuss key development challenges facing the Region and innovative solutions. The Annual Meeting will be held under the chairmanship of the Honorable Charles Washington Misick, Premier of TCI and CDB Governor for the British Overseas Territories. This will be the first in-person meeting of the governors since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019. The theme of this year’s meeting is “Measure Better to Target Better: Adaptation and Resilience,” reflecting the Bank’s thrust to promote greater use of knowledge-based decision-making to anticipate and address the Region’s economic and environmental challenges. A program of engaging activities, commencing on June 1, will precede the annual meeting. These events, which will be held virtually, include topical seminars, a youth forum and the President’s Chat, a discussion forum where CDB President Dr. Gene Leon, and specially invited guests explore issues critical to regional and international development. The schedule of seminars has been designed to span the gamut of sustainable development, tackling areas such as improving logistics to accelerate development, fast-tracking the sustainable energy agenda and the necessity for data and analytics in social and economic planning and policy development. WI

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AARP DC Supports and Serves Veterans Submitted by AARP DC AARP is on a mission to support our Veterans, Military Service members and their families. Some six million AARP members have served our country. Now it’s time for AARP to serve them and the more than 31,000 veterans in the District of Columbia. According to AARP District of Columbia State President, Ronald E. Hampton, “It is so important that District veterans and their families know about and receive the benefits they have earned.” Hampton is a volunteer with AARP DC and a Vietnam Era veteran. While working with those who have worn our nation’s uniform, we’ve developed a deeper understanding of the unique challenges they face. In response, we’ve created free resources, tools and community programs to help them meet their challenges head-on. While 3 out of 5 veterans use the VA Healthcare system for their healthcare, assistance with their everyday needs fall squarely on the shoulders of a caregiver. There are 5.5 million veteran caregivers providing $14 billion annually in unpaid care to those who served and sacrificed for our nation.

AARP VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILIES HEALTH BENEFITS NAVIGATOR

AARP has created a FREE one-stop-resource for Veterans and Military Families to ask the right questions and get basic information on health care benefits. The Veterans Health Benefits Navigator has detailed health care information from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Military Tricare, Medicare and even private insurance. This free online

tool will help you: • Learn more about health benefits provided through VA and DoD. • Understand how to apply and enroll in VA health care. • Expand your health care options with Medicare and Medicaid. • Identify how to get help from representatives who have experience and knowledge of the VA’s benefits process. Visit: aarp.org/ VetsHealthNavigator

UPCOMING SERIES OF CONVERSATIONS ON VETERANS BENEFITS

AARP DC is hosting a series for Veterans and their Spouses. All events are free and open to the public. Learn more and register via: aarp.org/dc. Conversation about Burial Benefits with VA Decedent Affairs and VA National Cemetery Administration April 20, 2022 at 10:00am 11:30am A Conversation about Survivor's Benefits with Virginia Department of Veterans Services May 18, 2022 at 3:00pm 4:30pm A Conversation about Fiduciary Services with VA Fiduciary Hub June 15, 2022 at 11:00am 12:30pm A Conversation about Signs of Cognitive Decline with DC VA Geriatric Psychiatry Team June 15, 2022 at 2:00pm 3:00pm

MORE TIPS FOR OBTAINING VA HEALTH CARE BENEFITS

• First, understand what the VA

can provide you by getting advice from those who best know its system. That means reaching out to an accredited Veterans Service Representative. Reach out to your state VA office or veterans and military service organization for help. VA benefits are based on your individual situation, and eligibility can change over time. • Have a copy of your military service record, known as a DD214. The easiest way to receive a copy is to register for an eBenefits account. If you don't want to register online, visit your local VA facility, your state or county veterans office, or a veterans service organization such as the American Legion, VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars), or DAV (Disabled American Veterans). • Once you apply, the VA can provide an eligibility determination based on their criteria. Since the criteria change, the VA needs your information to identify which services you qualify for that

address your specific needs. AARP salutes those who have served and still serve. We support our veterans and their families with information on career support, caregiving resources,

community connections and more. For more information on AARP’s resources and up to 30% Member Discount for Veterans and their Spouses, visit aarp.org/ veterans.

SALUTING YOUR SERVICE AND SACRIFICE AARP salutes those who have served and still serve. We support our veterans and their families with information on career support, caregiving resources, community connections and more.

To learn more, visit aarp.org/veterans. /AARPDC

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 19

HEALTH U.S. Stroke Rate Declining in Elderly Adults, Yet Rising in Younger Americans Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer While fewer people older than age 75 are having strokes, the incidence of stroke among adults ages 49 and younger in the U.S. has continued to increase over the last 30 years, according to research presented at the American Stroke Association’s

International Stroke Conference in February. The increase is particularly among people living in the South and Midwest regions. “Stroke is a growing public health burden in the U.S.,” said Audrey C. Leasure, lead study author and a fourth-year medical student at Yale University School of Medicine in

5 Illustration showing a blood flow block in the brain during an ischemic stroke. (Photo courtesy of the American Heart Association)

New Haven, Connecticut. “There are about 795,000 new or recurrent strokes each year in the U.S. and the economic and health care burden of this growing population of stroke survivors has an impact on the nationwide health care infrastructure at every level.” Using the Global Burden of Disease [GBD] 2019 study, a large-

scale, peer-reviewed assessment of global trends in health, researchers evaluated U.S. stroke data from 1990 to 2019. The GBD study tracks trends for diseases and causes of death by age, sex and country. Researchers calculated yearly incidence, prevalence and death rates for all stroke and stroke subtypes, including ischemic stroke (when blood flow to the brain is blocked) and intracerebral hemorrhage (when a blood vessel in the brain bursts). They also calculated stroke measures based on age with the following results: Overall, in 2019, there were an estimated 460,000 strokes (of those, two-thirds were ischemic), 190,000 stroke-related deaths and 3.83 million stroke disability-adjusted life years. From 1990 to 2019, the change in the prevalence of stroke in the general population increased by

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about 60%. Incidence, death and disability-adjusted life years also increased by about 20%. However, the age-standardized rates of stroke incidence, death and disability-adjusted life-years declined by 20% to-30% in that same period and the prevalence of stroke did not change. These decreases have plateaued in the last ten years of the study period. Since 1990, stroke incidence among older adults (age 50 and older) decreased nationwide, yet increased in younger adults (ages 15 to 49) in some geographic areas, including certain states in the South (Alabama, Arkansas) and the Midwest (Minnesota, North Dakota). “Overall, these data are positive – the incidence of stroke has remained stable or declined in age-standardized measures across the U.S.,” Leasure said. “However, when we look by year, during the past five to 10 years of the study period, incidence of stroke has started to level out, and we are not seeing the same steep decrease as during the 1990s. Some of our progress in decreasing stroke incidence and death appears to be plateauing.” According to the American Heart Association, stroke accounted for about 1-of-every 19 deaths in the U.S. in 2018. On average, someone died of a stroke every 3 minutes 33 seconds in 2016. When considered separately from other cardiovascular diseases, stroke ranked No. 5 among all causes of death in the U.S. and resulted in 147,810 deaths in 2018. The overall increase in the U.S. stroke burden may reflect an aging population and due to more people living longer after stroke than ever before, said the association. In addition, risk factors for stroke, such as high blood pressure, a leading cause of stroke, and Type 2 diabetes, are becoming more common among younger and middle-aged adults. “Based on our findings, we hope that targeted public health interventions will be considered for younger populations, particularly in the regions where stroke incidence is increasing,” Leasure said. “When we think about ways to improve these stroke numbers, we need to develop tailored interventions because what would work for preventing stroke in older populations may not be the same in younger populations.” WI

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HEALTH

Historic First: Black Architect Francis Kéré Takes Industry’s Top Prize By Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer The Hyatt Foundation announced Diébédo Francis Kéré, architect, educator and social activist, as the 2022 Laureate of the Pritzker Architecture Prize. He is the 51st recipient of the Prize and the first Black. Born in Gando, Burkina Faso, and based in Berlin, Germany, the architect known as Francis Kéré is noted for empowering and transforming communities through architecture. “I am hoping to change the paradigm, push people to dream and undergo risk,” Kéré said. “It is not because you are rich that you should waste material. It is not because you are poor that you should not try to create quality.” “Everyone deserves quality, everyone deserves luxury, and everyone deserves comfort. We are interlinked and concerns in climate, democracy and scarcity are concerns for us all.” Kéré’s work includes contemporary school institutions, health facilities,

professional housing, civic buildings and public spaces, often in places where resources are fragile. Many of Kéré’s built works are in Africa, including the Republic of Benin, Burkino Faso, Mali, Togo, Kenya, Mozambique, Togo, and Sudan. In addition, pavilions and installations have been created in Denmark, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. Kéré’s designs in and outside of Africa are influenced by his upbringing and experiences in Gando. For example, the West African tradition of communing under a sacred tree to exchange ideas, narrate stories, celebrate, and assemble is recurrent throughout his works. He also uses light as an integral part of his work, where rays of sun filter into buildings, courtyards and intermediary spaces, overcoming harsh midday conditions to offer places of serenity or gathering. Some of Kéré’s most recent works include Sarbalé Ke at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival (2019), which

translates to “House of Celebration” in Kéré’s native Bissa language and references the hollowing baobab tree’s shape revered in his homeland for its medicinal properties. The Serpentine Pavilion (2017) is in the shape of a tree. Its disconnected yet curved walls are formed by triangular indigo modules, a color representing strength in Kéré’s culture and, more personally, a blue boubou garment worn by the architect as a child. The detached roof resonates with his buildings in Africa, but inside the pavilion, rainwater funnels into the center of the structure, highlighting water scarcity experienced worldwide. The Benin National Assembly in Porto-Novo, Republic of Benin, currently under construction and situated on a public park, is inspired by the palaver tree. Parliament will convene on the inside; citizens may assemble under the vast shade at the base of the building. Significant works of Kéré also include Xylem at Tippet Rise Art Centre (2019, Montana), Léo Doctors’

5 Gando Primary School Extension. /Photo courtesy of Erik-Jan Ouwerkerk

Housing (2019, Léo, Burkina Faso), Lycée Schorge Secondary School (2016, Koudougou, Burkina Faso), the National Park of Mali (2010, Bamako, Mali) and Opera Village (Phase I, 2010, Laongo, Burkina Faso). The Hyatt Foundation said through Kéré’s commitment to social justice and engagement and intelligent use of local materials, he brings architecture and infrastructure to marginalized countries lacking such systems. “Francis Kéré is pioneering archi-

tecture - sustainable to the earth and its inhabitants – in lands of extreme scarcity,” Tom Pritzker, chairman of The Hyatt Foundation, said. “He is equally architect and servant, improving upon the lives and experiences of countless citizens in a region of the world that is at times forgotten. Through buildings that demonstrate beauty, modesty, boldness and invention, and by the integrity of his architecture and geste, Kéré gracefully upholds the mission of this Prize.” WI

DO N ATE TO DAY! Stop by your local Safeway store. Join Safeway’s Nourishing Neighbors initiative, the Washington Commanders, 7News On Your Side, El Tiempo Latino, The Washington Informer, WPGC 95.5 FM, and El Zol 107.9 FM and support the Capital Area Food Bank to help feed local families in need.

This campaign is managed by Albertsons Companies Foundation, doing business as Safeway Foundation, a 501(C)(3) organization.

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 21

HEALTH

COULD YOU SPOT A UTILITY SCAM? Learn how to protect yourself, your family and your community from utility scams.

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Cultural Influencers Tapped to Reach Blacks About Colon Cancer BROUGHT TO YOU BY

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer According to the American Cancer Society statistics, colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women combined and Black Americans are about 20% more likely to be diagnosed with colon cancer and 35% more likely to die from it. To lessen the disparity, The Colorectal Cancer Alliance partnered with radio and TV personality Charlamagne tha God, podcast host Brandon “Jinx” Jenkins, designer Vashtie and photographer Mel D. Cole for a campaign focused on increasing screening and prevention for “the Preventable Cancer.” The Alliance said it’s acting with urgency to get the message out with a new campaign called “They Didn’t Say,” highlighting important facts about the impact of colorectal cancer among the Black community. Here’s Why the Alliance is Taking Action: • Colorectal cancer kills more people each year – an estimated 52,580 in 2022 - than every type of cancer except lung cancer, and it is grossly underfunded compared to other cancers. • The average lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is about one in 23 for men and 25 for women. • One in 250 people will get CRC before they turn 49; there will be a 90% increase in CRC for those under age 35 by 2030. • If caught and treated early, CRC has a 90% survival rate. • Nearly 1 in 3 eligible Americans has not been screened for colorectal cancer. • Young-onset colorectal cancer continues to rise; rates for people 3 (L-R) Brandon "Jinx" Jenkins, Vashtie, Mel D. Cole. (Photo courtesy of Colorectal Cancer Alliance)

22 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

under 55 have increased 15% since 2000. “There are many barriers to colorectal cancer screening that contribute to the disproportionate incidence and mortality rates among the Black community, including stigma, bias, awareness and access,” Michael Sapienza, CEO of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, said. “We believe that everyone deserves access to quality healthcare, regardless of zip code, race, income and insurance status.” The Alliance said to provide actionable resources and educate the community on the realities of colorectal cancer; campaign ambassadors are amplifying the conversation via personal testimonials. “Too many of us have had friends or family that have been affected by colorectal cancer, so it’s important for me to speak out and help eliminate any embarrassment surrounding colorectal cancer screening,” said Charlamagne tha God. “Hopefully, this campaign will lead to more important conversations, screening and access to resources to help prevent this disease from further affecting our communities.” With assistance from influencer partners, the Alliance said #TheyDidntSay helps further educate the Black community through a high-impact campaign. They added that National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month provides a timely platform to get the word out about Black Americans’ healthcare disparities. In conjunction with its partners, the Alliance said it is providing free at-home test kits to eligible individuals, financial assistance for colonoscopies, and expenses associated with screening, including transportation, lodging, and lost work wages. To find out if you qualify for a free colorectal cancer screening, contact the Colorectal Cancer Alliance helpline at 877-422-2030 or complete the online screening survey at quiz.getscreened.org. WI

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Washington Gas – Financial Assistance Options for You We are Here to Help

Submitted by Washington Gas Washington Gas is committed to supporting our customers who are experiencing financial challenges and have trouble paying their gas bill. We are here to help. Our Washington Gas Cares program is designed to connect customers with several energy assistance programs and a variety of flexible payment plans. Our team is prepared to help you manage the challenges of paying your utility bill and we stand ready to connect you with an energy assistance option or a payment plan that fits your budget — simply visit www.washingtongascares.com. “Washington Gas is dedicated to the communities, families, neighbors and individuals we serve. It’s part of who we are and what the Washington Gas Cares initiative is all about – to lend a helping hand when customers can use it the most,” said Blue Jenkins. “Our team stands ready to support customers facing difficult decisions when paying their bills. We can identify the right energy assistance option and payment plan that fits a customer’s budget and schedule during a time of need. Customers can also contact us directly. Let us help you today.” The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can explore options and find a solution best suited for you.

•

LOW INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP): The federal government distributes funds to the District of Columbia which, in turn, provides grants to qualified applicants to help them pay their energy bills. For assistance on LIHEAP, RES or a payment plan, call 844-WASHGAS and select option 2. Please note that wait times may be extended due to the higher call volume. • WASHINGTON AREA FUEL FUND (WAFF): Founded by Washington Gas and administered by The Salvation Army, WAFF has traditionally paid for all types of fuel to heat families’ homes during the winter season. Washington Gas pays the administrative fees of the fund so 100 percent of WAFF contributions go to those who need assistance.

GET HELP

Washington Gas and The Salvation Army National Capital Area Command unveiled a special Heating Fund to assist natural gas consumers pay their gas bills. Customers who qualify are eligible to receive up to $1,000 in payment assistance. Eligible customers for the new Heating Fund must meet the guidelines for WAFF and live within Washington Gas’ service area. For example, a family of four earning up to $77,600 could be eligible for assistance. All WAFF assistance is available annually between January 1 and May 31. For more information go to washingtonareafuelfund.org/eligibility.

•

RESIDENTIAL ESSENTIAL SERVICE (RES): Eligible households may qualify for a discount on a portion of the natural gas they use each month during the heating season from Nov. 1 to Apr. 30. To be eligible for the RES discount, customers must: - Use natural gas as the main source for home heating; and - Be certified by the Department of Energy & Environment as eligible for LIHEAP.

THE ARREARAGE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM Starting November 1, 2021 and running until October 31, 2022, eligible customers may enroll in the AMP initiative. Once enrolled, customers will participate in our 12-month payment plan. Upon successful completion of the 12-month plan, customers will receive forgiveness for the amount included under AMP. To become eligible to enroll in the program, you must first apply for energy assistance and be approved by the

Department of Energy & Environment (DOEE). To contact DOEE, call 311 or go online at https://doee. dc.gov. If your past due balance is more than $3,000, you must first bring your past due balance to $3,000 or less. There are many payment options available to assist with managing your Washington Gas bill: •

DEFERRED PAYMENT PLAN You can make payment arrangements by enrolling in the Deferred Payment Plan before signing up for

Budget Plan. Defer payments for up to 12 months or 24 months if you are receiving energy assistance. No down payment is required, and payment deferral is interest free. Installment plans distribute your current outstanding balance across several billing periods. Avoid further credit action on your account as long as you make payments according to the agreement. Once your plan is approved, you will be eligible to enroll in Budget Plan. For more information visit https://wglcx. washgas.com/#/Budget •

BUDGET PLAN The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year so that you pay the same amount every month. Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it

year-round to realize the potential benefits. For more information visit https://wglcx.washgas.com/#/ Budget •

PAYMENT EXTENSION PLAN are available for residential customers only and allows for the extension of the payment due date.

WAYS TO PAY

• Online - Log in to our eService Center, eservice.washgas.com, to view or pay your current gas bill quickly and securely. • Phone - To pay your bill with your personal checking account, credit card or debit card, call 844-WASHGAS (844-927-4427). • 7-Eleven - Make quick and easy cash payments at any local 7-Eleven store by using the bar code located on the back of your Washington Gas bill.

WASHINGTON GAS CONSTRUCTION NOTICE: PIPELINE REPLACEMENT WORK ON FLORIDA AVENUE, NE Washington Gas is committed to stay connected and keep you up-to-date about scheduled work regarding the Florida Avenue, NE construction project. In coordination with the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), Washington Gas crews have been on-site since June 2021 to replace gas pipelines, with an estimated completion date in December 2023. YOU MAY SEE US WORKING IN YOUR AREA Construction work will entail the replacement of main and services between 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Monday Friday, weather and construction conditions permitting. Our crews will be on-site to conduct construction work from the intersection of 4th Street and Florida Avenue NE through H Street NE, Florida Avenue NE and Maryland Avenue NE. Washington Gas also wants to reassure residents that we will continue to communicate daily with our experienced contractor, Infrasource, Inc., to help minimize disruption and impacts to customers in the area. If you have questions regarding any of our construction processes, please call the PROJECTpipes Hotline at 202-624-6400, email Project_Pipes@washgas.com or visit washingtongas.com/projectpipes.

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 23

EDUCATION Black, Latinx Youth Locked Up More than Their White Peers Sentencing Project Points to ‘Filter System’ Officials Use as Rationale Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Two kindergarteners in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, tried their best to pick a fight, throwing feeble punches at an older and much larger boy who insulted one of their mothers. Police, having seen the fight online, couldn’t determine which boys were part of these mundane events but arrested 11 other kids – all Black and all in elementary school – who purportedly were there and watched

24 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

the fight unfold. The Sentencing Project reported that the children, some of them in handcuffs, were brought to the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Center. Authorities ran them through an undefined “filter system” that determined some needed to be locked up. In Rutherford County, roughly half of the arrested kids are detained. According to Rutherford County Judge Donna Scott Davenport, who approved the detentions, “Being de-

5 In a report titled “Too Many Locked Doors,” youth of color encounter police more often than their white peers and are disproportionately arrested despite modest differences in behavior that cannot explain the extent of arrest disparities. (Photo courtesy/The Sentencing Project)

tained in our facility is not a picnic at all. It’s not supposed to be. It’s a consequence for an action.” The children’s alleged “action” – watching a fight and not breaking it up – isn’t a crime in Tennessee. But it folds nicely into new data from the Sentencing Project, which revealed that youth detentions and commitment revealed sharp racial and ethnic disparities. In a report titled “Too Many Locked Doors,” youth of color encounter police more often than their

white peers and are disproportionately arrested despite modest differences in behavior that cannot explain the extent of arrest disparities. The disparities in incarceration begin with arrests but grow at each point of contact along the justice system continuum, the authors of the 27-page report found. In roughly one-quarter of delinquency cases throughout the decade, a youth was detained pre-adjudication. Moreover, the authors determined that children of color remain more likely to face detainment than their white peers when arrested. Despite traditional reliance by states and counties on detention when responding to misbehavior and offenses committed by youth, the scope and impact of youth incarceration in the U.S. are not fully understood and traditional counts understate its size. “Every time juvenile courts decide to confine a young person, even for short stays, devastating and life-long consequences may result,” said Josh Rovner, senior advocacy associate and the author of the new report. “Understanding the full scope of kids’ incarceration is critical to protecting youth and ensuring equal justice for youth of color,” Rovner noted in a news release. The Sentencing Project said the report offers a fresh look at nationwide juvenile courts data, such as the frequency of youth detention after encounters with law enforcement and out-of-home placements after court hearings. More than one-in-four youth are detained upon their arrest, a ratio that has slightly worsened over the last decade.

In 2019, officials recorded nearly 200,000 instances of youth detained upon their arrest, often for less than two or three weeks. In addition, more than 55,000 times, youths were sent to out-of-home placement after their court hearings. Every other year, a one-day count occurs to provide a snapshot of the extent of youth incarceration; that count overlooks more than fourout-of-five instances of a child or adolescent being removed from their home. “Too Many Locked Doors” offers a more comprehensive view of youth incarceration. According to the report, overall, there are far fewer youth in detention and commitment than a decade ago, due primarily to declines in youth offending and arrests. However, when American children and adolescents are arrested, the juvenile justice system too often detains and commits them. In addition, the youth of color face even more harsh treatment than their white peers. The report includes policy recommendations to reduce youth confinement, such as eliminating the detention of young children and those with low-level offenses. As examples of the systemic underrepresentation of detained youth in the one-day count of those detained or incarcerated, the report notes: • Thirty-one youths charged with drug offenses are detained for each one measured in the one-day count. • Twenty-five youths charged with public order offenses are detained for each one measured in the one-day count. • Seventeen youths charged with property offenses are detained for each one measured in the one-day count. • Eleven youths charged with personal offenses are detained for each one measured in the one-day count. “To their detriment, youth of color are treated differently by juvenile courts than their white peers,” the authors wrote. “They are detained and committed more frequently across offense categories. Detentions are often brief and pointless, except to the extent that they are harmful. Even worse, detention disparities have grown. Decisions to commit to out-of-home placement, the most severe punishment the juvenile system has to offer, harm youth of color most often.” WI

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Howard University Faculty Members Avoid Strike

EDUCATION

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer In the days and hours before faculty members at Howard University [HU] called off their strike, they engaged in contract negotiations that participants described as showing great promise in achieving goals they set more than three years ago when they unionized. By the early morning hours of Wednesday, March 23, the group of more than 300 adjunct professors and non-tenured full-time faculty members announced they reached a tentative agreement with Jackson P.C., the law firm representing HU in contract negotiations. Union members, represented by SEIU Local 500, are scheduled to vote on the deal in the coming weeks. For the time being, adjunct and non-tenured faculty members will continue fulfilling their duties. In the latest juncture of this movement, non-tenured full-time faculty members and adjunct professors had been actively engaged in negotiations while planning for a strike. At one point, they led an on-campus protest that elicited widespread student support. Those heavily involved in the negotiations said they’ve experienced hurdles in the form of HU’s attorneys and media relations department that paints a picture vastly different from what faculty members have experienced. “People are tired of being in an abusive relationship with their employer. Howard University has strategically tried to break up this union with JacksonLewis P.C. as their spokesperson,” said Ricky Ramón, a non-tenured faculty member, as he mentioned the law firm engaging faculty members in contract negotiations. Ramón, a full-time lecturer in his fifth year at HU’s Department of Theatre Arts, makes $50,000 per year, an amount much less than what other universities and K-12 institutions in the D.C. metropolitan area offer. In the last two years, he hasn’t received a raise, even as university officials increased his course load. For extra income, Ramon serves as

5 Professor Cyrus Hampton addresses a group of supporters at a rally over faculty working conditions and wages. (Courtesy photo/HUNS/Chanel Cain)

a stage production professional for a local theater company. As a full-time non-tenured faculty member, Ramon has to reapply for his job every year with no guarantee of being rehired. By his seventh year, Ramon and the more than 130 other “temporary employees” face the possibility of termination, regardless of their performance. The 200 adjunct professors unionizing with the full-time non-tenured faculty members receive less than $4,000 to teach a semester-long course. They teach more than 200 courses a year, most of which represent classes required for students in pursuit of a degree. Since unionizing with SEIU Local 500, HU’s full-time non-tenured faculty members and adjunct professors have brought to light these conditions in their negotiations with JacksonLewis P.C. One goal that has caused much contention centers on the elimination of “the seven-year rule.” By Monday night, faculty members carried on with negotiations even as they planned the strike. This followed what faculty members described as an impasse and continuation of bad faith bargaining. “JacksonLewis stalled negotiations and said no in every way you can say no,” Ramón said. “Even after the protest, they tried to scold us for asking for a meeting with the president and provost without going through them. HU continues to

HOWARD Page 36

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 25

Noemie Jackson-Weaver Wins 2022 Informer Prince George’s County Spelling Bee James Wright WI Staff Writer The Prince George’s County Spelling Bee, sponsored by the Washington Informer Newspaper and Washington Informer Charities Inc., took place on March 18 in its first in-person competition since the start of the coronavirus pandemic in March 2020 with Noemie Jackson-Weaver, a sixth grader attending the New Hope Academy in Hyattsville, Md., emerging as its winner. The competition occurred at The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of the University of Maryland, College Park. Fifty-seven parents and friends of the 19 finalists came out to watch their youngsters compete academically for the opportunity to represent Prince George’s County in the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee which will take place during the Memorial Day week at the Gaylord

National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Md. Chauka Reid, coordinator of the Prince George’s Spelling Bee, spoke about the uniqueness of this year’s competition. “We did not have a Bee in 2020,” Reid said. “Just as we were going to set up for it the university notified us that because of COVID-19, we could not have the competition live. We did decide to have the competition in 2021 but it was via Zoom.” Reid noted this year’s Prince George’s County Bee as the sixth sponsored by the Informer. The Informer has sponsored the Bee for 40 years, with its start in the District in 1981 due to the efforts of the Informer’s late publisher, Calvin Rolark. The District’s and Prince George’s County Bees are facilitated by Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes and the company’s Advertising and Marketing Director Ron Burke. The competition

5 (L-R) 1st place winner Noemie Jackson-Weaver – a 6th grader at New Hope Academy, 3rd place winner Kylei Massey – a 5th grader at William W. Hall Academy, and 2nd place winner Laura Bell – an 8th grader at St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School stand in front of the 2022 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee participants. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

David Zahren, who has served as the moderator for the Prince George’s County Bee for many years, expressed excitement at this year’s competition. “I was just in the waiting room with the kids and they can’t wait to come out here and compete,” Zahren said. “They are literally

bouncing off the walls.” Before the competition started, Amore Wilson, who attends Bradbury Heights Elementary School in Capitol Heights, Md., and winner of the 2021 Bee in Prince George’s, delivered a short address encouraging the participants.

Zahren called each of the 19 finalists to the stage to their chairs sufficiently spaced a part. When seated, Zahren recited the rules of the competition and offered encouraging words to the participants. “I just want you to know that you all are all winners tonight,” he said. At the end of the second round, seven out of the 18 finalists remained. By the end of Round 3, five spellers had endured. Round 4 had four competitors still in the hunt for first place. All but two re-

BEE Page 27

Noemie Jackson-Weaver, a 6th grader at New Hope Academy

26 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

Jaida Stubbs, a 6th grader at Indian Queen Elementary School

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BEE from Page 26 mained for Round 5. Jackson-Weaver clinched the victory with the word “arborio”, a noun defining a variety of cultivated short-grain rice that has high starch content as defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary. In the ensuing competition for second place, Laura Bell, an eighth grader enrolled at the St. Joseph’s Regional Catholic School in Beltsville, Md., won by successfully spelling the word “indulgent.” Ellena Weaver, Noemie’s mother, expressed joy at her daughter’s victory. “We are so proud of her,” Weaver said speaking for her husband and entire family. “She put in so much hard work and study for this. She watched past national spelling bee competitions on YouTube and learned the nuisances that were expected,” Weaver said. Noemie received a $300 gift card for her win, while Laura got $200 as the runner-up. If Noemie can’t compete in the national Bee, Laura will represent the county. Helen Knowles served as the head judge while Devaughn Moore and Cindy Kelley participated as assistant judges. Dr. Elizabeth Pri-

mas, the program manager of the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s ESSA initiative, served as the challenge judge. The sponsors for this year’s Bee included Educational Systems Federal Credit Union, Foundation of Achievement of Music & Education, Merriam-Webster, Pepco, the Prince George’s County Chamber of Commerce, the Safeway Foundation, Signarama, Silver Diner, Six Flags of America Washington D.C./Baltimore, The Clarice and Washington Gas. Tracy Funn, Manager of Corporate Contribution and Supplier Diversity, is a regular attendee at the Prince George’s and D.C. spelling bees, observed Washington Informer Marketing Director Ron Burke. “Washington Gas has been a long standing supporter of the Spelling Bee events and felt it especially critical to continue that support given the circumstances of the COVID pandemic. Education, workforce development and training are two cornerstones of our community outreach pillars and the value of spelling definitely helps prepare students for their future careers,” Funn said.

Ephraim Altmon, a 7th grader at Maryland International Day School

The daughter of parents who taught for 50 and 51 years, respectively, Funn added, “The Spelling Bee competitions offer an outlet to expand educational opportunities and experiences for students. We applaud the Washington Informer Charities for their leadership, insight and ingenuity to coordinate these competitions and extend congratulations to all the students, their coaches, schools and families for engagement and support.” Zahren said this year’s competition “was the best I’ve seen.” “It is the personality of the students,” he said. “I think it had to do with COVID-19 and many of them getting together while many of them have been isolated since the pandemic started. The kids were just excited to be here.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Ron Burke, Denise Rolark Barnes, Toni Lewis of FAME, 2nd place winner Laura Bell, 1st place winner Noemie Jackson-Weaver, Tracye Funn of Washington Gas and Dominic Powell of Educational Systems FCU. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

4 Chauka Reid, Prince George’s County Spelling Bee coordinator, speaks to the audience after a presentation from Ron Burke, The Washington Informer’s director of advertising and marketing and Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes. The Washington Informer is the presenting sponsor of the 2022 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Danielle Allen Danielle Allen, a 5th grader at Fort Washington Forest Elementary School

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– Kameryn Kennedy, a 6th grader at Bradbury Heights Elementary School

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 27

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2/15/22 2:17 PM

EDITORIAL

No D.C. Vote in Senate for Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson is undergoing one of the most brutal but necessary intellectual exercises that any professional might experience as she sits through her fourth day of questioning before the Senate confirmation hearing to qualify her for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. If confirmed, Jackson will be the first African American woman named a Supreme Court Justice and the first from Washington, D.C. D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton has plenty to say about Jackson’s nomination. In a press release she issued before the hearing began, she reminded residents that she recommended Jackson to President Barack Obama for her seat on the U.S. District Court for D.C. Like so many others, Norton celebrates the fact that a “homegirl,” though not raised in D.C., has a real opportunity to sit on the highest court of the land. “District of Columbia residents take great pride in seeing Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, whom I recommended to President Obama for the U.S. District Court for D.C., nominated for the Supreme Court, the highest court in our nation,” Norton said in a recent press release. “Judge Jackson, who was born in the District, lives in the District, and was a public defender in the District, is the first Black woman ever nominated to the Supreme Court. I have full faith in Judge Jackson’s considerable abilities and sense of fairness. I look forward to seeing her embark on a new chapter of important work on behalf of our country,” Norton said. But it is still unfathomable to believe that the members of the Senate participating in the confirmation hearings have the power to represent their state and vote along with Senators representing every other state, except the District of Columbia, on Jackson’s confirmation. It is yet another reminder of the political powerlessness and lack of influence D.C. residents have in the House and the Senate because D.C. is not a state. In her press release, Norton stated it plainly, “Today also reminds us of the stark reality that despite Judge Jackson’s connections to D.C., without statehood, the District has no senators and, therefore, will play no role in her confirmation.” “No role,” Norton concluded. If not now, then when will more D.C. residents and constituents across the country rise to ensure the District has a role, a voice, and a vote? WI

“Judge Jackson, who was born in the District, lives in the District, and was a public defender in the District, is the first Black woman ever nominated to the Supreme Court. I have full faith in Judge Jackson’s considerable abilities and sense of fairness. I look forward to seeing her embark on a new chapter of important work on behalf of our country.”

TO THE EDITOR Safe Travels I was truly pleased to read that Maurice “Mo” Creek safely made it out of Ukraine since Russia has invaded the country. So many of our young men play professional basketball in foreign countries to make a living and a life for themselves. I pray that all that are in harm’s way can escape. Edith Townes Capitol Heights, Md.

Wait — The Pandemic’s Over?! Everywhere I see and read, this one and that one are lifting mask mandates. It’s funny to me because wasn’t there just a massive spike in cases? What happened to COVID-19? Did it go away? Is this over? I guess we shall find out during the next “surge.” I wish the leaders of the country communicated more effectively and ethically. Leon Mobley Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

– Eleanor Holmes Norton

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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.

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 29

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

Pay Inequity – The Past is Prologue

March 15 was National Pay Equity Day. It's the day when women have to work into a new year to earn the same amount that men earned in the previous year. While National Pay Equity Day came earlier this year than last, meaning that the gender pay gap is narrowing, the general pay equity day does not address the pay differences that Black, Latina, Asian and Native American women earn. Black women will work into Sep-

tember to make the same amount that a man earned last year. Latina women will work into October. Native women work almost until the end of the year (or nearly twice as long) to get equal pay! One of the reasons we have pay inequality is that employers tend to make salary offers based on what people made in their previous job. In other words, an underpaid woman who reports her salary is likely to get an offer based on her last salary. Instead of valuing the job, no matter who holds it, too many employers value the person who holds it based on their prior

Guest Columnist

pay, not their qualifications or prior experience. President Biden's March 15 Executive Order on Advancing Economy, Efficiency, and Effectiveness in Federal Contracting by Promoting Pay Equity and Transparency addresses some of the ways the gender pay gap is maintained and develops policies to ensure that past salary is not a consideration in current salary for federal contractors. This is a policy that other employers should consider. Too many women, especially Black, Brown, Native and Asian women, are viewed through a lens darkly, pun

intended. Too many employees feel that these women should be "grateful" or "lucky" to be employed with reasonable salaries. Without salary transparency, too many workers earn much less than their peers, even though they are doing the same job. Even with the same education or qualifications, people in the same organization earn vastly different amounts. Without pay transparency laws, the gender pay gap persists. The National Women's Law Center (nwlc.org) has prepared a fact sheet titled, "Asking for Salary History Perpetuates Pay Discrimi-

nation from Job to Job," exploring this issue. The fact sheet notes that many states have passed laws that prevent the use of salary history in setting current salaries because salary history perpetuates discrimination. According to the Economic Policy Institute (epi.org), women earn 22% less than men, but grocery stores don't charge women 22% less for groceries. Utilities don't give us a break on our telephone, water, or electricity bills because we are women and earn less. The

MALVEAUX Page 48

Ben Jealous

Black Americans and the Worldwide Principles of Democracy

Anti-democratic authoritarianism is on the rise — both around the world and here at home. Sometimes it is easier to recognize overseas. That's especially true at moments like this when Vladimir Putin's military is killing civilians in Ukraine to feed his ambitions for greater power and is crushing any effort at dissent or truth-tell-

ing in his native Russia. Americans don't often recognize authoritarianism at home because they don't want to. They believe the U.S. is so exceptional that the checks and balances built into our system will protect our democratic values. That smug assurance was shaken by the Capitol Insurrection and the all-out effort by former President Trump to stay in power after the voters sent him packing. Black Americans have never had a problem seeing the threat. After all, we were formally denied our

Guest Columnist

place in democratic government for most of the country's first century. And in some parts of the country, we were violently locked out of real access to democracy — and to opportunity — for most of its second century. And now, almost halfway through the U.S.'s third century, we see access to voting being rolled back. We see mechanisms being put in place for the party in power to steal elections if they don't like the outcome. And we see corrupt census figures and abusive ger-

rymandering being used to deny Black people the level of access to political power that we deserve. We've seen this all before. Specifically, Black newspapers have seen it all before. In 1942, the federal government was rallying Americans to support the cause of democracy in World War II, which the U.S. formally entered at the end of 1941. One Black man called out the glaring contrast being our country's stated ideals and the reality of life for Black people who faced

prejudice and discrimination even in the military. James Thompson wrote a letter to the Pittsburgh Courier, which was the largest-circulation Black newspaper at the time. The paper titled the letter, "Should I Sacrifice to Live Half American?" "Would it be demanding too much to demand full citizenship rights in exchange for the sacrificing of my life?" he wrote. "Is the kind of America I know worth de-

JEALOUS Page 48

A. Peter Bailey

Young Black Folks Must Be Made Aware of the 'Racial Aspect of Things'

Recently, on the Howard University's WHUR Radio, there was a guest who was a young African-American basketball player who played on a team in Ukraine. He was asked about the difficult time he had getting out of that country. One of the questions was whether his being Black played a

30 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

role in the treatment he received. His response began with, "I have never been a part of the racial aspect of things, Thank God." Here we go again, I said to myself, another young Black person is seemingly unaware that he is able to do much of what he is doing today because many Black people in the 1950s and 1960s were a part of the racial aspect of things. I am willing to bet that though the young brother had at least heard of

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Brother Malcolm X and maybe Rosa Parks, but had little if any knowledge of warriors such as Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Kwame Touré, James Cheney, Reverend George Lee and numerous other Black people and a few whites who were either murdered or brutalized by proponents of white supremacy. Their actions made it possible for him to be where he is today. It's not his fault if he is unaware

of the real deal about race in this country. We Black folks have not done our jobs of teaching young Black people the historic truths they need to know. History, as being taught throughout this country's existence, has often been used as a tool of psychological warfare by the white supremacists, who are well aware that control of history plays a major role in maintaining control over other people. Brother

Malcolm and Dr. King were both well aware of their use of history as a psychological weapon. In his book "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community," Dr. King wrote the following: "Group unity necessarily involves group trust and reconciliation. One of the most serious effects of the Negroes' damage ego is his frequently loss of respect for himself

BAILEY Page 48

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Marc H. Morial

Historic Progress Made by Black Women in America, But Work Remains

"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well … Understanding the true history of our

country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people." — President Jimmy Carter, proclaiming the first National Women's History Week This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that "Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex." When labor activist Theresa Malkiel established the first official Women's Day in 1909, only four states

Guest Columnist

and four U.S. territories granted women the right to vote. The 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law, did not apply to women. Two years later, some European countries joined the United States in the observance of International Women's Day. The United Nations began celebrating International Women's Day in 1975, and in 1987 Congress designated March as Women's History Month for the first time. Throughout much of America's history, the advancements of women's rights applied only to white

women. The National Women's History Alliance, which was instrumental in establishing Women's History Month, declared, "Despite our best intentions, we have not done enough to challenge racism within the sphere of women's history. In the past we have failed to effectively speak out against racism in our collaborative spaces." So, it is especially significant that the first Black women nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday as the first step in the

confirmation process. This Women's History Month also has seen the confirmation of the first Black woman to head Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young, and the confirmation of Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, is imminent. Beginning with his historic selection of Kamala Harris to serve as vice president, President Biden has appointed a record number of women — and women of color — to key roles in his administration and

MORIAL Page 54

Froswa' Booker-Drew

Herstory Once Again I hate to rush but according to the GPS, I would only be two minutes late. That wasn't bad but I wasn't prepared for an accident to happen. In my haste, I panicked and decided to jump on another freeway, thinking I can just loop around and miss the accident altogether. To my surprise, there was another accident. I was irritated that my plans of being just two minutes late became a 20-minute delay. Had I just remained patient and waited, I probably could have gotten there just 10 minutes late. In that

moment, I realized how often we make decisions because what we see ahead doesn't look like what we planned. We can make choices that delay our progress because we aren't willing to wait and be inconvenienced. When life doesn't work out as planned, instead of waiting on God, we will make decisions out of our limited perspective. At the core of our decisions is an unwillingness to trust God and believe that we know what to do. I was reminded that the delay was in my best interest and that God

Guest Columnist

was possibly protecting me from something. Proverbs 3:5-6 says, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." How often have we all decided abruptly to do something that later cost us more than it was worth? Instead of trusting God and getting there on a straight route with a brief interruption, I was going in a circle and wasting time. The Israelites are a prime ex-

ample of how we can waste time when we allow what we see to stop us from getting to our promised lands. Instead of trusting God, we can spend so much time wondering and wandering when we chose to take our lives into our own hands. The Israelites called out to God for help and God heard them. "I have observed the misery of my people who are in Egypt." (Exodus 3:7) We, too, cry out to God for help but because we do not receive the answer we want immediately, we can become discouraged and

take matters into our own hands. Moses in his frustration because of what he saw around him killed an Egyptian which he ultimately had to leave because of fear that others knew what he had done. (Exodus 2:11). When we don't trust God's timing, we can make decisions that cost us and have consequences. Even as Moses followed God's instructions and said to the Hebrews that it was time to depart Egypt, they became overwhelmed

means standing up, sitting down and even kneeling when you know in your heart it is the right thing to do, even if you are doing it alone. It also means walking a walk as if the whole world is watching, like you have nothing to hide and everything you are doing is above reproach. We're trying to teach Skylar to be an honorable person, but more importantly, we are teaching her

to love herself because there are too many out in the world who won't. By loving herself, there are things that hopefully she won't do nor will let others do to her. Life is challenging. Are you getting it "right"? Or are you, like me, a work in progress? Or do you even think about who you are and why? WI

BOOKER-DREW Page 54

Cheryl Smith

We See You! Well, she finally did it! On Tuesday, March 1, 2022, Skylar decided to use her potty for its intended purpose. Since she received it a few months ago, she has used the potty as a chair, a foot stool and storage unit. Everything you could imagine has been inside that potty, except for a number one, a number two or, like her mother told me years ago, "a number three!"

Go figure that one out! Which brings me to my truth. Admittedly, I am a work in progress and will be that way for as long as I continue to inhale and exhale. Since I have no idea when those actions will cease, I just keep on keeping on — living and learning with the understanding that when you know better, you do better. And who doesn't want to be a better person?

Hours later after Skylar's deposit, she was right back to using the potty to be mischievous. Hopefully, she will do better but she's only 2 years old. Unfortunately, there are too many 20, 30 and, yes, even 40 times her age who have yet to "get it right"! What does "get it right" entail? Good question. It requires being honorable in words, actions and deeds. It

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 31

WOMEN'S history month

Black Professional Scuba Divers Talk Up Ocean Careers Little Understood STEM Profession Opens Doors to Exciting Work Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Scuba diving is an exciting STEM career, but many Blacks may think of it as a recreational activity. Educating people about scuba diving careers is a top objective of the National Asso-

ciation of Black Scuba Divers (NABS). With a national membership of 1,000, NABS spreads the word about dive projects, ocean research, changes in the ocean environment, search for historical artifacts and operating scuba equipment. Andrea Williams, a member

5 Certified diver Andrea R. Williams, national vice president of the National Association of Black Scuba Divers (NABS), wraps up a Blue Planet deep diver certification class in Cozumel, Mexico in April 2019 (Photo courtesy/Jeff Peterson)

of NABS since 2009, is now national vice president of the association. A District resident, she has worked on dives worldwide, exploring coral reefs, finding artifacts from a Tuskegee Airmen

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32 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

plane wreckage and discovering remnants from sunken ships. When thinking about STEM majors in college, Williams knows that studying the ocean seldom comes up when Black families review potential college majors with their children. Large technology universities may assume a Black student is not interested in oceanography, a notion rooted in perceptions about Blacks and swimming. Further, not many HBCUs offer marine biology, one of the primary majors for scuba diving careers. Within the federal government, scuba divers work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) within the Department of Commerce, the National Park Service or the Environmental Protection Agency. The Nature Conservancy, Ocean Conservancy, or Coral Restoration Foundation are scuba diver work settings in the private sector. The range of jobs includes marine life and ecosystems, ocean preservation, and seafloor geology. There are also jobs on dives searching for remnants of sunken vessels. Opening Young Minds to the Oceans Williams works part-time at Blue Planet, a scuba training facility and dive shop in Adams Morgan. A certified diver and training instructor, Kim Walker, also works at the dive shop. Walker is president of Underwa-

ter Adventure Seekers (UAS), a 100-member DC-based dive club under NABS. A native Washingtonian, he is a retired Air Force Lt. Colonel and retired from the DC Department of Transportation. Like Williams, Walker is a strong advocate for getting kids into diving early. Through their regional and local affiliates, NABS conducts programs that give kids an appreciation for scuba diving while stimulating curiosity about underwater careers. "I tell kids there's a lot of opportunities related to scuba diving," said Walker, a Hyattsville resident. "You look at this planet, and it's seven-tenths water. There is a demand for marine science, marine biology, oceanography and environmental protection in the marine environment." Williams and Walker bring videos showing Black divers prepping for dives and exploring oceans enabling kids to imagine the world of scuba diving. "We bring our scuba gear. That's a part of our show-andtell. Kids visualize what they will wear in the water," said Walker. "Once they see that, they connect the dots and think this might be something they would be interested in doing." "Groups like the Black Girls Dive Foundation and Junior Scientists in the Sea are other outlets to connect with kids in the K-12

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LIFESTYLE

3 Stevie Wonder performs during the finale of "Stevie Wonder: Songs in the Key of Life - An All-Star Grammy Salute," at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2015, in Los Angeles. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/ Invision/AP)

Stevie Wonder’s Run of Genius Recalled on Anniversary of Release of Singer's Greatest Hits Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer When considering any run of music success – particularly from an alumnus of Motown Records – it’s impossible not to reminisce about Michael Jackson’s streak of brilliance with “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad.” And while other artists have had their run of greatness, none have topped the genius of Stevie Wonder who redefined how cultural critics viewed popular music. Some 50 years ago, the Motown legend began to unleash perhaps the most incredible and spectacular compilation of music ever recorded. Over five years – from 1972 to 1976 – Wonder released five albums that every recording in history will forever be measured. Released on March 3, 1972, and with hits like “Superwoman” and “Keep on Running,” Music of My Mind proved an appetizer to an exquisite meal of records. Just months later, on October 28, Wonder put forward “Talking Book,” an album that ranks No. 59 on Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatest Albums of All Time. The album quickly rose to the top spot on Billboard’s R&B charts, pushed by the smash hit “Superstition.” Less than a year later, on August 3, 1973, the peerless musician revealed “Innervisions,” another timeless classic that included the chart-topping hits “Living for the City,” “Don’t You Worry about a Thing” and “Higher Ground.”

On July 22, 1974, Wonder released the fourth in the series of masterpieces, “Fulfillingness’ First Finale,” which included Minnie Riperton’s background vocals and the Jackson Five. The singles “You Have Done Nothing” and “Boogie on Reggae Woman” both grabbed the No. 1 spot on the Billboard music charts. Wonder took about two years to complete the fifth gem in his brilliant run. That arrived on September 28, 1976, with “Songs in the Key of Life,” which many have called the artist’s signature recording. No one could deny the album’s greatness with songs like “Isn’t She Lovely,” “Sir Duke,” “I Wish” and “Love’s in Need of Love Today.” The album sold over 11 million copies and landed Wonder the “Best Album” Grammy – one of 25 amassed over his illustrious career. “1972 to 1976 weren’t just Stevie Wonder’s greatest creative years, they were the greatest creative years in music history,” asserted James Watts, the CEO of Own The Grill. “They were Rock’ n’ Roll, blues and soul music’s last great hurrah before the advent of punk rock and then the new wave changed everything. And Stevie Wonder was right at the forefront of that last great creative tsunami that washed everything before, and arguably after it, away,” Watts said. He opined that only Sly and the Family Stone’s 1971 to 1974 peak could arguably compare.

“But that’s about it,” Watts insisted. According to neo-funk producer and multi-instrumentalist Farees, Wonder felt limited and constricted in 1972 by the music formats of the era. “He proceeded to fight against the limitations of the industry and then to achieve creative freedom. Free to produce his own records and to explore new formulas beyond the usual radio formats of Motown, he released a series of immense albums,” noted Farees, whose new album, “Blindsight,” counts as a political call to action set to his patented “wall of groove” production style, featuring Leo Nocentelli of the legendary funk pioneers, The Meters. The album debuts in June. Farees noted that Wonder gained creative freedom after negotiating a new deal when his contract expired with Motown Records. “I think creative freedom was crucial for him at that time to obtain this level of musical greatness. Those records will last forever. No doubt about it,” Farees insisted. He added that the level of “awesomeness and visionary creativity” likely won’t occur again. “Innovation takes too much time and doesn’t produce quick bucks,” he stated. “There was a time when music was important and people fought for it. That’s really the lesson Stevie gave us with those records. Times have changed now but not for the better. We’re always moving in the wrong direction,” he said. WI

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White House Announces Resources to Better Protect Threatened HBCUs Harris Leads Briefing with U.S. Departments of Justice, Homeland Security and Education Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Thirty-six historically Black colleges and universities [HBCUs] who have received bomb threats since February 1 recently became eligible for grant funding under the Project School Emergency Response to Violence [Project SERV] program from the Department of Education [ED]. The program will enhance campus security and provide mental health resources. Vice President Kamala Harris made the announcement during a briefing on March 16 with Attorney General Merrick Garland, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien. Cardona said his department’s listening intently to those affected. “In my conversations with HBCU presidents, I’ve heard an urgent need

for more resources,” Cardona said. “Install more security cameras, improve emergency response plans, train personnel on proper procedures for handling bomb threats and provide students with mental health services. Likewise, students are speaking out about the trauma they have experienced and the safety they deserve.” While none of the threatened HBCUs found explosive devices, significant and lasting damage from threats has endangered students, faculty, staff, safety and security at the institutions. HBCU students have already experienced negative impacts from the pandemic, such as lingering effects of illness, trauma and basic needs insecurities. The bomb threats have further burdened campuses with additional stress and anxiety that negatively affect academic success. ED will work with HBCUs that have received recent bomb threats to determine if Project SERV can pro-

5 Following a White House briefing, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John Tien and Ronald Mason, Jr., president of the University of the District of Columbia, discuss resources for HBCUs threatened with violence. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

vide funds to their campuses for immediate needs. A jointly-developed resource guide from ED, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Homeland Security and Department of Justice now remains available to help HBCUs with long-term improvements to campus

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b48acae2ea2fd0-2022

mental health programs, campus safety and emergency management planning and response. The resource guide represents a centralized source on grant programs and technical assistance activities across federal agencies. Awards typically range from $50,000 to $150,000 per school. Ronald Mason, Jr., president of the University of the District of Columbia [UDC] and whose university received a bomb threat, attended the White House briefing with more than 40 HBCU presidents. “Some of the HBCU campuses had real time lost to learning,” Mason said. “We were fortunate because our learning was not disrupted as much as on some other HBCU campuses because we are in the District of Columbia. We have relationships with some federal agencies, so we have

resources that other HBCUs might not have. The Biden-Harris administration has made great efforts to put more resources into HBCUs that have really saved most HBCUs.” In addition to threats against HBCUs, Harris commented on a significant spike in incidences of violence and hate against Jewish, Asian-American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander and LGBTQ+ communities. “We are reminded of the terrible cost of violence and hate. Every American should be able to learn, work, worship and gather without fear,” Harris said. “It is our duty to do everything we can to protect all of our communities. Harm against any one of our communities is a harm against all of us.” A video of the briefing is available at: https://youtu.be/DjW_SZelatU WI

HBCU students have already experienced negative impacts from the pandemic, such as lingering effects of illness, trauma and basic needs insecurities. The bomb threats have further burdened campuses with additional stress and anxiety that negatively affect academic success. 34 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

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HEALTH from Page 15 behavioral health services and $2.4 million for the expansion of school-based programs. In explaining their reasoning, the group of advocates said with the dearth of providers, school-based behavioral health programs need to be sustained. They also pointed out that compensation for providers, based on 2016 figures, does not account for increased cost-of-living expenses and inflation. That situation, in tandem with a backlog in clinician licensing, has intensified the dearth of behavioral health services for young people. “The most common experience is parents calling and there’s no help available. We need to change that,” said Matthew Biel, chief of the Division of Child and Adolescent psychiatry at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Northwest. “When we send parents around calling six or more clinics and they go to schools [that] can’t help, that’s not the way we need to respond as a city and system,” Biel said. “We need to think about the family experience first and how many doors are open and places where families get care so we can respond with what children need to get help and prevent suicide.” Suicide counts as the second leading cause of death among young people between the ages of 15 and 24. During the pandemic, health experts recorded an increase in suicide attempts among young

5 Muriel Bowser (Courtesy photo)

people. Suicidal thoughts, also known as suicidal ideation, have often been found to derive from overwhelming emotional pain. They’re often precipitated by mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder or depression. In response to this crisis, the Children’s Law Center’s latest report, titled “A Path Forward,” includes recommendations for the establishment of a full continuum of psychiatric care for young people in the District, including but not limited to acute care, crisis stabilization and intensive outpatient care. Earlier this month, Gail Avent, a District parent, reflected on the significance of the continuum of psychiatric care for young people. She said it would not only benefit them, but their families and teachers who end up mitigating the effects of unresolved trauma. “There are so many entities that affect our children before they turn 18 that drop the ball because they’re siloed. We can be more collaborative and patient,” said Avent, founder and executive director of the Southeast-based Total Family Care Coalition. “We have to provide support for parents and teachers for their self-care. Everyone gets burnt out and [with the] crime and violence, children grieve just like adults. Families heal together and we’re separating parents from children. [That’s why] I believe in holistic services we can provide daily to get that relief,” Avent said. WI

LIFESTYLE

An Ongoing Legacy of Women’s Environmental Leadership Along the Anacostia

Katrina D. Lashley Program Coordinator, Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

These next few days as we anticipate the start of spring, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum finds itself in the midst of celebrations of particular resonance to the work of the past decade. Standing in the middle of Women’s History month and looking toward the 52nd celebration of Earth Day, the museum is in the planning stages of 2023’s Our Environment, Our Future which will see an exploration of the ongoing role of women’s leadership in environmental efforts in the Greater Washington area and an ongoing exploration of stewardship along the Anacostia. These efforts coming out of the ongoing work of the Urban Waterways Project. In 2010, when then Senior Historian Dr. Gail Lowe decided it was time for an exploration of the Anacostia River, she developed a framework which acknowledges the ongoing relationship between the Anacostia and its city… its communities, its people. This humanities-led framing of the river allowed for a broadening of traditional expectations of environmental history by placing it within the larger context of community history…a connection to and stewardship of place. This shift of expectation was made possible only through an adherence to ACM’s then forty-three-year practice of respect for and partnership with its community stakeholders. In the development of the project, Dr. Lowe was also building on the museum’s environmental engagement which can be traced to the innovative leadership of Zora Martin-Felton, the late Founding Director of Education at the then Anacostia Neighborhood Museum (ANM). Martin-Felton was a leading force in the development of the ground-breaking and controversial The Rat: Man’s Invited Infliction. The museum’s first exploration of an ecological problem in an urban setting, the exhibition came out of conversations with ANM’s youngest stakeholders. Over the next two decades, Martin-Felton’s environmental efforts included

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5 Educator Zora Martin-Felton and students tend the museum’s gardens as part of a summer science project.

the development of a youth garden program, youth led research projects on air quality, and a 1994 day-long conference Environmental Issues and Concerns East of the Anacostia River: Justice or Just Us? Ultimately, Urban Waterways has served as the next phase of ACM’s environmental work. Conversations, oral histories, exhibitions, forums, youth programs, and national convenings have allowed for the documentation of community-led efforts to restore and reclaim the Anacostia for all residents. It has also allowed for more nuanced explorations of definitions of environment, how environmentalism can be practiced, and how such efforts are part of larger movements toward justice. As the work has unfolded, Urban Waterways has centered the ongoing role of women as leaders and integral collaborators in efforts to restore their communities (inclusive of its blue, green, and grey spaces) and featured women’s contributions as undeniable facets of communities’ environmental histories. Women have been central to the early days of clean-ups along the Anacostia, members of some of the earliest organizations engaged in restoration efforts for over thirty years. They have led efforts to provide access to the river and its environs through boating, reconnecting residents to Anacostia Park, activating the green spaces of Oxon Run, developing the Festival del Rio Anacostia, documenting the beauty of the river and its communities, and connecting youth to STEM pathways. In recognition of the often-buried legacy of women’s environmental leadership 2018 saw the next phase of the museum’s environmental work with the launch of Women’s Environmental

Leadership (WEL), an intergenerational initiative guided by the principles of mentorship, education/training, and leadership, which provides a platform through which women of diverse backgrounds and experiences have gathered to explore inspirations behind their work and the multiple ways to action. This year, the museum prepares for 2023’s opening of To Live Without Harm: Women and Environmental Justice in Greater Washington and launch of our Environmental Justice Academy which will gather a cohort of young women of color living in communities along the Anacostia River to explore multiple definitions of environment and available avenues for participation in environmental advocacy. The various community-based collaborations throughout ACM’s decades long environmental engagement reveal community histories which push back against convenient narratives which assume a lack of engagement and participation in issues of environmental concern. Environmentalism, in its many forms, is an act of civic engagement that has been an important facet of community history and a practice through which women have contributed to the health of their communities and ongoing efforts toward justice. Environmentalism is community history. Environmentalism is women’s history.

5 Students of the Anacostia Community Museum Academy enjoy a Chesapeake Estuary Tour with the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center. (Photo Susana Raab, Anacostia Community Museum Archives, Smithsonian Institution)

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 35

LIFESTYLE

ate school at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, where she took a age range," said Williams. dive course. At DC area pools, "Fun Dive In their leadership roles with Days" is another way to get kids NABS and UAS, Williams and thinking about scuba diving. Kids Walker have their eyes on diverget in a pool with certified Black sity in scuba diving. National scuba divers. They touch scuba scuba diving organizations and equipment and have a chance scuba equipment manufacturers to put on that equipment. Even should be in those conversations. with spending in-person time Grants, scholarships and sponwith kids and orienting them to sorships are a part of the equation scuba training and careers, a big to diversify their profession. Wilchallenge with getting into scuba liams has a vision for what need diving is the cost. to take place. "Diving is not cheap. Therefore "The dive industry, higher eduyou need parents in the room to cation, then K-12 need to be on ensure they understand what it is board. Then action will trickle all about," said Walker." down," Williams said. "We've Diversity in the Industry been working from the bottom Williams knows her scuba div- up. We want to speak with those ing path had a unique founda- individuals who have the power tion. Her stepfather is a certified and the money." scuba diver, as are her brother and Learn more about Black scusister. Williams' mother is certi- ba divers here: https://nabsdivfied in snorkeling. After graduat- ers.org. Find out about the Black ing from Spelman College with a scuba divers group in Washingmajor in French and a minor in ton, DC at: https://uasdivers.org. biology, Q2 Williams went to graduWI AMTRAK PRINT_Washington Informer_B-AA 3-1.pdf 1 1/25/22 4:12

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HOWARD from Page 25 lie and gaslight us about what they have done. They haven’t given any non-tenured track faculty raises.” In a statement, HU decried the notion of automatically awarding tenure to full-time non-tenured track faculty members. Administrators said those faculty members wouldn’t have gone through a rigorous process to attain tenured status. In defending the “seven-year rule,” administrators said it protects the university’s designation as a research institution while ensuring financial sustainability. They also pointed out that non-tenured full time instructors and adjunct professors have flexibility not afforded to professors who conduct research. Solutions proposed by the university include encouraging fulltime nontenured faculty members to apply for tenure track and master instructor positions, in addition to career status appointment through which faculty members’ reappointment would be approved by board PM

members until they voluntarily leave the university. They’ve also brought forth salary increase proposals for adjunct faculty members and full-time nontenured faculty members. However, several advocates for the union have taken to social media in criticism of HU’s administration. Their tweets have run the gamut, often touching on the salaries of faculty members at other HBCUs, highlighting major donations made to the university and making note of Frederick’s salary, which surpassed $1 million in 2018. Earlier this month, 65 professors, including Dr. Greg Carr and Nikole Hannah-Jones, signed a letter imploring HU President Wayne A.I. Frederick and Provost Anthony K. Wutoh to draw up a contract that protects and fairly compensates unionized full-time nontenured and adjunct faculty members. That letter preceded the March 16 protest in which faculty members, students and alumni con-

verged on HU’s Administration Building to meet Frederick and Wutoh. Hours after campus officers blocked the building entrance, representatives of JacksonLewis P.C. later discouraged union members from speaking directly with Frederick, Wutoh and other administrators. Marcus Alfred, a tenured faculty member and HU faculty senate chair who participated in the protest, expressed his support of the strike. He said the tenuous contract negotiations hint at larger problems about the university’s ability to create the ideal educational experience. “The contingent faculty members aren’t asking for a whole lot. Howard loses some amazing people and amazing faculty members by not treating them well,” Alfred said. “It seems like that will accelerate in the next few years. This is a symptom of a bigger problem. The faculty don’t really have the resources needed to do their jobs,” he said. WI @SamPKCollins

CMY

36 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

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LIFESTYLE

can congregations, we have been the authentic representation of Jesus Christ,” Gilbert said. “No other group has been through what we have been through.” In addition to being the 1st vice president of the PNBC, Byrd is pastor of Zion Baptist Church in Washington, D.C., where then-President Barack Obama attended services with Byrd and his large congregation during the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend in 2012. But in today’s ever-contentious political climate, Senate

PBNC from Page 1 Black female justice. “We are here today to stand up against voter suppression and we are also here to show our support for President Biden’s nominee to the U.S. Supreme Court,” Rev. George Gilbert Jr., a member of the Social Action Committee of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, told The Informer before the rally. “We believe that our Congress, Senate and the president can work together can work together to break down the walls of systematic racism.” During opening speeches at the hearing on Capitol Hill, Democratic and Republican senators spoke well of Jackson. Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.) looked at her and said, “You writing a new page in the history of America. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Monday’s hearing was “off to a better start than we have had in the past,” while Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) lauded Jackson’s “strong credentials,” which range from being the first former public defender to graduating from Harvard Law School. Rev. Dr. David Peoples, president of the 2.5 million-member PNBC, also took part in Monday’s rally, saying it is time for the organization to “take up the causes for social justice.” “It is in our DNA to speak up and speak out for social justice and the rights of our people,” said Peoples, 49, of Lexington, Ky., who succeeded the late Rev. Dr. Timothy Stewart, pastor of the historic Bethel Baptist Church in Nassau, Bahamas, as PNBC president after his death on Sept. 17. Peoples wrote in the board’s report that while Stewart’s death “hurt all of our hearts … we know that God will see us through.” To make this journey, Peoples will be assisted by several leaders that include 1st Vice President Keith W. Byrd and General Secretary A. Wayne Johnson. “We can’t just rest on our laurels,” Peoples said in an interview with The Informer. “They fought a good fight but it’s our time. It is not about a moment, it’s a movement.” One of the most important developments during the PNBC

Democrats have been unable to move legislation to bolster voting rights even with a slim majority, because two Democrats — West Virginia’s Joe Manchin and Arizona’s Kyrsten Sinema — have refused to vote with their party on the matter. “We must be totally committed to advancing the kingdom of agenda, through fellowship, progress, service and peace, Indeed,” Byrd wrote in the board meeting magazine earlier this year. “It is time for the maximization of our potential.” WI

5 Dr. Frederick D. Haynes III, pastor of Frendship-West Baptist Church in

Dallas, Texas, speaks in Washington, D.C. on March 21 with the Progressive National Baptist Convention during a Call to Action press conference, rally and march to protect voting rights. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) board meeting was the organization of its Social Action Committee that will be organizing various events across the country. “We are focusing on voting rights and our primary focus is

on those states that we flipped from red to purple in the most recent election,” said Gilbert, pastor of the Holy Trinity Baptist Church of Washington D.C. “As pastors of African Ameri-

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LIFESTYLE CONFIRMATION from Page 1 has no senators and, therefore, will play no role in her confirmation,” Norton said. “The lack of voting representation in Congress for D.C. residents can be remedied by Senate passage of and the president’s signature of my D.C. statehood bill, which has passed the House twice.” Earlier in the day, District residents held a rally in front of the Supreme Court building to call for Jackson’s confirmation. “We need someone who understands that everyone in this country needs equity,” said Carol Jenkins, president and CEO of the ERA Coalition. “We are asking the Senate for a fast confirmation.” However, the rally was interrupted by activists from the prolife organization Students for Life, which opposes the nomination. As the pro-Jackson speakers delivered their remarks, Student for Life activists shouted anti-abortion slogans and “No Way, KBJ.”

“I am opposed to KBJ going on the Supreme Court,” said Norvilia Etienne, an African American woman from Fredericksburg, Va., said. “She has supported partial-birth abortions. She is helping to kill the Black community. While Blacks make up 15% of the country’s population, 30% of abortions are committed on Black babies.” As the two opposing factions attempted to drown out each other’s chants, Kiah Morris, a leader in the Rights & Democracy organization, led the pro-Jackson demonstrators in singing the first stanza of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” informally known as the “Black national anthem.” Mariko Bennett, a leader in the Metro D.C. chapter of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, said the anti-Jackson activists should not deter people from supporting the nominee. “We see who the adversaries are, they showed their faces today,” Bennett said. “We have to keep raising our voices. We have to reach out to media outlets and

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to our senators to indicate our support of Judge Jackson.” Rachel Howell, who sported a shirt signifying her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha, said she supports Jackson “because she symbolizes Black excellence.” “I have nothing to say about those who oppose her,” Howell said, noting the anti-abortion activists. “I can’t pay attention to that.” In Ward 8, the Anacostia Coordinating Council along with members of the Ward 8 Democrats sponsored a watch party for Judge Jackson at the Busboys and Poets restaurant in the Historic Anacostia neighborhood. A dozen people visited the restaurant’s Marion Barry Jr. Room to watch the Senate proceedings on a wide-screen television. The crowd listened as Democratic senators praised Jackson and tended to start conversations when Republicans were speaking. However, the crowd listened carefully when retired U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Judge Thomas B. Griffith

5 People gather in front of the Supreme Court to express support to confirm Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

and University of Pennsylvania legal scholar Lisa Fairfax delivered remarks on behalf of Jackson. When Fairfax formally introduced Jackson to the senators, former D.C. first lady Cora Masters Barry wept. “I am very proud today,” Barry said. “You had a sister introducing a sister. Black women are really standing up.” The crowd listened intently as Jackson, in her introductory statement, talked about her early life in the District and her road to Harvard University undergrad and law school. When she finished, Barry said she was impressed. “It is way overdue for a Black woman to sit on the Supreme Court,” she said. “This should have been done 10-15 years ago.” Philip Pannell, executive director for the Anacostia Coordinating Council, said he was moved by the

hearing but was upset that the District is left out of the process. “I am absolutely angry that we don’t have a voice in this,” Pannell said while sporting a “51 State” button. “We should be part of this historic process and we are not at the table.” Monica Ray, who coordinated the watch party as the vice chair of the Anacostia Coordinating Council’s executive board, agreed with Pannell. “I am so excited about this,” Ray said. “Black judges do matter. I am upset that South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham can express his dissatisfaction with the nomination process because his candidate wasn’t selected by Biden. At least he could have a candidate and D.C. does have a voice in the matter because of our lack of statehood.” WI

WARD 7 from Page 9

large swath of youth in Ward 7, Russell lamented. “Charter schools are big business [and] they were about to put DC Public Schools out of business. They definitely put them out of business in Wards 7 and 8,” Russell told The Informer. “With elementary schools, they make it so that parents want to be involved but [that doesn’t happen] at the middle and high school levels. There’s not enough outreach to give students basic needs. They should stop putting us in a position where we don’t want to be here,” she said. WI @SamPKCollins

her father in Howard County, Maryland after determining that the school didn’t meet her academic and social needs. This decision came months after Russell refused to enroll her daughter, a freshman, in H.D. Woodson. Russell described the ideal public high school as one with upgraded amenities and programs that build students’ skill sets and their sense of community. Most important, she said, that school would serve not only students in Ward 7 but those hailing from Wards 5 and 8. Right now, such a public school doesn’t exist for a

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 39

Meet the Albatross The wandering albatross is the world’s largest flying bird. These are big birds: An albatross wingspan can be from six to eleven feet wide! Here’s how that compares to the armspan of two kids.

lbatross are large seabirds. Scientists have discovered that albatross chicks that live in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, far away from people, are killed by little pieces of plastic, including plastic toys. How does plastic wind up in the middle of the Pacific? The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a massive soup of plastic waste floating in the sea. It’s growing larger all the time, harming birds, fish and people, too!

Plastic Soup in the Pacific? A number of years ago, scientists discovered _______ and dead albatrosses on a group of remote and isolated ___________ called

4’

When it reaches its hungry chick, the albatross regurgitates the food. The chick then pulls food out of the parent’s mouth to eat. (Gross to us, but perfectly normal for these birds.)

Few people live on Midway Atoll. How does so much plastic get there? The answer lies in the earth’s watershed and ocean ___________.

But albatross are also swallowing dangerous plastic waste when scooping up seafood. One bird researcher saw an adult albatross regurgitate a toothbrush and its chick ate it. Chicks are not able to regurgitate food or other materials out of their stomachs and the plastic food stays there, making them sick and killing them.

watershed

A watershed is not a building. It is an area of land that collects rain and snow. The water then drains into bays and from there into the ocean where it joins large ocean currents.

river ocean

How YOU Can Help!

A Sea of Troubles

YOU can stop plastic from entering the watershed by reducing the amount of plastic you use and recycling the plastic you can’t avoid using. Below each of these items, draw what you could use instead.

Plastic from the west coast of North America floats down creeks and rivers into the Pacific Ocean. There it joins the North Pacific Gyre which flows clockwise into a large circle.

4’

Albatross parents travel hundreds of miles to find food for their chicks. They scoop up squid, krill, fish eggs and other natural seafood from the surface of the ocean. They carry their food back to their chicks in their stomachs.

Researchers found small plastic toys, toothbrushes, bottle ____ and other small pieces of plastic. These were all single-use plastics—plastic that was used just ________ and then thrown away.

What’s a watershed?

Or, mail to: Kid Scoop News “I Draw for Peace” 181 Andrieux, Suite 200 Sonoma, CA 95476

A Dangerous Mix

the Midway Atoll. These islands are located about 1,400 miles northwest of the Hawaiian islands in the middle of the Pacific ________.

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS TO AVOID:

plastic cups plastic utensils paper plates plastic water bottles

plastic bags

Kid Scoop will publish them on our websites kidscoop.com and kidscoopnews.org. Send us your creations by email to Woodword@kidscoop.com.

11’

Replace the missing words.

Do you want to send a message of hope and peace to people in Ukraine and other victims of war? If so, send us your drawing or your poem. Children’s newspapers around the world will collect these messages and distribute them.

Homonym Hunt

Waste and waist sound the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings. They are called homonyms. Look through today’s newspaper and find 5 or more sets of homonyms. Standards Link: Language Arts: Distinguish homophones.

ALBATROSS RECYCLING FLOATING PLASTIC MIDWAY CHICKS REMOTE PATCH AVOID ATOLL GYRE SICK EGGS TOYS CAPS

1. Look and c singl can fi

2. Make singl foun wrap

3. Is the trash need

D I O V A Y C P R R S I C K A H C A E L

E C A W I C I T C L

4. Next down have item

SINGLE

T L D C A E T C Y O

O I K P S E S H C T

M S S O R T A B L A E T O Y S P L L I A

R S G G E S P T N I

G N I T A O L F G E Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Planet Point of View

Find an article that shows a way in which people harm or care for our planet. Rewrite the article from the point of view of a wild animal that would be affected by the news in this article. Standards Link: Language Arts: Write from a particular point of view.

I’m Green

Explain what you do to help the environment. Why is it important to you?

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

40 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

Work wit think of a home to single-us uses. It m and mak

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Standards Li evidence from

LIFESTYLE

Still Pleading Our Own Cause, The Black Press Marks 195th Anniversary Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer On March 16, 1827, Samuel E. Cornish and John B. Russwurm founded the first Black-owned newspaper in the U.S. because there were no Black voices in the debate over the abolition of slavery. In their first editorial, Cornish and Russwurm wrote: “in short, whatever concerns us as a people, will ever find a ready admission into the Freedom’s Journal.” “One hundred and ninety-five years later, the mission of the Black Press has not changed,” Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes wrote in an editorial. “No matter whether Black Press journalists are invited to a seat at ‘their’ table, the voices of those the Black Press represents will always have a seat at ours,” Rolark Barnes wrote. From Freedom’s Journal to the North Star to John Abbott’s Chicago Defender, African-American-owned newspapers have sparked fires for truth and equality that have burned with the passion of fighting for freedom throughout history. This year marks the 195th anniversary of the Black Press of America whose global impact remains undeniable. It all began with Freedom’s Journal. On March 16, 1827, they announced its presence with a front page that contained these words: “We wish to plead our own cause. Too long have others spoken for us.” The four-page edition included stories about the struggle to end the horrors of slavery, lynching and social injustice. It also informed the African-American community of international news of particular interest including events in Haiti and Sierra Leone. Freedom’s Journal featured African-American men’s and women’s biographies, schools, jobs and housing opportunities. For nearly two centuries, the 230 African-American-owned newspapers and media companies, represented by the National

Newspaper Publishers Association [NNPA] have proudly carried that legacy. And the bond between Black America and the Black Press remains strong. “Relationships, which have been the cornerstone of the Black community and the Black Press for 195 years, have always been its messenger in cementing that bond,” said Westside Gazette Publisher Bobby Henry. Dr. Toni Draper, the publisher of the 130-year-old AFRO in Baltimore and Washington, also noted the enduring value of the Black Press. “The contribution of the Black Press is invaluable. If not for the Black Press, there would be a lot of things we would not have documented in terms of the African-American experience,” Dr. Draper said. “The Black Press was founded in 1827 and African Americans were not in any of the pages of the white-owned press unless there was an advertisement of our sale, of our resale, or us having run away from slave owners or plantations.” Dr. Draper continued: “The Black Press is one of the only places where you can find news and information and commentary about, by, and for African Americans across the spectrum. You don’t have to do anything wrong to make the pages of the Black Press; you don’t have to do anything famous. The Black Press covers the totality of the Black experience in the United States and beyond,” she said. The anniversary of the Black Press serves as a reminder of the contributions that remain indelibly associated with the fearlessness, determination and success of the Black Press. Those contributions include the works of Frederick Douglass, W.E.B. DuBois, Ida B. Wells, Patrice Lumumba, Kwame Nkrumah and former NNPA Chairman Dr. Carlton Goodlett. Douglass, who helped enslaved people escape to the North while working with the Underground Railroad, established the abolitionist paper, The North Star, in

5 The Black Press of America celebrates 195 years of being the voice for the voiceless and the trusted voice for African descendants everywhere. (File photo)

“No matter whether Black Press journalists are invited to a seat at ‘their’ table, the voices of those the Black Press represents will always have a seat at ours.” - Denise Rolark Barnes

Rochester, New York. He developed it into the most influential Black antislavery newspaper published during the Antebellum era. The North Star denounced slavery and fought for the emancipation of women and other oppressed groups with a motto of “Right is of no Sex – Truth is of no

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Color; God is the Father of us all and we are all brethren.” Today, the Black Press continues to reach across the ocean whenever possible to forge coalitions with the growing number of websites and special publications that cover Africa daily from on the continent. “The spirit of Black journalism, which Russwurm and Cornish inspired, found its way to Houston 128 years later through a vision given to a local Black businessman to birth a newspaper that positively reflected the Black community, while also reporting the hard truths happening in our communities on the local, state and national level,” Houston Forward Times Associate Editor Jeffrey Boney declared. The evolution of the Black Press, the oldest Black business in America, had proprietors take on issues of chattel slavery in the 19th century, Jim Crow segregation and lynching, the great northern migration, the Civil Rights Movement and the transformation from the printing press to the digital age and computerized communication. With the Plessy vs. Ferguson Supreme Court ruling that said

no Black man has any rights that a white man must honor, there came a ﬂood of Black publications to advocate for Black rights and protest the wrongs done to Blacks. Today, the Black Press continues to tackle domestic and global issues, including the coronavirus pandemic and its effects on all citizens – particularly African Americans. “This is an important story about the history of the Black Press of America that has consistently been the freedom fighting voice of African people in America and throughout the world for 195 years without waiver or distortion of the truth,” stated NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr. “Today, in 2022, the Black Press remains the vital source of news and information for 50 million African Americans. On this momentous anniversary, the NNPA salutes all the African-American-owned newspapers and media companies that are affiliated with the NNPA’s expanding network of over 230 media properties and channels,” Dr. Chavis said. WI

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 41

LIFESTYLE

wi book review "The First, The Few, The Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America" by Deepa Purushothaman c.2022, Harper Business $28.99 235 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer There's no one like you. For most of your life, you've been told how unique you are, how wonderful, how important, all true. You're one of a kind, singular, you're like no one else on Earth. And in the new book, "The First, The Few, The Only" by Deepa Purushothaman, that probably goes at work, too. Most workplaces were made for men. If you're a woman, you already know this. It's evident in the height of the counters, the number of permanent walls in the office, and the temperature of its rooms. But for women of color (WOC), that statement is keener, especially if you're the first WOC in your workplace, one of a few, or the only WOC there now. So with no other WOC to bounce ideas with, no beenthere-done-that work friends to hash things through, how do you survive and thrive at work? Says Purushothaman, there are three main ways. First, "Find Your Power." Eliminate delusions that you or your bosses may hold, and hear the messages you're getting. They can see you, when it comes to hiring. You can fit in without losing a part of yourself. Closely notice the lessons you've learned from your family and your culture, and be sure that you're sending the right lessons to the next generation. Take care of yourself "When Your Mind and Body Speak." Look for your own joy, know the detrimental effects of racism, and ignore the urge to "work harder" just because of your skin color. Don't feel the need to "represent." Know what to do about those microaggressions you seem to hear constantly. And finally, seize "The Power of We." Find your community in the corporate world at large. Be open to learning, and changing "the game" from within. Know what six things to ask yourself if you're thinking about a new job. And never forget who you are. Says Purushothaman, WOC "need to work together... in Corporate America to create what comes next." Though it can be a little on the new-agey side and it's probably full of information you already know, "The First, The Few, The Only" is a pretty good book to have around. Consider it as a place for confirmation, if you're a WOC: author Deepa Purushothaman speaks directly to your experiences and she offers sympathy and camaraderie, somewhat like a cathartic Happy Hour, but in book form. There's advice here that you can use, including tips for those hours when you aren't working. You can also consider this a primer if you're not a women and/or not of color. Supervisors, CEOs, and business owners who want to do better have a place to start here, with a dive into things you don't know, things you shouldn't do, and irritations your new employee probably won't tell you. "The First, the Few, the Only" is a book to read on your lunch break, or to let your boss see you reading, if you dare. Or if you work with WOC, learn and be better. There's nothing like it. WI

42 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

horoscopes

MAR 24 - 30, 2022

ARIES Your mind may very well be buzzing with new ways you and your romantic or business partner can take your investment portfolio to the next level as the week begins. Tackle all the busywork that's on your plate at the moment, then put your heads together to design a winning new game plan. Lucky Numbers: 6, 10, 18 TAURUS In the beginning of the week, you'll be consumed with wanting to address personal desires that you're afraid you've put on hold for far too long. You'll be focused on putting in the work and owning your personal power in order to achieve your bold dream. Later, you'll be drawn to brainstorming and trading imaginative ideas with colleagues. Lucky Numbers: 2, 32, 53 GEMINI Although you're prone to going nonstop socially and professionally, it might be time to take a time-out at the beginning of the week. You might feel like you're on the brink of burnout and need to spend solo time resting and recharging. There's no shame in self-care. It might even make it easier for you to hit the ground running when you get back to business. Lucky Numbers: 13, 23, 35 CANCER You can expect to feel empowered to reveal what's in your heart, perhaps in a playful, fun-loving way. You'll have an easier time putting your relationship-oriented thoughts into words now. Your mind might even be buzzing with all the different angles you want to discuss. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 40 LEO At the outset of the week, you might need to step into the spotlight to make a presentation or take the reins on a crucial project. You might be concerned about the impression you'll make on higher-ups, but trust in your ability to command the stage and put in the day-to-day work that will make the moment successful. Lucky Numbers: 5, 25, 39 VIRGO At the start of the week, your mental energy is on fire. Take advantage of it by brainstorming and having intellectually stimulating conversations with your colleagues and friends. What you come up with could set the stage for an exciting opportunity. Lucky Numbers: 12, 23, 24 LIBRA When the week starts, you'll be swept up in creative idea generation and letting your mind run wild, inspired to consider all the moving parts of potential cash-flow-boosting projects . Try not to get too caught up in the details and specifics right now, because it's an opportunity to dream before reining it in and getting pragmatic. Lucky Numbers: 27, 37, 55 SCORPIO When the week starts, you'll be meditating on how to fulfill your needs while ensuring that the needs of a significant other or business partner don't fall by the wayside. The theme of reciprocity is key now, and if it's lacking within your closest bonds, you might have to contend with a reality check. Lucky Numbers: 2, 27, 40 SAGITTARIUS In the beginning of the week, your mind might be going a mile a minute around deep, psychological matters. If you can apply this energy toward something healing and productive (think going to a meditation class or learning more about another mind-body practice), you'll make the most of the current cerebral and spiritual vibes. Lucky Numbers: 2, 7, 11 CAPRICORN All the to-dos you've been so diligently focused on may have been curbing your ability to relax and have fun, but you'll be beyond ready to let loose early this week. Allowing yourself a break from professional responsibilities and ambitious projects to kick back with a lover or friends can help you rest and come back to everything on your plate with a fresh, invigorated perspective. Lucky Numbers: 23, 32, 58 AQUARIUS You might be inspired to research a passion project and share all of your findings with colleagues and higher-ups early in the week. Stepping up, commanding the spotlight, leading a group conversation, and strategizing with others all feel empowering. It might also set you up for a professional win down the road. Lucky Numbers: 11, 14, 15 PISCES At the week's start, you might find it's not as easy as you had hoped to connect with a colleague on a creative project or make a play for more responsibility by having a pleasant chat with your manager. In turn, you might suffer a blow to your self-esteem. Taking a break to do something you love (like a long walk or meditation) can bolster your mood. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 17

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

SPORTS wizards win!

3 Kentavious Caldwell Pope (1) leaps up for the easy floater during a Washington Wizards win over the Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 119 at Capital One Arena on March 19. (Abdullah Konte, The Washington Informer)

5 Corey Kispert (24) flies through the air during a Washington Wizards win over the Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 119 at Capital One Arena on March 19. (Abdullah Konte, The Washington Informer)

5 Ish Smith (4) leaps up for the jumper during a Washington Wizards win over the Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 119 at Capital One Arena on March 19. (Abdullah Konte, The Washington Informer)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

3 Lebron James (6) yells calls on defense during a Washington Wizards win over the Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 119 at Capital One Arena on March 19. (Abdullah Konte, The Washington Informer)

5 Daniel Gafford and Russell Westbrook (0) share a laugh as they run down court during a Washington Wizards win over the Los Angeles Lakers 127 - 119 at Capital One Arena on March 19. (Abdullah Konte, The Washington Informer)

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 43

LEGACY from Page 1

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residents build wealth. With our $40 million package of Legacy Initiatives, we can be more [focused and assist in] keeping longtime residents and businesses like LaToya’s in D.C.” Bowser highlighted the story of LaToya Liles, owner of Tsunami Hair Studio, awarded a $150,000 grant to support the purchase of a building in Ward 7 on Benning Road NE where the studio is located. The funds allowed Liles to close on the property transaction on Friday, March 18, 2022, and allowed her to realize the dream of owning a business and the property. Liles has been in the cosmetology industry for 13 years and has rented the second floor of her building for seven years before she could buy the property. During the pandemic, she used her extra time to learn about loans, grants and other opportunities as a business owner in the District. The Spice Suite, owned by Angel Gregorio, was awarded $287,500 in down payment assistance to acquire commercial property in the Langdon neighborhood. Ten other businesses have received conditional awards totaling nearly $4 million in funding and are expected to close on their own commercial properties this spring. The Commercial Property Acquisition Fund counts as the first grant program in the District of Columbia created to help entrepreneurs and small business owners who face barriers to accessing capital to purchase their commercial properties. The fund provides down payment assistance through grants up to $750,000 or 25% of the total acquisition cost, whichever is lower, to eligible businesses looking to maintain and expand their operations by acquiring commercial property in the District. The $4 million Commercial Property Acquisition Fund is administered by the largest Black-led bank in the country, City First Bank, with its co-headquarters located in the District. Qualified businesses must be Equity Impact Enterprise-eligible, meaning that they satisfy the criteria for Resident-Owned Business, Small Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The business must also be independently owned, have no more than 100 employees at application submission and generate less than $15 million in revenue. “Mayor Bowser has challenged us to find new ways to support BIPOC businesses to not only survive but to thrive right here in Washington, D.C.,” said Deputy Mayor for Plan-

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser hands LaToya Liles the keys to her newly-owned business, Tsunami Hair Studio, located in Northeast. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

ning and Economic Development John Falcicchio. “The Commercial Acquisition Fund was created to break down a barrier that many of our local entrepreneurs face and gives them a fair shot at building wealth and employing more D.C. residents. Our commitment is that our comeback will be more equitable as we forge ahead together,” he said. Mayor Bowser has prioritized monumental efforts that propel business owners forward in the Fiscal Year 2023 [FY23] Fair Shot Budget, including an additional $4 million investment for the Commercial Property Acquisition Fund. She has also doubled down on her investment in the Inclusive Innovation Equity Impact Fund, which will address the gap in access to capital for Eligible Businesses that would not otherwise receive early-stage funding through conventional financing. Both funds count as part of the Mayor’s $40 million Legacy Initiative, a package of programs and investments that have been earmarked to help longtime District residents and businesses stay in D.C. Other investments in the Legacy Initiative include: • Heirs Property Legal Services: $1 million to assist multi-generational families in maintaining their family property after the original homeowner passes on; • Black Homeownership Fund and Strikeforce: New $10 million fund to increase access to homeownership for longtime Black D.C. residents; • 2% Senior Property Tax Cap: Lowers the cap on annual increases in property taxes for seniors from 5% to 2%; • Single Family Residential Re-

hab Program: Additional $3 million over two years to help low-income homeowners fix and maintain their home; • FloodSmart Homes: $2.6 million to help residents in flood prone areas, especially in Wards 7 and 8, retrofit their homes to reduce risk of damage; • Home Weatherization & Lead and Mold Remediation: $10 million to make energy-efficiency improvements and remediate lead and mold hazards to improve both the health and comfort of residents. The Mayor remains committed to supporting the small and local business community’s recovery, growth and development. Since the COVID-19 public health emergency began in March 2020, the District has made available $274 million to support small and local businesses and nonprofits through various funding opportunities including the Bridge Fund, DC Small Business Microgrant Program, the Small Business Resiliency Fund, the Legacy Business Supplemental Microgrant Program, Streatery Winter Ready Grant Program, Great Streets, Neighborhood Prosperity Fund and the Locally Made Manufacturing grant. Applications are currently open for the FY22 Neighborhood Prosperity Fund and the FY22 Locally Made Manufacturing grant programs and the deadline to apply for both grants is Friday, March 25, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. The Bridge Fund application deadline is Thursday, March 31, 2022. For more information, visit obviouslydc.com. WI Senior Editor D. Kevin McNeir contributed to this story. WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Still I Rise! Remember Maya Angelou's poem, "Still I Rise"? Let me cite just the first stanza. It says, "You may write me down in history with your bitter, twisted lies, you may trod me in the very dirt, but still, like dust, I'll rise." This poem reminds me of my days at Trinity University here in Washington, D.C., when we heard the chair of our communications department often talk about how those of us who are earning our master's degrees from his department ought to speak out against some of the mistreatment that we all witness on television, especially the evening news. He said, "African American women are often portrayed by media as pregnant, promiscuous, poverty-stricken, welfare cases, overweight, or as prostitutes." In the entire history of America, we are only now considering a vote to confirm an African American woman for the Supreme Court. Another history-making moment. We are so proud of you, Honorable Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson. Let us keep her lifted up in prayer. There are others shown as successful, but the negative far outweighs the good. How do we continue to erase some of these hurtful and inaccurate stereotypes to reclaim a connection with our true selves? Black women are women of power and might! According to findings compiled in a study by the National Center for Education Statistics, Black women have been obtaining degrees at a consistently high rate for the past eight years and counting. Information collected about higher education among African Americans between 2009 and 2010 shows that Black women accounted for 68% of associate's degrees, 66% of bachelor's degrees, 71% of

master's degrees and 65% of doctorate degrees awarded to Black students during that time frame. The article also stated, "By both race and gender, there is a recent study that shows that Black women are enrolled in college at a higher percentage than any other group including white women, Asian women and white men." However, while the study does shed light on many positive aspects of Black women and education, some of the overall statistics are still immensely troubling. For example, as of 2012, only 15% of students enrolled in college were African American, a drastically low number relative to that of the 60% of white students enrolled. How many of us know we are queens, and that our strength, courage, persistence and faith propelled generations of our foremothers into our own world where we raised families based on love, Christian faith, wisdom passed down through the generations, and virtues that empower us to raise strong families, and to have productive careers. We have had to sacrifice our love lives, skip vacations to stay focused and do those things which make us better while others have fun. We have had to go to Weekend College to get degrees (as I did) that will give us more opportunities for

growth at work, and now, according to some reports, Black women outnumber other ethnicities when it comes to going to college. This modern-day Jim Crow era leaves so many millions of Black women without spouses. Allow me to share how I felt the day I sat on stage at Lorton Prison as Les Brown delivered his riveting message to our beautiful Black men. Immediately following his show one day, Mr. Brown had a speaking engagement at Lorton Prison, formerly in Virginia, and invited me to attend as part of my training. As I looked out into the audience, seeing good looking African American men, they reminded me of my brothers, my uncles and my father. It was that very moment I thought to myself, "So this is where all the Black men are! No wonder 70% of African American women like myself are without spouses." Police can lock up our men yet poor African American women caring for families all alone are portrayed in such a negative light! Wonder what would be said if the TV producers could walk a mile in our shoes! Thank God for this opportunity to write the truth about my people! This column is to salute you, African American women! As Harriet Tubman always said, "Keep-agoing!" Still I Rise. WI

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 45

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

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

Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Blessed Word of Life Church

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., / Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

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

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

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 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

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

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Twelfth Street Christian 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

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 Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

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

46 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703 Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, 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

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661 Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... 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

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

headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

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

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

themcbc.org

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

Crusader Baptist Church

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 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

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

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730 Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM “Where Jesus is the King”

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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: 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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

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

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

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

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"

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

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Shiloh Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

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

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”

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

Peace Baptist Church

www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

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 “

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

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

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

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

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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 “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 47

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MALVEAUX from Page 30 pay gap contributes to women's economic insecurity. When the pay gap is combined with the effects of COVID on women’s employment, the result is a precarious existence for too many women. The gender pay gap is not just a women's issue; it is a family and a human problem. Lily Ledbetter, the outstanding activist who sued the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company for pay discrimination. When she sued, the law required that lawsuits be filed within 180 days of experiencing discrimination, so her case was dismissed. The first piece of legislation that President Obama signed was the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009. The late Supreme Court Justice, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, had a framed copy of the legislation in her chambers. The Biden executive order is a step in the right direction, but it is a step that affects just a fraction of the workforce. More women need to be more like Lily Ledbetter,

Our National Pay Equity Day recognition reminds us of how much work remains to close the pay gap and combat gender discrimination. But, as the great abolitionist and civil rights leader Frederick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand."

prepared to sue exploitive employers. Unfortunately, too many need their jobs more than they need justice. Too many fear negative repercussions if they complain or sue. Too many men turn a blind eye to pay inequity, although they have working mothers, daughters, sisters and wives. Too many think gender discrimination is acceptable. Our National Pay Equity Day recognition reminds us of how

much work remains to close the pay gap and combat gender discrimination. But, as the great abolitionist and civil rights leader Frederick Douglass said, "Power concedes nothing without a demand." Where are the people who will forcefully demand an end to gender discrimination? And do those who work for the White House, the House and the Senate experience pay discrimination or earn equal pay? WI

degree of democracy for Black Americans that white Americans have long enjoyed, but to establish precedent for a worldwide principle of free association among men of all races, creeds and colors. That's the Black man's stake." That is still our stake. It is still our fight. It's no surprise to us that the same far-right media figures excusing Vladimir Putin's brutality have also excused or actively promoted Donald Trump's Big Lie about the

election—and used that Big Lie to justify new assaults on Black Americans' access to democracy. Back in 1942, James Thompson wrote that he was "willing to die for the America I know will someday become a reality." That is the kind of remarkable faith that motivated and sustained the civil rights movement after the war. It is the same kind of faith and determination we must find to defend American democracy and our place in it. WI

traditions and break them down, not only physically but psychologically into slaves totally dependent on the whims of slave owners." It is our responsibility to make that young basketball player and his generation aware in this soci-

ety whether they like it or not they have a responsibility to be "a part of the racial aspect of things" that will affect them and their future. They better listen to Dr. King and Brother Malcolm about psychological warfare. WI

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JEALOUS from Page 30 fending?" The Courier turned Thompson's letter into a public campaign that other Black papers embraced. They adopted the allies' "V for Victory" slogan with a call for a double victory over the enemies of democracy at home and abroad. The Double V Campaign urged Black Americans to fight "not merely for the salvation of America, not merely to secure the same

BAILEY from Page 30 and other Negroes. He ends up with ambivalence towards his own kind." In a previous column, I included the following statement about Brother Malcolm: "He once said that America's greatest crime against Black people was not just slavery or even lynching but that we were taught to wear a mask of self-hate and self-doubt. … He told us that when discussing slavery, the focus is usually on the slave traders and the slave owners. Too often ignored was the pivotal role of what Brother Malcolm called the slave maker, a person whose job was to systematically and brutally take a people who had their own beliefs, culture and

48 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

In a previous column, I included the following statement about Brother Malcolm: "He once said that America's greatest crime against Black people was not just slavery or even lynching but that we were taught to wear a mask of self-hate and self-doubt.

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 49

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2021 ADM 001575

2022 ADM 000081

2021 ADM 001141

2022 ADM 000125

2021 ADM 1379

Eunice C. Robinson Decedent

Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas Decedent

Francis Jaya Bundu Decedent

Charmayne M. Kirkland Decedent

James R. King aka James Robert King Decedent

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jon Allen Cooper, whose address is 10112 Legacy Court, Clinton, Md. 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eunice C. Robinson who died on December 24, 2003 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Jon Allen Cooper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001263 Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Julio Cesar Lacayo, whose address is 1033 Quebec Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo who died on January 8, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah Simms, whose address is 7709 Pacer Court, Landover Md. 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas who died on September 7, 2018 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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 10, 2022

Date of first publication: 3/10/2022

Deborah Simms 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 000128

22022 ADM 000061

Wilbur K. Mackall Decedent

Katherine S. Chatmon Decedent

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20770 Attorney

Robinson Kirlew & Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20781 Attorney

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

Carolyn Mackall, whose address is 1328 Capital View Terrace, Landover, Md 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilbur K. Mackall who died on 8/28/1987 without a Will. 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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.

Kim Y. Askia, whose address is 12205 Justice Place, Glenn Dale, Md 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Katherine S. Chatmon who died on 10/11/2021 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022 Carolyn Mackall Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Sarah Bundu, Fatima Bundu-Paen and Mohamed Bundu, whose addresses are 1348 Shepherd St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, 7406 Potomac Ct., Hyattsville Md 20784, 7827 Vanity Fair Dr., Greenbelt, Md 20770, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Francis Jaya Bundu who died on March 12, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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.

Sarah Bundu Fatima Bundu-Paen Mohamed Bundu Personal Representative

Julio Cesar Lacayo Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Kim Y. Askia Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

50 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

Stephen B. Pershing, Esq. Pershing Law PLLC 1416 E Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

Andrew Kirkland, Sr., whose address is 174-16 Murdock Ave., Jamaica, NY, 11434, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charmayne M. Kirkland who died on September 2, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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.

Richard Mohn, whose address is 921 N Jacksonville St., Arlington, VA 22205, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James R. King aka James Robert King who died on September 12, 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 9/10/2022. 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 9/10/2022, 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: 3/10/2022

Andrew Kirkland, Sr. Personal Representative

Richard Mohn Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ",, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ RENELLE JANISE ROUSE ", corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE JANISE MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: " RENELLE JANISE ROUSE-MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE-MILLER©”, 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 The Moorish Empire, Estados alMarikanos, 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: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " nova of faith© ". 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: NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: STATE FILE NUMBER, 204 “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Renelle Janise Rouse 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: " nova of faith© ", nom deguerre: " “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©” ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Renelle Janise Rouse 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.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, as the beneficiary and heir of: “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN”, corp.sole Dba.: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &, “ALI AZAD EL©”. 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 an: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, 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: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National. I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ali azad el©”. 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, “Health, California Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF CALIFORNIA: STATE FILE NUMBER, 104-73-217696: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &,“ALI AZAD EL©” is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Nobility 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: “ ali azad el©”, nom deguerre: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “Nobility 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.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

2022 ADM 165

2022 ADM 114

Kenneth Postell Werts aka Kenneth P. Werts Decedent

Gladys M. Woodfork Decedent

Law Office Of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Betty Moses, whose address is 8410 Freedom Court, Columbia, MD 21045, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Postell Werts aka Kenneth P. Werts who died on 12/9/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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: 3/17/2022 Betty Moses Personal Representative

Pro-Se Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deloris Gainer, whose address is 1742 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys M. Woodfork who died on 1/1/2022 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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: 3/17/2022 Deloris Gainer Personal Representative

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Washington Informer

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 000138

2022 ADM 000135

2021 ADM 000458

Jose Maria Olivar Decedent

Patricia Kraniotis aka Patricia Ellen Kraniotis Decedent

John Michael Garner Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria Lydia Marcia de Olivar, whose address is 1444 W Street, NW #104, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jose Maria Olivar who died on 11/04/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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: 3/17/2022 Maria Lydia Marcia de Olivar Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lydia Jana Kraniotis, whose address is 4122 Edmunds Street, NW, Apt #300, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Kraniotis aka Patricia Ellen Kraniotis who died on October 31, 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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: 3/17/2022 Lydia Jana Kraniotis Personal Representative

Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Patrick Garner, whose address is 209 Williamsburg Lane, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Michael Garner who died on January 5, 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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: 3/17/2022 Patrick Garner Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 000145

2021 ADM 000069

2022 ADM 000102

2021 ADM 001604

2022 ADM 000129

Bettie B. Thompson aka Bettie Lou Thompson Decedent

Ernestine Alston Bartley aka Ernestine A. Bartley Decedent

Dorothy Jean Darden Decedent

Chuantang Wang Decedent

Flora E. Mackall Decedent

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

Wilbert Baccus 11807 Lisborough Road Bowie, Maryland 20720-3423 Attorney

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

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

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20770 Attorney

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

Justin Lin, whose address is 401 K Street, NW, Suite 826, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Chuantang Wang who died on August 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 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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.

Carolyn Mackall, whose address is 1328 Capital View Terrace, Landover, Md 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Flora E. Mackall who died on August 22, 1986 without a Will. 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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.

Joseph A. Thompson III, whose address is 5624 Old Temple Hill Rd., Temple Hills, Md 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bettie B. Thompson aka Bettie Lou Thompson who died on January 9th, 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 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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.

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

Date of first publication: March 17, 2022

Malion A. Bartley, whose address is 14911 Athey Road, Burtonsville, Maryland 20866, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernestine Alston Bartley aka Ernestine A. Bartley who died on October 26, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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.

Joseph A. Thompson III Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 3/17/2022

Date of first publication: March 17, 2022

Malion A. Bartley Personal Representative

Emmett Spencer Personal Representative

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Emmett Spencer, whose address is 4623 Hilltop Terrace, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Jean Darden who died on May 8, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/17/2022. 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 9/17/2022, 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.

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WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Date of first publication: March 17, 2022 Justin Lin Personal Representative

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Date of first publication: 3/17/2022 Carolyn Mackall Personal Representative

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MARCH 24 - 30, 2022 51

LEGAL NOTICES

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Tyrecia Rodgers-El© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘RODGERS, TYRECIA ARLANDRIA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘TYRECIA ARLANDRIA RODGERS© ’’, 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: ‘‘ Tyrecia Rodgers El© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’. 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: 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: STATE OF WASHINGTON DC – REPUBLICA WASHINGTON DC – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 108-1973020395, ‘‘ TYRECIA ARLANDRIA RODGERS© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers© ’’. 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: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers 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 etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte El© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘WHYTE, DEBBIE PAMELLA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘DEBBIE PAMELLA WHYTE© ’’, 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: ‘‘ Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyte el© ’’. 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: 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: STATE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – REPUBLICA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 191-01191, ‘‘ DEBBIE PAMELLA WHYTE© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyteel© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’. 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: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyte-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte 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 etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.

In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Prince George’s County, Maryland, united States of America. 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, specially appearing as: “lafrances marier dudley o’neal©”, Doing business as: “ GARY W. O’NEAL AND LaFRANCES M. DUDLEY”, Kent County, REGISTRATION OF TRADE, BUSINESS & FICTITIOUS NAME CERTIFICATE, entitlement holder, for the Unincorporated Real Estate Trust, Doing business as: “ Tallulah Kachina Trust ”, for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo Trust ”, permanently domiciled at: 8861 Branch Avenue #1024, Clinton, Maryland [20735] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being known as: [ Lot No. 42 in Block D in the subdivision known as “ Plat Eight, HILLANTRAE”, as per plat thereof recorded among the Land Records of Prince George’s County, Maryland in Plat Book VJ 170, at Plat 5, being in the 5th Election District.] Which has a refused address of: [12806 Piscataway Landing Drive, Clinton, Maryland 20735], located at or near Latitude: 38.7127268" N, Longitude: 76.9500372" W. Being the same property described in [ Liber 10758 follo 506, among the said Land Records.] Also described as: [ PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT (Land Records) VJ 11064, p. 0304-0306, MSA_11144], [CORPORATE DEED CASE #/ TAX ACCOUNT NO./PARCEL IDENTIFIER: 40023-96BW, 5-285379-4]. Notice of Private Property. The aforementioned private property is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [ONE MILLION DOLLAR], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses, and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, in full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed to the Unincorporated Real Estate Trust, Doing business as: “ Tallulah Kachina Trust ”, for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo 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: “ lafrances marier dudley o’neal©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo 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.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ DARIEN EDWARD JACOBS© ", corp.sole Dba.: " DARIEN E JACOBS© ", JACOBS, DARIEN EDWARD©, 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " darien edward jacobs 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 Department of Health & Senior Services of Missouri: 124-95-109022" DARIEN EDWARD JACOBS© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Clarity 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: " darien edward jacobs bey© ", nom deguerre: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Clarity 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. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2022 FEP 000022

2021 ADM 1551

2022 ADM 000172

March 5, 2018 Date of Death

Grace Pinckney Mills Decedent

Diane C. Harrison Decedent

Regina Margaret Haggerty aka Regina M. Haggerty Name of Decedent

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

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

Jason Matthew Mills, whose address is 4800 Eastern Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Grace Pinckney Mills who died on June 26, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/24/2022. 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 9/24/2022, 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.

Leroy Harrison, Jr., whose address is 9507 Carol Street, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diane C. Harrison who died on May 30, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/24/2022. 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 9/24/2022, 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 24, 2022

Date of first publication: 3/24/2022

Maura Patricia King Kelly Anne Stock Personal Representative

Jason Matthew Mills Personal Representative

Leroy Harrison, Jr. Personal Representative

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Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 001298 Mary Harvin Decedent Law Offices of Aaron E. Price, Sr. PLLC 717 D Str., NW, #300 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Edna Harvin Battle, whose address is 9713 Summit Circle, #3E, Largo, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Harvin who died on 6/11/2003 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/24/2022. 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 9/24/2022, 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: 3/24/2022 Edna Harvin Battle Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

52 MARCH 24 - 30, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 000198 Estate of Margaret D. Jones NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Gambi Kinton 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. Admit to probate the Will dated February 6, 2006 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: March 24, 2022 Johnny M. Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Maura Patricia King and Kelly Anne Stock whose addresses are 9502 Greenel Rd., Damascus, Md 20872 & 4131 Mayport Ct., Fairfax, VA 22033 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of Regina Margaret Haggerty aka Regina M. Haggerty, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Fairfax County, State of Virginia, on July 3, 2018. Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #700, Washington DC 20015 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. 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, #217, Washington, DC 20036. 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.

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 000139 Edward Carter Decedent Bradley A. Thomas, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Edward Andre Carter, whose address is 2941 Brandywine Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Carter who died January 8, 2021 on 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 9/24/2022. 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 9/24/2022, 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: 3/24/2022 Edward Andre Carter Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2021 ADM 000935 Sharon Elaine Ware aka Sharon E. Ware aka Sharon Ware Decedent Law Office of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, Md 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Rosemary Clarissa Shands, whose address is 7025 Lincoln Drive, Philadelphia, PA 19119, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon Elaine Ware aka Sharon E. Ware aka Sharon Ware who died on 11/19/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 9/24/2022. 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 9/24/2022, 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: 3/24/2022 Rosemary Clarissa Shands Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Loudle Oliver Jackson©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “JACKSON, LOUDLE OLIVER©:, 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: “LOUDLE OLIVER JACKSON©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “loudle jackson-el©”. 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: 45, 46, & 46. 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: REPUBLIC OF JAMAICA – JAMAICA REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT – BUREAU OF STATISTICS, STATE FILE NUMBER: HA 7553, “Loudle Oliver Jackson©”. All property, of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned full intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: “loudle jackson-el”, nom deguerre: “Loudle Oliver Jackson©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “Loudle Oliver Jackson 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 / done / 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.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Latanya Tanine Browner© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ LATANYA TANINE BROWNER© ", corp.sole Dba.: " LATANYA T BROWNER© ", 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 The Moorish Empire, Estados alMarikanos, 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: " Latanya Tanine Browner© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " latanya tanine browner 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: Public Health, California Department of, STATE OF CALIFORNIA: STATE FILE NUMBER: 001759854: " LATANYA TANINE BROWNER © ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " LaTanya Tanine Browner 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: " latanya tanine browner bey© ", nom deguerre: " Latanya Tanine Browner© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " LaTanya Tanine Browner 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.

Washington Informer Declaration of Nationality Protocol In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Mayah Mitchell©” a.k.a, “Mayah Brooks©”, a.k.a.",”Malikita Brooks©” and any and all derivatives in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: "MITCHELL,MAYAH", corp. sole Dba: "MAYAH BROOKS©","MALIKATA BROOKS©","NABILAH AZAD EL©","THE COOKING CAMPUS©", “MALIKATA CAPEHART©",”JOSHUA KHALIL CAPEHART©", "MAYAH CAPEHART©", "MALIKATA HERBERT© ,”MISSY BROOKS©”, MISSY HERBERT©”, “MAYAH MITCHELL EL©”, “MALIKITA BROOKS©",: " As natural mother, and guardian of: "Joshua Khalil Capehart", the beneficiary and heir of: “CAPEHART, JOSHUA KHALIL ©”, corp. sole Dba.: "JOSHUA K CAPEHART”, “JOSHUA CAPEHART”, “CAPEHART JOSHUA”, “JOSH CAPEHART, “JOSH K CAPEHART”, “ JOSHUA KHALIL AZAD EL”. 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: "Mayah Mitchell©”, a.k.a, “Malikata Brooks©", a.k.a,”Malikita Brooks©” and any and all derivatives in full life from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "nabilah azad el”. My beloved son, "Joshua Khalil Capehart", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ joshua khalil azad el” ". 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: State Registar Office of Vital Statistics and Registry : DBA : STATE OF NEW JERSEY: STATE FILE NUMBER, 341-019:, "MAYAH MITCHELL ©", "MAYAH BROOKS©","MALIKATA BROOKS©", “MALIKITA BROOKS©”, "NABILAH AZAD EL©","THE COOKING CAMPUS©", “MALIKATA CAPEHART©”, "JOSHUA KHALIL CAPEHART©", "MAYAH CAPEHART©", "MALIKATA HERBERT©” ,”MISSY BROOKS©”, “MISSY HERBERT©”, “MAYAH MITCHELL EL©”, “MALIKITA BROOKS©", & GEORGIA OFFICE OF HEALTH OFFICE OF VITAL RECORDS: STATE FILE NUMBER, 06-923-0183: "JOSHUA K CAPEHART”, “JOSHUA CAPEHART”, “CAPEHART JOSHUA”, “JOSH CAPEHART”, “JOSH K CAPEHART”, “ JOSHUA KHALIL AZAD EL” , is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " JoshZen 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 / Guardian: " nabilah azad el”, nom deguerre: "Mayah Mitchell©”, a.k.a, “Mayah Brooks©”, a.k.a, “Malikata Brooks©", a.k.a, “Malikita Brooks©” and any and all derivatives in full life ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "Prana Trust", or : JoshZen Trust", both Trusts being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee /donee / debtor. All Attorneys with a License from the BAR Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " Prana Trust and/or JoshZen Trust© ", property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom’s interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75-583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. 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. Deo volente.

Declaration of Nationality Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

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

Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Kevin Alfons Frey© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " FREY, KEVIN ALFONS© ", corp. sole Dba.: " KEVIN ALFONS FREY© ", 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: "Kevin Alfons Frey© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " kev frey el© ". 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: 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: New Jersey Vital Statistics, State File Number: 129/5796/ A0015104908, "KEVIN ALFONS FREY© ", is as a special deposit order conveyed to "Tribal Of Kevin Alfons Frey 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: "kev frey el© ", nom deguerre: "Kevin Alfons Frey© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Tribal Of Kevin Alfons Frey 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.

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TAX from Page 12 bipartisan support.” After the legislation became law, prices decreased at gas stations throughout the state. For instance, drivers paid $4.29 per gallon for regular gasoline March 15 at a Sunoco station in Largo. The price for the same type of gas Saturday, March 19: $4.03. The state tax also applies to diesel fuel which costs about 37 cents per gallon. The estimated price drivers could save at the pump to fill up a 12-gallon tank will be slightly more than $4. According to AAA, the state’s average price for regular gas per gallon stood at $4.17 on Friday. It decreased to about $3.96 on Saturday. The national average price per gallon on Saturday was $4.27. Fuel prices increased for the past several weeks after Russia, a major global exporter of oil, invaded neighboring Ukraine. U.S. officials responded by imposing financial sanctions on Russia that included importing Russian oil. Maryland could lose nearly $100 million during what state officials labeled the “holiday gas tax” which helps replenish the state’s transporta-

LEGAL NOTICES Declaration of Nationality In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special appearance: I am that I am: “Derrick Mahoney©”, in full life, in propia persona, sui juris, in solo propio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ DERRICK MAHONEY”, corp.sole Dba.: “DERRICK MAHONEY©”, 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 The Moorish Empire, 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: “Derrick Mahoney©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality/ Status/ Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “derrick Mahoney©”. 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: STATE FILE NUMBER, South Carolina 139-1959-038823: DERRICK MAHONEY, MAHONEY, DERRICK©”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Destan Michael 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/ Principle/ Creditor: ” derrick mahoney©”, nom deguerre: “DERRICK MAHONEY©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Destan Michael Trust©”, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Devine 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

tion trust fund to repair roads, bridges and conduct transit projects. Lawmakers pledged to use some of the $7.5 billion surplus money to help cover the loss in revenue. For gas retailers, there’s no legal authority for them to participate. However, the state will refund any retailers who paid 36 cents per gallon just before the holiday gas tax went into effect. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot said “the hammer’s going to come down” on those businesses who don’t act in good faith to drop their gas prices. Franchot suggested his office could revoke licenses of retailers who don’t participate but he expressed optimism that wouldn’t happen because retailers would show their “patriotism” after he and his staff communicated with hundreds of business owners. “They’re good people. They want to do the right thing,” he said. “We may get a little bit rough around the edges but nothing that’s going to be interfering in how they’re going to benefit from this.” Franchot used this example of “capitalism competition.” “If I see a station that’s got gas for a penny less than the one across the street, I’ll go to that one and most people do,” he said. Based on the economy, the comptroller’s office noted gas prices can fluctuate, even in a single day. However, it will not include the state’s gas tax. Several other states either continue to contemplate or have already passed similar legislation to suspend a gas tax. Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp signed legislation Friday to temporarily suspend the state’s gas tax through May 31. In neighboring Virginia, Gov. Glenn Youngkin wants to suspend the gas tax in the Commonwealth for three months. He estimates the measure would save drivers 26 cents per gallon. Back in Maryland, Jones said the 30-day tax suspension comes as a response to an extraordinary circumstance from Russia’s attack on Ukraine. “When we’re in session, it’s easy to get tunnel vision and get caught up in the minutia of Maryland politics but the rising spikes at the gas pump, at the grocery and elsewhere are hard to ignore,” she said. “They quickly remind us that we live in a global economy. We’re all connected.” WI @WJFjabariwill

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nominated more Black women to the federal courts than any president in history. National Urban League and the Urban League have long shared this commitment to gender equality. From Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer, women have been the driving force in the fight for equal rights. The National Urban League was co-founded by philanthropist and social activist Ruth Standish Baldwin in 1910. More than half of our 91 affiliates are led by dynamic women CEOs, and nearly 70 percent of the National Urban League's senior vice president and vice president positions are held by women. Women's History Month is not only a celebration of women's achievements of the past, but of women who are making history today. Among the honorees at the National Urban League's most recent Women of Power Awards were Stacey Abrams, who confronted voter suppression in Georgia and inspired an estimated 800,00-plus new voters to register through her efforts;

BOOKER-DREW from Page 31 at what they saw in front of them. Despite God's reassurance that He would be there with them, when faced with something unexpected, they wanted to go in another direction. They were not prepared to be chased by the Egyptian army and they didn't expect God to part the Red Sea for their deliverance. "And Moses said to the people, "Do not be afraid. Stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord,

immunologist Kizzmekia S. Corbett, whose research was central to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and treatment; and Amanda Gorman, who inspired the nation as the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration and became the first National Youth Poet Laureate. As we celebrate the progress women — especially Black women — have made in recent years, it's important to recognize the work we have yet to do. The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, and Black women are about three times

more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women, yet reproductive rights are under attack across the nation. Women still are paid only 84 cents for every dollar paid to men, and Black women are paid only 63 cents for every dollar paid to white men. President Obama once said there is no greater form of patriotism than the belief that "it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals." Achieving and protecting the equal rights of all women is among the most sacred of those ideals. WI

The United States has the highest maternal mortality rate among developed countries, and Black women are about three times more likely to die during pregnancy or shortly after birth than white women, yet reproductive rights are under attack across the nation.

which He will accomplish for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall see again no more forever. The Lord will fight for you, and you shall hold your peace." (Exodus 14:13-14). Like me, they wanted to move and do something because of they weren't prepared for the unexpected. Just as God calls us to be still in moments when things don't go our way, we are losing peace trying to create solutions. Over and over, God proved that He was with them and yet, their limited

thinking cost them so much time. A trip that would have taken 11 days resulted in a 40-year journey because they weren't willing to wait and trust God. I learned a valuable lesson this weekend. Expect interruptions and detours. It doesn't mean that God isn't at work in those moments. And check this out — I got to my destination when I needed to. It was all a part of God's perfect timing when I accepted the unexpected. WI

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Make plans with the National Cherry Blossom Festival this spring with four weeks of fun-filled events for the whole family, including:

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