The Washington Informer - March 2, 2023

Youth Continue to Weigh in

on Public Safety Issues

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Amid demands for more police, some young people are calling for more of a nuanced response to the epidemic of youth violence and crime gripping the District. Their solutions involve addressing bullying and the culture of low expectations that young people encounter in the school system.

For some people, like AaLiyha Bunter, lowering crime also means realizing police officers can do only but so much to make communities safer, oftentimes because of the harsh manner in which they interact with District residents.

“I hear about police killing Black

folks and hurting innocent people,” said AaLiyha, a 13-year-old Southeast resident. “I don’t see them always being the solution for violence happening in the city. Police officers can be helpful when they are around communities and helping somebody in need. When they see something, they can ask questions because a situation may not seem how it looks.”

EXAMINING A POLARIZING TOPIC

AaLiyha counted among several young people who converged on R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Southeast for a youth hearing that

SAFETY Page 45

Councilmember McDuffie Makes Another Attempt at Reparations Task Force

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Member

Over the last couple of years, state and local governments have either commissioned a reparations task force or secured a form of recompense for African Americans whose descendants experienced chattel slavery. With the reintroduction of his legislation, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) hopes to guide the District along a similar track.

McDuffie recently reintroduced the Reparations Foundation Fund and Task Force Establishment Act. If passed, the legislation would establish a nine-member task force to study and develop reparations proposals for African Americans living in the District -- and especially those who descended from enslaved people. It

REPARATIONS Page 46

Medical Aid in Dying Appears Poised to Pass

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Greg, who chose not to offer his last name, was one of the dozens of volunteers who took to Annapolis’ Treasury Building and outside on Lawyer’s Mall on Feb. 21 to prepare for lobbying on the main issue of the day: medical aid in dying.

“I was asked by a good friend to buy a gun to shoot himself. He has emphysema, was dying a slow and painful death. I said never again,” Greg declared.

Medical aid in dying, also known as assisted suicide or physician-assisted suicide, allows terminally ill patients to self-administer fatal medications in consultation with a doctor. Currently, this practice is legal in 10 states and the District of Columbia.

“This is the year we’re gonna pass this bill,” said Donna Smith, state director for the Compassion and Choices Action Network, to a roar of applause.

She explained that the bill will likely pass in the Senate Judiciary

MEDICAL AID Page 45

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5Councilmember KenyanMcDuffie (I-At-Large) reintroduced the Reparations Foundation Fund and Task Force Establishment Act. (WI File Photo/ Marckell Williams)

5 Several young people who converged on R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center in Southeast for a youth hearing that D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) conducted on Feb. 25. (D.R. Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

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Proposed Florida Bill Would Give Governor Control Over State’s Higher Education System

In what critics call the most racist, sexist, homophobic, and xenophobic bill crafted since the end of slavery in America, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his Republican cronies have authored a bill that takes “breathtaking control of viewpoint and content throughout all academic activity in the entire Florida system.”

HB 999 says that all colleges and universities must not spend money on education programs, or other things that support diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“This bill is a road map for wrecking one of our great state systems of higher education,” the University of Michigan Law Professor Julian Davis Mortenson tweeted.

The bill eliminates Women’s and Gender Studies as a major or minor at state colleges and universities. It dictates that there can’t be a major or minor that is “based on the belief system of Critical Race Theory.”

According to the text of the bill, the university president or board would do all faculty hiring. It asserts that they “may not delegate” any aspect of any hiring decision or hiring authority to any group or faculty however constituted.

Further, the bill asserts that they are “not required to consider recommendations or opinions of faculty.”

Jeremy C. Young, Pen America’s senior manager of Free Expression and Education, called the bill “terrifying.”

Pen America is a non-profit group that protects and promotes free speech around the world by promoting literature and human rights.

“Florida HB 999 would enact the most Draconian and censorious restrictions on higher education in the history of this country,” Young stated.

WI

Obesity Care Week 2023 Focuses on Communities of Color

Obesity Care Week 2023 (OCW) kicked off on Monday, Feb. 27, with a focus on the disproportionate impact of obesity on communities of color.

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

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PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

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

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

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

REPORTERS

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

PHOTOGRAPHERS

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

Health officials responsible for OCW explained racial and ethnic minorities experience higher rates of chronic diseases, including obesity, and African Americans are the group most affected.

According to recent data, almost 50% of African Americans have obesity, and approximately 4 out of 5 African American women are overweight or obese. The causes of obesity are complex, and access to af-

fordable healthy food, safe places to exercise and play, stable and affordable housing, access to quality health care, and social or cultural attitudes about body weight all play a role in the likelihood that a person will have obesity.

However, communities of color face unique challenges in each of these areas, health officials stated.

Food deserts, for example, disproportionately affect minorities, with just 8% of African Americans living in a census tract with a supermarket, compared to 31% of white Americans. This means that minorities more often shop in small delis or bodegas, or eat at fast food restaurants, where less fresh produce and more processed foods are available.

Founded in 2015, Obesity Care Week has a global vision for a society that understands, respects, and accepts the complexities of obesity and values science and clinically based care. WI

Howard U.’s Mechanical Engineering Dept. Gets a $1M Gift

Howard University announced Monday that the Department of Mechanical Engineering has received a $1 million donation from Autodesk Inc., the department’s largest-ever unrestricted gift.

The gift expands the department’s manufacturing and makes facilities and laboratory space available for students enrolled in the College of Engineering and Architecture. Autodesk and the university have had a five-year relationship, with programs ranging from paid externships for students, free access to its professional-level design software, and the opportunity to work on company projects.

“With this generous support from Autodesk, we are further equipped to strategically expand our… facilities, which serve our mechanical engineering students and ensure that Howard University students continue to have pathways that enable them to collaborate and develop innovative technologies that serve the public in-

terest,” said John Anderson, dean of the engineering department.

“Autodesk’s continued support of our faculty and students also positively impacts our efforts to train and develop engineers who become tomorrow’s leaders in education, government, and industry.”

Howard President Wayne A.I. Frederick praised the gift also, saying “our College of Engineering and Architecture has produced world-class engineers for more than 115 years, and this gift will allow us to strengthen and expand support for our talented students.”

Autodesk President and CEO Andrew Anagnost said “the talented students at Howard University are future innovators, and with our gift, Autodesk is honored to play a role in ensuring they have the resources and technology available to prepare for their careers.” WI

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

KingPen Slim Launches ”Rich Friends Showcase” at SongByrd Music House

New Series Featured Performances by DB Bantino and other “Rich Friends”

Ra-Jah Kelly

@Ra_jahDC

(IG)

As KingPen Slim launched his “Rich Friends Showcase” on Sunday, Feb. 26 at SongByrd Music House, the energy in the room was electric. The new series featured musicians from the DMV and other areas.

Hosted by P Stew, the first event featured performances by AnkleJohn, DB Bantino, Look Damien, Sincerest Don, Cel Marie.

“It was a night of love,” KingPen Slim reflected. “People came out and supported. People have jobs, families, responsibilities but [for them to] forgo all of that to come out and support me, I could not be more grateful.”

The music was provided by DJ Farrah Flosscett and live painting by ArtShop Cafe added to the ambience.

“The energy was there and it was infectious,” DB Bantino said.

“People said it was another level of music and that's what I wanted to deliver,” the artist added. “Shout out to Kingpen Slim for putting this event together.” WI

THE DC EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (DC EITC) is a special tax break, based on the federal EIC, designed specifically for low- and moderate-income workers.

NEW THIS YEAR, the DC EITC has been increased to 70% of the federal EIC. Additionally, individuals with qualifying children receiving the DC EITC will be paid differently than in previous years.

● Taxpayers will receive a refund equal to 40% of their federal EIC as usual after their return is processed.

● The balance of the EITC will be paid in equal monthly installments over the next 11 months.

5 KingPen Slim performs at the “Rich Friends Showcase,” at SongByrd Music House on Feb. 26. (Courtesy Photo)

5 DB Bantino at the “Rich Friends Showcase” at SongByrd Music House on Feb. 26. (Courtesy Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

MARCH 5

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1770 – Crispus Attucks, widely considered to be the first American casualty in the American Revolutionary War, is killed in the Boston Massacre.

1939 – Acclaimed playwright Charles Fuller, best known for his Pulitzer-winning play "A Soldier's Play," is born in Philadelphia.

1985 – The U.S. Postal Service issues the eighth stamp in its Black Heritage series, honoring Mary McLeod Bethune.

MARCH 6

1857 – The U.S. Supreme Court issues a decision in the Dred Scott case, affirming the right of slave owners to take their slaves into the Western territories.

1957 – West African nation Ghana declares its independence from Great Britain.

MARCH 7

1927 – In the U.S. Supreme Court case Nixon v. Herndon, the court strikes down a Texas law forbidding Blacks from voting in the state Democratic Party primary.

WILT CHAMBERLAIN

MARCH 2

1807 – Congress votes to ban the African slave trade.

1867 – U.S. Congress enacts charter to establish Howard University in Washington, D.C.

1962 – Basketball great Wilt Chamberlain scores 100 points for the Philadelphia Warriors in a 169–147 win over the New York Knicks, an NBA record.

1990 – Carole Gist becomes the first African American to be crowned as Miss USA.

MARCH 3

1821 – Thomas L. Jennings patents a dry-cleaning process, becomes the first Black American to receive a patent. 1836 – Jefferson Franklin Long, the first African American from Georgia to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, is born in Knoxville, Georgia.

1865 – The Freedmen's Bureau, a federal government agency that aided freed slaves in the South during the Reconstruction era, is established.

1991 – Black motorist Rodney King is beaten by Los Angeles Police Department officers following a high-speed car chase. The incident is captured on video and incites a massive riot in Los Angeles after the officers' acquittals a year later.

MARCH 4

1877 – Black inventor Garrett Morgan is born in Paris, Kentucky.

1954 – J. Ernest Wilkins Jr. is appointed assistant secretary of labor by President Eisenhower, becoming the first African American to hold a sub-cabinet position in the federal government.

1942 – The first class of African American pilots at Tuskegee Army Air Field completes advanced pilot training. 1965 – The Selma to Montgomery marches, held to champion voting rights for African Americans and in protest of segregation, begin in Selma, Alabama.

MARCH 8

1825 – Alexander Thomas Augusta, the first Black professor of medicine in the United States and the Army's first African American physician, is born in Norfolk, Virginia.

1876 – PBS Pinchback, the nation's first Black governor, is denied by Congress a U.S. Senate seat he won four years earlier.

1993 – Famed jazz singer Billy Eckstine dies in Pittsburgh at 78 from complications following a heart attack. WI

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Howard University’s swim and dive team, in an HBCU first, covered Sports Illustrated Daily as the country’s only all-Black collegiate aquatics team. Additionally, on Saturday, the team closed its memorable season with its first conference title in 34 years. What are your thoughts?

CARLTON BARRY / NEW YORK

Congratulations, Howard University Swim and Diving team!

BRIAN MOSS / MOUNT HOLLY, NORTH CAROLINA

Love this go, Howard. I fondly remember being one of two Black members of my swim team in high school, and of course, we caught hell, but we held our own. I love to swim to this day, 40 years later.

SHANNA MAYES / WASHINGTON, DC

Congratulations to you all! This is so awesome. We can do anything! So very, very proud of their accomplishments!

ORA YORK / LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA

I would be happy for Sports Illustrated if they displayed this without it being Black History Month. We make history every day!

BILLY DIXON / BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

This is possible when we value our worth and invest in our future.

Meet Amerrah Garrison, A Rising Hollywood Star and Lover of ‘People Stories’

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Amerrah Garrison, also known as A.G. Oktoberose, has won Char’Actors “AGON,” known as “Michigan’s Great Ultimate Monologue Slam.”

A performance or competition known as a “monologue slam” is quite comparable to the more well-known “Poetry Slam.” In this version, however, actors gather, and each perform their own prepared monologue.

The event, which took place during Black History Month in Detroit, brought together actors, comedians and poets to compete in front of a critical audience.

Despite being her first time participating in a monologue slam, Garrison emerged victorious.

In an interview with the Informer, the Detroit native talked about her excitement, saying, “It was my first monologue slam, and I was very nervous and anxious. But it was the best of Michigan.”

Garrison had to dig deep into her feelings to prepare for the competition so she could play a pregnant young woman with HIV.

“I was wrapped in emotion,” the excited thespian exclaimed.

“I had to portray a pregnant young woman who contracted HIV and whose husband had died. It was intense. To prepare for my monologue, I researched

all I could on living with HIV and AIDS. In the end, I learned so much, and I know that’s what really helped me.”

Her intense performance impressed the judges, earning her the coveted title of winner.

Garrison, who is also an actress, model, writer, and singer, has over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is an inducted member of the International Thespian Society and a former MIFA Forensic theatre league regional champion.

Additionally, she has graced several runways and stages across Michigan, earning recognition as a published model and stylist in The Native Detroiter, Walk Magazine, Metro Mix, and Malvie Noir France.

In an interview after the event, Garrison credited her coach and mentor, Shiek Mahmud-Bey, for pushing her to the next level.

She posted a monologue on Instagram for critique, and he saw it.

He congratulated her and said, “Yes, you can act, now let me show you how to take it to the next level.”

Mahmud-Bey invited her to his class, and everything changed.

She said she learned to look at scripts differently and can now tell if someone is acting or if they’re committed to the role.

“Shiek brings out that rawness. He pushed me from the day I met him,” Garrison asserted.

Garrison’s passion for acting has been with her since childhood.

“I grew up doing theater but started taking it seriously in high school. It was always a creative process,” she said. “I read books like Swiss Family Robinson as a 10-year-old and tried to act them out and have my siblings join.”

The multifaceted artist emphasized that performing has kept her focused on goals.

“Actually,” Garrison added, “this was a way to have a career and not get in trouble for it. This is what I want to do.”

Mahmud-Bey said Garrison’s win at the monologue slam is a testament to her talent and hard work.

He said that her commitment to her craft and her desire to give her characters depth and emotion would help her stand out in the business.

“I’ve always been fascinated with people's stories,” Garrison insisted. “I always seek to find what’s beneath the surface with people. There is no dream role, I like to work, but people inspire me.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Multifaceted artist Amerrah Garrison won “AGON,” an ultimate monologue slam. (Courtesy Photo)

University of Maryland Names Building in Honor of Thurgood

Marshall

School of Public Policy Honors First Black Supreme Court Justice

Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

The University of Maryland (UMD) announced its newly opened School of Public Policy building will bear the name of civil rights lawyer and former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

Throughout his career, Marshall played a key role in breaking down barriers for Black and African American students, including the desegregation of the University of Maryland, said the university.

“Thurgood Marshall was a trailblazer for justice and a pioneer as the first African American to serve on the Supreme Court,” said UMD President Darryll J. Pines.

“He fought for landmark civil rights cases, including access to our university by all of its citizens. Assigning his name to the School of Public Policy building honors his contributions to our university, state, and nation.”

Born in Baltimore, Marshall was rejected from the University of Maryland School of Law in 1930 because he was Black.

Soon after he graduated from Howard University Law School, where he was ranked first in his class, Marshall joined the NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund.

He sued the University of Maryland on behalf of another Black student seeking admission to the law school and was part of the team that launched successful legal battles against the university on behalf of Parren Mitchell and Hiram Whittle, who were denied admission based on their race.

In 1950, Mitchell became the first Black student to take graduate classes on the College Park campus, and a year later, Whittle enrolled as the university’s first

Black undergraduate student.

Marshall went on to argue the landmark case Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka, which declared segregation unconstitutional. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1967 and held the role of associate justice for 24 years.

“It is an honor to see the School of Public Policy building at the University of Maryland named after our father,” the Marshall family said in a statement.

“This recognition serves as a testament to his legacy as an unapologetic trailblazer for justice and equality. The inspiring work the School does every day to create the next generation of students embodies what was at his core—ensuring a more just and equitable world for all.”

The university said Thurgood Marshall Hall supports the school’s mission to advance the public good by drawing together students, faculty, and other experts to foster world-changing policy discourse and action.

The 77,000-square-foot building opened in the fall of 2022 and offers state-of-the-art teaching and collaborative spaces for students, faculty, and staff.

“There is no better name to bestow on this building than Thurgood Marshall’s,” said Robert C. Orr, dean of the School of Public Policy.

“Justice Marshall’s legacy in dismantling segregation, strengthening voting rights, and promoting equal protection for every American is an inspiration to all of us. His work through the NAACP, the U.S. justice system and the Supreme Court serve as an important reminder of the role we play as policymakers in advancing the public good, both here at home and across the globe.”

WI

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5 In this 1950 photo by Paul Henderson, then-NAACP lawyer Thurgood Marshall (fifth from right) is shown with other civil rights activists, including future UMD students Hiram Whittle (sixth from right) and Parren Mitchell (far right). (Courtesy Photo/ University of Maryland Center for History and Culture)

AROUND THE REGION

Newsletter

On Feb. 27, Giant Food donated $50K to help Martha’s Table make a difference in the lives of underserved DC residents.

(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

“Without faith, nothing is possible. With it, nothing is impossible.”

– Mary McLeod Bethune

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Washington Informer)

Francesca Scott reads the Washington Informer. (Shevry Lassiter/The

Pigskin Club Honors Athletes, Coaches and Community Service Leaders

Edward Hill WI Contributing Writer

In a successful night of celebrating athleticism and scholarship, Pigskin Club of Washington held its annual Fall Sports Awards Banquet on Feb. 24 at the Pryzbyla Center on the campus of Catholic University.

The organization, believed to be the first among Blacks in this country of its kind, was formed to honor the achievements of high school and college athletes and coaches as well as community influencers. It was founded in 1938 and has grown to include an All-Academic team. In its growth, the organization was able to include spring sports five years ago.

The highlight of this year's event was the recognition of Caleb Williams, the first-ever Heisman Trophy winner from the DMV to be so recognized. A winner of the top high school award three years ago, Williams, who attends the University of Southern California, was not able to attend. However, the winner provided an inspirational message to the athletes in attendance via video.

"I am honored to accept this prestigious award from the Pigskin Club," said Williams, who is completing his sophomore year and who prepped at the District’s Gonzaga College High School.

"The key to my success has been a strong work ethic that was instilled in me by my parents and my coaches at Gonzaga. But one of the most important things that I can leave with you is to make sure that you incorporate service in the lives of others. It is important."

The ceremony boasted yet another special awardee in Nyckoles Harbor, who just signed to attend the University of South Carolina as the top two-sport athlete in the country. Harbor, who ran track and played football at Archbishop Carroll in Washington, D.C., was also named to the All-Academic team.

"This is such a great honor to be recognized for your accomplishments," said Harbor. "It means a

lot to not only myself, but to these other athletes here tonight."

There were MVPs named in several of the fall sports including volleyball, field hockey, golf, cross country and soccer along with the coach of the year awards in those respective sports.

The All-Met football team was very impressive as most of the awardees have already committed to such football powers as Ohio State, the University of Maryland, Penn State, Morgan State and Alabama among others. Darryl Overton of Freedom-Woodbridge High School was named coach of the year for high school football.

On the college side along with Williams, Rakim Garrett of the University of Maryland received the Frank P. Bolden Awards for the All-Metropolitan Football Player of the Year and his coach, Mike Locksley, who attended Ballou High School, was the All-Metropolitan Coach of the Year after leading the Terps to a bowl victory.

In a special category, Shaquanda Gainey (offense) and Narcesca

Arzu (defense) of the Divas football team were named Outstanding Professional Players of the Year.

In the community service category Miles Rawls, of George Goodman Basketball League, Marvin Tucker, of One City All-Star Extravaganza (OCASE) Foundation, and Lloyd Mayes, of DM-Athletes in Action, Inc. were honored for their work.

Perhaps the most intriguing awardee of the night was Mitch Credle. Credle is a former decorated homicide detective in the city, a former athlete, high school basketball coach, novelist, filmmaker, entrepreneur and teacher, specializing in behavioral science.

"If there is one thing I would like to leave the athletes here with is, what happens when the air is out of the ball?", challenged Credle. "It is going to happen. Trust me. It is good that you have these God-given talents and you want to pursue your dreams in sports. But it is important that you prepare for when the air goes out of the ball." WI

5 Mitch Credle, a man of many talents, and a former athlete, receives the 2023 Pigskin Club Award of Excellence at Pryzbyla Center on the campus of Catholic University on Feb. 24. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Meet Prince George’s County Barrier Breaking Ashanti Martinez

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Following the appointment of longtime Senator Paul Pinsky (D) to lead the Maryland Energy Administration and Delegate Alonzo Washington (D) to his Senate seat, a vacancy was left in District 22 in the Maryland General Assembly, and the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee voted to appoint Ashanti Martinez

(D) to the House of Delegates. Sworn in Friday, Feb. 24, Martinez is the first Afro-Latino to represent District 22 and first openly LGBTQIA+ individual to represent Prince George’s in the House of Delegates. The barrier-breaking leader said his experiences growing up and serving in Maryland will guide his tenure and priorities in office.

The DMV is Martinez’s home. Before studying at Howard Uni-

versity, Martinez attended school at St. Mary’s Landover Hills on Annapolis Road and graduated from Parkdale High School in Riverdale. While at Parkdale, Martinez was active in student organizations, including the Student Government Association.

“Parkdale taught me my voice

mattered. Throughout my career as a nonprofit lobbyist, legislative staffer and community advocate, I’ve used my voice to bring people together to deliver results,” he explained.

Helping others has always been a priority for Martinez. Alongside personal activism, the delegate

Rent Stabilization Efforts Pass in Mount Rainier, Likely to Pass County Council

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

ARETHA

has worked with CASA as an advocate, supported immigration reform in Congress, and fought for completing the Purple Line without displacing working-class communities around it.

Martinez ran for the House of Delegates twice and also worked heavily with Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-District 21) during her run for Congress. Peña-Melnyk is now the Chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee.

While he has plenty of legislative experience, he is unlikely to introduce legislation this year as the bill filing deadline has already passed. Instead, he plans to use his committee assignment to review existing bills and make sure his district and county are included. Martinez is open to serving on any of the various House committees. The Ways and Means Committee is his most likely assignment as that committee has fewer members than the other five major committees.

DISTRICT24

With successful legislation having passed in Mount Rainier, with a unanimous vote, to ensure rent stabilization on Feb. 21, other parts of Prince George’s County are gearing up for the same fight. On the same February day– which was also “Fat Tuesday”-- District 7 Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D) introduced CB-23, the Prince George’s County Rental Assistance Program and Rental Assistance Fund.

Prior to the Mount Rainier vote, Takoma Park was the only town in Maryland with rent stabilization in place.

Mount Rainier Mayor Celina Benitez was the primary sponsor on the city’s legislation, and she plans to support Oriadha’s legislation at the county level. She thanked her City Council for

their support in passing the bill. The Board’s goal is to give renters a voice and with this, Benitez said, tenants will be better informed on housing choices and ensuring affordability.

“I have testified multiple times on her bill in support,” she said. “We stand 100% behind the bill and we thank her leadership, as well as her co-sponsors. We want to make sure we have all [the] tools to help our tenants.”

The Prince George’s County Rental Assistance Program and Rental Assistance Fund would provide rental assistance to county residents who make 60% of median income or less, granting up to six months of rental assistance every two years.

This follows two different bills aiming to ensure long-term rental affordability. One bill, introduced by Councilmember Oriadha, would cap most rent increases at 3%.

Another bill, introduced by Councilmember At Large Mel Franklin (D), would cap most rent increases at 20%. In an op-ed, Franklin characterized Oriadha’s legislation as “rent control” and stated that if it passed, it would lead to blight and harm economic growth in Prince George’s. During an interview with CTV, Laurel Councilmember At Large Martin Mitchell (D) characterized Franklin’s legislation as a “landlord bill” and highlighted the similarity between legislation brought to Laurel allowing 20% increases, requested by the Apartment and Office Building Association of Metropolitan Washington (AOBA).

According to Laurel Ward 1 Councilmember Carl DeWalt (R), Mitchell attempted to in-

RENT Page 14

When asked what his district needs from their newest Delegate, he said “District 22 needs a Delegate who is focused on championing issues for working class families such as stabilizing housing costs, tackling food insecurity, stopping corporate price gouging, and addressing our need for road and infrastructure improvements.” He pledges to prioritize community voices in his term of service.

While Martinez will be among the youngest Delegates in Annapolis this session, he is not the youngest. Del. Joe Vogel and Jeff Long are both Gen Zers, while Martinez, only slightly older, is a millennial.

Martinez’s advice for young candidates: “Simply be yourself, be comfortable showing up as your full authentic self. Your lived experience is what makes your perspective unique and your voice is needed in the halls of power.”

The millennial leader has already proven himself worthy among the likes of Central Committee Chair Kent Roberson.

"Mr. Martinez has demonstrated his dedication to advocacy for the citizens of Prince George's County and the state of Maryland. We are sure that his dedication will continue in his new role as Delegate." WI

5 Ashanti Martinez will soon be appointed to the House of Delegates. He has experience working with CASA and also served as the Chief of Staff for Councilmember Krystal Oriadha. (Courtesy Photo )

5 Councilmember Krystal Oriadha introduced the Prince George’s County Rental Assistance Program and Rental Assistance Fund on Feb. 21(Courtesy Photo)

Dereck Davis Sworn in as Maryland State Treasurer

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Former Delegate Dereck Davis

(D) was sworn in as the Maryland State Treasurer on Feb. 28. Following his election, he gave a speech to the House and State Senate on the statehouse floor to thank them for their support.

Davis is the second African-American to serve as Treasurer, following Carroll County Democrat Richard Dixon. Davis resigned his position as the Economic Matters Chairman in 2021 to become Treasurer following the retirement of Nancy Kopp, who served as Treasurer for 20 years.

The Treasurer is voted on a se-

cret ballot by the members of the General Assembly.

According to the state Treasurer’s website, the treasurer's duties include: maintaining an ongoing relationship with the rating agencies; conducting outreach with state agencies; keeping legislators informed of the operations of the state treasurer's office; and serving on numerous boards and commissions.

The State Treasurer’s responsibilities also include serving on the Board of Public Works, which votes on large state contacts. Governor Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman also serve on the Board of Public Works. WI

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7:00pm

5 Treasurer Dereck Davis pictured with his family shortly after being re-elected. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer )

5 Davis was sworn in surrounded by House Speaker Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County), Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City), Governor Wes Moore (D) and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller (D-Montgomery County). (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer )

BUSINESS

Congress Heights’ Monica Ray to Begin New Chapter Rules Out Bid for Ward 8 Council Seat

James Wright WI Staff Writer

One of Ward 8’s most respected business women has decided to take on a new role in her organization and life, but has made it clear that she has no interest in becoming a member of the D.C. Council.

Monica Ray, the executive director of the Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation (CHCTDC), announced this month that she will leave her post in late August. Ray, 50, and a resident of the Congress Heights neighborhood that sits in Ward 8, said, however, her retirement will be untraditional.

“I will not sit at home or travel the world like most people who are retired,” said Ray. “I have held two positions with the Congress Heights Community Training and Development Corporation [CHCTDC] and those have been executive director and president. I will step aside as the executive director.”

Ray joined the CHCTDC in

1993 after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

“The people I knew wanted to go two places after they finished college,” Ray said. “It was either Atlanta or Washington, D.C. I didn’t know anyone in Atlanta, but I had an aunt in D.C. So, I came to D.C.”

Ray had plans to attend the George Washington School of Law but Phinis Jones, the president of the Capitol Services Management Inc., and a longtime board member of the CHCTDC, talked her into coming to work with him. Ray said when she joined CHCTDC, Congress Heights had struggled as an economically viable neighborhood.

“Congress Heights was located in the forgotten area of town,” she said. “For the first 25 years working here, I had to work to get the neighborhood recognized. You have to keep in mind that when downtown is broke, Congress Heights is on life support.”

CHCTDC has successfully completed the renovation of the

Old Congress Heights School and it presently operates as a campus of the University of the District of Columbia. The employment and entrepreneurial programs it operates have placed hundreds into jobs throughout the D.C. region and helped people start their own businesses. When Ray took the job as executive director, the budget for CHCTDC came out to $500,000 but presently, it sits at $10 million.

Philip Pannell, the executive director of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC), speaks highly of Ray.

“There is so much that can be said about Monica Ray,” Pannell, 72, said. “February is Black History Month and March is Women’s History Month and Monica represents the intersectionality between those two months.”

Former D.C. Council member

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Sandy Allen (D-Ward 8) has known Ray for decades and credits her work in Congress Heights.

“I can hardly believe the great things she has done,” Allen, 79, said. “She came up with the slogan ‘Congress Heights Soul of the City.’ Monica Ray is the soul of the city. We thank you for all you have done.”

Cora Masters Barry, the former first lady of the District, said Ray is the best kept secret in town.

RENT from Page 12

troduce the bill to Laurel Council President Brencis Smith (D-Ward 2). This bill has, as of yet, not been introduced. Smith recently requested a pause of discussions in Laurel regarding rent stabilization, citing ongoing efforts at the county level.

Mitchell and DeWalt penned a press release indicating they plan to press forward with efforts nonetheless. DeWalt expressed support for Oriadha’s legislation and displeasure at Franklin’s legislation, categorizing it as an “application for the corporations and developers.”

Advocates against the bill, took to text to messages to advise county residents to testify against rent control, a blast paid for by the Prince George’s County Association of Realtors.

However, housing advocates, such as CASA organizer Trent León-Lierman, said "rent stabili-

“Monica is significant, rational and reasonable,” Barry, 77, said. “If she says it, I believe it. She is fair, thoughtful, not petty and not personal. She is a unique person.”

Tim White, who worked as the equitable development director in the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, will take Ray’s place as the CEO of CHCTDC. White, 40, said he finds Ray to be inspirational.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” White, who resides in Congress Heights, said. “It is good to have a mentor like her around. I will be able to bounce ideas off of her.”

Ray has been active in Ward 8 in such capacities as the vice chair of the ACC, founder and chair of the Cedar Hill Academy and the Community College Preparatory Academy, chair of the Congress Heights Destination Main Street, and as a leader in the Congress Heights Community Association.

Talk has emerged in ward political circles that Ray is interested in the Ward 8 council seat, with the election taking place next year.

“I have heard talk that the reason I am stepping down as executive director is due to my running for the Ward 8 council seat,” she said. “Let me make it clear I am not running. I have no interest in that.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

This bill has, as of yet, not been introduced. Smith recently requested a pause of discussions in Laurel regarding rent stabilization, citing ongoing efforts at the county level.

zation is the single most impactful policy to maintain affordable housing.”

“Elected officials that are passing rent stabilization at the local and county levels are putting their constituents before corporations,” León-Lierman emphasized. WI

5 Monica Ray speaks at a reception in her honor at the Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

2023 DREAM PITCH PROGRAM

The D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) announced the launch of the 2023 Dream Pitch Program recently.

The program, in its sixth year, will be conducted by DSLBD in concert with the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, D.C. Public Library, Congress Heights Training and Development Corporation and the Marshall Heights Community Development Organization. The Dream Pitch Competition gives participants a chance to pitch their business to a panel of judges and showcase the knowledge they gained through the program.

“Entrepreneurship is a lifestyle, and you must believe in your mission and yourself,” said DSLBD

Director Kristi Whitfield. “It takes vision, passion, dedication, and the strength to dream out loud and to persevere through hardships. Those concepts are essential to succeed in the Dream Pitch Program.”

Those who are participating in the competition will receive feedback from judges and resource partners. Participants are set to receive a pitch award be -

tween $2,000 and $7,500. Microbusiness owners who are accepted into the competitive program will receive training in how to make a business pitch, financial projects and accounting, marketing and branding, and mentorship. The program is open to small businesses with fewer than five employees located in Wards 7 and 8 and owned by residents of those wards. Those who participated in the 2022 Dream Pitch Program and received an award are not eligible.

TOWN OF FOREST HEIGHTS ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT SERIES

The Town of Forest Heights, Maryland will hold an economic empowerment series throughout the month of March and early April. The classes will take place every Saturday from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Forest Heights Municipal Building, located at 5508 Arapahoe Drive. On March 4, Jacqueline

Boles of Industrial Bank will present on Savings, Budgeting and Credit Scores; March 11 will have Joseph Joyner and Tamara Haskins of New York Life giving a presentation on Investing, Life Insurance and Long Term Care; March 18 will highlight Geena Young of Centric Business Solutions speaking on Planning, Starting and Exiting a Business; March 25, Simone Griffin of Home Free USA will talk about Planning for and Protecting Home Ownership and on April 1, Washington Informer stakeholder and life and legacy counselor Aimee Griffin will present on Generational Asset Protection and Transfer.

Forest Heights City Council President Troy Barrington Lilly will host the classes. Registration and the classes are free.

For more information, contact Sherletta Hawkins, Forest Heights Town Clerk, at shawkins@forestheightsmd.gov.

BWR TOP NATIONAL CHALLENGE

The National Coalition on Black

Civic Participation (NCBP) has launched its 4th Annual Black Women’s Roundtable (BWR) “Take It to The Top” National Entrepreneurship Challenge that started on Feb. 23 and will end on March 18 for the Mid-Atlantic region including the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The BWR TOP National Challenge is designed to support African American women and girl “ideapreneurs” and small minority women-owned start-up ventures as a pathway to wealth building for Black women and families. Mid-Atlantic Challenge participants must be bonafide residents of the District, Maryland, and Virginia.

The event includes live pitch competitions.

A live competition will close out the event during the 12th Annual BWR “Women of Power” National Summit, on March 17-18 at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland. The sign-up period ends March 10.

For more information and to sign up, go to www.blackwomensroundtable.com. WI

5 Kristi Whitfield is the director of the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development. (Courtesy Photo)

NATIONAL

certain Congressional records — specifically, previously unavailable video footage from the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021,” wrote Laura Handman, a lawyer representing the media outlets.

“We write to request that the News Organizations be granted access to these materials,” Handman said.

Black Press and Other Legacy Media Outlets Demand Access to Jan. 6 Footage

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the more than 230 African American newspapers and media companies in the United States, has asked House Speaker Kevin

McCarthy to share the same 41,000plus hours of security footage from the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol that he shared with Fox News.

Following the NNPA’s request, other media outlets have petitioned Congress for the footage.

“This is a serious matter of equal access to government information

to the Black Press of America, represented by the NNPA, and in specific reference to the fact that you have set a precedent by providing the footage to Fox News,” NNPA President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and NNPA Chair Karen Carter Richards wrote in their request.

The Associated Press, NBC News,

The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNBC, MSNBC, and Noticias Telemundo have also requested the video.

“We understand that in your capacity as Speaker of the House of Representatives, you recently provided the Tucker Carlson Tonight television program with access to

New Jersey Jumps Ahead in Teaching Black History

Stacy M. Brown

WI Senior Writer

Governor Phil Murphy announced the expansion of Advanced Placement (AP) African American Studies classes in New Jersey.

The governor made the announcement during Black History Month as he visited Sci-

ence Park High School in Newark.

Murphy said the AP African American Studies class would be taught in 26 New Jersey high schools during the 2023-2024 academic year.

Currently, only one school in New Jersey offers the class.

Murphy spoke to a large gathering at the high school about Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and his

administration’s recent decision to ban critical race theory in schools, including AP African American Studies.

In contrast, New Jersey will teach its students that Black History is American History, Murphy asserted.

In the 2023-2024 academic year, six schools in Newark will offer the AP African American Studies class.

“In order to truly understand the complexities of our nation, students must be able to learn about all the facets of American History,” said Newark Mayor Ras Baraka. “The study of African American History is integral in a child’s educational upbringing as it ensures that they learn a complete picture of what makes America, America.”

Florida isn’t the only state where critical race theory and certain books are banned, but some places are working to combat such ideals.

In Washington, D.C., a bill passed three years ago that would require all public schools to teach

African American history. D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie introduced the bill in 2020 which adds a course to help students learn more about American history. The legislation— the African American and Cultural Studies Inclusion Amendment Act of 2020 — would require counting the course toward graduation requirements.

A dozen Council members co-introduced the bill that also would require the District of Columbia Office of the State Superintendent of Education to develop an African American and Cultural Studies curriculum for high school students throughout the District.

This year, Republican state governors and administrations reportedly spent the weeks leading up to Black History Month debating whether teachers should discuss topics such as race, racism, and American history in the classroom.

During the ongoing revision process for the state history cur-

BLACK HISTORY Page 21

“There is no basis for further delaying granting this access — to these News Organizations or any other media outlets that make similar requests,” the lawyer concluded.

McCarthy’s office has not responded to multiple inquiries about access to the footage.

In a brief interview with The New York Times, he said, “I was asked in the press about these tapes, and I said they do belong to the American public. I think sunshine lets everybody make their own judgment.”

McCarthy told the head of the Jan. 6 committee last year that it was “imperative that all the information collected [from the probe] be preserved, not just for institutional prerogatives but for transparency to the American people.”

On his Monday show, Carlson said, “We believe we have secured the right to see whatever we want to see.”

He said the footage would be shown to the public next week.

Democrats have widely criticized McCarthy following Carlson’s announcement.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat, said the decision by McCarthy to turn over the video posed a security risk to lawmakers and Capitol staff.

Schumer added that the public release of the footage would compromise the safety of Congress and allow those who want to attack Congress to learn how Congress is protected.

The New York senator’s words echoed those of January 6 Select Committee Chair Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Mississippi Democrat.

In an exclusive 65-minute interview Tuesday with the NNPA’s live daily news show, Let It Be Known, Thompson demanded to see what document McCarthy signed with Fox News to transfer the footage.

“There are serious national security implications, a lot of what we saw and did not share with the public as a committee,” Thompson said in the no-holds-barred discussion with Black Press reporters on the program.

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Crowd of Donald Trump supporters marching on the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, ultimately leading to the building being breached and several injuries and deaths. (Courtesy Photo/ Wikimedia Commons)

5 Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka, NJIT President Joel S. Bloom and Newark Public Schools Superintendent Roger León with students during a press conference in New Jersey. (Courtesy Photo/ City of Newark)

HUD Assists Nearly 2 Million Homeowners Stay in their Homes

Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Our House Managing Editor

Despite the financial strains associated with the time, Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Marcia L. Fudge recently announced that approximately 2 million Americans were able to stay in their homes from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic through December 2022. This was accomplished as a result of programs operated by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) that allowed homeowners, struggling to meet their monthly mortgage payments due to the pandemic, to either pause or reduce payment or loan mediation adjustments, which prevented them from entering into foreclosure.

FHA MILESTONE

According to HUD, the FHA has assisted 1,845,000 individuals with mortgages to enter into an agreement with their banks to have payments placed in forbearance (paused or reduced) due to the pandemic. An additional 1.2 million were permitted to have any mortgage arrearages placed at the end of loans as well as resume monthly payments on a timely basis.

“Although the pandemic has ended, the economic effects will remain a challenge for the foreseeable future,” said Fudge. “These impactful and effective foreclosure prevention tools will help struggling borrowers find the right option to help them get back on their feet and keep them in their homes. These tools have been so successful already, which is why FHA worked to enhance them further and include more borrowers.”

COVID-19 NEGATIVELY IMPACTED BLACK HOMEOWNERS

“People like to say that the coronavirus is no respecter of race, class, or country, that the disease COVID-19 is mindless and will infect anybody it can. In theory, that is true,” wrote columnist Columnist Charles Blow. “But, in practice, in

the real world, this virus behaves like others, screeching like a heat-seeking missile toward the most vulnerable in society. And this happens not because it prefers them, but because they are more exposed, more fragile, and more ill.”

Moreover, the Black homeownership rate experienced a continuous decline since the Great Recession, and Black households have been disproportionately affected by predatory lending practices. And last summer, while announcing a plan to forgive student loan debt, President Joe Biden noted the intersection of such debt and homeownership.

“Many people cannot qualify for a mortgage because of student loan debts that are especially heavy on Black and Hispanic homeownership,” Biden said. “And the pandemic only made things worse.”

HELP IS AVAILABLE AT HUD

A COVID-19 toolkit has been extended to mid-2023 by the FHA to help all eligible borrowers who are struggling to avoid foreclosure, regardless of the reason for their hardship.

A HUD release states “Included in these new enhancements are updates that also increase the limit on the amount of interest-free arrearages that borrowers can pay at the end of their mortgage term to help maximize the number of borrowers able to retain their homes despite higher interest rates. The mandatory effective date of the changes is April 30, 2023, but mortgage servicers may begin offering these options to borrowers immediately.”

For additional information, visit www.hud.gov. WI

(Courtesy photo/HUD.gov)

Help Button Should Go Where You Go!

5 Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi (L, Rear) and Namibian President Hage Geingob (R, Rear) attend a launch of the usage of national identity cards as documents for cross-border travel at Mamuno Border Post, Botswana, on Feb. 24, 2023. Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Namibian President Hage Geingob on Friday launched the usage of national identity cards as documents for cross-border travel between the two countries. (Courtesy Photo/ Phenyo Moalosi/Xinhua)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Botswana, Namibia Launch Usage of National Identity Cards for Cross-Border Travel

Botswana President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Namibia’s President Hage Geingob on Friday, Feb. 24, launched the usage of national identity cards as documents for cross-border travel between the two countries, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Saturday, Feb. 25.

"The authorization of the use of national identity documents to cross our national borders is a clear demonstration of our steadfast commitment to promote relations between our countries and foster social cohesion among our citizens, as well as enhance regional cooperation and integration," Masisi said at the launching ceremony. He added the leaders found it necessary to commence this remarkable initiative, which is aimed at easing the movement of the citizens of the two neighboring countries.

Since Botswana and Namibia share a land border, while the communities on either side of the boundary speak the same language and share a common culture, Geingob said it makes perfect sense that effective and uncomplicated means of travel between respective communities should be facilitated.

"Let us celebrate this moment in history, a moment which defines our kinship and friendship, a moment that brings friends and relatives closer to one another," Geingob said.

The ceremony was conducted at Mamuno Border Post, southwest of Gaborone, the capital of Botswana.

"Mamuno Border Post is a strategic location with immense value and promising potential for tourism of the two countries," Masisi said, adding that the movement will be rolled out at other border posts between the two countries within the next financial year (2023/2024).

Botswana and Namibia share cultural, historic and family ties, and enjoy cordial bilateral relations. WI

Barbados International Food Science Centre a Boon for Exporters

Local producers and manufacturers of condiments and sauces in Barbados are already reaping benefits from taking their goods to the International Food Science Centre (IFSC) for processing, Barbados Today reported on Saturday, Feb. 25.

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5 President Mokgweetsi Masisi and Namibia’s President Hage Geingob on Friday, Feb. 24, launched the usage of national identity cards as documents for cross-border travel between the two countries, The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Andrea Burgess, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Investment Development Corporation, said as an Export Barbados initiative, the IFSC, which was opened last November, is proving instrumental in creating ready-for-export products that were already being shipped overseas.

“We recently had our first product that was produced specifically for export into the UK market. It was over 200 cases of pepper sauce for a supplier here in Barbados that we were able to produce, in just two days, to the manufacturer’s specifications. So, we were very excited about that because the facility was only opened on the 28th of November last year. So, in short order, we have been able to fulfill our mandate and from here we just plan to expand and to scale up,” Burgess said.

Currently, over 50 companies have signed up to use the facility to manufacture and export their product to regional and international markets.

“It’s a one-stop shop for the producers and manufacturers of condiments and sauces, and it is a model that we expect to roll out across our industrial estates to serve a wide variety of industry needs,” Burgess told reporters at Agrofest on the morning of Feb. 25. “The response has been wonderful so far, because it really is filling a need that was there. So, we have found that there is high demand for the service, and through this demand, we’re also uncovering new areas where we can support exporters.” WI

International Women’s Day

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia

The first National Woman’s Day was observed in the United States on February 28, 1909, in honor of garment workers striking against harsh working conditions.1 On March 19, 1911, the first International Women’s Day was observed as women worldwide demanded fair and equal treatment. On the 100-year anniversary in March 2011, former President Barack Obama honored this history by proclaiming March as Women’s History Month.2

WHAT IS INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY?

Marked annually on March 8, International Women’s Day is a worldwide observance celebrating the achievements of women across the globe. The day also acts as a call to action for groups to come together to celebrate women’s accomplishments, rally for women’s equality efforts, and fundraise for female-focused and owned charities.3 It is an occasion to celebrate the progress

made toward achieving gender equality, while also reflecting and striving for greater gender equality worldwide.1

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2023

The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is #EmbraceEquity. Equity is different from equality. Equality means an individual is given the same resources or opportunities as any other individual. Equity recognizes that each person is unique and gives different individuals different resources in order for everyone to be able to thrive.4 Each of us can actively support and embrace equity within our own community. We can all challenge gender stereotypes, call out discrimination, draw attention to bias, and seek to include everyone.5

WHO CAN CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY?

International Women’s Day is not for any single country, group, or organization.3 Celebrated around the world, it is a day when women are recognized

for their achievements regardless of the national, ethnic, linguistic, economic, political, sexual, or gender identities of those celebrating.6

The information in this article is to help you learn more about this topic. It is not to take the place of your health care provider. If you have questions, talk with your health care provider. If you think you need to see your health care provider because of something you have read in this information, please contact your health care provider. Never stop or wait to get medical attention because of something you have read in this material.

Sources:

1.“International Women’s Day,” UNESCO, https://www.unesco.org/en/days/ women

2.“History of International Women’s Day,” International Women’s Day, https://www.internationalwomensday. com/Activity/15586/The-history-of-IWD

3.“About International Women’s Day,” International Women’s Day, https://www.internationalwomensday. com/about

4.“Equity vs. Equality: What’s the Difference?” GW Online Public Health, https://onlinepublichealth.gwu.edu/resources/equity-vs-equality/

5.“International Women's Day 2023 Campaign Theme: #EmbraceEquity”, International Women’s Day,

https://www.internationalwomensday. com/theme

6. “History of Women’s Day,” United Nations, https://www.un.org/en/ observances/womens-day/background

All images are used under license for il-

lustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

Prioritizing Your Child’s Annual Well-Child Visit

As a parent, there is nothing more important than your child’s health. It is common for kids to get bumps as they explore the world around them or get a stomachache after eating too much of their favorite foods. Make sure that bump or upset tummy is nothing to worry about by taking your child to their yearly wellchild visit.

During your child’s appointment, you can expect:

• A physical exam,

• A growth and development check,

• A hearing and vision screening,

• Appropriate shots or vaccines,

• Lab testing (including blood lead levels),

• A mental health and risk behavior check, and

• Health education for you and your child.

Please make sure to bring a copy of the Universal Health Certificate to all well-child visits, lead screenings, and COVID-19 vaccinations. Use this form to report your child’s physical health to their school or child care facility. It is available online at www.dchealth. dc.gov/node/113622.

If your child is an AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) enrollee, you can find a child health provider and a dental provider by going to www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com or by calling Enrollee Services at 1-800-4087511. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees younger than 21 get well-child visits at no cost. Enrollees also get rides to and from health care appointments, including well-child visits, at no cost. Call 1-800-315-3485 to schedule a ride.

HEALTH

Managing Mental Health While Homeless How Do The Homeless Cope When Scrambling For Housing?

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Freezing temperatures, sleeping on an empty stomach, and working to navigate a stable enough space to store belongings are just a few of many pressing issues faced by homeless populations. With the recent upheaval of homeless encampments throughout the nation’s capital, the mental health of displaced individuals stands in great vulnerability as they scramble for resources to stabilize themselves.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,

individuals experiencing homelessness are exposed to significantly increased risk for infectious and non-infectious diseases including; viral hepatitis (most likely hepatitis C), tuberculosis (TB), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), while many are simultaneously facing mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorder, heart and lung disease, and diabetes. Health threats reach beyond physical ailments, as the crisis of homelessness additionally plagues one’s emotional stability.

“People experiencing homelessness are at risk of developing mental illnesses, such as anxiety,

depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” according to the CDC.

When digging into the behavioral patterns of displaced residents across the region, mental illness plays a significant factor in the apparent discourse that constantly concerns city officials, while the emotional and physical distress of homelessness similarly ignites risks concerning drug abuse, and at times, violent outbreaks - a cocktail that the District has deemed too dangerous of a scenario to exist in some of the city’s most populous neighborhoods.

The Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Wayne Turnage publicly spoke to the rising concern of increasing incidences of violence and drug use throughout the McPherson Square encampment, which became the said explanation for its displacement.

“When we read about the incident of a woman being doused in urine, over her head, [and] put the knowledge of the fact that three people died from either combination of exposure or drug overdoses, we knew it was getting out of hand and we had to do something,” Turnage stated.

But despite the number of re-

ported complaints against the homeless residents, the numbers do not outweigh the rates of violence and drug abuse within communities of housed residents across the city. Likewise, unlike their respective counterparts, homeless individuals have significant barriers to access healthcare services, with frequent lapses in medical attention often leading to worsening health outcomes and increasing morbidity rates.

The trauma of displacement is undeniably damaging to the psyche, coupled with an increasing absence of available shelter beds across the city, which continues to leave many homeless residents

grappling with the arduous task of managing where their next safe space or even meal will come from.

During the latest D.C. Interagency Council on Homelessness (ICH) meeting at the beginning of February, local advocates and officials working with homelessness issues in D.C. shared the growing concern of city shelters reaching capacity.

“I think we’re fine right nowbut, with PEP-V and the other shelters they said they are closing at that meeting, that’s problematic,” Kate Coventry, deputy director of legislative strategy at the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute, recently told Street Sense Media. WI

“People experiencing homelessness are at risk of developing mental illnesses, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD),” according to the CDC.

5 According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, individuals experiencing homelessness are facing mental illness, alcohol and substance use disorder, heart and lung disease, and diabetes. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

Discussing Black Health as Black History Month Wraps Up

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Writer

Physicians and government officials alike talked about equity, inclusion and African American health priorities as the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) hosted its first Black Health Summit in Washington, D.C. Featuring panel discussions, the summit shared national leaders and healthcare provider’s observations on how to build towards a better tomorrow for underserved citizens.

While honoring the season of African American History, the summit discussed conversations concerning health and health outcomes most prevalent in Black communities including: safety concerns, access to healthcare and mental health resources, and maternal health.

“It is easier to build strong children than it is to build broken men. A healthcare system that lets people fall through the cracks is not really a healthcare system, but an ill-care system,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra in his opening remarks. Becerra also highlighted communities of color increasing vaccination rates and more enrollment in the Affordable Care Act.

The summit opened with a panel addressing mental health in Black communities, featuring Keisha Lance Bottoms, senior advisor to the president for public engagement,

BLACK HISTORY from Page 16

riculum in Virginia, state education officials who were appointed by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin have proposed shifting the focus away from Black and Native people as the primary topic of study.

Eighteen state laws have taken effect over the last three years that limit what teachers can say about race and the country's history of race relations.

“Unlike what Florida’s Governor and other anti-Black history Governors across the country, Governor Murphy is prioritizing

and Miriam Delphin-Rittmon, administrator of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. The two discussed the increase in adult and youth suicide rates, as the pandemic created a breeding ground of lethal stress for a bounteous population of people. HHS is working to tackle suicide rates and ensure the country’s cultural competency in responding to various people and backgrounds when having mental health crises.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and Rep. Lauren Underwood (D-Illinois) discussed Black maternal health. Underwood, who has authored maternal health legislation and Brooks-LaSure, discussed factors and efforts needed to reduce Black maternal mortality rates across the nation.

The health professionals and speakers also stressed the importance of normalizing conversations about mental and maternal health, so it becomes a more palpable topic to discuss across a lifespan. They also emphasized knowing when to attend to oneself in order to maintain peace and balance mental health.

“The power of the pause is such an important part of healthcare. Often for me, I know when it is time to go hiking, or kayaking to recharge for a bit,” Dephin-Rittmon said. WI

the truth,” said Rev. Dr. Charles F. Boyer, Founding Director of Salvation and Social Justice.

“Black history is American history and when we don’t tell the whole story not only do we further marginalize and oppress a whole portion of Americans, but we also lie to ourselves and are doomed to make the same deadly mistakes.

“We applaud the Governor and look forward to this being coupled with a commitment from every school district to prioritize the Amistad law.”

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

We're in Your Corner

5 Students from CUNY School of Medicine meet with HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. (Courtesy photo/US Dept. of Health and Human Services)

When it Rains, it Pours: Understand Your Home’s Flood Risk Before the Next Storm Hits

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Six months after Deborah Wiggins bought her home near D.C.’s northeast border, she found herself watching as three feet of water rose in her yard, seeping into her home. During the deluge of rain that hit the region on Sept. 10, 2020, flash floods across Northeast stranded cars and damaged homes.

“I watched the water swirl into my yard,” Wiggins recalled. “The water came up the steps onto my porch. It came into the house, filled my house quickly.”

Not sure what else to do, Wiggins at first tried putting a towel down on the floor. Her 8-year-old granddaughter was visiting that afternoon, as was Wiggins’ best friend. Neither could return home for hours; no one could get through the flooded roads.

“The towel was floating around, and the floor was coming up, and it was crazy,” she said. “My granddaughter was crying; she was upset. We put her on the sofa. She was fine, but it was just water everywhere.”

Wiggins was not the only hard-hit D.C. homeowner during the September 2020 flood event. Further, the sudden, heavy rainfall that caused it will only become a more common occurrence over the coming years and decades as the climate continues to warm. A year after that flood, the D.C. Office of the City Administrator established an inter-agency Flood Task Force, which produced a report with more than 25 action plans to better prepare for and address flood events.

One of those action plans detailed a program that piqued Wiggins’ attention. The FloodSmart Homes pilot program, created by the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment, aims to help District residents—especially those living in flood zones— protect their houses before flooding even hits.

It works like this: anyone in a singleor two-family home with documented flood risk can sign up to receive a free “home resilience assessment.” A

professional will conduct a site visit, looking at the inside and outside of the home and assessing the soil. After that, homeowners will receive a personalized report with the assessor’s recommendations for cost-effective “resilience upgrades.”

“Sign up is free—we will have professionals come to your home for free,” said Nicholas Bonard, DOEE’s branch chief of floodplains, wetlands and groundwater. “And we won't do anything without getting your approval.”

The first of the assessments will likely begin this spring, Bonard said.

Once an assessor presents their recommendations—and potential costs—the homeowner can choose which, if any, resilience upgrades they would like. Professional contractors will install the chosen upgrades at no or low costs to the homeowner through the FloodSmart Homes pilot.

The potential improvements include a range of measures, such as anchoring water heaters and HVAC equipment firmly to the floor; elevating outdoor mechanical or electrical equipment; or installing weather radios and water intrusion alarms.

Another option on the list: raising electrical outlets higher on the wall or replacing them with safer outlets called “ground fault circuit interrupters,” which automatically shut off if the electricity reaches a person. In a flood situation, that can make a major difference.

“I had water up to right below the light sockets,” Wiggins said. “Not knowing that if the water had hit the light sockets, there was a possibility of getting electrocuted. And we were standing in the water—so we thank God that that didn't happen.”

So far, a little over 100 District residents have signed up for the FloodSmart Homes list. The program will prioritize homes in the 100-year floodplain, then those in the 500-year floodplain and then those located outside a floodplain that have experienced flooding. D.C. residents can see if their homes fall in a flood zone at www.dcfloodrisk.org/.

A 100-year floodplain is an area that has an estimated 1 in 100, or 1%, chance of flooding in any given

year. Similarly, a 500-year floodplain has about a 0.2% chance of flooding annually. Over 1,000 residences in the District fall within the 100- and 500year floodplains designated by FEMA, according to DC Water. And 98% of the District’s single-family homes in the 100-year floodplain are in Wards 7 and 8.

Not all homes facing flood risks in the District lie in a designated floodplain, however. The Federal Emergency Management Agency draws floodplain maps, but those maps largely fail to take into account the increased rainfall brought on by climate change. DOEE climate modeling showed that a one-in-100-year rainstorm could become a one-in-15-year rainstorm by 2080.

Flooding from rivers or other waterways tends to get mapped more accurately than “interior flooding,” which occurs in parts of the city where drainage infrastructure cannot handle intense rain. Those areas might not sit anywhere near a creek or stream. Often, people living outside designated

floodplains don’t think to purchase flood insurance, and even relatively small basement floods can wreak financial havoc.

Most of the time, only very major flooding causes federal agencies like FEMA to step in with funds to help homeowners install improvements to mitigate the impacts of future flooding. The FloodSmart Homes program was designed, in part, to fill some of that gap.

“We keep getting this nuisance flooding that can devastate a family, even if it’s not a declared disaster by FEMA,” Bonard said. “We needed to take it upon ourselves and be proactive

in this way.”

Wiggins, who lives in the 500year floodplain around Watts Branch Creek, had flood insurance, which paid for new floors and mold remediation. But she had to leave her home to stay with her daughter for seven months during the process. She also lost clothes, shoes, furniture and papers.

“Every time it rains, I'm looking out the window, and it gives me anxiety,” Wiggins said.

The same day Wiggins received a link to the FloodSmart Homes site, she said, she sent in an application. WI

5 Deborah Wiggins, who lives near the northeast D.C. border, saw her yard fill with three feet of water during the rainstorm on Sept. 10, 2020. (Courtesy photo/Deborah Wiggins)

What on (Our) Earth is Going On?

Here’s What’s Up in Local Environmental News

Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

February was a busy month for environmental news, nationally and locally. In Ohio, a train carrying toxic chemicals-- including the flammable vinyl chloride-- derailed outside the village of East Palestine on Feb. 3, forcing an evacuation and causing concern about air and water quality. Here at home, D.C. saw the warmest day on record for Feb. 23, at 81 degrees; two days later, it was snowing.

Over the last three decades, the District’s average annual temperature has risen 1.1 degrees, and climate change will continue to make our city’s notoriously-fickle weather even more unpredictable.

Get caught up quick with three more environmental stories making headlines in D.C. recently.

PLAYGROUND PROBLEMS: HIGH LEAD LEVELS FORCE CLOSURE OF PLAYGROUND I N PARK

VIEW

A D.C. rec center closed a playground used by Bruce-Monroe Elementary School after a routine test found lead levels higher than federal standards allow, WUSA9 reported Feb. 16. It’s not an isolated incident: in 2019, after outside testing raised the alarm about lead at Janney Elementary’s playground, the District identified 18 playgrounds with “actionable” levels of lead.

The city said it will power-wash the playground at Parkview Rec Center to get rid of the contamination. The Department of General Services has repeatedly said that the lead issues at District playgrounds comes from “the surrounding environment.” Contaminated soil from outside the playground can easily get stuck and accumulate in any cracks or holes in the rubber mats used in many play areas, according to an independent study commissioned by DGS in 2020.

But testing by a group called the Ecology Center in 2019 found high levels of lead inside the actual material of the rubber mats in samples from Janney Elementary in Northwest. That material, which is often called crumb rubber or “poured-in-place” rubber, has raised concerns over the years in the District and across the country for issues with lead and other toxic chemicals.

TAKING OUT THE TRASH: D.C. ANNOUNCES CURBSIDE COMPOST PILOT PROGRAM

The District plans to launch a pilot program this summer to collect food waste the same way it does regular trash and recycling pickup, DCist reported Feb. 17. The curbside composting program will open up to 1,500 homes in each ward. Only households already served by the Department of Public Works’ trash services—which includes single-family homes or apartments in buildings with three

or fewer units—will be eligible. When buried in a landfill with other trash, food scraps and organic waste release high amounts of methane, a greenhouse gas even more potent than carbon dioxide. Composting helps divert that waste, reducing emissions and preventing landfill overflows at the same time.

Currently, D.C. residents can bring their food scraps to 10 designated dropoff spots at farmers’ markets. Each Ward has at least one drop-off site, though not all of them are open year round.

A number of nearby jurisdictions have already adopted curbside composting programs, including Prince George’s County, which recently began the practice countywide after a multi-year pilot phase.

CASH FOR CLEANUPS: FEDERAL MONEY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS KEEPS FLOWING

The Environmental Protection Agency announced $2 billion of funding last month to help states address “emerging contaminants,” or potentially harmful but understudied chemicals. The money will go towards grants for projects deal-

ing with drinking water contamination in small or disadvantaged communities.

Importantly, emerging contaminants include perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. These substances have been dubbed “forever chemicals” because of how long they stay in the environment without breaking down. Researchers have linked PFAS exposure to a wide range of potential health harms, including increased risks for certain cancers, immune dysfunction, liver damage and high cholesterol. Tons of products, from school uniforms to cookware to food packages, use PFAS for their water-resistant and nonstick properties.

Maryland has particularly wide-

spread PFAS contamination in its waterways, according to an October study by the Waterkeeper Alliance. That study sampled water in 34 states and D.C., and Maryland scored highest for the number of PFAS detections. In its recently announced grant funding, the EPA allocated $18.9 million for Maryland. The District received that same amount, and Virginia got $27.2 million.

Readers: The Informer has some exciting plans for our environmental coverage this spring—and we want to hear from you! Would you read an environmental roundup newsletter, similar to this one, delivered to your inbox monthly?

Let us know at kbenjamin@washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 A playground at Parkview Recreation Center used by Bruce-Monroe Elementary School has closed after a routine test found lead levels higher than federal standards allow. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

EDUCATION

Young People Enjoy Mid-Winter Break at Local Recreation Centers From Gymnastics to Golf DPR Rolls Out New Youth Programming

Sam P.K. Collins

WI Staff Writer

D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will soon roll out a plethora of programming that reflects the local agency’s desire to engage a generation of youth with distinctively different tastes than those who came before them.

Throughout much of the mid-winter break, young people saw what they could expect when they participated in the latest iteration of Late Night Drip, the nighttime pool party that DPR hosts in recreation centers throughout the District.

Other activities of note this past week included a video game room, water volleyball and aquatic hiphop zumba, girls’ basketball, an

infusion of STEM and magic, and a Black History movie night. DPR also provided access to its gyms and indoor pool while students were out of school.

Southeast youth Taiden Myers counted among numerous youth at Raymond Recreation Center in Northwest and Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast who flocked to Esports Open Play on Feb. 21 to showcase their skills on video game consoles and arcade machines.

For Taiden, these types of activities reaffirmed why he has continued to patronize Raymond Recreation Center. Taiden first engaged Raymond Recreation Center as a middle schooler to play basketball and football. He has since secured employment there through the Mayor Marion S Barry Summer

Youth Employment Program.

“A lot of young people in my age group are very adventurous and we have hidden talents that need to be seen,” said Taiden, 16. “The recreation center provides a place to go after school instead of being in the streets. There’s no temptation to go the other way. The recreation center provides different opportunities to talk about the outside world.”

Taiden’s friend Gabriel Perry echoed Taiden’s sentiments about being able to speak openly about life. He said that’s why he enjoys coming to Raymond Recreation Center at a time when young people in the District are experiencing hardship.

On Tuesday night, Gabriel and Taiden, along with more than a dozen other young people, stayed at Raymond Recreation Center nearly until it closed, just laughing and talking among each other.

“Since my friends came to this recreation center, I feel like we’ve built a community,” said Gabriel, a 15-year-old Northeast resident. “A bunch of good people come together and try to make it a better place. Being here is better than being in the house by myself. There, we stick with our parents and it’s hard to communicate. At the recreation center, there’s freedom to an extent.”

Last year, nearly 100 young people were arrested for the first time for gun-related offenses, ac-

cording to the Metropolitan Police Department. While violent crime dipped in 2022, youth accounted for a significant portion of gun violence victims.

That’s why during a meeting between D.C. Mayor Muriel (D) and ANC commissioners at Deanwood Community Center earlier this year, both parties spent some time discussing how best to inform constituents about local recreation activities and bring more youth to DPR facilities.

DPR received funding for its Recreation-for-All initiative during the last budget cycle. In the coming months, youth will see the manifestation of that through gymnastics, volleyball, lacrosse, water activation on Anacostia River, golf, and an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) program at Camp Riverview, DPR’s overnight summer camp in St. Mary’s County, Maryland.

DPR Director Delano Hunter said the agency recently hosted its first volleyball clinic in years for more than 100 young women. In anticipation of summer, DPR has its eye on expanding outdoor pool hours and building upon the success of last year during which patrons made more than 250, 000 visits to local outdoor pools.

“The goal is to sustain it beyond this year. It’s about allowing what we funded to take root and be executed at a higher level,” Hunter said. “We’re working closely with

the mayor and D.C. Councilmember Trayon White [who oversees DPR on the D.C. Council] to demonstrate that there’s a demand and it adds value for our families.”

Meanwhile, at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center, CiAhna Chloe continues to pursue her decade-long love for swimming in her role as a lifeguard and certified pool operator.

Three years ago, CiAhna embarked on that journey when she practiced water rescue techniques and learned how to provide CPR and recognize spinal pain in swimmers. She said being a lifeguard has allowed her to pass on her passion for swimming to younger people. CiAhna’s job has also placed her in close proximity with peers who are focused on achieving financial and career goals.

For CiAhna, her days at the pool are the direct opposite of the negative lifestyle that young people are often encouraged to partake in on social media.

“Most of the young people I work with are Black and brown; it’s good to see that representation,” CiAhna said as she reflected on her upcoming high school graduation. “Adults should give us time and patience and work with us [to] try to understand what we’re going through and [know] that sometimes it’s hard to wake up and go to school. We want that comforting voice.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 (L-R) Taiden Myers and Gabriel Perry counted among numerous teens who flocked to Esports Open Play at Raymond Recreation Center in Northwest on Feb. 21 to showcase their skills on video game consoles and arcade machines. (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 At Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast, CiAhna Chloe works as a lifeguard and certified pool operator. Her job requires her to practice water rescue techniques and learn how to provide CPR and recognize spinal pain in swimmers. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

Washington Informer to Soon Host 41st Annual Spelling Bee

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

On March 18, dozens of young people from District public, public charter, private and parochial schools will converge on the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment to compete in the 41st annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee.

The first-place winner of the citywide bee will represent the District in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled to take place between May 28 and June 1 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland.

More than 40 years ago, the late Dr. Calvin Rolark along with then-Washington Informer managing editor Denise Rolark and the late Dr. Mary E. White, then supervising director of DC Public Schools’ Division of Instructional Services, Department of English, revitalized the citywide bee after

The Washington Star, in its acquisition of The Washington Daily News, declined to continue sponsoring the event.

Dr. Rolark later threatened to issue a legal injunction against Scripps in response to a rule that limited participation to students who had been sponsored by daily newspapers. In 1984, Ronald Benson-El became the first District student to compete nationally.

In last year’s Washington Informer Spelling Bee, Charlie Palmore of St. Albans School for Boys, Reva Kelly of Washington Latin Public Charter School and Nina Keefe of Oyster-Adams Bilingual School clinched first, second and third place respectively.

Charlie advanced to the 2022 Scripps National Spelling Bee where he competed against hundreds of young people from across the United States and around the world.

Within a matter of weeks, someone else will follow in Charlie’s

footsteps and represent D.C. at the national level. Earlier this year, young people across the District competed in spelling bees at their schools. The winners of the schoolwide competitions later faced off against each other in cluster bees at THEARC.

Schools represented at the cluster bees included: Center City Public Charter School -- Brightwood Campus, Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom Public Charter School -- Brookland Campus, Friendship Armstrong Elementary Academy, Garrison Elementary School, Walker-Jones Education Campus, St. Augustine Catholic School and Janney Elementary School.

After two-and-a-half days in early February, the field narrowed down to 30 students -- including Kenechukwu Anikwe, a fifth grader at Garrison.

Kenechukwu bested his opponents in the cluster bee when he correctly spelled vengeance. As

he recalled to The Informer, pandemonium swept the room when judges confirmed him as one of the winners. For this scholar and graphic novel enthusiast, the road to the citywide bee was paved with flashcards, practice sessions with his parents and his aunt, and above all else, the execution of strategies that helped him stay ahead of the

curve.

“I practice…spelling a word how it’s pronounced,” Kenechukwu said. “I also tried to hide my fear by [spelling the words] as if no one is there and I’m on the stage all alone just practicing in front of the microphone.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5 The Washington Informer Spelling Bee will be held March 18 at the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music & Entertainment. (WI File Photo)

Matching Teachers’ Funds Raises Questions of Public Charter School Unions The District’s Only Public Charter School Teachers’ Union Secures Incremental Salary Increase

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

While the District’s public charter sector awaits matching funds through the the Washington Teachers’ Union’s (WTU) newly ratified contract with DC Public Schools, teachers and staff members at Mundo Verde Public Charter School are already in the throes of a contract negotiation that moves the local charter school closer to offering competitive wages.

They achieved that feat through DC ACTS Local 1927, a union that teachers at Mundo Verde PCS formed under the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).

Nearly four years ago, Mundo Verde PCS became the only District public charter school to unionize amid concerns about pay disparity, transparency and teacher turnover within the public charter sector.

With the incoming influx of funds, there has been apprehension about whether public charter school teachers will receive salary increases like their public school counterparts.

However, teachers at Mundo Verde PCS, like Kelley Ukhun, said they have no worries.

“We are an outlier as a charter school with an active collective bargaining agreement, so we have a lot more say in our salaries and contracts,” said Ukhun, a fifth grade teacher at Mundo Verde’s J.F. Cook campus and acting president of DC ACTS Local 1927.

A year before teachers at Mundo Verde PCS successfully formed a union, teachers at Paul Public Charter School and Cesar Chavez Public Charter Schools for Public Policy made a similar attempt. After sensing a lack of teacher support, organizers at Paul PCS called off their vote at the last minute. Though

teachers at Cesar Chavez PCS successfully unionized, board members closed the middle school campus shortly after, in what some employees described as retaliation.

Ukhun said that because Mundo Verde PCS embraces the values of community and collaboration, the teachers’ union coalesced with the support of a mostly unified staff, students' families and sympathetic administrators.

Since the launch of DC ACTS 1927, more than a dozen public charter schools contacted either DC ACTS Local 1927 or AFT to explore the possibility of unionizing. For Ukhun, no other circumstance guarantees that teachers in the public charter sector will receive a pay bump and other protections.

“In what capacity are other charter schools making sure teachers get pay increases and access to the resources they need?,” Ukhun said. “[Administrators] will make you fill out a survey and say they got input, which is different from having a seat at the table in the decision-making process. Our relationship [at Mundo Verde PCS] is governed by a legally binding document, which allows us to discuss labor issues.”

THE LINGERING QUESTION OF TRANSPARENCY

In a Feb. 7 letter, leaders of the

District’s 69 public charter school networks told D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn that they would exclusively dedicate the equivalent matching funds to compensating public charter school teachers.

The letter, sent by the DC Charter School Alliance, not only alluded to questions about how public charter schools would spend those funds but mentioned pay bumps and bonuses that public charter schools teachers received over the last three years.

In years past, local lawmakers have attempted to shine a light on how public charter schools, which are privately-run institutions, spend public dollars. In 2015, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Public Charter School Fiscal Transparency Amendment Act, which dictates how to mitigate conflict of interest in contracts between public charter schools and vendors and defines the circumstances under which a public charter school may be engaged in fiscal mismanagement.

In 2019, D.C. Councilmembers Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Anita Bonds (D-At large), Mary Cheh (D-Ward 3), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) and Elissa Silverman (I-At large), introduced legislation requiring transparency in public charter school contracts greater than $25,000. Not much was heard about that bill after a joint hearing between the Committee of the Whole and what was then the Committee on Education in October of that year.

Per the School Reform Act, the DC Public Charter School Board (DCPCSB) doesn’t have the authority to dictate how each public charter school spends its money. However, public charter schools submit an annual report to DCPCSB that includes the highest, lowest and median annual salaries of full-time teachers.

Out of 69 public charter school networks, 30 of them, including Paul PCS, didn’t have their 2021-2022 school year report posted on the charter schools annual report portion of the DCPCSB website. Most of those who did reported the median teacher’s salary in the $60,000 and $70,000 range. The highest salary, in some cases, stood between $70,000 and $90,000 and the lowest standing at around $40,000.

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com

5 Kelley Ukhun is a fifth grade teacher at Mundo Verde’s J.F. Cook campus and acting president of DC ACTS Local 1927. (Courtesy Photo)

of unlimited possibilities

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

As it becomes clear that former President Jimmy Carter’s days on Earth are ending, many people are reflecting on his tenure in office from 1977-1981. Many Americans will remember accomplishments such as Camp David Accords that had Egypt recognizing Israel or the Panama Canal treaty giving that central American country the right to manage the international passageway. Others will remember not so good events such as the taking of American hostages at the U.S. embassy in Iran by followers of the Ayatollah Khomeini or the economic crisis in late 1979 and 1980. District residents will remember the former president fondly.

Carter shocked the world when he announced soon after moving to the District from Plains, Georgia that his daughter Amy would attend Stevens Elementary School in Northwest. Children of presidents who are school age generally attended Washington area private schools that are thought to be equipped for public dignitaries’ family members. The first daughter attending a predominantly Black school in the inner city ignited a great deal of national discussion about whether the school was good enough or will she be safe there.

Additionally, Carter embraced the District of Columbia Voting Rights Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which provided for two U.S. senators and a representative in the House based on population. While the amendment wasn’t ratified, the president made it clear his support for the measure.

Carter selected District resident Patricia Roberts Harris as his first secretary of HUD. Harris became the first Black woman Cabinet officer. She eventually led the Departments of Health, Education and Welfare and Health and Human Services. District native Eleanor Holmes Norton served as the chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the first woman to hold that position, during the Carter years. Norton now serves as the District’s delegate to the U.S. Congress.

After his political career ended, Carter did not end his interaction with the District. He built homes for Habitat for Humanity on Benning Road in Southeast in 1992 and Ivy City in Northeast in 2010.

Thanks Jimmy Carter EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR

To honor his devotion to the city, the D.C. Council should name a prominent landmark after Carter. The Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center sits on Pennsylvania Avenue NW next to the John A. Wilson Building where the council deliberates. Reagan paid little attention to the affairs of local Washington so it would make sense to name a landmark, such as that building, in honor of a president who cherished the city. WI

Jimmy Carter: As the Sun Sets on a Life Well Lived

In June 1976, Georgia Governor Jimmy Carter, who was running for the Democratic Presidential Nomination, offered these words: “I sometimes think that a southerner of my generation can most fully understand the meaning and the impact of Martin Luther King, Jr. He and I grew up in the same South, he the son of a clergyman, I the son of a farmer. We both knew, from opposite sides, the invisible wall of racial segregation.”

However, after an April gaffe by Carter where he defended the “ethnic purity” of neighborhoods, his campaign almost imploded under withering criticism from the Black community. But after apologizing, clarifying his remarks, and meeting with local and national Black leaders, Carter was endorsed by Dr. King’s father, “Daddy King,” Congressman Andrew Young, and others, and went on to win the nomination and election in November.

Black people put him in the White House by voting for Carter five to one.

As President, he made a series of historic first appointments for Black people, including Young as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Patricia Roberts Harris as Secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Clifford Alexander, Jr. as U.S. Secretary of the Army. In addition, about one-third of the record 260 judges Carter appointed were Blacks, women, or Hispanics.

After leaving office, he established the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library and Museum to resolve conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, prevent diseases like guinea worm in Africa, and improve mental health care. Until three years ago, even after a brain cancer diagnosis, he was building homes with Habitat for Humanity.

“But we still have the dream, Martin Luther King’s dream and your dream and my dream,” Carter said later in that 1976 speech. “The America we long for is still out there, somewhere ahead of us, waiting for us to find her.”

We are still searching for the “America we long for.” However, as a Nation, we are closer because of the one-term and post-presidency of Jimmy Carter. And as the sun sets on his life, all Americans owe him a great deal of gratitude. WI

A City’s True History

As a newcomer to D.C., I was unaware of Georgetown’s Black history. I’m so glad I picked up The Washington Informer. Reading this paper makes me feel more connected with my community here.

Rhea Thames Washington, D.C.

High Bridges

Another phenomenal issue of the WI Bridge. I can’t wait to see where it goes. Big things are on the horizon.

Phil Ouida Alexandria, Va.

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

5 Former President Jimmy Carter (Courtesy photo/Georgia Institute of Technology)

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Andre Dickens

Biden is Investing in America's Underserved Communities

Atlanta has a proud legacy as the cradle of the civil rights movement. Throughout our history, Atlantans from Martin Luther King Jr. to the trailblazers of Sweet Auburn not only helped birth the modern movement to create justice for all but had a laser focus on economic empowerment for everyone

When I ran for mayor, I made a commitment to end the tale of two cities in Atlanta. I promised to fight for an economy that grew in a balanced way, so that workers could get trained for family-sustaining jobs, small businesses could participate in our city's growth and all of Atlanta could rise together. More plainly, I wanted to ensure that Atlantans from all backgrounds have a shot at fully participating in Atlanta's economy.

Atlanta is one of the most diverse

Guest Columnist

cities in America, so the economic mobility of all Atlantans is of extraordinary importance to me. It matters to President Joe Biden, too. In fact, President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have proven this time and again by delivering federal resources. Thanks to the historic Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Inflation Reduction Act, American Rescue Plan, and executive orders signed by the president, historic investments are being made in cities like Atlanta — and everybody has a

shot at participating and benefiting from these investments.

This month, Vice President Harris joined me in Atlanta to celebrate federal dollars coming to electrify Atlanta-area school buses. We're moving away from the hazardous fumes of diesel school buses, which are disproportionately used in underserved communities, toward cleaner energy that's better for the environment and better for our children's health. And with these investments, we're ensuring Atlantans in all zip codes

have access to apprenticeships and good-paying job opportunities. These investments are just the beginning when it comes to ensuring all of Atlanta participates in our economy. Within days of taking office, President Biden signed an executive order which requires the federal government to live up to the Justice 40 Initiative. Justice 40 is an effort to ensure that at least 40 percent of certain federal investments go to communities

DICKENS Page 53

Marc H. Morial

DeSantis on the Wrong Side of History

Henry "Hammerin' Hank" Aaron played as a 19-year-old minor leaguer in 1953 now bears his name.

"Every record has been destroyed or falsified, every book rewritten, every picture has been repainted, every statue and street building has been renamed, every date has been altered. And the process is continuing day by day and minute by minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right." – George Orwell, "1984"

The Jacksonville ballfield where

It's where he and two of his teammates, Felix Mantilla, and Horace Garner, endured hostile taunts from fans. Off the field, they received death threats. When the team traveled, they couldn't stay at the same hotels where other teammates stayed or eat with them at the same restaurants.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis doesn't want the high school students who play on that field — at least the white ones — to know why. Other gover-

Guest Columnist

nors and elected officials, looking to capitalize on the racial resentment and white grievance DeSantis hopes will propel him into the White House, are following his lead. This insidious campaign is an effort not merely to warp Americans' view of our past, but to thwart the dismantling of systemic and institutional racism.

To paraphrase an old business adage, you can't manage what you can't measure, and you can't measure what you can't see.

White students might feel "guilt" or "anguish" to learn that Aaron was

David W. Marshall

Stop Giving Millionaires Social Security

tack on the U.S. Capitol.

his first run for office in 2010.

During last year's midterm election, Utah Republican Mike Lee was reelected for a third term in the U.S. Senate, defeating independent challenger Evan McMullin. It was one of Utah's most closely watched Senate races in decades. McMullin's bid focused largely on Lee's text messages with Donald Trump's staff in the lead-up to the Jan. 6 at-

The text messages between Lee and then-White House chief of staff Mark Meadows revealed how the senator encouraged top Trump advisors to embrace Sidney Powell, a Republican lawyer who later spread wild and baseless claims of a rigged election. Just days before Election Day, McMullin condemned comments Sen. Lee made about ending Social Security more than a decade ago. "It will be my objective to phase out Social Security, to pull it up by the roots and get rid of it," Lee said at a campaign stop during

For the majority of Utah voters, Lee's early efforts to overturn the results in the 2020 election and his desire to end Social Security didn't matter and were not sufficient reasons to keep the Republican from returning to Washington. Lee's defenders say his voting record exemplifies a willingness to fight for them and their values. I am not sure which is worse — the elected official who seeks to destroy American democracy and the Social Security system or the exploited voters who keep him in office.

forced to hide under his bed as a child when the Ku Klux Klan marched through town. Or that after he and his teammates ate in a Washington, D.C., restaurant, they listened as the staff shattered every dish they'd used. Or that he received as many as 3,000 racists, threatening letters a day as he closed in on Babe Ruth's home run record.

That's why school administrators in Duval County, where Jacksonville is located, temporarily barred the children's book "Henry Aaron's Dream" from its libraries and classrooms.

Other books kept off the shelves were "Roberto Clemente: Pride of the Pittsburgh Pirates," "Thank You, Jackie Robinson" and "Women Who Broke the Rules: Sonia Sotomayor."]

Following a nationwide outcry, those books and others that broached the topics of racism and discrimination have been reinstated, and DeSantis has tried to pass off the ban as "a joke" and a publicity stunt. But DeSantis' own Stop WOKE Act, which restricts the discussion of race and

You cannot say the voters were not informed — they simply didn't care about the threats. Republican voters who receive retirement payments through Social Security are literally voting against their own self-interests when they elect Lee and others who seek to end a system critical to millions of American seniors. Ignorance plays a major factor as well. Lee's defenders believe he is a fighter on their behalf, but do they fully understand the motive behind cutting Social Security is to pay for tax cuts benefiting the wealthy? When we consider the exploited Utah

voter, we should always remember Bernie Sanders and his constant warning about the one percent. We also cannot forget the history of American aristocracy.

We must remember where we came from in order to answer the simple question, "Why is America such a divided nation based on economic disparities?" Part of our nation's heritage comes from being a British colony. Great Britain was America's mother country. With the expansion of the

Guest Columnist

Courage

the mind of an ego-stricken madman — Putin.

E. Faye Williams

War is inhumane! War is madness! In a world of rational thinkers, war should be unnecessary! Historically, war has been the exercise of national power, authority and autonomy in the circumstance of irreconcilable difference — or the reaction to it. As with many other past conflicts, the world's current war is the result of an irreconcilable difference conceived in

Had events progressed according to the machinations of his malignant mind, on this day, one year after an unnecessary invasion, Ukraine would be under the singular control of dictator Putin. I applaud the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and their president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in their destruction of his dystopian plans. Some might suggest that a published opinion on such a "world matter" takes me "out of my lane," but, in my spirit and

Guest Columnist

evolution of mind, I am a kindred spirit with anyone or any group opposing oppression.

In every conflict, we are presented the opportunity to witness individual acts of courage. In what some would consider a surprise, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a former comedian and actor, has risen to the challenge of serving as an effective wartime president. Initially presumed to be weak and feckless, Zelenskyy has demonstrated a measure of tenacity, moral, and physical courage unequaled in many years.

Svante Myrick

Black History Isn't 'Controversial,' It's Real Life

Black history is the undeniable history of this country, its people, actions, triumphs and atrocities. Yet, Black history is deemed "controversial" by people like Gov. Ron DeSantis, institutions like the College Board that attempt to water down curricula, and those that press for outright bans on teaching about the contributions and experiences of African Americans

in public schools. A battle is raging right now against words like "intersectional" and "systemic marginalization." Meanwhile, the freedom to learn, the future of education, and the brilliance of our children are caught in the crosshairs.

The context of historical events, and things many of us have directly experienced, are being called concepts too complex or challenging for high school students to appreciate. First, this is an obvious smokescreen. But to these critics, the response should be clear: How can the lived and daily ex-

Guest Columnist

periences of millions of people be too controversial to teach in school? The answer: They can't, and it's our moral duty to ensure our children understand that.

ATTEMPTS TO BAN HISTORY ARE INHERENTLY MALICIOUS

When I say Black history is American history, I know it's true, you know it's true, and the people who think Black history shouldn't be taught in schools know it's true. That's why they

Ben Jealous

Hearing the Right Things Across the Country

As a lifelong organizer, I know that you grow movements by listening first, so that's how I've spent the last month. As I started a new job as executive director of the Sierra Club. I've traveled more than 15,000 miles, crisscrossing the country from the Deep South to New England to the Pacific Northwest to listen.

Our organization is the oldest and most influential grassroots environmental group in the country with chapters in every state and more than 1 million members and supporters. We believe in building coalitions, for example to shut down hundreds of coal-fired power plants that pollute the air and neighborhoods where 11 million Americans, most of them Black and brown and poor, live and raise families.

What I've seen in the last month is that during a time of great peril

Others like members of the press, Richard Engel and MSNBC's Ali Velshi have to be named heroes for their bravery in bringing us the news from Ukraine. In our list of heroes, we must give praise to Chef Jose Andres and his organization which works in/near battle zones to nourish hungry Ukrainians.

We must also thank Poland and other regional nations for providing material support and a haven for displaced Ukrainians. Our thanks extend to NATO for standing in the breach against

further illegal incursions.

In contrast, following the lead of their fearless leader, Trump, many Republicans are calling for a desertion of efforts to support Ukraine's righteous effort for sovereignty. Whether this betrayal of morality is motivated by the opportunity for personal enrichment or a full-blown acceptance of autocracy, it suggests nothing good.

I am reminded that when we arose to fight racism and corruption, we were labeled Communists! Is it not

for our country, Americans still believe that we have things in common worth fighting for. Poor or rich, Black or White, I met with activists who want nothing more than to come together and work side by side even as the voices promoting division seem to be the loudest.

In New York City, I met two women who with three others on their team have written more than 300 letters to the editor in the last year on issues from buildings' electrification to cleaner public trans-

want it banned. Hiding our history is an attempt to rob us of our historic voice, erase our contributions and make our justified outrage look unreasonable.

The attacks are also designed to further divide us as a nation. When Black history is taught prominently in schools, students learn to see Blackness and Americanness as one and the same. That's precisely what opponents don't want.

IF YOU'RE BANNING HISTORY, YOU'RE ON THE WRONG SIDE OF IT

Throughout all of world history, the people attempting to limit, rewrite, or ban history have had one thing in common: they were the bad guys. We've seen the tactic used to oppress any number of groups around the globe, the most obvious of which was Nazi Germany banning and burning

MYRICK Page 54

portation. In Mobile, I met with descendants of 32 West Africans thought to be the last shipment of enslaved people brought to the United States who with other leaders are fighting to save the Africatown community founded by their ancestors. They are waging a lopsided battle against special interests who are displacing residents to build plants that dirty the air and water. Descendants of those who enslaved Africans own many companies involved.

These activists understand that,

as in the civil rights movement, change always comes from the bottom up, that it is not the politicians who launch change. On the toughest challenges, people lead and politicians follow. The people I met want to grow movements, whether by fundraising, legislative advocacy or lawsuits.

We need this kind of enthusiasm and commitment right now across many issues, and I believe it is there. The struggles over ev-

JEALOUS Page 54

LIFESTYLE

Dionne Warwick Drops Gems at University of Maryland

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

With a 61-year career, multiple prestigious awards, and more than 633,000 Twitter followers, Dionne Warwick is universally loved. An audience of more than 600 students and fans flocked to the University of Maryland (UMD) College Park to hear Warwick, 82, serve as the inaugural speaker at the Arts and Humanities Dean’s Lecture Series– and she did not disappoint. In a captivating conversation hosted by Stephanie Shonekan, Ph.D., UMD’s dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, the legendary singer shared lessons, dished on her life and

career, and updated audiences on exciting new projects.

Before the chat between Shonekan and Warwick, a small student ensemble performed three hits from the singer’s repertoire.

Led by Tim Powell, interim head of jazz studies, the audience was treated to renditions of “Do You Know the Way to San Jose,” “Walk on By,” and “I Say a Little Prayer.”

Vocalists Ronya Lee Anderson and Lynique Webster showcased their strong pipes as Warwick and Shonekan applauded enthusiastically from their box seats.

Then Shonekan introduced the icon to an eagerly awaiting audience.

“I remember hearing that warm

gorgeous voice and gazing at her on the cover of the ‘Heartbreaker” album,” said Shonekan, born in Trinidad and raised in Nigeria. “I don’t think I can put into words what the full Dionne Warwick package meant to my younger self.”

Hits with Bacharach and David

During a question-and-answer period, several students said that Warwick’s music filled the air growing up. Without a doubt, songs composed and produced for Warwick by Burt Bacharach and Hal David have stood the test of time, with a music catalog that continues to be the soundtrack of many people’s lives.

Warwick discussed why the Bachrach/David/Warwick collaboration worked.

“I think more than anything, we appreciated what each of us was bringing to the table,” she said.

As the icon reflected on hits like “Anyone Who Had a Heart,” “Alfie,” “Message to Michael,” “Reach Out for Me,” “Don’t Make Me Over,” and so many more, there was applause or sounds of agreement like “Hmmmm” and nodding from the engaged audience.

THE BREAKUP

Warwick also answered my question about why Bacharach and David broke up, a separation that lasted for 10 years. For Warwick, that meant she no longer had the producing team that garnered so many classic hits.

“They did a movie called ‘Lost Horizon’ that didn’t do well,” said

5 The University of Maryland jazz studies students perform one of Warwick’s hits, “That’s What Friends Are For,” the HIV-AIDS support anthem on Feb. 22 on the campus of the institution. Tim Powell, on saxophone, interim head of jazz studies, leads the ensemble. Vocalists are (L-R) Ronya Lee Anderson and Lynique Webster. (Robert R. Roberts/

Warwick about the award-winning music duo. “That was it,” she continued, giving a thumbs-down signal for the movie soundtrack.

In came mega record producer Clive Davis who connected Warwick with Barry Gibb, the singer, composer and producer from the best-selling group the Bee Gees. He wrote and produced Warwick’s biggest seller, “Heartbreaker.” She did not want to record the song, but Gibb wore her down.

Bacharach and David did reconcile and worked together on several projects. David died in 2012. Bacharach died recently on Feb. 8. Warwick worked with Bacharach on the HIV-AIDS support anthem “That’s What Friends Are For.”

NEW MUSIC

Warwick and another music icon Dolly Parton recently announced a collaboration on a gospel song. Their song “Peace Like a River” will be released on Feb. 23.

When Warwick responded to a question about singers she likes, she admitted that Earth, Wind & Fire was a group she loved and could listen to at any time. Warwick then gave a jaw-dropping announcement: she is working on a project with Earth, Wind & Fire.

The evening finished with the UMD musicians singing “That’s What Friends Are For.”

Warwick’s documentary “Don’t Make Me Over” about her life and career is now on HBO Max. WI @bcscomm

5 (L-R) Stephanie Shonekan, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland, in conversation with music icon Dionne Warwick at the University of Maryland-College Park campus on Feb. 22. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 The University of Maryland lecture begins with (L-R) Stephanie Shonekan, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland and music icon Dionne Warwick. The event was at the University of MarylandCollege Park campus on Feb. 22. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The Washington Informer)

Sylvia Traymore Morrison Showcases Divas Past in New Show

Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Great African American divas were brought to life by barrier-breaking comedian Sylvia Traymore Morrison who presented “The Return of Jackie Moms Mabley,” by playwright Andy Evans.

Morrison, the first Black woman to write for Saturday Night Live and work as an impressionist, used the big screen and stage of the Bowie Center for the Performing Arts to transform herself into Mabley and other artists, including: Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Josephine Baker, Billie Holiday and Sarah Vaughn.

Morrison changed dresses, sang and told many comedic lines made famous by Mabley. The audience laughed and clapped as Morrison complimented actual footage or other women.

The divas Morrison honors in this one-woman show, were not only gifted singers, they were sisters bound by a common tie. Evans said that the common trait of these women was struggle.

“With our history, if we don’t write it no one would write it,” the playwright said. ”In the 1920’s, 30’s and 40’s there were many struggles that Black women went through, Billie Holiday had to come through the back door, Ella Fitzgerald was arrested, Josephine Baker had to remain on the road.”

Following the program. Morrison was swept in a crowd of love supporters and as she looked over the crowd and just shook her head.

“It means a lot to know that I have so many people who love me, they didn’t have to come out and yet they did,” said Morrison in an interview after the show.

WI

Dindga McCannon, Charlie Parker and Some of the Amazing Musicians He Influenced (detail), Painting from 1983, mixed media quilt from 2010

5 Barrier-breaking impressionist Sylvia Traymore Morrisoin presented, “The Return of Jackie Moms Mabley,” where she brought to life the legendary comedian and other arts artists at Bowie Center for Performing Arts on Feb. 24. (Hamil Harris/ The Washington Informer)

Children’s Books That Build Pride and Teach Social Justice

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Topics about acceptance and social justice for African Americans are in the news daily. What are the conversations that can take place with children as their curious minds seek understanding?

Two African American authors tackle these issues through the books “You So Black!” by Theresa Wilson (a.k.a. Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D) and “Sarah Rising” by Ty Chapman. Through their writing, these authors build on the mantra “Black Lives Matter.''

“YOU SO BLACK”

(355 Words)

By Theresa Wilson (a.k.a.

Theresa Tha S.O.N.G.B.I.R.D),

Illustrated by London Ladd

Ages 4-8

48 Pages

A Denene Milner Book/ Simon & Schuster

Wilson turns the negative connotations of the word “Black” into something beautiful. The opening pages immediately set the tone to intentionally bring joy.

“You so Black, when you smile, the stars come out. You so Black, when you’re born, the god come out.”

Wilson’s book is based on her poem of the same title. The poem went viral after she delivered it a

Beauty Shop or Barbershop For Rent

few years ago during the “Trumpet Awards,” an annual broadcast honoring Black excellence.

“The poem came about in a mental state when I was very aware that my body of work needed more substance,” said Wilson, a Grammy-nominated poet and Chicago, Illinois native now living in Atlanta, Georgia. “I started working on songs and poems from ancestral love and honor.”

Illustrator London Ladd created big images with bright splashes of color. All types of Black hairstyles are seen on pages, featuring characters in various settings. Readers will see people in a place of worship, at an elegant formal affair, on a beach, and at a protest rally.

As a source of inspiration for her book, Wilson used the breadth of Black culture. She thought about “playing the dozens” or “jonin’,” which usually comes from a caring individual in our lives. One of those making fun statements may eventually get to, “You so black . . .”

“It’s just not ‘You so black,’ it’s the idea that blackness is weaponized against us,” Wilson said.

Wilson set out to do the opposite by using affirmations of love in her book that included, “Black is pyramids and mathematics. Black is melanized, and magic” and “Black is brilliant.” Wilson does not shy away from difficult feelings about being Black with statements such as, “Black is

tough” and “Black is hard to do!” This is an easy-to-understand book that is beautiful-to-look-at that is wrapped in unity. “You So Black!” is a winner for everyone.

View a video trailer of “You So Black” https://youtu.be/lXwwYEVGHFw Learn more about Wilson at https://www.thasongbird.com

comes a day of unexpected lessons. Based in the Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota area, author Ty Chapman was inspired to write “Sarah Rising” following the uprising following the George Floyd killing. Sarah’s story takes a child’s-eye view of a protest, opening a dialog about how peaceful protest is a way to advocate for social justice.

Chapman relied on his work as a behavioral specialist in K-12 settings. He is also an accomplished poet, puppeteer, and playwright. That combination of skills allowed Chapman to weave together a story that is a learning experience for children and adults.

“My background in education and behavioral management is pretty robust. There were conversations I was already having with young people,” Chapman said. “In a school setting, I did have tough conversations with kids where I had to explain that the world we live in is not always safe for us.”

“SARAH RISING”

(373 Words)

By Ty Chapman, Illustrated by DeAnn Wiley

Ages 5-8

40 pages

Beaming Books

Sarah begins what appears to be a normal day. Then something different happens. Sarah is taken to a protest march by her father. It be-

As a result of Chapman’s conversations, he realized that kids are capable of digesting and learning a lot more than most of us understand.

A lovely aspect of “Sarah Rising” is that this little girl is escorted to a protest gathering by her father. Her sweetness and eagerness to learn are endearing to other people she meets. Her interaction with the police is full of curiosity. Sarah’s innocence approaches questions that not only children but also adults have.

Illustrator DeAnn Wiley captures Sarah’s curious nature perfectly. The images support a desire to understand analogies in Sarah’s world as a child to what she is exposed to during a day of protest.

Chapman did public readings of “Sarah Rising” in the Twin Cities area that affirmed his approach.

“There was a reaction of excitement and support,” Chapman said. “The way George Floyd rocked our communities here; I think most people had a level of personal investment with the story. There was a lot of love, warmth and healing.”

Learn more about Ty Chapman at https://tychapman.org WI @bcscomm

‘The High Ground’ Tackles Tulsa Race Massacre in Intimate Love Story Playwright Nathan Alan Davis Talks Process

Micha Green

WI Managing Editor

Seven years ago, playwright Nathan Alan Davis was horrified he had never learned about a significant and tragic event in American history: the Tulsa Race Massacre, when an estimated 300 African American residents were murdered by white rioters from May 31 to June 1, 1921.

“I knew the term Black Wall Street kind of vaguely and I started looking into that and found out there was this massacre and I had no idea,” Davis said, referencing Tulsa, Oklahoma’s former booming Black business district located in the Greenwood neighborhood, which was ruined in the 1921 tragedy.

Having been commissioned by Arena Stage to write a play, Davis tossed around the idea to write

about the race massacre. Molly Smith, Arena’s artistic director, loved the proposal.

“[Smith] put a lot of faith in me to figure out how to do it,” he explained.

That faith, a trip to Tulsa and a flippant comment birthed Davis’ play “The High Ground,” which is in its world premier run at Arena Stage until April 2. “‘The High Ground,’” is a captivating tale of two lovers, Soldier and Victoria, who were affected by the Tulsa Race Massacre. The play shows the couple’s fight to hold onto history and pride, while also grappling with the reality that life continues life-ing and time moves on.

“[With] Black Wall Street… there was never any justice. So the massacre happened, and nobody was held responsible, nobody received reparations and right now the extent of what we have is an

acknowledgement of the fact that it happened, but I don’t know how you move forward with the idea of ‘Okay it happened,” the playwright questioned. “There’s a difficulty in figuring out ‘How do we acknowledge the wrongs that have been perpetrated? And how can we do that and keep our identity as a country that stands for freedom?’ So I think that just leaves us being stuck, and I think that’s the situation that we’re in.”

THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THE STORY

Davis took a trip to the John Hope Franklin Reconciliation Center in Tulsa, a nonprofit organization founded in 2007 that works to build trust and fix the divide caused by the race massacre. There, the playwright learned a lot about Black Wall Street and the massacre, but it was a conversation with employee Jean Neal that cemented the direction of the play.

“She just mentioned off-handedly that she really had a problem with the tower that was on top of Standpipe Hill and that when she would drive in to work it just made her upset,” Davis explained.

After hearing Neal’s hot-take and taking in the place for himself, Davis knew that Standpipe Hill would play a central role to the story.

CRAFTING THE NARRATIVE AND BREAKING THE FOURTH WALL

In a beautifully well executed production, directed by Megan Sandberg-Zakian, with stellar performances by Phillip James Brannon as Soldier and Nehassaiu deGannes as Victoria, Davis has constructed a fast-moving play that shifts between time periods and reality. Featuring a strong commanding portrayal by Brannon, a passionate performance from deGannes, and a captivating set-design by Paige Hathaway that transforms Standpipe Hill into the unofficial third actor on stage, the audience is immediately pulled into the narrative.

Initially, Davis wrote a play set on Standpipe Hill with a much larger cast. However, he felt that the first drafts didn’t do justice to

the story he wanted to tell.

“Once I was able to let go of the old I was able to focus on these two people and it just gave more room for the story to breathe,” the playwright explained, allowing for him to add more poetic and creative nuances to the script. “It’s a lot of ideas under it you have to unpack in the production, but it was exciting to me to go into unknown territory and just hold these two people as the center of the story.”

The world Davis creates also acknowledges that the action is taking place on a stage. There are moments where actors ask for props and stagehands make regular cameos.

“I think it just allows there to be some room for the audience to enter an imaginative space. It allows for some levity in a story that’s very heavy, which I think is important. It allows us to think about the idea of authenticity, what’s real and not real,” he said.

For tickets and more information, visit www.arenastage.org/ highground. WI

5 “The High Ground” examines the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre through an intimate, engaging love story featuring the characters of Soldier (Phillip James Brannon) and Victoria (Nehassaiu deGannes) (Courtesy Photo, Arena Stage).

5 “The High Ground” examines the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre through an intimate, engaging love story featuring the characters of Victoria (Nehassaiu deGannes) and Soldier (Phillip James Brannon). (Courtesy Photo, Arena Stage).

“I knew the term Black Wall Street kind of vaguely and I started looking into that and found out there was this massacre and I had no idea,” Davis said.

The Gay Men’s Chorus to Perform Tribute to “Whitney”

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

More than 11 years after her death at age 48, singer Whitney Houston is still celebrated worldwide as an icon, and the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) is honoring the singer in the upcoming concert “Whitney” on March 11 and 12 at Lincoln Theatre. This concert is the second in GMCW’s tributes to iconic female singers. The first featured the music of Judy Garland last fall and there will be a third concert in June with the songs of Dolly Parton. As one of the best-selling music artists of all time, Houston promised publicly to “always be a friend to the gay community.” She has been widely seen as an LGBTQ+ icon. Songs that will be performed cover many of Houston’s hits, including “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “The Greatest Love of All.”

Tenor Joval Martin joined GMCW in 2006. For the “Whitney” concert, he is scheduled to perform “Run To You,” featured in the 1996 movie starring Houston, “The Preacher’s Wife.”

“I think it was really a coincidence, with choosing Whitney with these celebrations at the same time,” Martin said, who is from the Hampton Roads, Va. area. “There is a balance of inclusivity in thinking about these women.”

The artist’s love of Houston began when he was a child.

“She is my vocal hero. I grew up watching MTV and singing into a hairbrush or comb. My mother said I could sing before I could talk,” said Martin. “I went to a small church and did solos there. I had a teacher who suggested that I go to the Governor’s School for the Arts. My musical range was from singing Christian Pop to classical music.”

Martin’s vocal training includes studying classical voice at the Virgin-

ia Governor’s School and becoming a chorus member of the Virginia Opera at the age of 17, performing classics like “Othello” and Puccini’s “Turandot.”

Members of GMCW had to audition for the solos to be performed during “Whitney.” During the concert, audiences can expect to hear diverse vocal ranges performing favorite songs from Houston’s repertoire.

Since 1981, the Chorus has performed locally, nationally, and internationally. GMCW is proudly an important LGBTQ+ voice of equality in the nation’s capital. The Chorus has sung before U.S. Presidents and alongside film, television and musical theater legends Carol Channing and Angela Lansbury.

To learn more about the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) and to purchase tickets for “Whitney,” visit https://www.gmcw.org. WI @bcscomm

Dreaming of homeownership?

5 The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) honors the singer in the upcoming concert “Whitney” on March 11 and 12 at Lincoln Theatre. (Courtesy photo/ GMCW)

NAACP Image Awards Honor People of Color in Creative Arts

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The 54th NAACP Image Awards honored outstanding achievements in more than 80 categories. The broadcast opened with a bang, as the multi-talented artist, entrepreneur and the evening’s host Queen Latifah belted out “I Wanna Live Till I Die.” The song, recorded by Sarah Vaughan, was an upbeat, almost defiant message making it clear that nothing would put a damper on a night of praise.

Angela Bassett won “Entertainer of the Year,” in a category where all the nominees were women. “Abbott Elementary” won six awards, and “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” won eight awards. The newest EGOT, Viola Davis, town her eighth NAACP Image Award for her starring role in “The Woman King,”

“Throughout the past year, we’ve witnessed Black artists showcasing our history and uplifting values of progressive change while redefining genres and bringing our stories to the forefront of entertainment in so many innovative ways,” said Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of

the NAACP when announcing the 2023 awards ceremony.

THE BACKSTORY

The Image Awards were established in 1967 to honor outstanding Black actors, actresses, writers, producers and directors working in Hollywood. The first Image Awards ceremony was organized by activists Maggie Hathaway, Willis Edwards and Sammy Davis Jr., all of whom were leaders of the Beverly Hills-Hollywood NAACP branch.

With over 80 categories, handing out all the awards during the live broadcast was impossible. Four days of awards ceremonies led to the actual televised event. Though a bit confusing to follow all the awardees, the process was reported through social media and the full list of award recipients is online.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM AN EVENING OF EXCELLENCE

There were many “feel good” moments during the broadcast. Brittney Griner and her wife, Cherelle Griner, were introduced by Queen Latifah to a standing ovation and

thunderous applause. The Image Awards was the first formal appearance for the WNBA player since her release from a Russian prison last December.

“It feels so good to be here, especially with my beautiful, amazing wife and with all of y’all here today,” said Brittney, “I want to thank everyone, and let’s keep fighting to bring home every American still detained overseas.”

Recently retired, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams received the Jackie Robinson Sports Award for her stellar athletic achievements and contributions to social justice.

Chairman of the NAACP National Board of Directors Leon W. Russell presented his Chairman’s Award to Rep. Bennie G. Thompson (D-Mississippi). The award recognized Thompson’s years working for voter’s rights, but also for his leadership over the committee investigating the January 6 insurrection.

The Social Justice Impact Award was given to Attorney Benjamin Crump, who offered a rallying cry to not back down in pursuit of justice for all.

One of the most emotional moments was Johnson’s presentation of his President’s Award to Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union-Wade. The couple was recognized for their advocacy on LBGTQ+ and transgender issues. Their remarks were filled with love for their daughter Zaya Wade.

“As your father, my job isn’t to create a version of myself or direct your future,” Wade said. “My role is to be a facilitator to your hopes, wishes, and dreams.”

Union-Wade presented a tough question before the audience in the room and those watching on television.

“Will we fight for some, or will we fight for all of our people?” she said.

Going a little longer than two hours, the 54th NAACP Image Awards was an inspiring show that reinforces the beauty and relevance of African American work.

WI @bcscomm

Buying the cheapest option may not always be the best value. Kid Scoop poses some real-world money dilemmas for kids to think about.

Each week, Kid Scoop brings students interactive games, activities, puzzles and more in a bright & bouncy, award-winning feature kids and their family members can enjoy together.

PUBLICATION DATE HERE

Publication Date 3-9- 23

girls, men and women.

Today, girls and women can play sports for fun. They also can compete and become professional athletes. But that was not always the case.

Imagine being told that you can’t do something you love to do. Or that you are forced to wear clothing that

to play a sport with you. Or that you aren’t allowed on a golf course, a tennis court or other sporting fields.

How would all of that make you feel? Frustrated? Lonely?

That is how girls and women who enjoyed sports felt before the year 1972, a year of important change.

Would you want to play tennis dressed like this?

In the early 1900s, women wore long, heavy skirts that made it hard to run after a tennis ball.

It wasn’t just the skirts that were a problem, they also wore and blouses made with long sleeves and stiff collars. They were expected to wear jackets, heavy shoes, and even broad-brimmed hats.

What’s a corset?

A corset is a tight-fitting undergarment worn under a blouse.

Title IX Changes Girls’ Lives

Today, girls have equal access to playing sports at public schools because in 1972, the United States Congress signed into law that everyone in the United States, regardless of their gender, has equal rights to play sports. This law is called Title IX (Title IX is the same as Title 9. The number 9 is written in Roman numerals.)

Before and After Title IX

Before 1972, less that 300,000 girls participated in school sports in the United States. Write down the numbers on the correct path through the maze to discover how many girls participate in school sports.

Picture Puzzles

A rebus is a puzzle that uses pictures to reveal a word or phrase. Can you solve this rebus puzzle?

1800s Today How many di erences can you nd between these two baseball players from di erent

Women’s Sports Moments

Use the code to discover when each of these beats the No. 1-ranked men’s Bobby , showing women can compete with men.

win medals in two different sports at the same Olympic Games. She medaled in both swimming and diving. Some say she was the first athlete, male or female, to win two medals in the same Olympic Games.

Roman Numerals

Title IX uses the Roman numerals IX to show the word nine. Look through the newspaper for five numbers and rewrite each one as a Roman numeral.

Women in Sports Collage

For one week, look through the newspaper for pictures and articles about women in sports. Cut these out and make a collage with everything you find. Standards

Language Arts: Identify parts of speech.

The Woman I

Most Admire

Write about a woman you know that inspires you.

Babe Didrikson considered athletes of if any, achievements

Babe was 1911. When most girls sports. Babe lifetime, gold medalist an All-American player, a champion extraordinary swimmer, tennis

When the Olympic newspapers, begin her practiced over seven neighborhood. the hedges she asked lived there the right

Babe

From 1946-47, tournaments Babe would 113 golf

How many you nd Standards

"Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider"

By Stacy Spikes

c.2023, Dafina

$28

256 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

A good building starts with a substantial foundation.

No matter where you go from there, that base is an opening action, an announcement, a public sign of things to come. Whether it's a new home for human, hoopty, or heirlooms, or the future site of industry or ideas, the foundation is the start of something exciting. In a new business and as in the new book "Black Founder" by Stacy Spikes, it needs to be solid.

With high school graduation on the horizon, Stacy Spikes was itching to move.

His hometown of Houston, Texas, had become "too small" to hold his dreams. Education was important in his family, but college held no interest to him, either. Instead, he was going to Los Angeles to chase a career in music and movies.

He broke the news to his parents and, with $300 in his pocket, he drove northwest.

Once in California, Spikes quickly understood that he didn't need a job, he needed several of them. Before he could get settled, though, he fell in with a bad crowd and was hospitalized to help him kick drugs and alcohol abuse forever.

He returned to a job he had working with a two-in-one company in Encino, making and packaging videos. The men he worked with mentored him; it was there that he learned the need to "go to extra lengths to meet [someone] in their field."

Spikes took acting classes and absorbed as much as he could about old-time Black comedians. He built a recording studio in his home and learned to make album covers, which led him to a job at Motown, where he went into sales and learned how to make an impression. The "Black Godfather" taught him that it was possible to talk with anyone, Black or white, with honesty. And before he founded Urbanworld Film Festival and MoviePass, Motown helped him see that to succeed, "You didn't need an army, just a small group of like-minded souls set on making a difference."

Readers looking for a good business biography are in for a nice surprise when they read "Black Founder." They'll also get some entrepreneurial advice. It's not bold-face or bulleted; you'll have to look for it, but it's in there.

"Transparency" is what author Stacy Spikes learned early, and it's what he applies inside this book, which is refreshing. This isn't a book about a meteoric rise; Spikes instead writes about setbacks, both personal and professional, and times of struggle. Readers can imagine a Parkour-like hustle that Spikes describes as he overcame seemingly-catastrophic events and still landed with both feet; such tales serve to instruct as much as does the actual instruction.

Though it may seem to lag a bit — especially for older readers, or those who are unfamiliar with the businesses Spikes founded — "Black Founder" is entertaining enough to read for fun, with a side dish of instruction. Whether you're ready to act now or you're just finding your inner entrepreneur, to launch your idea, it's a good base.

horoscopes

ARIES Crossing all those mounting work to-dos off your list can not only come more easily than usual but feel fun and filled with opportunities to build on your relationships with colleagues and higher-ups as the week begins. You'll also be feeling especially optimistic, so it can be an ideal time to think ahead, dream, and reflect on goals you want to refine moving forward. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 49

TAURUS You'll be craving pleasurable, creativity-boosting moments, ideally shared with someone special or your significant other as the week begins. Getting out of your comfort zone together (think taking a road trip or sharing an experience that allows you to learn something new) can bolster your bond in a thrilling way. Lucky Numbers: 5, 32, 38

GEMINI You'll be focused on commitment and taking your closest relationships to the next level as the week gets underway. If you've been considering moving in with your significant other, signing a new, long-term lease, or sharing your deepest, most heartfelt emotions with a loved one, now is the time to dive right in. It's also a sweet time to get creative with interior design or projects that bring in shared income. Lucky Numbers: 18, 28, 48

CANCER You'll be able to gather information, especially with regard to joint ventures, in a clearheaded way early in the week. If you've been wanting to have a serious heart-to-heart talk with a loved one, the timing is right to lay your cards on the table. This could lead to even more intimacy. Lucky Numbers: 17, 23, 35

LEO As the week gets underway, your focus will be on time with loved ones, fostering close familial relationships, and nurturing your sanctuary. You might find yourself baking some of your favorite recipes (the one that grandma always loved) or finding ways to spruce up your home office to make it feel cozier. In short, if you prefer to nest than get out and about, you're right on track. Lucky Numbers: 21, 45, 47

VIRGO You might be eager to take a casual relationship to the next level or express deep, heartfelt emotions to your significant other at the start of the week. Now is a lovely time to follow your intuition and see the powerful results of doing so. Lucky Numbers: 5, 11, 54

LIBRA You'll be feeling full of love for your nearest and dearest at the start of the week. You might do well to carve out time on your agenda to bond with loved ones and devote extra energy to self-care, two endeavors that can serve to restore your spirit. Lucky Numbers: 9, 20, 55

SCORPIO You'll have an easy time connecting with friends and colleagues on big, exciting ideas at the start of the week. It's a great time to do a group brainstorm or make strides on an ongoing, long-term team effort. The cosmos is bumping up the intensity of your connections and your razor focus on what you want to accomplish. Lucky Numbers: 13, 23, 43

SAGITTARIUS You might feel like spending some time "underground," focusing on your dreams, quiet self-care routines, and plotting for whatever lies ahead in the beginning of the week. Although life will take on a less lively tone than usual, this can still be an exciting time for personal growth and mapping out what you want to accomplish in the weeks and months to come. Later, signing up to spend more time or creative energy on a particular project could lead to even greater results and a payoff down the road. Lucky Numbers: 3, 39, 49

CAPRICORN Your appetite for new knowledge and experiences is elevated when the week gets underway. Pair up with a friend or loved one to find what you're looking for, which could be taking an impromptu weekend trip or listening to an eye-opening podcast. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 25

AQUARIUS You'll be very much in your feelings-in the best possible way-as the week starts. Getting in touch now with deep-rooted emotions that are driving your desires and motivations can offer helpful insights into your relationships and even serve as creative inspiration. Lucky Numbers: 14, 18, 37

PISCES You might be tempted to make an impulsive move on the job, particularly while working on a team project when the week starts. You'll be feeling courageous, but it might serve you best to think through the long-term results of your actions before you leap ahead. Later, the cosmos boosts your appetite for exploring the unknown. Whether you're experimenting with new recipes, checking out different hiking trails, or watching eye-opening documentaries, extraordinary experiences could prove restorative intellectually and emotionally. Allowing yourself space to move beyond your comfort zone is the key to feeling empowered now. Lucky Numbers: 11, 21, 22

CAPTURE the moment

4 Retired gymnast, Dominique Dawes with her children at the Charles Smith Center on George Washington University’s campus, to watch Fisk University Gymnastics team’s record-breaking performance at the George Washington University meet. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

3 Ali Aboui portrays Nelson Mandela during the Living Legacy Museum for Black History Month at the Children’s Guild in Northeast on Feb. 23. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

5 Hundreds of students from across the nation rallied at the Supreme Court on Feb. 28th ahead of oral arguments challenging President Biden’s student debt relief program. (Mark Mahoney/NNPA)

3 Students from Duke Ellington High School styled models in the Saks Fifth Avenue Black History Fashion Show on Feb. 26 during a fundraiser for the school. Tyson Femister and Dest’n Montague with the mannequins they styled. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 Ikeia Hardy (left), executive director of Women in HEELS gather at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial in Southwest on Feb. 26, to bring attention to the fight against gun violence. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Winston-Salem State Men, ECSU Women Capture CIAA Titles

Edward Hill

WI Contributing Writer

Relying on a strong tradition from the past, The Winston-Salem State University team outlasted Lincoln University 63-57, while the Elizabeth City State University turned disappointment into redemption with a convincing 55-40 win over Shaw University for the schools' first ever title. The games were played at the CFG Bank Arena. With these victories, both teams received automatic bids to the NCAA Division II playoffs in the Atlantic Region.

The Rams (21-8) captured their 13th CIAA title and second in the past three years under Head Coach Cleo Hill, Jr. Hill follows the strong foundation laid by the late, legendary Clarence "Big House" Gaines,

who led the program to an NCAA Division II championship. A decorated member of the team under Gaines was Hall of Famer Earl "The Pearl" Monroe.

“Well, you can’t be at Winston-Salem State without expectations,” Hill said with a grin. “You can’t come here and not expect to win division championships and conference championships and advance to the NCAA tournament. It is just part of the deal when you're a coach here or you’re a player here.”

WSSU, which won the three games in the tournament by holding their opponents to 51 points nearly missed the championship when it trailed top seed and favored Virginia Union, 44-43 with seconds remaining, but as destiny and traditional would have it, Samage Teel knocked

Howard Men's Swimming and Diving Team Captures Title

Edward Hill WI Contributing Writer

The Howard University men's swimming and diving team continues its success, this time winning the 2023 Northeast Conference (NEC) swimming and diving championships.

The only HBCU swim and diving program in the country, Howard scored 928 points during the five-day span of the championships.

Leading the way for the talented squad, which boasts several underclassmen, was senior Miles Simon who was named NEC Outstanding swimmer after breaking numerous records, including Saturday's 200 back with an impressive

1:46.35 time in the event. Other outstanding performers included sophomore Tristen Stevens and freshman Darien Williams, who finished in fourth and sixth place, respectively. Sophomore Jordan Walker was named the Outstanding Diver after posting a score of 277.10 in the three-meter dive (a new meet record).

For the second straight year, the Howard Coaching staff received NEC Coaching Staff of the Year, led by Director of Swimming and Diving, Nicholas Askew.

For their efforts, the Bison will have several performers competing in the CSCAA National Invitational championships, March 9-12. WI

5

the game winner and helped his team advance to the championship.

defeated No. 6 seed Lincoln University, 62-57 in the 2023 CIAA Tournament final in Baltimore. (Courtesy photo/Joe Daniels) halftime with a 22-6 second quarter explosion. ECSU, which used its superior depth of 12 players getting meaningful minutes, wore down Shaw (18-14), which like the Vikings were playing their fourth game in five days.

In the Lincoln game, the Rams opened a 29-18 lead at halftime. But the Lions (17-14) refused to go away and battled their way back to 61-57. But down the stretch, WSSU's resiliency proved to be the difference.

Teel led the balanced attack with 14 points while Jonatha Hicklin and Jaylon Gibson tallied 11 points each. Jaylen Alston was named Tournament MVP.

The Lions were led by Reggie Hudson (14), Korey Williams (12 points) and Freddie Young, Jr. (11 points).

Elizabeth City State University (ESCU) (20-10) used last year's disappointing 53-52 loss to Lincoln

in the finals as their motivation going into the season. Having been just at the doorstep of victory, the Vikings wanted to ensure that they came away with the title that escaped them. Yet, it was not easy. Similar to their counterparts on the men's side, ECSU had to hold off Johnson C. Smith, 53-52 in the semifinal round.

The Vikings had lost earlier this month to the Bears, so it was essentially a rematch. The game started out with both teams imposing their strength, their defense which ranked Numbers 1 and 2 in the CIAA during the season. The Vikings were able to take a 10-6 lead in the first 10 minutes.

Then the Vikings began to flex and essentially put the game away at

The Vikings dominated the glass (40-25) and limited their opponent to 22 percent shooting including zero for nine from beyond the arc.

Dy'Jhanik led all scorers with 13, Maryan Hashim contributed 10 and five players scored seven or more points. Myasia Blango was named Tournament MVP.

Shaw, which failed to place any player in double figures, was led by Brittney Seymour with nine points. WI

Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), No. 5 seed,

5The Howard University men's swimming and diving team won the the Northeast Conference Championship, bringing home the first conference title for the program in 34 years. (Courtesy photo/Facebook)

MEDICAL AID from Page 1

Committee, where previous iterations of this legislation were stopped by former Judiciary Chairman Bobby Zirkin (D- Baltimore County).

“We still have a long journey and it’s not easy, but we will get it done,”she added.

Other speakers and volunteers told stories of the suffering faced by relatives, friends, and community members who have supported this bill in the past but since succumbed to their terminal illnesses.

“This bill attacks poor people, elderly, and the mentally stable,” said Baltimore resident Al Moulton. “We don’t need to kill them, we need to help them.” He also thanked Senator Patterson for his past opposition to the bill.

Moulton and other volunteers aligned with Maryland Right to Life marched along the streets bearing signs and planned to testify on several bills, including the constitutional amendment on reproductive rights and a tax credit for donations to pregnancy resource centers. While Republicans do not have enough votes to block the bill, several Democrats are known to oppose the bill on religious grounds.

The bill is sponsored by House Health and Government Operations Chair Jocelyn Peña-Melnyk (D– Prince George’s) and Senate Judiciary Vice Chair Jeff Waldstreicher (D– Montgomery County), and Governor Wes Moore has come out in favor of the legislation. A Gonzales poll cited by the Compassion and Choices Action Network reported that 61% of Marylanders personally want the option

D.C. Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) conducted on Feb. 25.

For hours, participants took to the mic and spoke candidly about their experiences and the policies they wanted to see come to fruition.

When it came to District police officers and school resource officers, some young people recounted their negative interactions with law enforcement officials that brought to mind inequitable power dynamics. In other instances, young people said relationships of this nature extended into the home with parents dealing with economic and socioemotional issues of their own.

Hargraves-Shird, Lazurus Wilson and Karon Hylton-Brown as an indication of not only the D.C. government’s unwillingness to tackle the deep-seated causes of crime, but the local police force’s thirst for hunting down Black residents.

While MPD Officers Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky were tried and convicted last year for Hylton-Brown’s death, the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia most recently declined to file charges against Sergeant Reinaldo Otero-Camacho and Commander Jason Bagshaw for the deaths of Hargraves-Shird and Wilson, respectively.

Hargreaves-Shird’s family has since filed a civil suit against MPD.

accountable police department. A lot of effort went into the police commission. My goal is to have a hearing and an earnest conversation on where we are on police staffing, and hiring and firing practices.”

YOUNG PEOPLE SEEK MORE UNDERSTANDING

Toward the end of last year, the number of youth arrested in D.C. surpassed 900, according to data released by MPD. At a press conference last August, a frustrated MPD Chief Robert J. Contee III called for youth who inflict harm to be held accountable for their actions.

of medical aid in dying, and 71% support Marylanders having the option. Delegate Nicole Williams (D, Prince George’s) and Waldstreicher spoke before the crowd on Lobby Day about their personal stories and vowed to pass the bill this year.

The Aid in Dying legislation passed in the House of Delegates in 2019, but with most Prince George’s Delegates abstaining or voting against. That year, the bill unusually ended in a tie with 23 Senators voting for, 23 Senators voting against, and one Senator abstaining.

The Senator who abstained on principle was Senator Obie Patterson (D, D26), who has since retired. Changes in the Senate, including two seats flipping from Republicans to Democrats in Anne Arundel and Harford County, make it more likely the Aid in Dying legislation will pass this year.

“I did not cast a vote simply because I could not bring myself to move right or left on the bill,” Patterson said after the vote. “I had to vote my conscience and that’s what I did. I just couldn’t do it.”

While it was too hard for the Senator to make a decision, for people like advocate Eric Suter-Bell, it can also be difficult to witness loved ones suffer.

“I support the legislation because it allows people to lessen suffering. I worked on a cattle ranch and at a certain point, do you want to be strapped to a bedpan and have machines lead you,” Suter-Bell said.

“My grandfather had a number of strokes. The longer it went on, the lower his quality of life was.”

Days before youth hearing, D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) introduced legislation to boost police recruitment efforts and bring the District’s police force to 4,200.

If passed, the Police Officer Recruitment and Retention Act of 2023 would authorize the mayor to provide bonuses to retirement-eligible officers who delay retirement by five years. It also repeals elements of previously passed legislation that lengthens the time allowed to address officer use of force and prevents officers from changing disciplinary measures in collective bargaining agreements.

Over the last decade, the number of officers in the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) fell from 4,100 to less than 3,400. The legislation, the latest among Gray’s efforts in the last few years to increase the police workforce, would also allow the mayor to fund negotiated recruitment and retention incentives for police officers.

In a statement, Gray said his legislation wasn’t the only solution to curbing violent crime. However, opponents of the bill have pointed to police-involved deaths of Kevin

During an oversight hearing that Pinto, chair of the D.C. Council Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, conducted on Feb. 22, participants discussed the frequency with which alleged offenders were released without charges filed against them -- sometimes due to the lack of evidence. That conversation, once again, shed light on aggressive policing tactics that sparked skepticism about whether police officers can carry out their jobs lawfully.

The Police Officer Recruitment and Retention Act of 2023 is scheduled to reach the Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety and the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, chaired by D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D-At large), on March 7.

In speaking about the legislation, Pinto said that she plans to explore the issue of police staffing more holistically and in the context of what residents and officials have discussed over the last couple of years.

“Since George Floyd, the conversation has been urgent to ensure there is police accountability,” Pinto said. “We have to have a good and

In the months since, some youth have requested the same of adults in local leadership.

During the youth hearing at R.I.S.E. Demonstration Center, Southeast youth Darchelle Bennett expressed her desire for adults to understand what young people had to endure during the pandemic, and continue to endure every day.

Darchelle, 13, recounted teachers at her school not accommodating her requests to adjust their teaching style so she could master complicated math concepts more quickly. Another stressful aspect of learning for Darchelle has been the threat of violence on school grounds.

In reflecting on her testimony, Darchelle said talking about it made her feel better, even if for a moment.

“Children get a hold of weapons [and] when that happens, it makes me feel like I’m not safe where I am learning,” Darchelle said. “I want to see more security and more counselorsWe go through bullying, not being able to fit in and thinking that you have to do things to make people like you.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5 A group of more than 50 volunteers gathered in the Treasury Building to prepare for lobbying in favor of aid in dying. Prince George’s Delegate Nicole Williams was one of their speakers. (The Washington/ Informer Richard Elliott )

Christians Share Lenten Plans

Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Many Christian denominations observe 40 days of fasting and prayer, a time called Lent, in preparation for the spring celebration of Easter— a religious holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

"Lent is a season with requirements and demands,” said Cardinal Wilton Gregory, Archbishop of Washington. “WHEN you give alms, WHEN you pray, WHEN you fast - the Gospel doesn’t offer the possibility to opt NOT to do these things. These things belong to the very nature and season of Lent."

“Today, I join Christians worldwide in observing Ash Wednes-

REPARATIONS from Page 1 would also establish a Reparations Foundation Fund for the payment of reparations.

McDuffie co-introduced the bill with D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At large), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), and Trayon White (D-Ward 8).

In 2021, McDuffie and Ward 8 Councilmember White co-introduced a similar bill that was referred to the D.C. Council Committee on Business and Economic Development. A month later, Evanston, Illinois became the first U.S. city to dole out reparations when legislators overwhelmingly approved a measure that allocates $10 million in payments to African-American residents over the course of decade.

Evanston’s reparations bill later received criticism when, by the fall of 2021, it was determined that only

day," President Biden wrote on Twitter. "The Lenten season is a time for reflection and discernment and an opportunity to recommit ourselves to God and one another."

The Rev. Thomas Bowen said he approaches Lent as a time of reflection.

“In recent years, I think about taking something on in addition to dietary restriction,” said Bowen, director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs.

“What can I do on behalf of others,” Bowen said he considers, hoping that these practices last beyond the Lenten season.

Heath Carelock, 42, director of the Financial Empowerment Center at Prince George’s Community and member of the Cornerstone

16 people would receive payments. Even with the full funding of the bill, only 400 people would be affected.

Other cities to take on the cause of reparations over the last couple of years include: Asheville, North Carolina; St. Louis, Missouri; Los Angeles, California; Tullahassee, Oklahoma; and Denver, Colorado. Some of these cities are led by mayors who represent Mayors Organized for Reparations and Equity (MORE).

Officials at the local level have taken different routes in repairing the damage of chattel slavery and institutional racism. In Asheville for example, legislators approved reparations in the form of investments in Black areas. In San Francisco, the Board of Supervisors voted to appoint a 15-member African-American Reparations Advisory Committee.

Meanwhile, the more-than-30 year fight to pass reparations legislation continues at the federal level.

In January, Rep. Sheila Jackson

Assembly of God, said during Lent he spends more time with his wife and children.

“What I did was to give up late nights and to be more available to my friends, family, and fatherhood and to be more intentional about scripture reading, prayer, and sharing about the growth experience.”

Carelock said after all the deaths and challenges during the

COVID-19 pandemic, people are “seeking answers to fundamental questions with a sense of loss.”

Byron Scott, a reporter and an anchor for Prince Georges's CTV, said he is also spending more time with his family.

“My youngest son was here recently, and it was nice,” Scott said. “As we get older, visits with our children are more special. He is 27. “

Lee (D-Texas) reintroduced H.R. 40, a bill that establishes a commission to study and develop reparations proposals for African Americans. Sen. Cory Booker (D-New Jersey) later introduced accompanying legislation in the Senate. For years, the National Coalition of Blacks for Reparations (NCOBRA) has organized around encouraging the Congressional Black Caucus to help advance the legislation. There have also been questions of whether President Joe Biden (D) will issue an executive order focused on reparations.

In recent years, McDuffie has focused on addressing the legacy of slavery and racial segregation that has kept African Americans at the bottom of the totem pole in the District. In 2021, the D.C. Council unanimously passed the Child Wealth Building Act, a bill McDuffie introduced that establishes a trust fund for every baby born to a low-income family in the District.

Earlier this week, McDuffie said that Reparations Foundation Fund

Scott also said that he and his wife are being more intentional about dating. “COVID brought everything to a halt, so for example, we went to the Smithsonian the other day to hang out.”

The word “Lent” has Germanic origins and refers to the “lengthening” of days in spring, and the Rev. Jerome Bell is taking a note from the definition. A local pastor, gospel singer and radio personality, Bell said after years of running from event to event, he is slowing down and thinking harder about his faith.

“It is really not just about what one gives up for Lent, but what are we doing collectively as the people of God,” said Bell, who on Sunday preached at Grace Memorial Baptist Church in Maryland. “I’m only eating fish during lent to connect with my body, and denying myself to grow closer to Christ.”

Bell, who managed the late gospel artist Tremaine Hawkins, said that for him Lent is a “pivotal season.”

“Some people chase titles, but I’m just trying to follow the Lord,” said Hawkins, whose latest musical project “Bridging the Gap,” aims to connect generations of gospel artists.” The word of the Lord says in righteousness shalt thou be established Isaiah 24:14.”

WI

and Task Force Establishment Act represents an attempt to rectify a situation that’s not of Black people’s doing.

“If ever we are going to achieve racial equity in this country, it will require official recognition of the role of government-sanctioned slavery, segregation, and other actions in denying wealth-building opportunities to Black Americans,” McDuffie said.

“We must be intentional in our efforts so that Black Americans might finally be compensated for their ancestors’ labor and for the continuing effects of policies and systems designed to suppress their potential to build wealth,” he continued. “The District of Columbia has one of the largest disparities in wealth between Black and white residents of any city in the United States. Moreover, our city is one of the most racially segregated cities in the country. These statistics should convince any reasonable person of the need for this task force.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 The Rev. Thomas Bowen, director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs, said he approaches Lent as time of reflection. (Courtesy Photo)

Evanston’s reparations bill later received c riticism when, by the fall of 2021, it was determined that only 16 people would receive payments. Even with the full funding of the bill, only 400 people would be affected.

Ida B. Wells is one of my favorite women of history in America. For many weeks, on my radio show on Spirit 1340 Radio One in Washington, you can hear me in a Washington Informer radio commercial about the life of Ida B. Wells. Today, for Women's History Month, I feel privileged to share much more of the life of this dynamic messenger, who came and did what God sent her to do.

Wells is a founding member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). For months, she traveled throughout the South investigating lynching, the subject that annoyed her most. She used eyewitness interviews and testimony from families, and also looked through records.

The New York Times in its sharing a reprint of her obituary for Wells noted, "She pioneered reporting techniques that remain central tenets of modern journalism."

Journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, who won a Pulitzer Prize the same day as Ida B. Wells, was an admirer as well. Hannah-Jones, who writes

the religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Women's History Month: Spotlight on Ida B. Wells

for The New York Times Magazine, won the Pulitzer Prize in Commentary for The 1619 Project on the same day that Ida B. Wells was posthumously awarded a Pulitzer Prize in the Special Citations and Awards category "for her outstanding and courageous reporting on the horrific and vicious violence against African Americans during the era of lynching." You must read her extended interview from Chicago's WTTW, where Hannah-Jones discusses Wells' writing style, what drove Wells to investigative and data reporting, and her legacy as a journalist.

Wells, who also co-founded the National Association of Colored Women in 1896, found was that the stereotype of Black men being lynched for raping white women was almost always false. Disputes usually started over completely unrelated things, as it had with her friend Thomas Moss, who was killed over a dispute that began with children playing marbles. She boldly reported her findings in an editorial in the The Memphis Free Press and Headlight, a newspaper that she co-owned and edited. That editorial, however, caused a riot in Memphis and she was forced to leave her home to save her life. The office of the newspaper was destroyed.

One day, her pastor told Ida something that changed the trajectory of her life forever.

He said, "Miss Wells, something bad has happened in Memphis. Last night, a mob of white men dragged three Black men down to the railroad tracks and shot them to death." Her hand shaking slightly as she took the Memphis Commercial Newspaper, she read, to her amazement, that one of the men killed was Thomas Moss. He begged for his life for the sake of his wife, daughter and unborn child. When he realized he was going to die, he said, "Tell my people to go West; there is no justice for them here."

A devastated Wells caught the next train back to Memphis, but arrived too late to attend Moss' funeral. Heading straight to comfort his pregnant widow, Betty, and their daughter, Maurine, Ida said to the tearful widow, "I'll never forget the talks Thomas and I had when he delivered mail to the Free Speech every day. He believed that we should defend the cause of right and fight against wrong wherever we saw it." Her newspaper business was threatened and destroyed by a group from Memphis, which destroyed all the equipment and ran her partner out of town. Wells moved to Chicago, where she married Ferdinand Barnett, a lawyer and journalist. She devoted the rest of her life to investigating, reporting and lecturing on the growing number of Blacks lynched.

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

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

Service and Times

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

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

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

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

Blessed Word of Life Church

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

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

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

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

Campbell AME Church

Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White

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

Adm. Office 202-678-2263

Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study

Wednesday: 12:00 Noon

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

“Reaching Up To Reach Out”

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

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032

Phone: 202-746-0113

Fax: 301-843-2445

Service and Times

Sunday School: 10:15 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM

Children’s Church: 11:15 AM

Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment”

Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org

Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

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

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler

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

Fax: 202 265 4340

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM

School: 10:00 AM

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

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

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

11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

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

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

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

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

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

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

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

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

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

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

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

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

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Street

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

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

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

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

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

A.

Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

(202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services:

1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE

5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church

Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round

Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org

Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D.

Third

Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Alfred

Owens,

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

Holy

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

Zion Baptist Church

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

a.m. – Sunday School

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

King

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward”

0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Israel Baptist Church

Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am

Sunday School: 9:00am

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM

1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM

Tuesday:

Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

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

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867

728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor 401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org

Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Florida

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

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

New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM

Church School: 9:45 AM

Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM

Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

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

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Christ Embassy DC

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

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

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev.

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev.

Dr.

Damion

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000071

Sharon Gardiner-Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

LaToya D. Foster, whose address is 3639 Commodore Joshua Barney Dr., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon Gardiner-Johnson who died on November 13, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/16/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/16/2023

LaToya D. Foster 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 001201

Adenia G. Taylor aka Adenia Gill Taylor Decedent

Tamara Jones, Esq.

The Legal Courthouse, PLLC 6218 Georgia Ave., Suite 1-682 NW Washington DC 20011 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Seshmi Taylor, whose address is 4114 Moffre Dr., Bolling Springs, SC 29316, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adenia G. Taylor aka Adenia Gill Taylor who died on June 23, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/16/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/16/2023

Seshmi

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000070

Helen E. Smith Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Julius Holman Jr., whose address is 5008 North Capitol Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen E. Smith who died on 12/19/2022 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 8/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/16/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/16/2023

Julius Holman Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000143

Austin Allen McFadden Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Donna Hopewell, whose address is 3605 Daffney Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Austin Allen McFadden who died on November 24, 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/23/2023

Donna Hopewell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000012

November 29, 2021

Date of Death

Hartmann Josef Schoebel aka Hartmann J. Schoebel

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Hartmann Axel Schoebel, whose address is 440 Sequoia Avenue, Palo Alto., CA 94306 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Hartmann Josef Schoebel aka Hartmann J. Schoebel, deceased, by the Probate Court for Cuyahoga County, State of Ohio, on 5/5/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Katherine Curley 3934 Legation Street, NW 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.

3705 Brandywine Street NW, Washington, DC 20016. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication:

2/23/2023

Hartmann Axel Schoebel

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 000902

Joseph M. Duckett aka Joseph Maurice Duckett Decedent

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

Worthie F.; LaVonde A. and Devon L Duckett, whose addresses are 1670 Fort Dupont Street SE, WDC 20020, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Joseph M. Duckett aka Joseph Maurice Duckett who died on April 10, 2016 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/23/2023

Worthie F. Duckett

LaVonde A. Duckett

Devon L. Duckett

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0105

Thelma Green Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Kathy McDaniel, whose address is 7114 Chapparal Drive, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma Green who died on 12/21/22 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/23/2023

Kathy McDaniel Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000117

Joyce D. Warner-MacKall aka Joyce Warner-MacKall aka Joyce Warner aka Joyce Mackall

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Morris Warner Sr., whose address is 2319 Napoleon Ave., New Orleans, LA 70115, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce D. Warner-Mackall aka Joyce Warner-MacKall aka Joyce Warner aka Joyce MacKall who died on 10/26/2022 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/23/2023

Morris Warner Sr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 153

Randolph K. Milam Decedent

Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 420 Columbia, Maryland 21044

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Paul W. Milam, whose address is 4877 Pepperwood Court, White Plains, Maryland 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Randolph K. Milam who died on October 28, 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

2/23/2023

Paul W. Milam

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000086

Charles E. Lancaster, Jr. Decedent

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

Loryn M. Lancaster, whose address is 1706 Lang Place, NE Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles E. Lancaster, Jr. who died on March 23, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/23/2023

Loryn M. Lancaster Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

VI

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000142

Delores F. Rogers

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Leroy Greer, whose address is 2726 Lorring Drive, Apt. 103, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Delores F. Rogers who died on June 11, 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/23/2023

Leroy Greer Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Notice (for publication)

II

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 166

Estate of Veronica Wisdom

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Clarence Lee and Lorna L. Washinton 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 June 24, 1996 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 2/23/2023

Glenda M. Wheeler Allen, Esq. Law Office of Glenda M. Wheeler 808 E Street, NE, Suite A Washington, DC 20002

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

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

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

Name LE VERN LAMONT LAWRENCE

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

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

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

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

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

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

Declaration of nationality

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

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000157

Estate of Michael Shillingford

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

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

Date of first publication: 02/23/2023

John Noble 451 Hungerford Dr. Rockville, MD 20850

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001143

Annie M. Davis Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kiesha L. Davis, whose address is 4506 3rd Street SE, #D Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie M. Davis who died on March 15, 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 8/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/23/2023

Kiesha L. Davis

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 000363

Beverly McLaine Nickens Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Steven S. McLaine, whose address is 115 Burholme Dr., Hamilton, NJ 08691-3336, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly McLaine Nickens who died on November 8, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/2/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/2/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: March 2, 2023

Steven S. McLaine Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001007

Jacqueline M. Caul aka Jacqueline Mcrae Caul Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tamica Flora, whose address is 200 Florida Avenue NE, #806, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline M. Caul aka Jacqueline Mcrae Caul who died on April 25, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/2/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/2/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/2/2023

Tamica Flora Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of Whitc Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Jermaine DcEdward Lucas", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Ilaqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: " JERMAINE DEEDWARD LUCAS corp.sole Dba.: "JERMAINE D. LUCAS", [LUCAS, JERMAINE D., J., LUCAS, LUCAS„J., MAINGO, TOCOPACA INIIIA JERMAINE], having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to 'Ille Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, "Ihe Constitution for the united States of America, Article Ill Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, 'Ille Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples l, and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that am: " Jermaine I)eEdward Lucas ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “tocopaca iniha jcrmaine de lucas bey Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article Ill, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV),

ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, '111LE 11, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: STATE OF FLORIDA BUREAU of VITAL STATISTICS : STATE FILE NUMBER, 109-1984-019149 " JERMAINE DEEDWARD LUCAS ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "Tocobaga Maroon Moorish American De Lucas Bey Trust All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " tocopaca iniha jermaine de lucas bey ", nom deguerre:" Jermaine DeEdward Lucas", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Tocobaga Maroon Moorish American De Lucas Bey Trust ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. 'Illis deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee agent bailee / donee / debtor. "Illis deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 FEP 000127

August 3, 2020

Date of Death

Felicia Maurine Johnson aka Felicia Johnson Bradley

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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

Service of process may be made upon Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150, Washington, DC 20006 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 441 Valley Avenue, SE; 208 Malcom X Avenue, SE; and 1130 47th Place, NE. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 3/2/2023

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2019 ADM 000652

Jean Smith King Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

Representative of the estate of Jean Smith King who died on March 13, 2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/2/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/2/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

March 2, 2023

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001183

David Earl Griffin

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Aujah Griffin, whose address is 23377 Superstition Way, California, MD 20619, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Earl Griffin who died on 3/14/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/2/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/2/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/2/2023

Aujah Griffin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF DEFAULT & OPPORTUNITY TO CURE

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

TO PRINCIPLE

TO: New York State Attorney General, SSA OIG, Commissioner, HHS

OIG/ Commissioner/Secretary/OCSE Commissioner, County of Bronx

Family Chief and/or Clerks of court

YOU ARE HEREBY NOTICED that you are in default of an opportunity to respond to the PUBLIC ADS, PUBLIC RECORDS, COMMERCIAL AFFIDAVITS sent to you throughout 2/2023, 3/2023 by certified, registered mail. You were given the opportunity to rebut the claims made against you by your failure to answer said notices, declarations, AFFIDAVITS. You have consented and agreed to all of the terms and conditions contained therein.

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

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000663

Elsie Bessie Garner

Decedent

Chidinma Iwuji

419 7th Street, NW Suite 405

Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

David Garner, whose address is 6606 Lansdale St., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie Bessie Garner who died on July 3, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/2/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/2/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

3/2/2023

David Garner

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

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

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

Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV),

ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Vital Records : 112-88-067895, " ANTHONY DEMETRICE HUNT II© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Aledem Terseb Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor

/ Donor / Principal / Creditor: " anthony demetrice bey© ", nom deguerre: " Anthony Demetrice Hunt II© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Aledem Terseb Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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that have faced a disproportionate burden of environmental harms and pollution. That means more improvements and more jobs in our communities.

Plus, thanks to the Biden-Harris administration working alongside Sen. Ossoff, Sen. Warnock and Rep. Williams, Atlanta will receive $30 million to improve safety along Pryor Street and Center Avenue through the Safe Streets and Roads for All Program. This program will allow the city to hire workers from our communities to

MORIAL from Page 30

diversity in schools, and the Parental Rights in Education law — better known as "Don't Say Gay" — explicitly require the reviews that forced the district to remove the books.

Among the 47 books the district returned to the publisher after the review was "The Life of Rosa Parks" and "Separate is Never Equal."

Politicians in other states are embracing the DeSantis Stop WOKE ploy like cynical moths drawn to the flames of a burning cross.

At least 36 states have adopted or introduced laws or policies that restrict teaching about race and racism. In North Dakota teachers are effectively forbidden to acknowledge the exis-

MARSHALL from Page 30

British Empire westward into North America, the idea of aristocracy came with it. Winning the fight for national freedom in the Revolutionary War meant the American colonists were no longer tied to the British hereditary aristocracy. This signaled the end of the type of ruling class in which the title of king or queen was handed down from parent to child. By moving from a hereditary aristocracy to a social aristocracy, Americans were not necessarily free from a society where the most vulnerable citizens were ruled by those who were the most powerful, affluent and privileged. Aristocracy is simple.

You have a small group of people who put themselves in the position of control because they view themselves as superior and truly believe they are the best qualified to rule the entire population. By way of arrogance and a sense of superiority, a small minority within America (the wealthy) has a disproportionate concentration of political power and influence. The priority for aristocrats is to avoid shar-

build protected bike lanes and pedestrian facilities, making the area safer and more accessible while connecting the Southside and the Southside Beltline. This is in addition to $40 million delivered to upgrade Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and millions of American Rescue Plan funds the City has already put to work on pre-arrest diversion services, combatting homelessness, job training and so much more.

We have a lot more work to do before every family in Atlanta has the same access to economic mobility, but change is happen-

tence of systemic racism. Researcher Jeffrey Sachs, who tracks such legislation for PEN America, said, "The law now is saying that whenever a teacher talks about racism, they may only describe it as a product of an individual's own biases or prejudices. They cannot describe it — even when the facts command them to — as something more endemic or embedded within American society.

"It's a way essentially of preventing teachers, I think, from being honest about a lot of the uglier sides of American history and contemporary society."

If DeSantis and his imitators get their way, our schools will produce an entire generation of Americans oblivious to the legacy of slavery and Jim

ing wealth by keeping as much of it as possible exclusively to members of the highest social and economic class. They will achieve this goal even if it means using their political influence in the destruction of critical programs (Social Security), the destruction of human life (opposing meaningful gun regulation) and the destruction of the earth (denial of climate change).

Generally, aristocrats enjoy political power and influence which far exceeds their few numbers by way of exploitation. The majority of Utah residents are not wealthy, but masses of poor and middle-class Republicans will happily vote for someone who wants take away their Social Security. What happens in Utah occurs in all red states. The politics of Sen. Lee makes Utah a good example of how gullible voters will use their one vote/ one voice to follow politically, racially and cultural divisive rhetoric rather than support the economic and safety matters benefitting their households and communities.

The attack on social entitlements such as Medicare and Social Security

ing right now — and a lot of that progress is due in large part to the priorities of the Biden-Harris administration.

Here's the bottom line: as mayor, my job is to show up and deliver. President Biden and Vice President Harris make that job easier — they are providing the resources to create jobs, contract with women and minority-owned firms, and make real improvements in our communities. In the cradle of the civil rights movement, we're benefitting from allies in the White House who are laser-focused on economic empowerment. WI

Crow, to the decades of redlining that shaped our communities, trapping families within an endless cycle of poverty and violence, to the pervasive myths that deny Black patients medical treatment and pain relief.

When Americans saw the images of Elizabeth Eckford taunted by racists as she entered Little Rock Central High School, of Alabama state troopers bludgeoning John Lewis on the Edmund Pettis Bridge, of police dogs attacking teenagers in Birmingham, they were galvanized into action by what they saw. DeSantis and his imitators have learned the wrong lessons from history. They want to make sure no one else learns the right ones. WI

programs should consider the fact millionaires receive Social Security even when they don't need it. If senators like Mike Lee and Florida's Rick Scott are determined to cut Social Security, they should start with those making up the one percent. Why should billionaires and other wealthy individuals be entitled to Social Security benefits when they really don't need it?

The maximum Social Security benefit in 2022 is $2,364 for someone who files at 62. It is $4,194 if the person files at age 70. The system is no doubt in trouble. One potential way to help the struggling system is to stop protecting the wealthy. If a "means-test" is applied, it could reduce or even eliminate benefits for wealthy retirees who didn't need the money. In 2017 more than 47,500 millionaires received Social Security benefits totaling $1.4 billion annually. The perception that the people who are draining government entitlement programs are all poor and middle-class individuals is far from the truth.

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now appropriate to likewise label the MAGA crowd as communists who support the enemy of a democratic Ukraine?

Despite Putin's monumental miscalculation, the estimated loss of 8 to 10 thousand Russian soldiers per day, a disrupted economy, and the loss of stature on the world stage, Russia continues to exercise "state terrorism."

But … babies continue to be born. The spirit of resistance and resilience still flourishes. President Zelenskyy still serves as a beacon of courage and perseverance. Unlike truly feckless leaders, Zelenskyy has stayed with his people. Under the threat of personal harm, he did not flee his country, as other leaders have done when believing their lives to be in danger. He has given

MYRICK from Page 31 Subscribe!

books on everything from Judaism to human sexuality. With such abundant historical evidence that banning the teaching of history is morally abhorrent, it's even more shocking that we're still having to defend against it today.

ATTACKS ON EDUCATION ARE ATTACKS ON THE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE

History deserves to be taught authentically, even when that history is unpleasant. We owe it to the people who got us to this point to portray

JEALOUS from Page 31

WILLIAMS from Page 31 erything from women's health to voting rights to environmental protection are all intertwined and will play out state by state. We need activists and advocates in every single one.

An example is the once-in-a-generation investment this nation will make over the next decade to improve infrastructure and create jobs in ways that have environmental repair and renewal at their core. We will spend more than $700 billion, more than double what we spent to make good on President Kennedy's pledge to send a man to the moon. While President Biden and Congress have committed that money, the decisions on exactly how it will be spent will happen in

his people reason to believe their often-quoted optimism of a victorious and free Ukraine.

Lastly, I take great personal pride in the courage demonstrated by President Biden. In the face of controversy and criticism, he has been steadfast in his support of Ukraine and his efforts in holding together the international coalition of support for Ukraine. I am even more impressed with his courage and fortitude in making the dangerous 20-hour round-trip by train to Kyiv to demonstrate his resolve to the Ukrainian people and supporters of their War effort.

Let us pray for peace in the world. Let us pray for reason to prevail. In the face of mass devastation, let us pray for healing. And we must pray for the Russian people who must endure this maniac who calls himself their president. WI

their lives and their lessons correctly. When we deny any student the truth, we hinder their ability to grow into empathetic adults who will continue driving society forward. We are shooting ourselves in both feet if we think society can progress without an honest view of history as a guiding light. For people who want to ban Black history, denialism and regression are the whole point.

THOSE WHO OPPOSE BLACK HISTORY ARE DESTINED TO FAIL

Labeling a topic as "controversial" won't make it go away, nor will removing it from school

cities, counties and states. We need to ensure the money is spent effectively and not hijacked by special interests. We need to be watchful to win.

The hard truth is that all the self-interested need to do to win is to drive a wedge between us. That's a much easier task to accomplish than the unity I've seen. It just takes a little disinformation mixed with some concocted grievance.

The folks I met show that we're smarter and stronger than that. We can't let special interests make us appear more divided than we really are, putting our republic and our planet at even greater risk. Based on what I've heard, I'm convinced that many of us are ready to stay vigilant and to oppose those who want nothing more than to profit

curricula, especially in a day and age when kids can access virtually unlimited information with the swipe of their fingers. We will fight back against the banning of Black history, just as we've done every time our lived experiences have been disregarded and called "controversial" or worse. And we will win, because the truth cannot be silenced.

Black history is at the heart of America's origins, how it has endured, and how it will survive future challenges. Instead of trying to ban it, the people who consider it so controversial should try actually reading it. They might learn something.

WI

from dividing us, whether it's politically or financially. WI

Despite Putin's monumental miscalculation, the estimated loss of 8 to 10 thousand Russian soldiers per day, a disrupted economy, and the loss of stature on the world stage, Russia continues to exercise "state terrorism."

The hard truth is that all the self-interested need to do to win is to drive a wedge between us. That's a much easier task to accomplish than the unity I've seen. It just takes a little disinformation mixed with some concocted grievance.

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