The Washington Informer - March 7, 2024

Athletic Trainer Shortage Dominates Teacher Contract Negotiations

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Contract negotiations between the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) have touched on a bevy of issues, but none more frequently than school safety.

It’s a particularly crucial subject for

14 DCPS athletic trainers who are overextended by their obligations to a student-athlete population that has tripled in the last 32 years. Failing to hire more athletic trainers, WTU collective bargaining team members say, poses dangerous, and even potentially deadly, consequences for student-athletes.

Even so, the collective bargaining team has had little success in negotiating an expansion of the athletic trainer workforce. A DCPS employee who’s familiar with the contract negotia-

The D.C. Council Approves Secure DC Omnibus Package

Grassroots Organizers Question Councilmember Pinto’s Community Engagement

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As many expected, the D.C. Council approved the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act on Tuesday during the second reading of the bill.

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) stood as the sole “present” vote.

Subsequently, unanimous approval of accompanying emergency legislation paved the way for the Secure DC’s prompt implementation. Again, Ward 8 Councilmember White voted “present.”

In the moments before making these votes, White reflected on his

coming of age and the effects of mass incarceration on Black families. He told his colleagues that successfully curbing crime means addressing its underlying causes, not further criminalizing the marginalized masses.

“Most of my friends didn’t make it because of the absence of leadership in our community [that was caused by] incarceration,” White said on Tuesday.

“We haven’t done enough to address public safety in this city. I introduced [legislation] for returning citizens and it’s sitting on the shelf,” White continued. “I introduced record sealing and it’s sitting on the shelf.

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This election season, incumbents and challengers alike are mulling how best to curb the violent crime that has the District under siege and adults scared of young people.

That debate continues to take shape inside and outside the John A. Wilson Building as D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) and Rodney “Red” Grant tout vocational training as a crime prevention tool.

Prince George's County Spelling Bee Center Section

5At-Large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D) announced three bills to proactively stop crime on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest, with organizers such as activist Tony Lewis, Jr. and Samantha Paige Davis of Black Swan Academy. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5 More than 100 community activists descended upon the John A. Wilson Building on Tuesday, March 5, when the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act during the second reading of the bill. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor

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Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

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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

Democratic Leaders Slam Rap Icons for Trump Support, Urge Black Community to ‘Examine Facts’

As former President Donald Trump, who is twice impeached and facing 91 felony criminal charges, rapidly approaches the Republican presidential nomination, the Biden-Harris campaign has intensified its criticisms and is preparing to spend a record amount of money on advertising and marketing.

In Wilmington, Delaware, at the Biden-Harris campaign headquarters, senior officials made clear they see and hear rhetoric aimed at African Americans, and particularly from some prominent Black men, who articulate little facts or substance to justify their perceived support for Trump.

“This is not a lesser of two evils,” a high-ranking campaign official demanded. “Joe Biden absolutely deserves to be re-elected and I think that he’s earned the African American vote through his actions, deeds, and accom-

plishments.”

A high-profile Democrat attacked well-known hip-hop artists Killer Mike, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Fat Joe and Sexyy Red for misleading their enormous fan base about Trump. Fat Joe denied supporting Trump, but publicly showcased the former president’s new $2,000 sneakers.

“That’s irresponsible,” the individual said of Joe, before slamming Snoop Dogg for supporting Trump because he pardoned his friend, Harry O.

“Harry O. sold poison to Black kids in Los Angeles and killed and destroyed the lives of so many Blacks in the community, yet Snoop Dogg is celebrating that and proclaiming his love of Trump for that?” the Democrat questioned.

Meanwhile, Killer Mike remains a Trump supporter and Sexyy Red boosted her claim that Trump gave Americans stimulus checks during his presidency.

“All false claims,” the Democrat stated.

Biden campaign officials also outlined the president’s achievements and emphasized how terrible Trump remains for the Black community.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

CDC Updated COVID-19 Policy

After a three-year stretch adhering to strict guidelines for mask mandates, vaccinations, and quarantines over the most intense periods of the coronavirus pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated its recommendations for COVID-19 to align with treatment for other respiratory infections—dropping the previous recommendations to quarantine for at least five days.

While guidelines have eased, the agency still recommends taking safe precautions over a five day period following infection by limiting close contact with others and masking up in public spaces to lower the risk of spreading the respiratory illness. People who have tested positive for COVID-19 are still directed to stay home until they are free of fever temperatures and symptoms that require medication for at least 24 hours.

As with RSV and influenza, the CDC continues to sug-

gest helpful recommendations to keep people safe and healthy, by practicing proper hygiene such as covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, washing or sanitizing hands often, and “taking steps for cleaner air” by purifying indoor air or bringing in fresh outside air.

In response to the eased restrictions, CDC Director Dr. Mandy Cohen explained that the country is seeing increased rates of immunity against the viral infection, consequently leaving smaller bumps in transmission, fewer infections and a decrease in hospitalizations and deaths from the coronavirus.

“Today’s announcement reflects the progress we have made in protecting against severe illness from COVID-19,” Cohen said. “However, we still must use the common sense solutions we know work to protect ourselves and others from serious illness from respiratory viruses-this includes vaccination, treatment, and staying home when we get sick.” WI

Super Tuesday 2024 Sets Stage for Biden Trump Rematch

President Joe Biden and his twice-impeached and fourtimes indicted predecessor, Donald Trump, emerged victorious on Super Tuesday, wrapping up their respective party nominations and setting up a rematch of the volatile 2020 election.

More than a dozen states participated in primaries and caucuses, constituting the most significant nominating race day, and shifting the focus from the one-by-one march through early-voting states

Michigan, while college-educated suburbanites leaned towards alternatives to Trump. While the 15 states in contention didn’t officially provide Trump with enough delegates to secure the GOP nomination for a third consecutive time, he closed the gap, leaving little room for his main rival, Nikki Haley, who suspended her campaign the morning after.

Haley earned victories in the District of Columbia’s Republican primary, held the Sunday before Super Tuesday.

The latest delegate estimate revealed Trump’s substantial gain of 617 delegates on Tuesday, propelling his overall count to 893, or 92% of those awarded, putting him on the brink of the 1,215 delegates required for clinching the GOP nomination. In contrast, Haley lagged significantly with only 66 delegates.

“They call it Super Tuesday for a reason,” declared Trump, whom a civil jury twice sanctioned for sexually assaulting a writer and a New York judge found guilty of massive business fraud. “This is a big one,” continued Trump, who was ordered to pay nearly $500 million for his New York crimes and $90 million for the sexual assault guilty finding.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

5 Killer Mike (Courtesy Photo/ Erin Cecil, Treefort Music Festival)

Bipartisan Push Clears Path for RFK Stadium Redevelopment, Possible Return to D.C. for Commanders

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Could the District finally bring its football team home? In a rare display of bipartisan unity, Washington, D.C., has taken a significant step towards reclaiming the Commanders after the House passed the D.C. RFK Memorial Stadium Campus Revitalization Act with an overwhelming 34855 vote. The legislation seeks to transform the long-neglected RFK Stadium into a vibrant mixed-use development, potentially featuring commercial and residential spaces and a new Commanders’ stadium.

Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.), the chairman of the House Oversight Committee, supported the legislation, demonstrating an unexpected alliance between Comer, D.C. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser, and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D). Comer, previously focused on crime and policing issues, expressed the economic benefits of redeveloping RFK during floor debates, emphasizing the bill’s role in fulfilling Congress’s constitutional duty to oversee the District.

The legislation proposes transferring administrative control of the 174-acre riverfront parcel from the federal government to D.C. for 99 years, without rent costs. This move opens various development possibilities, including a football stadium, restaurants, shops, and housing. Norton and Comer termed the arrangement a “win-win” for D.C. and the National Park Service, relieving the latter of maintenance costs.

While the bill passed despite opposition from the Maryland delegation, such as Gov. Wes Moore and others who argue for a level playing field in the competition to retain the Commanders, it now faces the Senate. D.C.’s bid to bring the Commanders back hinges on the Senate’s approval of the RFK legislation, with no clear

advocate identified. The bill’s passage would mark D.C.’s formal entry into the Commanders’ Stadium competition.

The decision ultimately rests with Commanders owner Josh Harris, who has talked with various jurisdictions, including D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. However, the bill prohibits using federal funds for a stadium, leaving the possibility of local funds financing the project. The competition intensified, mainly after Virginia focused on a new basketball and hockey arena for the Washington Wizards and Capitals.

Despite the significant progress in the House, the road ahead remains long and uncertain. The bill’s journey through the Senate and the potential hurdle of the filibuster awaits, with 60 senators required for advancement. If it successfully navigates Congress and secures President Biden’s signature, Bowser will only need support from the D.C. Council and the local community for any potential stadium development.

Bowser said she envisions a vibrant mixed-use space with affordable housing, dining, park spaces, and recreational opportunities, emphasizing a departure from asphalt-dominated landscapes.

“[The] vote was a significant step forward in our efforts to unlock the full potential of the RFK Campus — for our residents and visitors, the community, and D.C.’s Comeback,” Bowser proclaimed.

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 Kentucky Republican Rep. James Comer is supporting D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton in their quest for redeveloping RFK Stadium. In December 2022 Events DC held a “Farwell RFK Stadium,” event, where Bowser (right), city leaders and District residents gathered to bid farewell to the stadium. (WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

The Perfect Artistic Gift !

MARCH 7

1539 – Estevanico, one of the first native Africans to reach the present-day continental United States, sets out to explore what is now the southwestern part of the U.S.

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.

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

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.

MARCH 9

1841 – The U.S. Supreme Court rules that the African slaves who seized control of the Amistad slave ship had been illegally forced into slavery, and thus are free under American law.

1961 – African American corporate executive, educator and philanthropist Clifton R. Wharton is sworn in as U.S. ambassador to Norway.

1966 – Andrew F. Brimmer is sworn in as the first Black governor of the Federal Reserve Board.

1997 – Famed rapper The Notorious B.I.G.

is shot and killed in Los Angeles at age 24.

MARCH 10

1849 – Hallie Quinn Brown, an African American educator, writer and activist, is born in Pittsburgh. 1913 – Iconic abolitionist and escaped Harriet Tubman dies of pneumonia in Auburn, New York.

1969 – James Earl Ray pleads guilty to the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. and is sentenced to 99 years in prison.

MARCH 11

1959 – African American playwright Lorraine Hansberry opens "A Raisin in the Sun" at Barrymore Theatre in New York.

MARCH 12

1791 – Benjamin Banneker is commissioned by President George Washington as part of a team to survey the District of Columbia.

1955 – Influential bebop saxophonist Charlie "Bird" Parker dies in New York City of complications from lobar pneumonia and other health issues at 34.

1964 – Malcolm X announced the establishment of Muslim Mosque, Inc., four days after his departure from the Nation of Islam.

1982 – Playwright Charles Fuller wins the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for "A Soldier's Play," a story of a Black captain's search for the murderer of a Black sergeant on a Louisiana army base during World War II.

MARCH 13

1972 – Rapper and actor Common is born in Chicago.

1979 – Grenadian politician and revolutionary Maurice Bishop seizes power in a coup in 1979, serving as Prime Minister of the People's Revolutionary Government of Grenada until 1983, when he is overthrown and executed. WI

view

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

In honor of National Employee Appreciation Day in March, what was your first job, and where was it?

MICHELLE TITUS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

My first job was at 16, as a video store clerk. It’s still my favorite of all the jobs I have ever had.

TONY B. / VIRGINIA BEACH, VA.

I was a paper boy at 12 until they short-changed me on my first weeks’ pay. My second job, I worked at a company that cleaned and glazed baking pans for bread companies. They allowed me to work there at 15, which allowed them to give their workers summer vacation. It was a rewarding experience. I wish I could find them and thank the owner for the chance to work and make my own money.

MELODIE CARTER / CHICAGO, ILL.

I started babysitting for a family at 12. Then, at the ripe old age of 14, I worked at a Community Family Center doing inventory. From there, it goes on and on. Now I’m ready to retire!

MARSHA RAYON / ROBBINS, ILL..

I worked in my dad’s appliance store three days a week after school and earned $7.00 a week. I also babysat for $.50 an hour. I was a Candy Striper at a children’s hospital for no monetary salary, but I gained priceless compassion.

MONYA BRACE / WASHINGTON, D.C.

My first job was as a file clerk at D.C. Superior Court, 500 Indiana Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., thanks to the late Marion Barry’s Summer Youth Employment Program.

Haley Wins D.C. GOP Presidential Primary

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Simone Howard does not consider herself overtly political, but she made an exception in her thinking and voted in the District’s Republican Party presidential primary that took place March 1-3 because she wanted to cast a ballot for the candidate she believed in, former UN Ambassador and ex-South Carolina governor Nikki Haley.

“I voted for Nikki Haley,” Howard, a 61-year-old Ward 6 resident, said on March 3. “I do not agree with all her positions, but she is the only sane voice among the candidates. She can bring the country together. Besides, she is pro-life, like me.”

Howard’s vote was among Haley’s majority—62.86%--to defeat former President Donald Trump, who had 33.22%. The District primary is the first win for Haley during the presidential primary season. Haley polled above 50% in the presidential field and as a result, all 19 of the District GOP delegates and alternates to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee from July 15-18 will be for her.

The primary took place at The Madison Hotel in Northwest, the lone voting site.

The city’s primaries for all registered political parties including the Democrats, take place on June 4. That date, June 4, is too late for the Republican National Convention. National Republican Party rules prohibit primaries from occurring less than 45 days before the presidential nominating convention starts.

District Republicans only voted for presidential candidates during March 1-3.

District Democrats will choose their presidential preference and local offices during the June 4 primary. District Republicans will also have a primary for local offices on June 4, also.

District GOP officials reported 2,035 voters in the primary. Only registered District Republicans could participate in the primary. There was a mail-in option for residents in active military service, those unable to vote in person due to injuries suffered in the armed forces and overseas voters.

Alauria Jackson did not state who she voted for in the primary but expressed satisfaction

with the process.

“The reason I voted is because I wanted my voice to be heard,” Jackson, 34, said, sporting a “I Voted” sticker.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

U.S. Attorney Launches Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit in D.C. to Combat Discrimination

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves announced the formation of an Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia. In a news release, Graves said the new civil unit would focus on investigating and enforcing federal civil rights and environmental laws within the District and conducting regular community outreach regarding civil rights and environmental justice concerns.

“Protecting civil rights within CIVIL RIGHTS Page 18

5U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves announced the formation of an Affirmative Civil Rights and Environmental Justice Unit in the Civil Division of the United States Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia. (Courtesy Photo/ Justice.gov)

5Nikki Haley is the former U.S. ambassador to the UN and an ex-governor of South Carolina. (Courtesy Photo)

The Collins Council Report: Right to Hospital/Home Instruction, Restaurant Service Fees, and the Opioid Emergency

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This edition of The Collins Council Report comes after a Committee of the Whole and legislative meeting that started nearly three hours later than scheduled. The legislative meeting had several delays due to audio malfunction.

Readers can check out a separate article about the Secure DC omnibus bill that came out of the legislative meeting. Below is a recap of three other important pieces of legislation that came before the council on March 5.

STUDENTS’ RIGHT TO HOME OR HOSPITAL INSTRUCTION

The D.C. Council unanimously approved the Extended Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Amendment Act on Tuesday during the second reading of the bill.

Earlier this year, D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (IAt large) told The Informer that the original law around home/hospital instruction, as interpreted by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education, excluded students who were parents.

She said that failure to move ahead with the legislative change could impede student parents’ efforts to continue their education before and after childbirth.

This legislation, introduced by D.C. Councilmembers Henderson, Anita Bonds (D-At large), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Robert White (D-At large), and Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), added pre-birth complications, childbirth, and postpartum recovery to the list of conditions that are deemed eligible for student home and hospital instruction.

RESTAURANT REVITALIZATION AND DRAM SHOP CLARIFICATION

The D.C. Council approved, by a 12-1 vote, the Restaurant Revitalization and Dram Shop Clarification Amendment Act during its second reading.

D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray was the sole “no” vote.

Along the way to the full passage of this bill, the council engaged in discussion about some amendments. D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) also attempted unsuccessfully to postpone the vote through a motion.

The council unanimously approved an amendment by D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) that repeals a section of the Minimum Wage Act Revision Act of 1992 mandating the creation of a tipped worker portal and obligates employers of tipped workers to file reports.

An amendment by Mendelson that moves up the implementation of Initiative 82 from July 1,2027 to July 1, 2025 didn’t overcome concerns about the erosion of public trust in the council that would come about. The council struck down the amendment in a 3-10 vote, with Mendelson, along with D.C. Council members Bonds and Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), voting in the affirmative.

The council narrowly approved, by a 7-6 vote, an amendment that Mendelson introduced to, not only mandate restaurants’ public disclosure of service fees, but protect businesses that comply with the law from private lawsuits. Restaurants’ service fee disclosure, as written in the amendment, would be either done verbally by tipped workers, or via visible signage, placement in menus.

Mendelson later struck verbal disclosure from the amendment.

Council members Gray, Nadeau, White (D-At-Large), Trayon White (D-Ward 8), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), and Henderson voted in opposition to that amendment. Nadeau expressed concern about the business protection portion, saying that it would disadvantage consumers.

D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) successfully submitted an oral amendment to Mendelson’s amendment stating that the fee disclosure would include more detail about how restaurateurs would disburse funds between operations and tipped worker compensation.

This happened moments after Frumin withdrew an amendment capping restaurant service charges at 20%, only 5% of which would be dedicated to operating costs.

Despite the bill’s passage, there’s still

a question of whether consumers will ever gain clarity around the purpose of service fees and what will become of them in the years leading up to Initiative 82’s full implementation.

Earlier, during the council breakfast, Henderson expressed concern about overreach in enforcement of the service fees cap. She later warned her colleagues that capping service fees requires a drawn-out conversation with the tipped worker community.

Meanwhile, At-large Councilmember White suggested that the provision about the cap be written out of the amendment altogether. Ward 8 Councilmember White inquired about what Mendelson was hearing from the D.C. business lobbying community about this portion of the bill.

EXTENSION OF OPIOID CRISIS AND JUVENILE CRIME PUBLIC EMERGENCIES

The D.C. Council approved the Opioid Crisis and Juvenile Crime Public Emergencies Extension Authorization Emergency Declaration Resolution, by a 10-1-2 vote.

Council Chairman Mendelson voted “no” while Councilmembers Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) and Gray (D-Ward 7) were absent.

In November, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) declared a public health emergency in response to the opioid crisis and youth violence. That declaration followed the passage of a council resolution calling on the mayor to enact the public emergency.

The emergency order allowed for quicker access to opioid abatement resources and guidance around the creation of a collective overdose tracking system. Per D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large), Bowser executed emergency contracts for a substance abuse marketing campaign and substance abuse treatment for co-existing conditions at Children’s

National Medical Center in Northwest.

Pinto, speaking about the juvenile justice aspect of the emergency legislation, later mentioned the expansion of shelter beds for youth under the public emergency.

Even with the passage of the resolution, some issues lie ahead.

She also referenced what she called strict parameters around disbursement of funds and the District’s opioid abatement advisory commission taking too long to make funding decisions. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE AWARD

Toni Thomas Associates, Inc.

Hope Project Training Academy (HPTA)

The Community College Preparatory Academy has a need for Toni Thomas Associates to provide Information Technology training services. This includes the provision of both onsite and virtual support, immediate CompTIA A+, IT Fundamentals, Network Plus, and Security Plus training to reach the assessment thresholds set by our governing authorities. These services are crucial to support the School’s operations as this Contractor offers unique, critical support which is especially necessary as we adopt a new performance metrics framework. Toni Thomas Associates achieved our highest technology training performance to date, supporting a 90% passage rate for our students. The estimated cost of these services is $150,000.

5The D.C. Council approved the Extended Students’ Right to Home or Hospital Instruction Amendment Act on Tuesday, March 5, co-introduced by D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Dr. Clarence Lusane, Tariah Hyland, and Dr. Lorenzo Morris read The Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

“If the time is not ripe, we have to ripen the time.”

– Dorothy Height

https://www washingtoninformer com/calendar/ #/

Mayor Muriel Bowser (center) and Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith held a city-wide Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners meeting on March 2 at Turkey Thicket Recreation Center in Northeast to address public safety in the District of Columbia. (L-R) Deputy Mayor Lindsay Appiah, Chief Smith, Mayor Bowser and City Administrator Kevin Donahue. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Community Resonance: The Washington Informer's Digital Transition Celebrated in ‘Smart Marketing’ Workshop

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a dynamic collaboration that seeks to propel local and Black-owned businesses into the digital age, BloomLab and The Washington Informer hosted a compelling and insightful digital marketing workshop at a jammed packed Carlyle Room in Northwest on Thursday, Feb. 29.

A diverse group of creative business leaders and entrepreneurs attended The Informer’s “Smart Marketing” workshop on the final day of Black History Month, giving audiences an up close look at the nearly 60-year-old organization.

Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of The Washington Informer, expressed gratitude for the community response. Rolark Barnes asserted the importance of such an inclusive workshop and what it could mean to the community and newspaper going forward.

“I was very happy with the turnout and to see so many established businesses and organizations that seem to see value in what we were promoting, which included not only what The Washington Informer had to offer but the value of the Black consumer,” Rolark Barnes stated.”

She emphasized the event’s significance as a symbolic relaunch, formally marking the newspaper’s transition into the digital era as it approaches its 60th anniversary in the fall.

“We are now on a digital path, and we want to show everyone what we have to offer in the 21st century,” Rolark Barnes asserted. “It’s a reintroduction of the publication… [We] want people to know that we’re not still your grandmother or your father’s favorite newspaper; we are a newspaper bridging generations.”

Rolark Barnes also highlighted the commitment to both print and digital formats, acknowledging the importance of serving long-term print readers while embracing new opportunities in the digital realm.

Desmond “D.B. Bantino” Barnes, one of Rolark Barnes’ sons, served as moderator for the event. Washington Informer Managing Editor Micha Green, and Advertising Director Ron Burke, helped lead discussions with various business leaders at the event as

staff members took in the riveting discussions. WI Bridge Publisher Lafayette Barnes, who is also Rolark Barnes’ oldest son, and advertising team members Ra-Jah Kelly and Anthony Stevens also took part in the program.

Dr. Sheila Brooks, founder, president, and CEO of SRB Communications, spoke of the vital role of community partnerships in survival and success.

“We’re able to survive and thrive because of partnerships like the Washington Informer,” Dr. Brooks asserted. She also noted the importance of telling diverse stories and connecting with audiences, which is in The Informer’s DNA.

Joe Hand, who represented AARP DC at the event, also underscored the invaluable partnership with The Washington Informer.

“There are tons of reasons we’ve partnered with The Informer, including the big reach you have,” Hand stated. “In 2022, on my second day in the office, we hosted a forum with The Informer and city council members on Black and senior issues. We have a longstanding partnership and look forward to it continuing.”

Mike Bento, owner of Engage Strategies, shared his experiences working with The Informer over the past fiveplus years, including a Department of Health-led partnership aimed at curtailing D.C.’s growing opioid deaths. Bento said African American males in the District are dying of overdoses at an alarming rate.

“The opioid epidemic is unique in the District where, in 2023, we will have surpassed 500 overdoses, and that’s close to double the homicide rate,” Bento stated.

“We need to do more to get resources out there and encourage people into treatment,” he continued. “Our partner has been The Informer. Both through quarterly health sections and through regular advertising in the newspaper and through digital platforms to reach family members who have an opioid addiction, and we couldn’t do that without The Informer.”

Attendees reported that they gained helpful knowledge while participating in discussions about the benefits of working with other minority-owned businesses.

Queen McKnight, CEO of Queen’s Energy Conservation LLC, a full-service general contracting firm founded in D.C. and serving the entire U.S., said she learned a lot about smart marketing tools and The Washington Informer through the event.

“I learned that not only has The Washington Informer been informing for nearly 60 years, but it’s more of a family.

McKnight explained. “We love the energy of The Informer. We learned several different marketing techniques from being present today, but what we truly learned is that we seek to do more business with The Washington Informer.

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5Washington Informer team members: Managing Editor Micha Green, Digital Strategist Ra-Jah Kelly, Anthony Stevens, who focuses on advertising partnerships, and Lafayette Barnes IV, publisher of the WI Bridge. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PGCPS BUDGET WORKAROUND BILLS MOVE TO SENATE FOR CONFIRMATION

With Prince George’s County’s ongoing budget issues, local and state leaders have struggled to come up with ways to maximize existing revenues without cutting services or imposing new taxes. One proposed workaround with potentially serious implications for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) has gotten approval from the Prince

George’s County delegation and is expected to pass the Senate.

Each county is required to invest in education, no less than was invested the previous year. With the new influx of education funds from the Blueprint for Education, tax revenues from telecommunications and energy will not be shifted to education as they had in previous years.

Sixty percent of county spending went to education last year, whereas 62% is expected to this year. The measures are expected to reduce investment into PGCPS by roughly $66 million next year, and roughly $81 million by 2029.

Delegate Andrea Fletcher Harrison (D-District 24) voted in favor of the budget changes, citing her previous experience on the County Council.

“I was on the county Council when the world crashed, basically, and county employees were furloughed,” said Harrison. “They had children in public schools. They were not getting checks, but the school system got money.”

We previously covered the PGCPS budget issues; read more here and here. WI

INITIATIVE TO END POVERTY IN MARYLAND

A group of state leaders, such as: Gov. Wes Moore (D), Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D), testified in support of the ENOUGH Act on Feb. 27. The ENOUGH Act is a bill aiming to increase state investment in low-income areas of the state by partnering with local stakeholders, including: small businesses, non-profits, and faith-based organizations.

“In Prince George’s County, we know that some of our communities are still plagued with poverty, unable to easily access grocery stores, and sometimes forced to balance food against other competing finances,” said Alsobrooks during the Feb. 27 press conference, held at Riverdale’s Latin American Youth Center .

ENOUGH stands for “Engaging Neighborhoods, Organizations, Unions, Governments, and Households.”

If the legislation passes in Annapolis, this initiative would begin in the 2026 budget year.

In addition, Moore’s proposed budget would invest $15 million into the fund and the Governor’s Office for Children will evaluate the project and its potential impact.

“We live in one of the wealthiest states in the wealthiest nation on Earth. There is no reason why any Maryland child should be growing up at or below the poverty line,” said Miller. WI

JUVENILE JUSTICE BILL PASSES HOUSE, MOVES TO SENATE

The first comprehensive bill to implement changes to Maryland’s juvenile justice system passed through the Senate on Tuesday and awaits reconciliation to pass in the House. The bill passed 46-2, with Senators Jill P. Carter and Charles Sydnor (both D) casting the sole dissenting votes.

This bill, if passed, will require that if a child aged 10 to 12 is referred to a prevention program, it must be managed by a law enforcement agency or local state’s attorney’s office, a local care team, or community-based service provider. In addition, the legislation would require law enforcement who arrest youth to file a written report with the Department of Juvenile Services detailing whether the young person was referred to a program.

There are slight differences between the bills that must be fixed prior to passage, including the proposed requirements for the Commission on Juvenile Justice Reform and Emerging and Best Practices’ membership. An amendment by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R- District 38) that would have effectively nullified the Child Interrogation Protection Act was voted down on the floor.

There have been other proposed changes to Maryland’s juvenile justice system during this session. The Department of Juvenile Services testified in support of Sen. Cory V. McCray (D- District 45)’s proposed legislation to have DJS report all shootings involving juveniles under their supervision. Senator Jill P. Carter proposed a bill (D- District 41) requiring reports for all crimes involving juveniles that result in death. McCray’s bill is possibly going to be included in an omnibus justice bill later this session, while Carter’s was specifically requested by the family of victim NyKayla Strawder, who was fatally shot in 2022.

MEDICAL AID IN DYING LEGISLATION REMAINS UNLIKELY TO PASS

The controversial issue of medical aid in dying is facing hurdles to passage yet again this year, as it has for nearly a decade. Multiple members of the committee are undecided or haven’t publicly stated their stance, while Sen. Charles Sydnor (D- District 44) said he opposes the measure.

Senate President William Ferguson (D- District 46) and Judiciary Committee Chair Will C. Smith, Jr. (D- District 20) indicated that the bill didn’t have enough support to make it out of committee and was unlikely to be brought forward for a vote.

“I told every member of this committee that on issues like this, it’s a vote of conscience,” Smith said on March 1. “It’s so personal. It’s such a tough issue. In order to come to me and say, ‘Hey, look, I’m expressing unreadiness, I cannot vote for this bill,’ I would honor that.”

Medical aid in dying is legal in 10 states and Washington, D.C., but many hold reservations based on their religion and ethics to the practice.

The bill was merely one Senate vote from passage in 2019, with then-Senator Obie Patterson not voting and a 23-23 deadlock.

We previously reported on the medical aid in dying legislation; read more here.

WI

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) speaks at a press conference in Riverdale to support the ENOUGH Act, with Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller (D) seated behind her. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Senator Will C. Smith (D) chairs the Senate Judiciary Committee, where both juvenile justice measures and medical aid in dying were discussed in detail. (Courtesy Photo/Maryland.gov )

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CENTRAL PRINCE GEORGE’S COALITION HAS FIRST BLACK WOMAN PRESIDENT

The Coalition of Central Prince George’s County has selected former School Board Member Belinda Queen to lead the organization. She is the first Black woman to serve as president of the 55 year old organization dedicated to civic engagement and community collaboration, and said her first goal is to revise the bylaws.

The coalition originally consisted of civic, homeowner, and community group organizations outside of incorporated towns within the boundaries of Council Districts 5, 6 and 7, and Legislative Districts 24, 25, and 47. Their meetings are held the fourth Saturday of every month at the Peppermill Community Center, 610 Hill Road, Capitol Heights, Maryland.

“Now, we are a collaboration of civic, homeowner, and community organizations, nonprofits and business stakeholders all working as one to enhance our beloved [Prince George’s County],” Queen told The Informer. “This will empower us as a community. It will allow us to have a better seat at the table with our elected leaders on

issues and decisions that affect and surround Central Prince George’s County.”

The other goals of her agenda are to broaden the coalition’s base by increasing membership, providing direct assistance to members as requested and needed, establishing committees, and collaborating with other organizations and elected officials.

WI

BOWIE STATE’S PROUD HISTORY AS MARYLAND’S FIRST HBCU

In honor of Black History Month, the first HBCU in Maryland created a webpage that documents Maryland’s Black history, particularly regarding education.

Before becoming Bowie State University, the institution started as a teaching school for African Americans founded three months before the Civil War ended. Originally located in Baltimore, the site didn’t move to its current site until 1910.

The school was officially renamed to Bowie State in 1963 and given a liberal arts focus, before becoming the first HBCU to operate internationally in 1992.

Currently, the last entry in their historical archive is the selection of Dr. Aminta Breaux to serve as the university’s president.

"Bowie State University holds

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

a special place in my heart as the oldest HBCU in Maryland. As a transfer student, the seamless transition made me feel embraced, not like an outsider,” said Bowie State alum Calondra Young.

Even with its long history, Young said Bowie State offers new and innovative, educational opportunities. She also noted her appreciation for the university’s dedication to embracing diversity and working to ensure that all students’ needs are met.

“The university's commitment to inclusivity, accommodating my ADHD needs, providing resources, and supportive professors made my journey great. The chance to work at Saxbys, a student-run coffee shop, during its first year operating out of the university, showcased the opportunities Bowie State offers,” Young said. “It's a place where diversity flourishes, and I carry profound love for the opportunities it provides." WI

5 From the beginning of the institution’s founding in 1865, to the selection of Dr. Aminta Breaux (pictured) as university president, Bowie State is highlighting its history through a new website. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

5 Belinda Queen is the first Black woman to chair the Coalition of Central Prince George’s County. (WI File Photo)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

DEDRICK ASANTEMUHAMMAD NAMED JOINT CENTER PRESIDENT

The board of governors of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies in Northwest announced that Dedrick Asante-Muhammad will be the think tank’s next president and will start his new position on March 11.

Asante-Muhammad is replacing Spencer Overton, who served as president for 10 years before stepping down in June of last year. Jessica Fulton, vice president of Policy, served as interim president. She will remain in this position until March 11 and then will resume her general responsibilities as vice president.

“With two decades dedicated to unraveling and combating racial and economic inequities, Dedrick’s renowned expertise in racial wealth divide analysis will

briefs

undoubtedly propel our mission forward with insight and impact,” said Paul N.D. Thornell, chair of the board of governors and presidential search committee chair.

Thornell emphasized his confidence in Asante-Muhammad’s ability to advance the work of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies.

“Dedrick, who was recently named by Time as one of the 18 Black leaders working to end the racial wealth gap will guide our vision, ensuring it remains steadfastly aligned with the needs of Black communities,” Thornell continued. “The board has full confidence in Dedrick’s ability and vision, and we are excited about the next chapter of the Joint Center under his leadership.”

Asante-Muhammad said, “my upcoming position at the Joint Center is the capstone of my career.”

“The Joint Center was the principal organization to strengthen and advance elected African Amer-

ican officials during the last decades of the 20th century,” he said. “In this 21st century, the problem of the color line is still at the center of inequality and division in the United States, and it is my goal to position the Joint Center to lead the nation beyond its historical divisions and injustice.” WI

NAREB PRESIDENT ENCOURAGES BLACK HOMEOWNERSHIP IN BUILDING BLACK WEALTH

The leader of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) explained that bolstering Black homeownership is a major component of building African American wealth and closing the expansive racial wealth gap.

NAREB President Courtney Johnson Rose, speaking during an appearance on the podcast Roll Call’s “Equal Time with Mary C. Curtis,” said that the association’s 2023 State of Housing in Black America report shows the 400 wealthiest Americans control the same amount of wealth as all 48 million Blacks living in the U.S.

“Homeownership traditionally has been a cornerstone for wealth building,” Rose said. “When you think about the African American community and the wealth we have, 60% of our wealth is home

when we look at wealth building for African Americans, owning a home is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to build wealth.”

Rose also noted that homeowners tend to be active citizens in the community and belong to a church.

Curtis credited NAREB with encouraging public policies and private practices that create opportunities for more people to become homebuyers.

Plus, Rose talked about tools such as the Special Purpose Credit Program that will underwrite a loan when there is a higher debt-to-income ratio for buying a home. Studies have shown that minorities have higher debt-to-income ratios than whites.

Rose also invited Curtis to attend NAREB’s Building Black Wealth Community Day, which will take place in Charlotte on Saturday.

The community day is part of the organization’s national tour culminating in NAREB’s National Wealth Building Day on April 13. WI

‘JOBS NOT GUNS’ WORKSHOP’ RETURNS THIS APRIL

The DC Business Gun Violence Prevention Coalition, composed

of the National Association of Minority Contractors–Washington, DC Metropolitan Area Chapter, Inner Thoughts Inc., and the DC Concerned Black Business Owner , will host its third “East of the River Jobs Not Guns Youth Career Building Workshop on April 17.

The event is entitled “A Road to Employment..Resources in the Neighborhood.” It is scheduled to take place at Ward 8’s Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church’s Panorama Room, 1600 Morris Road, SE. The event will run from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Youth Workshop will recruit 75-100 senior high school youth from Wards 7 and 8. These neighborhoods have been identified by the Building Blocks DC, Office of Gun Violence Prevention’s profile and the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council as critical areas that have the highest rates of youth violence in the District.

The Coalition is inviting Wards 7 and 8 churches, public and private agencies, elected officials and potential employers to participate in the Youth Workshop to provide assistance for young people to overcome barriers to participating in training and apprenticeship programs.

For more information, contact Rosalind Styles or Dottie Wade at 202-678-8840 or go to the website at jobsnotguns.org.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Dedrick Asante-Muhammad was named president of the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, and officially begins his new role on March 11. (Courtesy Photo/Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies) equity. So,

5 Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose is the president and CEO of the National Association of Real Estate Brokers. (Courtesy Photo/NAREB)

Roots Cafe Opens in Historic Laurel

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Roots Cafe, located in historic Laurel, is offering more than just low-sugar products, organic smoothies, and unique teas to their customer base. The cafe operates inside of a community-focused health center that provides inclusive and culturally responsive healthcare services including yoga, diabetes management and nutrition counseling.

Owners Azyta Ahmadi and Ricardo Hurd, passionate about agriculture and seeking to address health inequities in minority communities, are grateful to offer healthy food and a chance for the community to reconnect as we recover from the pandemic at Roots Cafe.

Roots Cafe is a feel-good brand, educating, nourishing and inspiring our community to live well.

“We are family owned and operated and take great pride in the diversity of our roots,” Ahmadi told The Informer.

Nutritional education is a key component of Roots Cafe’s work and offerings.

“Roots Cafe is a distinct organization that takes a custom approach to educating, supporting, and inspiring the community to eat better and live well,” Ahmadi continued. “Roots Cafe is the only carryout-style establishment offering a lively, educational and tailored experience.”

In the future, the Roots Cafe team intends to expand their menu by offering more breakfast and lunch options and eventually open a second location. They are currently open on Saturdays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and food delivery services can bring their menu direct to you.

“We are planning lots of partnerships with local farms and community organizations,” continued Ahmadi. “We aim to be a trusted brand and improve the communities in which we operate. Roots Café is committed to putting the needs of the community at the heart of how we work.”

Roots Cafe is located inside of the Sankofa Building in Historic Laurel at 105 Washington Boulevard South, Laurel, MD 20707 WI

GROW YOUR BUSINESS WITH UNITED BANK.

5 A Roots Cafe menu is posted outside for prospective customers in historic Laurel. (Courtesy Photo/Roots Cafe)

Vice President Kamala Harris Joins Annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, Honors Legacy of Bloody Sunday

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

To help commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Vice President Kamala Harris stood alongside activists and community leaders on the iconic Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, where she used the occasion to mark history and to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.

“People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act,” the vice president declared to cheers. “The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid. No excuses.” On the anniversary of Bloody Sunday, Israel pulled out of ceasefire discussions because the nation’s leaders said Hamas would not release the names of living hostages.

“Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table,” Harris asserted. “And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal. Let’s get a ceasefire. Let’s

reunite the hostages with their families. And let’s provide immediate relief to the people of Gaza.”

She then turned her attention to the brutal attack on peaceful protesters who were calling for voting rights on March 7, 1965, noting it as a memorable turning point in the Civil Rights Movement. “The challenges we currently face are not unlike the challenges faced by those 600 brave souls 59 years ago,” she said.

Fifty-nine years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and other civil rights leaders led a nonviolent march from Selma to Montgomery to demand equal voting rights for African Americans. However, as the marchers approached the Edmund Pettus Bridge, Alabama state troopers brandishing billy clubs and tear gas violently disrupted their peaceful procession.

Per the National Archives: “With Hosea Williams of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) leading the demonstration and John Lewis, Chairman of the

Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), at his side, the marchers were stopped as they were leaving Selma, at the end of the Edmund Pettus Bridge, by some 150 Alabama state troopers, sheriff's deputies, and possemen, who ordered the demonstrators to disperse.

“One minute and five seconds after a two-minute warning was announced, the troops advanced, wielding clubs, bullwhips, and tear gas. Lewis, who suffered a skull fracture, was one of 58 people treated for injuries at the local hospital. Less than one week later, Lewis recounted the attack on the

marchers during a federal hearing at which the demonstrators sought protection for a full-scale march to Montgomery.

The televised brutality shocked the nation and propelled the urgent need for federal intervention. Later that year, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, a significant legislative milestone in the ongoing fight for equal access to the ballot.

The annual Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee, spanning several days and culminating on Sunday, served as both a remembrance of the sacrifices made on Bloody Sunday and a call to action for contemporary civil rights challenges. Sunday’s anniversary march, a central event in the jubilee, reenacted the steps of those who faced violence in their pursuit of justice and equality.

During a previous visit to Selma, Harris described the Edmund Pettus Bridge as “hallowed ground,” and emphasized the significance of remembering the sacrifices made by those who fought for the fundamental right to vote.

The White House noted that Harris’s speech would honor the civil rights movement’s legacy and address the contemporary challenges in the ongoing quest for justice. Harris said she wanted to encourage Americans to remain steadfast

in defending their fundamental freedoms, particularly in the face of current threats to voting rights nationwide.

The Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee also featured a pre-march public conversation, where National Newspaper Publishers Association President and CEO Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr. and the Rev. Mark Thompson shared insights into the historical struggles of the 1960s. Chavis, a member of the Wilmington 10 and a key figure in the civil rights movement, underscored the enduring nature of the fight for justice.

“On the bridge over here, we were beaten down. That was 59 years ago, and we're still being beaten down,” he declared. He expressed urgency and added, “We have to do something about it. We're tired of being beat down.”

Chavis reminded those in attendance that, as the nation grapples with contemporary challenges to voting rights and social justice, the Selma Bridge Crossing Jubilee remains a symbolic and substantive annual event, reminding all Americans of the “historical struggles that paved the way for progress while urging continued vigilance in the face of present-day challenges.”

WI

5Vice President Kamala Harris commemorated the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday by walking the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, and called for a ceasefire in Israel. (WI File Photo)

Senate Leaders and Civil Rights Advocates Unite to Reinforce Voting Protections

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a press briefing on Thursday, Feb. 29, Senate leaders, alongside civil rights advocates, announced the reintroduction of S.4, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, aimed at safeguarding voting rights and fortifying the nation's democratic foundations.

According to U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on March 12 to discuss the growing threats to voting rights and the need for federal voting safeguards.

Leaders said as the nation reflects on the sacrifices of civil rights champions like the late Rep. John Lewis, the call resounds for every member of Congress to endorse pivotal democracy bills, including:

the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, the Freedom to Vote Act, and the Native American Voting Rights Act, ahead of the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday on March 7.

“This year's presidential election will be the first since Republican-led state legislatures passed a wave of restrictive voting laws,” Durbin remarked. “As members of Congress, we have an obligation to defend our democracy against these attacks on our fundamental right to vote.”

Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York emphasized what he called the vital role of a robust democratic foundation.

“To make real progress on the issues we care about, the foundation of democracy must be strong,” Schumer stated. “The hard right is trying to cut those efforts off at the

knees, making it harder for people to participate in democracy and be represented.”

Georgia Senator, the Rev. Raphael Warnock (D), underscored the legislation's importance in preserving democracy.

“Let's protect the sacred right. We've got to get this done in the spirit and in the name of John Lewis and because our democracy itself is at stake,” Warnock demanded.

Maya Wiley, president, and CEO of The Leadership Conference emphasized the non-partisan nature of the cause.

“This is not about partisanship; this is about people having power. That is why we need the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act,” Wiley said.

Others from various civil rights organizations also weighed in,

with John C. Yang of Asian Americans Advancing Justice-AAJC urging Congress to support the change, and Damon Hewitt of the Lawyers' Committee for Civil Rights Under Law stressing the need for a democracy that works for everyone.

“Voters are demanding better from their representatives, and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act must be the response,” added Chief Political and Advocacy Officer of ACLU Deirdre Schifeling. WI

5On Feb. 29, Senate leaders reintroduced John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, aimed at safeguarding voting rights for all. (WI File Photo)

National Urban League Unveils 2024 State of Black America Report

Equality

Index

Takes a Deep Dive into Complex Realities and Persistent Disparities

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The National Urban League has unveiled the 2024 State of Black America Report, a comprehensive benchmark and thought leadership document offering profound insights into racial equality in the United States.

Established in 1976 under the visionary leadership of the late Vernon E. Jordan Jr., the organization’s fifth president, the report remains a cornerstone for understanding the multifaceted challenges faced by Black Americans across crucial domains such as economics, employment, education, health, housing, criminal justice, and civic participation.

This year’s edition continues the tradition of featuring insightful commentary from influential figures in various sectors, providing a comprehensive view of the complexities of the current landscape. Economic empowerment

is central to the National Urban League’s mission, and the Equality Index is a powerful tool to measure progress for Black Americans relative to whites.

Attributing the mission’s core to economic empowerment, National Urban League President Marc Morial emphasized the nuanced progress revealed by the Equality Index.

“Civic engagement and health show improvement among African Americans; however, significant work remains in the areas of economics and social justice,” Morial stated.

The 2024 Equality Index for Black America stands at 75.7%, indicating that despite notable strides, African Americans still miss approximately 24% of the pie that symbolizes full equality.

Equality Index categories include: economics, health, education, social justice, and civic engagement.

“Civic engagement and health

are areas in which African Americans are doing much better,” Morial noted. “However, economics and social justice still need plenty of work.”

Civic participation among Black Americans presents a mixed picture, with increased voter registration (69% in 2020) but a decline in actual voter turnout (42.3% in 2022).

Kristen Clarke, assistant attorney general for Civil Rights in the Justice Department, assured, “We’ve been working across the country to reach underserved communities so that we understand the problems that communities face.”

Despite those challenges, the National Urban League said it remains steadfast in its commitment to closing the racial gap

He asserted that the 2024 State of Black America Report serves as a comprehensive call to action, urging the nation to confront systemic challenges hindering Black

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

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Two Rivers Public Charter School is seeking a company or companies to provide the recruitment and placement of temporary staffing services, primarily for educators for daily and long-term substitute teacher positions. Proposals are due Monday, March 25, 2024. For complete RFP, email Mary Gornick at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services

Two Rivers PCS is seeking a Board Certified Behavior Analyst to provide Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) services for individual students and school consultation services. Proposals will be due Monday, March 25, 2024. For a copy of the RFP, please email Jenna Umansky at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

Americans’ journey toward genuine equality.

“What’s dramatic is that the Civil Rights Act of ‘64, the Voting Rights Act of ‘65, the Great Soci-

CIVIL RIGHTS from Page 8

our District is a high priority for both the Department and our Office,” Graves stated. “We recognize that communities of color and low-income communities too often feel the greatest effects of environmental contamination and pollution, so we are also committed to addressing those issues as part of this new unit .”

The unit will work to enforce federal civil rights laws regarding discrimination, housing, disability access, environmental justice, sexual harassment, and other matters. Deputy Civil Chiefs John Truong, the division’s Civil Rights Coordinator, and Diana Valdivia, the office’s Environmental Justice coordinator, will coordinate the unit’s activities.

Further, officials said the unit would primarily be staffed with three assistant U.S. Attorneys, Carlos Andino, Christopher Hair,

ety programs in the middle 1960s, probably cut the American poverty rate in half in a 15-year period,” Morial said. “So can we? Yes, there are ways.” WI

and Sean Tepe. It will work closely with the Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division and Environmental and Natural Resources Division, coordinating its activities with other Justice Department components and local, state, and federal agencies as appropriate.

Graves noted that creating the unit is part of the Justice Department’s initiative to confront discrimination through modern, comprehensive methods, prioritize community outreach, and better use civil enforcement mechanisms.

“These efforts will promote the general welfare and secure the blessings of liberty for all District residents by working to ensure that they live and work in environmentally safe conditions and enjoy their full panoply of civil rights guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States,” Graves noted in the release.

5The National Urban League has unveiled the 2024 State of Black America Report, offering profound insights into racial equality in the United States. (Courtesy Photo)

Harris Announces Landmark Childcare Reforms to Alleviate Financial Strain on Working Families

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a move towards easing the financial burden on working families, Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to lower childcare costs and provide crucial support for early educators. The White House noted in a Fact Sheet that the initiative aligns closely with President Biden’s historic Executive Order on Care. The White House said the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized a rule that bolsters the Childcare and Development Block Grant (CCDBG) program, a cornerstone for childcare assistance benefiting over a million families monthly.

Under the new rule, families participating in CCDBG will now face a cap on co-payments, limiting them to no more than 7% of their income. Administration officials asserted that the move is expected to alleviate the significant financial strain that high co-payments have placed on working families, particularly those with low incomes. The HHS projects that more than 100,000 families will see their co-payments reduced or eliminated due to these reforms.

Moreover, the rule urges states

to eliminate co-payments entirely for families facing specific challenges, such as those with disabilities, experiencing homelessness, in foster care, in Head Start, and families at or below 150% of the federal poverty level.

Officials said the rule also addresses the challenges faced by childcare providers. States must now pay CCDBG providers more fairly and on time

This change is anticipated to incentivize more providers to participate in the CCDBG program, leading to a broader range of childcare options for families.

Under the new rule, families participating in CCDBG will now face a cap on co-payments, limiting them to no more than 7% of their income.

5Vice President Kamala Harris unveiled a comprehensive set of measures to lower childcare costs and provide crucial support for early educators. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Nigeria’s Aliko is Africa’s Richest Man

Nigeria is home to Africa’s richest man who also doubles as the richest Black man on earth: Aliko Dangote. In addition to Dangote, the country is also home to other Forbes-recognized billionaires.

In this year’s Forbes Africa Billionaires list, of the 20 billionaires profiled on the continent, four of them came from Nigeria. The Forbes report on Africa’s wealthiest stated that the fortunes of the 20 billionaires have rebounded slightly in the past 12 months, recording a combined net worth of $82.4 billion.

Forbes attributed the gain to the return of Nigeria’s Femi Otedola, who last appeared on the Forbes Africa list in 2017 when he held a controlling stake in fuel distributor Forte Oil. A chunk of his fortune comes from his 73% stake in Geregu, which is worth more than $850 million.

Of the 20 wealthiest Africans profiled, these four Nigerian billionaires made the list:

Aliko Dangote

The story of how the richest Black man in the world started his company from scratch will always inspire many entrepreneurs. He borrowed $3,000 from his uncle shortly after receiving his college degree at 21 to import and sell food products in Nigeria.

Dangote is ranked first on Forbes’ Africa’s Billionaires list with an estimated net worth of $13.9 billion. He makes his money from Dangote Cement, the continent’s largest cement producer; Dangote Fertiliser; and Dangote Refinery among others.

Mike Adenuga

Mike Adenuga made his wealth through telecom and oil production. His net worth highlighted by Forbes is $6.9 billion. He operates the second largest telecom operator in Nigeria, Globacom.

In addition, Adenuga is into oil exploration. His firm, Conoil Producing, operates six oil blocks in the Niger Delta. He made his first million at age 26 selling lace and distributing soft drinks.

Adenuga is ranked fifth on Forbes’ Africa’s Billionaires list.

Abdulsamad Rabiu

Abdulsamad Rabiu has a net worth of $5.9 billion and ranks 6th on the Forbes Africa billionaire list. He is the founder of BUA Group, which is mainly into cement production, sugar refining, and real estate. His first business line was in iron, steel, and chemical imports.

Femi Otedola

Femi Otedola discovered his passion for entrepreneurship very young. At just six, he provided manicure and pedicure services to his father and his friends in exchange for money.

He would later carve his own path in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry to become a key player. He established Forte Oil, a petroleum and power generation company with over 500 stations in Nigeria. Otedola was also into real estate with 184 flats.

He became the largest investor in the Nigerian banking sector. He had shares in Africa Finance Corporation and was the Chairman of Transcorp Hilton. Otedola also had shares in Mobil Oil Nigeria Limited. He presently owns properties in Lagos, Dubai, London and Monaco, and holds shares in Zenith Bank and FBN Holdings, according to Forbes.

Otedola has an estimated net worth of $1.1 billion.

WI

Haitian Prime Minister Commits to Elections by 2025

As leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) concluded their 46th Heads of Government meeting in Georgetown, Guyana, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry pledged to hold elections no later than August 31, 2025, CARICOM said in a statement on Thursday, Feb. 29.

CARICOM said it would send an assessment team to evaluate electoral needs by March 31 of this year to support planning and establishment of the relevant institutions.

Henry, who came to power after the assassination of the country's last president, Jovenel Moise, in 2021, had previously pledged to step down by early February, but later said

security must first be re-established in order to ensure free and fair elections.

Making the case for action on the part of regional allies, Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Brave Davis said Haiti is “hemorrhaging”.

“We are deeply concerned over the continued deterioration of the security, humanitarian and political situation in Haiti and more importantly we are more concerned over the continued delay in overcoming the political stalemate which has blocked the possibility of free and fair elections,”Davis said.

Though Haiti is no stranger to turmoil, it has faced mounting challenges in the wake of the assassination of former President Moïse in July 2021.

His murder, which sent shockwaves throughout the region, came amid grave concerns over the state of Haiti’s economy as well as the legitimacy of Moïse’s presidency after he had been ruling by decree for more than a year despite calls for an election. WI

Photo)

Eating Well at Every Age

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia

Good nutrition is like giving your body the right tools for the job — it helps you stay healthy and feel great. No matter your age, your body has different needs and tailoring your diet can help make a big difference in how you feel day to day. Eating healthy foods at every life stage can help you maintain a healthy body weight, get important nutrients, and reduce the risk of chronic conditions.1

GROWING UP HEALTHY:

KIDS AND TEENS

As a parent, whether you have a young child or a teenager, you should ensure that they eat a diet that promotes growth and development. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020 – 2025, people ages 2 years old or older should eat a healthy diet that consists of:1

• A variety of proteins

• A collection of fruits and vegetables

• Fat-free and low-fat dairy products

• Whole grains

A healthy diet is crucial for children and teens as it can also directly affect their academic performance.

Data from the 2019 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey shows that children with higher grades are more likely to engage in healthy eating behaviors compared to students with lower grades.2

A well-nourished body enhances brain function and concentration, cognitive development, and overall learning abilities. Healthy eating for kids is a recipe for a sharp mind in the classroom! For more information, visit www.dietaryguidelines.gov.

YOUNG ADULT YEARS

As a young adult, you may be struggling to juggle work, school, family, and fun, as well as your health care needs. You should still follow the same healthy eating lifestyle your parents recommend-

ed you follow in your younger years. However, you may have to learn to cook for yourself now. Luckily, quick and easy-to-make meals can still be healthy!

Work on eating vegetables like broccoli and spinach, and don't forget lean proteins, such as chicken or tofu. Grab whole grain snacks such as popcorn or whole grain crackers for quick energy, and don’t forget to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Some more quick and healthy meal ideas are:

• Salad

• Baked chicken

• Avocado toast

• Burrito bowls

• Vegetable stir-fry

• Overnight oats

OLDER ADULTS AND SENIORS

As an older adult or senior, your nutrition needs might change, but good habits should stay strong. A clean diet can make a difference in your health as you age. Eating a variety of foods from each food group can help reduce the risk of developing certain chronic conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease.3

Keep your bones happy with calcium from milk or fortified cereals, along with enough protein to maintain muscle mass. You should continue to maintain a healthy weight to help ensure a healthy lifestyle.

Taking steps to eat well throughout your lifespan will nourish your body in the long run.

Sources

1. Department of Agriculture and Department of Health and Human Services, Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025, 9th Edition, December 2020, https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/sites/default/files/2021-03/ Dietary_Guidelines_for_Americans-2020-2025.pdf

2. “Dietary Behaviors and Academic Grades,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/healthyschools/

health_and_academics/health_academics_dietary.htm

3. “Older Adults,” Department of Agriculture, MyPlate, https://www.myplate.gov/life-stages/ older-adults

4. “Gut Health,” State Government of Victoria, Australia, Better Health Channel, https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/ health/healthyliving/gut-health

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

The Power of Gut Health

Elevate your well-being by nurturing your gut health. Our guts break down the foods that we eat and absorb nutrients that support our bodies. Our gut health can be linked to our immune systems, our mental health, and autoimmune disease.4 You can work on improving your gut health by:

• Adding fiber-rich foods like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables into your diet.

• Adding probiotics into your diet. These are found in yogurt and fermented foods and bring friendly bacteria into your gut, enhancing digestion and immune function.

• Staying hydrated.

• Limiting processed sugars.

• Participating in regular physical activity.

• Prioritizing stress management.

AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees

can get healthy meal tips at our healthy living classes, including our nutrition, education, and cooking classes. Enrollees can also enjoy virtual fitness sessions from the comfort of their home, tailored for a range of fitness levels. For more information, visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com.

Embrace these simple steps for a happier, healthier gut, fostering overall wellness from the inside out.

HEALTH

Battling Prostate Cancer and the Fight for More Awareness

By Philip Pannell WI Contributing Writer

Lamont Mitchell, chair of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) and founder of the Imani Cafe and catering company in Anacostia, recently found himself in a fight against prostate cancer. Diagnosed in April 2023 with highly aggressive prostate cancer by a D.C. urology group, Mitchell's journey has been a testament to the importance of seeking second opinions and the need for increased awareness and early detection in the African American community.

His diagnosis came after a routine Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test revealed a concerning level of 27 (normal level is less

than 4), leading to further investigation including an MRI, biopsy, and a Gleason score of 9, classified as stage T3b prostate cancer.

The initial recommendation for immediate surgery to remove his prostate prompted Mitchell to seek a second opinion at the world-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City, where his results were reevaluated and downgraded to Gleason 7. Following a PET PMSA and bone density scan to assess the extent of the cancer, his treatment plan at Memorial Sloan Kettering included six months of androgen deprivation therapy (ADT), Brachytherapy (one session at a high-dose rate), and Proton Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) consisting of five

sessions over 10 days.

“It’s vitally important that you seek out centers of excellence when dealing with cancer,” Mitchell told The Informer. ” The Washington Metro Area has many to choose from. I chose Memorial Sloan Kettering because of a trial study evaluating a shorter course of ADT and SBRT with a Brachytherapy boost. There is a critical need for more Black men to participate in medical research.”

Throughout the treatment, Mitchell has shown remarkable resilience and determination. In response to his personal experience, he has taken a proactive approach to raising awareness about the importance of regular health screenings, particularly for African American men.

He founded an organization called Know Your Numbers, dedicated to encouraging African American men to get tested for major illnesses, including PSA levels, A1C (average blood sugar), blood pressure readings, and other vital health indicators. Through this initiative, Mitchell aims to empower men in his community to take charge of their health and

seek early detection and treatment when necessary.

“Black men in our community often wait too long to seek medical attention, particularly as it relates to reproductive health and the dreaded Digital Rectal Exam (DRE),” Mitchell said.

“Many men don’t know that with modern technology the DRE isn’t necessary in most cases.”

Mitchell is committed to collaborating with DC Health officials and leaders of nonprofit organizations, such as ACC and Martha’s Table, to address the health crisis facing African American men, particularly those living East of the River. His vision includes implementing community-based programs, organizing educational workshops, and advocating for increased access to healthcare services and resources for underserved populations.

Mitchell's journey with prostate cancer has not only highlighted the importance of seeking second opinions and comprehensive evaluations, but also underscored the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive health measures within the Afri-

“Knowing your key health indicators is a start, but maintaining a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and regularly exercising are essential for a long and healthy life,” Mitchell advised.

can American community.

Mitchell’s dedication to empowering men to prioritize their health and seek early detection serves as an inspiration to all, and his advocacy efforts are poised to make a meaningful impact in the fight against prostate cancer and other health disparities affecting the community.

As Mitchell continues his own battle with prostate cancer, his unwavering commitment to raising awareness and driving positive change stands as a beacon of hope. Through "Know Your Numbers" and his collaborative efforts with local and national entities, Mitchell is poised to make a lasting difference in the lives of many, leaving a powerful legacy of resilience, advocacy, and empowerment.

“Knowing your key health indicators is a start, but maintaining a healthy diet, controlling your weight, and regularly exercising are essential for a long and healthy life,” Mitchell advised.

The Anacostia Coordinating Council will help Mitchell keep the community informed of his personal medical journey and efforts to raise our community’s health consciousness.

Please join me in keeping my friend and his efforts in prayer.

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5 After facing his own battle, Lamont Mitchell, chair of the Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) and founder of the Imani Cafe, has been a major advocate against prostate cancer. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Through his nonprofit, Know Your Numbers, Lamont Mitchell is advocating to raise awareness about screenings and treatments for prostate cancer. (Courtesy Photo)

ADDRESSING HIV FOR BLACK WOMEN AND GIRLS

Howard University College of Medicine Awarded Nearly $1 Million for HIV Prevention

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The Department of Pediatrics and Child Health (DPCH) in the Howard University College of Medicine has scored major funding toward their efforts in HIV prevention and treatment.

Gilead Sciences Inc. awarded the health leaders nearly $1 million in grant funding for a new initiative geared toward improving the HIV landscape for Black women and girls.

Patricia Houston, project director at Howard’s HIV/Hematology Research Unit, leads DPCH’s role in the initiative, alongside Dr. Sohail Rana, professor at Howard and Director of Pediatric Hematology.

The university will collaborate with several leading health advocates and organizations including Dr. Maranda C. Ward, an assistant professor at George Washington University, the non-profit organization HealthHIV, and several other entities to promote empowerment through engagement, education and enrichment for women and girls.

“We do stigma and education work related to HIV, but this is so important to us. We are so thrilled to have this grant from Gilead Sciences Inc., which will hopefully train many people to become trainers and leaders in this field of prevention and self-protection, and who will feel empowered to protect themselves and other people, too,” Rana told The Informer.

The collaborative aims to recruit Howard University freshman and sophomore students to provide outreach and educational training across the District with the focus of HIV intervention and destigmatization through fashion, theater, dance, and various art initiatives.

The Howard University Cathy Hughes School of Communications will also be one of several entities that will partner in creating educational content by way of

podcasts, educational webinars, and media campaigns to raise awareness of prevention, while spreading awareness of pharmaceutical treatments for people with HIV.

HIV DIAGNOSES AMONG WOMEN AND YOUNG GIRLS

March 10 observes National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Black women are disproportionately affected by HIV compared to women of other races or ethnicities…as the rate of new HIV infections among Black women is 10 times that of white women and four times that of Latina women.”

Similar to the Howard University College of Medicine and Gilead Sciences Inc., HHS is dedicated to partner with the HIV community to spread awareness about HIV health care, prevention, and treatment for women and girls.

“The theme aligns with three National HIV/AIDS Strategy 2022-2025 (NHAS) goals: preventing new HIV infections,

with an unexpecting HIV diagnosis by way of sexual transmission, deeming the issue of HIV among black girls and black women as one of the most ignored sexual health crises.

Rana underscored that the greatest risk often starts as early as middle school for many children, while maintaining a prevalent level of probability through high school and college years due to a lack of supervision and information.

He recalls the misfortune of two young patients he treated earlier in his career, who were diagnosed with HIV at the ages of just 13 and 17 years old, and the devastating impacts on their lives thereafter.

“It still hurts my heart to think of them. The first was only 13, and this young man asked her to go to a concert. She [thought] she was in love first, and that one episode led to her getting HIV. The whole family fell apart. Even two years later, at any mention of love, she would just fall apart,” said Rana.

improving HIV-related health outcomes of people, preventing new HIV infections, improving HIV-related outcomes of people living with HIV, and reducing HIV-related disparities. Three of the priority populations included in the NHAS are Black women, transgender women, and youth aged 13-24 years,” according to HHS and HIV.gov.

While a large volume of work surrounding HIV awareness targets adult men and women, DPCH has long spearheaded research, treatment, and outreach efforts to educate District residents on the dire concern of HIV transmission among women and girls.

Contrary to what was once a more common occurrence, the diligence of local researchers and physicians have successfully combated the rates of juvenile HIV cases through perinatal HIV transmission in Washington, D.C. But while doctors are saving babies from carrying the critical disease, STD prevention and awareness advocates are working to dismantle the traumatizing cycle of HIV transmission to young girls through a lack of protection and education in their early years.

Dr. Rana has witnessed the disheartening reality of young girls

“The second girl was 17 or 18 and had just a single episode as well. She didn't find out until a year later because she didn't develop any symptoms or have routine testing. She found out that she had HIV and that was the only person she had [relations] with. [Sometimes] people think it can't happen with just one time.”

Rana emphasized that while HIV spreads throughout all age groups, the younger demographic of people between ages 15-25 stand at the greatest risk for HIV transmission, making their work so vital in promoting early prevention and working to save people’s life before irreparable events take place.

“HIV has such a stigma with it, where you can feel devalued for a lifetime. Others may devalue you, and if you internalize it then you can [mentally] feel devalued, yourself. The stigma of HIV affects almost every facet of life,” Rana explained. It’s just heartbreaking.”

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5 Gilead Sciences Inc. awarded Howard University’s Department of Pediatrics and Child Health nearly $1 million in grant funding for a new initiative geared toward improving the HIV landscape for Black women and girls. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

Cherry Blossom Peak Bloom

Predicted: March 23-26

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Get ready for pink drinks, extra tourists and floral everything: it’s now officially cherry blossom season in the nation’s capital. D.C.’s favorite flowers are expected to bloom their best March 23-26, the National Park Service announced

at a joint press conference with the National Cherry Blossom Festival Feb. 29.

The Yoshino cherry trees — the most common cherry tree species in the District — started to show some of their green buds and some visible “florets” last week, right on time for the start of meteorological spring. The florets mark the second of six stages on the way to

“peak bloom,” which the National Park Service defines as the days when at least 70% of the Yoshino cherry blossoms are open.

Native Washingtonians may know that peak bloom used to happen in early April far more frequently than it has in recent years. Based on data going back to 1921, the average peak bloom date is April 4. Over the past 103 years, the average has moved up by about seven days, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, yet another result of climate change.

Average temperatures have risen as fossil fuel emissions trap heat inside our planet, and that causes the blossoms to arrive earlier in the spring. That doesn’t affect just the cherry blossoms — growing seasons across many flowering plants have gotten longer in response to our warming world. As a result, D.C.’s allergy season has added about 20 days since 1970, according to an analysis by Climate Central.

For those District residents not busy sneezing the season away, the National Cherry Blossom Festival has plenty of spring celebrations planned.

The Pink Tie Party, the festival’s signature event, will offer an evening of fashion, food and global flair on March 15.

“We love seeing guests dress up in their finest pink attire and dance the night away at the best spring party in town while enjoying a taste of D.C.” said Diana Mayhew,

president and CEO of the National Cherry Blossom Festival.

To add to the excitement of the annual event, this year the festive, floral kickoff will be hosted at a new venue-- Union Station Washington, D.C. Tickets are $250 and funds raised support the festival's mission, to ensure events remain primarily free and open to the public.

“We are excited to host this event in a location as iconic as Union Station, a location that embodies the event’s theme of ‘Passport to Spring,’ as it serves as a majestic gateway to Washington, D.C., for travelers and locals alike,” Mayhew explained.The festival itself officially runs from March 20 through April 14, and includes dozens of events and art exhibitions across the DMV. A few highlights:

• Oxon Run Pinknic & Kite Fly — Valley and Wheeler Rd SE; March 24 from Noon to 3 p.m. (free)

• Live Mural Painting by D.C. Native Chris Pyrate — Dupont Circle; April 2-6 from Noon to 5 p.m. (free)

Native Washingtonians may know that peak bloom used to happen in early April far more frequently than it has in recent years.

• The National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade — along Constitution Avenue NW; April 13 from 10 a.m. to Noon. (tickets for seating $25-$40)

While people might associate the floral festivities most closely with the Yoshino trees around the Tidal Basin and the National Mall, there are a number of other spots around the District that make for great cherry blossom viewing. Some Informer favorites:

• Oxon Run Park

• Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

• Hains Point/East Potomac Park WI

Did you enjoy the stories in this week's Our Earth section? Hate them? Either way, let us know - and tell us what environmental stories we might be missing - with this 3-minute survey.

5 Cherry blossoms by the Tidal Basin. (Robert R. Roberts /The Washington Informer)

5 The 2022 National Cherry Blossom Parade. (WI File Photo)

5 Jeff Reinbold, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks for the National Park Service, announces the cherry blossom peak bloom prediction at a Feb. 29 press conference. (Robert R. Roberts /The Washington Informer)

DIRECTOR

CHARON P.W. HINES

Dear Seniors,

Last month marked an entire year since I've had the privilege of serving as your Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). Working alongside our dedicated team to serve our nearly 120,000 seniors in the District of Columbia has been an incredible journey. Your support and engagement have truly been the driving force behind our efforts.

Leading up to my one-year anniversary, I had the opportunity to testify at the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Performance Oversight Hearing before DC Council's Committee on Executive Administration and Labor. It was important for us to

March 2024 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

showcase our significant progress over the past year and outline our vision for the future. Under the leadership of Mayor Muriel Bowser, DACL remains committed to five core areas essential for supporting older residents like you – socialization, transportation, nutrition, aging in place, and providing high-quality services.

I often remind my team of this quote I live by at DACL, “For without the seniors, there is no us." I say this as much as I can because it is so true about the work that DACL does from day to day. We could not do the work we do without you. Your feedback, accountability, and encouragement continually inspire us to strive for excellence, and we want you to continue to share your voice with us. So, if you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to us at 202-724-5626.

As a third-generation Washingtonian, I am deeply honored to make a difference in the very city that raised me. This month, as we commemorate International Women's History Month, I am reminded of the extraordinary women who have left an indelible mark on our vibrant community. From Sharon Pratt, the first female Mayor of DC, to Virginia Ali, the visionary behind Ben's Chili Bowl, Mary McLeod Bethune, a trailblazer in civil rights and education, and of course, our 3-time mayor Muriel Bowser, who is also the first African American woman in the U.S. to be elected to three, four terms as Mayor of any American city; their profound contributions

resonate throughout the fabric of our city.

Additionally, I am inspired by the countless DC older adults like yourselves who, through your ongoing efforts, continue to effect positive change. Your legacies serve as beacons, motivating us to lead and strive for meaningful progress.

Live Boldly is not just a motto but a call to action. I know that our seniors embody this spirit daily and have countless stories to share. If you're interested in sharing your experiences and wisdom, please email us at dacl. communications@dc.gov. We look forward to hearing from you and amplifying your voices.

Thank you for your ongoing support, and here's to another year of serving and celebrating our vibrant aging community.

In Service,

Charon P.W. Hines

I often remind my team of this quote I live by at DACL, “For without the seniors, there is no us."

Maryland Is Sinking Due To Sea Level Rise

By Asha Taylor WI Intern

Sea level rises have become a global phenomenon, but in Maryland, the accelerated rate of sea level rise is forcing the state’s land to sink over 10 centimeters per decade. According to a study conducted by Virginia Tech and the U.S. Geological Survey earlier this year, the state’s shorelines are depleting causing Maryland to be at risk of major environmental consequences.

Maryland is the fourth most vulnerable state against the effects of sea level rise. The Maryland Department of the Environment has budgeted to invest approximately $3 billion towards sea level rise solutions to avoid the extreme threat for the state, as 72% of the population lives in coastal areas.

HOW IS MARYLAND SINKING?

Various factors including the overconsumption of natural water, dry wetlands and increased infrastructure make the land significantly denser, allowing it to sink over time. Since the 1950s, sea levels in Maryland, specifically in Annapolis and along the coast, have risen at an accelerated rate.

Researchers have concluded that land sinkage is occurring due to a process known as subsidence. Subsidence is when an area of land gradually sinks due to the compaction of aquifers, drainage of organic soils, underground mining, or natural combustion.

Scientists at the Chesapeake Bay Foundation have found that the constant pulling of water from Maryland’s aquifers has played a role in causing subsidence.

“As the populations have increased in Maryland we are pulling more water out all the time [of aquifers], and when you pull the water out the land starts to fall down because the water was helping to hold it up, so you get this slow sinking in addition to the water rising from sea level rise,” said Gussie Maguire, a Maryland Environmental Scientist for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Long-term we are not going to get that land back after a while. You have these more intense flooding events, but little by little you are actually losing inches or feet of shoreline.”

Previous research has underestimated Maryland's and other East Coast states' vulnerability to subsidence, the recent study, released by Nature Communications, found. Researchers have predicted that 58 to 100% of coastal marshes, along the U.S. Atlantic coast, are losing elevation relative to sea level. As a result, coastal states, such as Maryland are left highly susceptible to massive flooding in the future.

“The reality of climate change is very visible to those living on the Bay. Smith Island and Tangier Island are inhabited islands in the mid-Bay whose residents are already losing their homes to sea-level rise,” according to a factsheet from the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. “Other previously inhabited islands, such as Sharp's Island

and Holland's Island, are completely submerged.”

Scientists are still determining exactly how fast the sea levels are going to continue to rise. However, Maryland officials are concerned that sea level rises and land sinking directly impact the daily lives of residents. With a population of more than six million residents, Marylanders face the potential of experiencing an estimated 6 inches of sinking within the next 14 years.

COMBATTING LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, CONCERNS ABOUT

SURVIVAL

Local advocacy group Nature Forward focuses on educating and advocating for natural environments across the DMV. Within their practices, the goal of the organization is to protect conservancy areas in the region that are directly facing environmental threats.

Due to the increased vulnerability of Maryland, the state must prioritize disaster preparedness to avoid intense impacts resulting from land sinking, sea level rise, and floods. Nature Forward and other environmental advocacy groups in Maryland have begun contributing to building trees and spreading environmental education to those in overdeveloped areas.

“Climate change impacts everyone and it most often impacts those who have the fewest resources to recover from those effects,” said Denisse Guitarra, Maryland Conservation Advocate at Nature Forward.

Maryland is no stranger to disastrous flooding, however vulnerable regions are not always prepared for the extreme damages caused. Areas such as Turner Station, Ellicott City, and along the Bay have histories of undergoing major flooding and damage to residences. The Valley of Patapsco River has a history of flooding, which has been deadly and massively invasive among Historic Ellicott City communities, specifically, and spreads into Catonsville. Located in the center of Maryland, families have been relo-

cated, businesses have been destroyed, and memories have become ruins on multiple occasions.

Owners of Backwater Books, Matt and Alli Krist, started their business in Old Ellicott City in 2022. Despite the past floods, the Krist family gravitated to joining a community that is tight-knit and uplifting. However, the couple is very concerned about the longevity of their store due to the effects of climate change.

“If [flooding] continues to happen every couple years, can the town survive? I think that’s ultimately the biggest concern,” said Matt Krist.

If Maryland continues to sink along the coast, it could continue to pose threats to the rest of the state as well, particularly vulnerable areas that get drastically hit by natural disasters frequently.

Maryland residents can build protection for the potential of floods and formulate plans to secure the future of the state’s homes, economic welfare and wetlands. Avoidance of coastal barriers, considering climate change in infrastructure plans, and continued education can drastically support the state in combating rising sea levels.

“One thing that is huge for sea level rise is creating living shorelines… instead of just putting up walls all around your waterfront, you create beaches, dunes and spaces with plants and living things that [naturally] combat sea level rise,” said Maguire.

WI

5 Sea Level Rise.org reveals data on the accelerated sea level measurements in Annapolis, MD from 1950 to 2016. (Courtesy Photo/SeaLevelRise.org)

Prominent Public Health Researcher Receives Howard University’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award

Dr. Suzanne Randolph Cunningham is nationally renowned researcher onBlack women’s maternal health and health disparities

Dr. Suzanne Randolph Cunningham received her alma mater‘s highest postgraduate honor on March 2, 2024 as a 2024 Alumni Awardee for Distinguished Postgraduate Achievement from Howard university.

Dr. Randolph Cunningham is a developmental psychologist and foremost authority in public health research, having spent nearly four decades as Chief Science Officer at The MayaTech Corporation, a Silver Spring, Md.-based firm that focuses on addressing existing and emerging public health challenges. Over the course of her career, she has been recognized as a renowned researcher on the maternal health of Black women and the health of their children. She is a highly sought-after evaluator for community- and academically-based public health programs in substance abuse prevention, health disparities, environmental health, and HIV prevention programs for Black individuals and communities.

“My first professional job was as a pediatric researcher with the Howard University College of Medicine in the 1980s, so there’s something wonderful about the fact that the institution that nurtured me, groomed me, and set me up for success in the world after college would look at my career and honor me in this way,” said Dr. Randolph Cunningham, who earned a bachelor’s of science degree in psychology from Howard with honors in 1974 and is a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Her sister and nephew are also Howard alumni.

The Howard distinguished alumni award has been presented to 344 alumni in a variety of fields for their exemplary professional achievements and exceptional contributions to society. Past honorees include Vice President Kamala Harris (B.A. ‘86) and Pulitzer Prize and winning

She has contributed greatly to the field, publishing dozens of research papers, driving organizational strategy, leading focus groups, and directing projects. She has led numerous external evaluations for initiatives addressing minority health issues, such as chronic diseases in Black and Latino communities, as well as reducing gender disparities in populations of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds through community-based participatory research projects.

writer Isabel Wilkerson (B.A. ‘84). Nominees are selected by a committee of alumni and university staff, with final approval by the Board of Trustees. This year’s celebration takes place March 2 during the historically-Black university’s 100th Charter Day dinner at the Marriott Marquis in Washington, D.C., where Dr. Randolph Cunningham and Calvert County Schools Superintendent, Dr. Andrae Townsel, will be honored.

A native of New Orleans, Dr. Randolph Cunningham evaluates major research initiatives at histori cally Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and is a highly sought-af ter evaluator for community-based public health programs including substance abuse prevention programs for Bridging Resources in Communities (BRIC) and the National African American Drug Policy Coalition' (NAADPC) in DC's Wards 1, 2, 5, 7 and 8; a veterans' mental health support program in Montgomery County, Md.; HIV prevention, STEM education, oral health,  and healthy eating and active living programs in Prince George’s County, MD; evaluation planning for the board and grantees of the Northern Virginia Health Foundation; leadership training programs for the National Dental Association (NDA); and the Howard University's Research Centers in Minority Institutions’ (RCMI) grant, HIV Linkages Modalities project, and artificial intelligence training programs.

“I’m honored to continue using my research and evaluation skills to provide meaningful data that may improve the lives of community members in the greater Washington-DC area,” Dr. Randolph Cunningham said.

“I’m honored to continue using my research and evaluation skills to provide meaningful data that may improve the lives of community members in the greater Washington-DC area,” Dr. Randolph Cunningham said.

CONGRATULATIONS CONGRATULATIONS

on receiving the on receiving the for being a for being a CHAMPION OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES IN WASHINGTON, DC THROUGH YOUR EVALUATION SERVICES AND FOR ADVANCING HEALTH EQUITY IN OUR NATION THROUGH YOUR PUBLIC HEALTH RESEARCH ON UNDERSERVED INFANTS, CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES

2024 HOWARD UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARD FOR DISTINGUISHED POSTGRADUATE ACHIEVEMENT

From Your Family & Your Line Sisters: Randolph-Ramsey-Cunningham/Hambrick-Strahan Krewe The Untouchable 31 – Spring 1972 Line of Alpha Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc

EDUCATION

Howard University Marks 157 Years of Excellence at 100th Charter Day Dinner

By Bousaina Ibrahim WI Contributing Writer

Donning elegant gowns, sharp tuxedos, and exuding Black excellence, more than 1,000 guests gathered at the Marriott Marquis in Northwest, D.C. to commemorate 157 years of Howard University (HU) and celebrate the 100th Charter Day Dinner on March 2. Serving as a scholarship fundraiser, the event was a party with a purpose that reflected on the past, celebrated the present, and looked toward the future

Laurence

C. Morse, chairman of

Howard’s Board of Trustees, called the night a celebration of “100 years of Bison love.”

On March 2, 1867, the institution was founded by Gen. Oliver O. Howard, a Civil War hero, who also served as president of the Freedmen’s Bureau. That same day, then-President Andrew Johnson (D) approved Howard’s Charter as an official act of the United States Congress— incorporating it as an institution of higher education and igniting a long legacy of Black excellence that continues today.

In an evening that honored alumni and staff, and featured former Howard students such as actor Anthony Anderson and singer Kenny Lattimore, the event’s message was clear: for 157 years, HU has been dedicated to developing the best and brightest thinkers, leaders, and citizens. Further Howard alumni use their skills as change agents in the Black community, nation and world.

“To think that we’ve been congregating and celebrating the founding of Howard for 100 years straight is amazing,” said current student Mahlon West, who serves as the 47th Mr. Howard University. “It’s very inspiring .”

CELEBRATING THE PRESENT: ‘I DID IT FOR US’

Marking his first Charter Day celebration as the new leader of the 157-year-old university, Howard President Ben Vinson III said he was “bathing in the majesty of the Mecca.”

Since 1943, the dinner has honored Howard’s alumni and staff who have worked to become changemakers in their respective fields, including Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Justice

become the first black president of the Public School Superintendents’ Association of Maryland. He lives by a motto he’s shared with children and adults alike: “set the bar, meet the bar, exceed the bar, and raise the bar.”

CONTINUING THE LEGACY, LOOKING TOWARD THE FUTURE

With a focus of raising funds for scholarships, the dinner encouraged a continued investment in the university and future generations of students.

“I am excited to be attending my first Charter Day Dinner as president and to be in the room with so many people who care about the university and support its commitment to providing deserving students with scholarships to ease the financial burdens often associated with obtaining a college education,” said Vinson, Howard’s 18th president.

Thurgood Marshall, and Vice President Kamala Harris. This year’s awardees were Dr. Suzanne Randolph Cunningham and Dr. Andraé Townsel for their monumental achievements in psychology, public health, and education.

Randolph Cunningham graduated from HU in 1974 with her B.S. in psychology, and went on to lead groundbreaking research on maternal and child health issues in Black families. She currently serves as chief science officer at MayaTech Corporation, an applied public health research firm in Silver Spring, Maryland.

“To celebrate among my Howard family and to feel their shared joy in this momentous occasion gave me such joy. As I celebrated with them and my own family, I could simply express this shared feeling by exclaiming as I hugged each of them, ‘I did it for you. I did it for your children and grandchildren. I did it for us,’” Randolph Cunningham told the Informer.

Before Townsel made history as the first Black superintendent of Calvert County, Maryland, he earned his bachelors (2007), masters (2009), and doctorate (2015) all from Howard University.

Starting July 1, Townsel will

Anderson, who served as the event’s emcee, knows all too well what can happen when a student does not have sufficient financial resources to obtain a higher education.

Before he was an Emmy and Golden Globe nominated artist, Anderson was a student at Howard. However, he had to leave after his junior year, as he couldn’t afford to continue school.

Inspired by his son’s acceptance to the institution, Anderson returned to HU to earn his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts in 2022.

“It's not about how you start, it’s how you finish,” explained Anderson, who made a promise to match another alumnus’ $25,000 donation to support the next generation of Howard students.

Armaní Washington, who serves as the 85th Miss Howard University, was thankful to be in the room with so many esteemed alumni, and said she was inspired to continue the legacy.

“It brings me a lot of joy being in a room full of generational powerhouses and trailblazers and being able to say I went to the same university as them,” said Washington. “It’s a blessing [to honor] the legacy of Howard, not just of the university but the people who come from the university.” WI

5 Award-winning actor and producer Anthony Anderson, an alumni of Howard University, commemorated the institution’s 157th anniversary and celebrated the 100th Charter Day. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 D.C. native and former Howard student Kenny Lattimore entertained audiences with some of his celebrated songs, during the 100th Charter Day Celebration. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

TRAINERS from Page 1

tions told The Informer that DCPS, via the Office of Labor Relations and Collective Bargaining, keeps citing D.C. Code § 1–617.08 in their refusal to negotiate this matter.

“This is nothing new. When DCPS added middle school sports in School Year 2004-2005, athletic trainers asked for more staff,” said the staff member who requested anonymity. “Nothing has been done and we don’t know why.”

According to Section 2 of D.C. Code § 1–617.08, managers retain the right to “hire, promote, transfer, assign, and retain employees in positions” with an agency.

On Feb. 29, the WTU and DCPS met at the American Federation of Teachers headquarters in Northwest for the second time since the WTU’s contract expired last September. DCPS Chancellor Lewis D. Ferebee, for the second time, wasn’t present for the meeting, which took place at 5:00 AM, a couple of hours before teachers were expected to report to class.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Julia Hudson, D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds’ chief of staff, joined the meeting. Mendelson would later tell The Informer that DCPS is preventing negotiations from wrapping up before March 20, when D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is expected to present her budget proposal to the D.C. Council.

For decades, multiple DCPS athletic directors have hit a brick wall in their attempts to obtain more athletic trainers. The DCPS staff member said that the WTU appears to be experiencing a similar phenomenon.

“With the current staffing shortage, it’s impossible to provide the level of comprehensive healthcare that athletic trainers are trained to provide,” the staff member said. “It has become dangerous and DCPS is one catastrophic injury away from asking themselves why an athletic trainer was not present.”

During the earlier part of February, D.C. Councilmembers Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) and Christina Henderson (I-At large) introduced the Public School Health Services Amendment Act.

If passed, this legislation would require all District public and public charter schools to provide nursing coverage, regardless of whether or not they participate in DC Health’s School Health

5 Washington Teachers’ Union is advocating that D.C. Public Schools hire more athletic trainers, as the student-athlete population has tripled in the last 32 years. (WI File Photo/Marcus Relacion) Services Program. In his Feb. 2 letter to D.C. Council Secretary Nyasha Smith, Parker said that a nursing shortage has compelled DC Health to transition to a cluster model where registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and other health technicians provide coverage for multiple schools at a time.

Meanwhile, DCPS staff members who are familiar with the situation say that DCPS is currently searching for a 15th athletic trainer. It would be the first time the workforce within the school system increased since 1991, when the program launched.

In a statement, DCPS said that it couldn’t yet confirm the number of athletic trainers allocated for next school year.

A spokesperson said that DCPS’ athletic department has been able to safely support athletic programming with a number of full-time certified athletic trainers that “often exceeds the number of fulltime certified athletic trainers in competing school districts.” In the absence of athletic trainers, DCPS coaches who are trained in heat acclimatization, concussion and First Aid/AED/CPR training serve as the first line of defense, the spokesperson said.

The spokesperson also said that coaches are trained to activate an emergency action plan that includes contacting an athletic trainer and local emergency medical services. They told The Informer that athletic trainers discuss these matters with coaches and athletic directors in August and during seasonal athletic director meetings.

While at Woodson, Rheeling became responsible, not only for Woodson student-athletes, but those at other District public schools. At the time of her retirement, Rheeling’s caseload included student-athletes from Woodson, Bard High School Early College DC, Kelly Miller Middle School, John Philip Sousa Middle School, and several elementary schools.

She said that her colleagues in the school system had similar arrangements.

Rheeling told The Informer that, with more than one school on their caseload, athletic trainers spend most of their time screening participation documents and covering events. She said that, in an athletic trainer’s absence, non-medical personnel are left to respond to emergencies.

LIFE AS AN ATHLETIC TRAINER IN DCPS

At its inception, DCPS’ athletic trainer program was a national pioneer in school sports. For decades, athletic trainers supervised games, provided medical services to high school student-athletes, crafted emergency action plans, screened participation documents, and provided daily patient care.

They also helped families secure healthcare resources, including but not limited to dental care, mental health resources, housing and food support.

People who serve this role have to meet qualifications set by the Board of Certification, Inc., including the attainment of a masters degree, passing a national board exam, and the accumulation of continuing education credits every two years.

Even with that, athletic trainers didn’t receive a substantial pay increase until 2007, when they successfully lobbied to become part of the WTU.

That inclusion led to a salary increase of more than 10% that was on par with what classroom teachers received. As Jennifer Rheeling told The Informer, it also set the stage for an ongoing battle with administration about overtime pay, scheduling and workload.

Rheeling, one of DCPS’ first athletic trainers, retired last October after 33 years on the job. She started at the now-shuttered Spingarn High School in Northeast before transferring to H.D. Woodson High School, also in Northeast, at the turn of the century.

events. Meanwhile, they spend less than 20% executing tasks directly related to student-athlete wellbeing.

These days, Rheeling serves as an athletic trainer at KIPP College Preparatory Public Charter School in Northeast. In that role, she’s responsible only for one high school athletic program. She told The Informer that she also has an opportunity to craft policy that aligns with best practices and evidence-based research.

Rheeling said there’s no greater feeling than knowing that she can leverage her expertise without pushback.

Traveling between games and completing mountains of paperwork from different schools, Rheeling said, took time away from what she called the more impactful parts of her job, including patient care and communication with parents, doctors and insurance companies.

In making her point, she cited a study she and other athletic trainers conducted. She said the findings showed that athletic trainers spend more than 80% of their time conducting administrative tasks and attending

She recounted an instance when a coach at Woodson yelled at her after she inquired about the misappropriation of ice prior to a football game taking place in high temperatures. She later noted that administrators didn’t support her after the incident.

“There’s a shortage of people who want to work in school settings because of pay, hours and generally respect,” Rheeling said. “DCPS has a competitive salary for athletic trainers, and you can’t always fix the hours associated with [the job], but the lack of respect and administrative support is exhausting. Not having time to meet the needs of your student-athletes at the level they deserve is exhausting.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Failing to hire more athletic trainers, Washington Teachers’ Union members say, poses dangerous, and even potentially deadly, consequences for student-athletes. (WI File Photo/Marus Relacion)

Presented by

2024 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, on the campus of University of Maryland College Park, served as a site for friendly competition and educational fun, as a group of 29 students competed for the number-one spot in the 2024 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee on March 1.

Presented by The Washington Informer and Washington Informer Charities, each year, the winner of Prince George’s bee is given a chance to participate in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. The nationwide bee is also held in Maryland, at National Harbor’s Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center.

“We wanted to make sure our children and our schools are represented in the national bee,” Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes told the crowd filled with students, teachers, family and friends, sponsors, and even local leaders such as Prince George’s

State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy. “The experience and the exposure is very important for our children’s development. Thanks to our sponsors and the State’s Attorney for coming out.”

Event sponsors included: Washington Gas, Pepco, Comcast, Safeway Foundation, Education Systems Federal Credit Union, FAME– Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education, the Prince George’s Office of the State’s Attorney, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center, and Signarama Silver Spring.

Longtime local weather reporter and Baltimore’s “It’s Academic,” host Dave Zahren, served as the moderator— requesting contestants to spell out words each round.

The first word of the contest was “apology,” and the next was “astonish.”

cluded “quirky” and “gizzard.” “Obscure” was misspelled in the second round, followed by “lumbar” and “stupefy.” By the third round, roughly a dozen students were left. Event organizer Chauka Reid brought out the final 11 contestants after a short rest break for the fourth round.

After the word “hagiographer” was misspelled in the seventh round, the remaining contestants were given an opportunity to try again.

St. Mary of the Assumption seventh grader Victoria McFetridge spelled “limbed” correctly in the ninth round, and then successfully spelled “adieu” to secure her spot in the Scripps bee.

“It feels incredible winning, and I owe all credit to God,” said Victoria just after securing the victory and while surrounded by family and friends. “I am planning to practice extensively, and to work on my nerves.”

to her recent success, and the keys to winning future spelling bees.

Kenmoor Middle School eighth grader John Johnson secured the second place spot, taking home a trophy and gift bags after multiple rounds of overtime.

All participants were given gift bags from the sponsors, and the winner and runner up were also given gift cards alongside their trophies.

WIN OR LOSE, CONTESTANTS GAIN VALUABLE SKILLS DURING BEE PREP

Despite there only being first and second places in the competition, other contestants still felt like hard-working winners in the end.

support from her family.

“I can now spell dysfunction, indubitably, and dysmorphia,” Nonso told The Informer.

Shayla Ashkar of M&M Academy also can’t believe the progress she’s made since she began practicing for the bee.

“I have used the Apple word club and I practiced half of the student dictionary,” said Shayla. “When I first heard the word ‘onomatopoeia’ I never thought I could spell it, but now I can.

Previously winning a spelling bee encouraged William Wirt’s Assiatu Sankoh to enter the competition.

“I was inspired after I won my mom a 32-inch TV in a spelling bee contest at my school,” said Assiatu. “My mom and my dad and sister have encouraged my participation. They got me the Scripps study list to help prepare me for this.”

The first misspelled words in-

She said persistence and maximum effort were the ingredients

Despite not winning, Nonso Ezunagu of Beltsville’s Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School is proud of all she learned in preparing for the competition, with guidance from her teacher and

BEE Page 33

Victoria McFetridge

Chase Kittrell

Chase Kittrell Nonso Ezunagu

SPONSORS, JUDGES, LOCAL LEADERS OFFER WORDS OF WISDOM

Pepco Manager of Corporate and Social Responsibility Ralph Bolton, A. Toni Lewis, founder and CEO of Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education (FAME), and former Bowie Health Center manager of administrative services Helen Knowles served as the panel of judges.

Despite artificial intelligence services, Bolton told the students he uses reading and writing skills daily.

“It gives me a better ability to be able to manage situations, to communicate with others properly, to operate day to day functions within my job,” said Bolton. “It’s a vital function, my job is reliant on my reading and writing abilities. A lot of the technology can guide you wrong, so it’s important to be able to process yourself. That starts with education.”

School Board Vice Chair Lolita E. Walker (D- District 9) served as a motivational speaker during the spelling bee, offering words of encouragement before the scholars stepped to the stage.

“Reading and writing are the foundation of success in life, in work, in home and in school,” explained Walker, whose son attended the event with her and plans on participating in the bee next

year. “Reading is the gateway to explore the endless possibilities in the world. It’s an expression of creativity, that can take you to lands that you didn’t even know existed. You'll be surprised at the narrative that you can create. Information is power, and reading skills are pivotal to access that information”

Braveboy, a “proud product” of Prince George's County Public Schools and graduate of University of Maryland, offered encouragement to both the students and their families.

“Tonight is not just about the kids on the stage; it's about the possibility for all of our kids to achieve greatness. The kids are anchored by you: the parents, the aunts, the uncles, the grandparents.”

WI

5 Students competed in the 2024 Prince George’s County Spelling Bee held at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center on the campus of University of Maryland. Victoria McFetridge was the winner and John Johnson was the runner up (front row center). (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

3 Prince George’s County School Board Vice Chair Lolita Walker (D), Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, Loren Looney from Educational Systems Federal Credit Union (ESFCU), Tracye Funn of Washington Gas, winner Victoria McFetridge, runner up John Johnson, FAME Founder and CEO A. Toni Lewis, Pepco’s Ralph Bolton and Washington Informer Director of Advertising and Marketing Ron Burke pose at the Prince George’s County Spelling Bee on March 1. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

3 State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) offered words of encouragement to the contestants and their families at the Prince George’s Spelling Bee, just before the competition began. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

Evan Dickens

Roger Nkwadi

Brandon Richardson Assiatu Sankoh

2024 PG COUNTY SPELLING BEE PARTICIPANTS

Georel Franco Holy Redeemer School 5th Grade

Roger Nkwadi Judith P Hoyer Montessori 8th Grade

Kiva Awo Francis T. Evans ES 5th Grade

Modesire Adegorusi Glenndale ES. 5th Grade

Diane Reese Greenbelt MS 8th Grade

Chase Harrigan Heather Hills ES 5th Grade

Ava Lampley Accokeek Academy 8th Grade

Brenden Livingston Chesapeake Math & IT ES 5th Grade

Amirah Ojuolape Benjamin Tasker MS 8th Grade

Chase Kittrell Bradbury Heights ES 5th Grade

Aizein Bongay Cool Spring ES 5th Grade

Brandon Richardson Ft. Washington Forest ES 6th Grade

Ian Huamani Dodge Park Elementary 5th Grade

Hailey Flores Cooper Lane Elementary 5th grade

John Johnson

Kenmoor MS 8th Grade

Sheyla Ashkar M&M Academy 7th Grade

Nonso Ezunagu MLK Jr MS 8th Grade

Dylan Lam Dang National Christian Academy 7th Grade

Evan Dickens New Hope Academy 8th Grade

Xavier Dean North Forestville ES 5th Grade

Daniel Rodriguez

Rosa L. Parks ES 5th Grade

Aubrielle Boles Saint Ambrose Catholic School 6th Grade

Victoria McFetridge St. Mary of the Assumption School, 7th Grade

John Pereira St. Mary of the Mills 8th Grade

Zainab Fashina

Stephen Decatur MS 7th Grade

Assiatu Sankoh

William Wirt MS 7th Grade

Cynita Claggett Woodridge ES 6th Grade

Catherine Samia Walker Mill M.S. 6th Grade

Ethan Braithwaite

Samuel Ogle Middle School 6th grade

By Trevor Velinori Police Commissioner (Ret.), US Virgin Islands Police Department, Fmr. Deputy Assistant Director of the ATF’s Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations in Washington, D.C.

Having more than three decades of law enforcement experience, I've witnessed the pendulum of justice swing, often disproportionately affecting African Americans. Whether it's addressing sentencing disparities, mass incarceration, or excessive use of force, African Americans bear the brunt of policies resulting in adverse outcomes.

RACIAL IMPACT STUDY

Before enacting policies with far-reaching consequences, it's essential to conduct racial impact assessments. These assessments show how proposed actions may affect different racial and ethnic groups. Armed with this knowledge, legislators can take steps to mitigate disparities in communities of color.

We are far from being a color-blind society. Racial diversity is the acknowledgment and celebration of differences between racial groups. Diversity recognizes and values differences within as well as between racial identities.

The proposed ban on menthol-flavored cigarettes exemplifies this disparity. While not a ban on cigarettes in general, it specifically targets menthol cigarettes, which are preferred by 81 percent of African American smokers. Such a ban would disproportionately affect African American smokers based solely on their flavor preferences.

To be clear, I am not advocating for smoking, as scientific evidence outlines its health risks. However, I'm advocating for fairness in policy administration regarding cigarettes favored by African American smokers. Menthol, an additive in these cigarettes, lacks evidence linking it to cancer. In fact, menthol is present in various everyday products like breath fresheners, candy, and cough drops, none of

which face calls for bans.

Procedural justice is about fairness and transparency of the process by which decisions are made. The core principles of procedural justice include being fair in processes, transparent and trustworthy, making unbiased decisions, and allowing citizens to express their views.

If a law or regulation adversely impacts one racial group, then it is imperative that a racial impact assessment be conducted.

President Obama initiated The President’s Task Force on 21st-Century Policing and reported that a positive relationship between law enforcement and civilians is “key to the stability of our communities and the safe and effective delivery of policing services.” The pillar of focus here is Building Trust and Legitimacy.

UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF BAD POLICIES

Historically, in the United States, despite good intent, bans and prohibitions have not worked. The Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution declared the production, transport, and sale of intoxicating liquors illegal. The Volstead Act of 1920 provided federal enforcement to investigate the prohibition of the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating liquors, including beer, wine, and alcohol. Yet, speakeasy joints and

moonshines became prevalent throughout the time of prohibition. Unregulated alcohol became readily available as criminal organizations found ways to manufacture, transport, and sell their illegal products. Consequently, the 18th Amendment was repealed by the 21st Amendment in 1933.

Bad policies, with unintended consequences, have been commonplace in the African American community. In the 1980s and 1990s, under both President Reagan and President Clinton, laws were passed that led to mass incarceration of mostly African Americans and Hispanics. Their crime bills encouraged incarnation, as Congress passed minimum mandatory sentence guidelines, which led to significant mass incarceration.

The crack cocaine versus powder cocaine sentencing disparity resulted in African Americans being sentenced to incredibly lengthy terms of imprisonment compared to their white counterparts who were

engaged in powder cocaine use and sales. Although it requires powder cocaine to make crack cocaine and crack cocaine was cheaper, the sentence difference was 100 times greater for crack cocaine than for powder cocaine. Possession of 5 grams of crack cocaine yielded a 5-year federal sentence, while 500 grams of powder cocaine was required for a similar sentence.

In 1986, before the enactment of federal mandatory minimum sentencing for crack cocaine offenses, the average federal drug sentence for African Americans was 11% higher than for whites. Four years later, the average federal drug sentence for African Americans was 49% higher. African Americans make up 13% of the population but constitute 37% of the prison inmate population.

Addressing issues like tobacco and drug use requires evidence-based approaches and harm reduction strategies, not criminalization. Instead of banning menthol cigarettes, efforts should focus on education, treatment options, and counseling opportunities to support individuals in making healthier choices.

Addressing systemic disparities requires a multifaceted approach rooted in fairness, transparency, and evidence-based solutions. We must strive for policies that promote equity and justice for all communities.

This Women’s History Month Work to Uplift Black Women, Advance Women’s Rights

Happy Women’s History Month!

While March marks a moment to commemorate history-making women throughout time, the month also offers an opportunity to celebrate womanhood in all its glory.

Playwright Ntozake Shange, writer of “For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/ When the Rainbow is Enuf,” (1976) said: “Where there is a woman there is magic.”

Women have been key to the foundation of this nation.

“Throughout history, the vision and achievements of powerful women have strengthened our Nation and opened the doors of opportunity wider for all of us,” said President Joe Biden in a proclamation for Women’s History Month, 2024. “Though their stories too often go untold, all of us stand on the shoulders of these sung and unsung trailblazers — from the women who took a stand as suffragists, abolitionists, and labor leaders to pioneering scientists and engineers, groundbreaking artists, proud public servants, and brave members of our Armed Forces.”

Further, let’s not forget, Black women have been barrier breaking bosses and visionaries, throughout U.S. History. From Phillis Wheatley, to Harriet Tumban, Ida B. Wells, Shirley Chisholm, Angela Davis, Oprah Winfrey, Beyoncé Knowles Carter and Vice President Kamala Harris, Black women have made an indelible mark on the nation and world– and continue to do so today.

However women– and Black women in particular– continue to fight for fair wages, reproductive rights, respect and overall justice. Moreover, Black women face major disparities related to health, economics, and access to equal opportunities.

“The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman,” Malcolm X said in May 1962. Sadly, the famous civil rights leader’s sentiments ring true to this day.

That’s why this March, it’s important to not only celebrate history-making ladies, but also uplift women as they continue to fight for justice and work to advocate against inequalities all women face.

This month is a perfect time to remind women of their incredible strength and abilities to influence positive change.

Celebrated poet Maya Angelou often spoke about the power of women, and her poem “Phenomenal Woman,” (1978) is a declaration of beauty, strength, and unfathomable resilience.

“Each time a woman stands up for herself, without knowing it possibly, without claiming it, she stands up for all women,” the poet once said.

Women make a difference.

Whether you’re a woman or not, this March, dive into the historic narratives of women whose work and legacies continue to inspire to this day, but also work to advocate for equal opportunities for all women.

WI

Everyday People Want to be Involved in Politics, But Leaders Can’t Ignore Citizens’ Time Constraints

By the time the D.C. Council wrapped up the second reading of the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act on Tuesday, many organizers and District residents who flooded the council chamber, and later Room 412 of the Wilson Building, had already left to go on with their day.

Of course, that doesn’t mean that they don’t care about their community. It’s the council that bears responsibility. Organizers and residents patiently waited outside the council chambers while council members engaged in discussion during a more-than-two-hour breakfast preceding Tuesday’s meeting.

Though the Committee of the Whole meeting and subsequent legislative meeting were scheduled to start at 11am and 12noon respectively, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) didn’t call the meeting to order until 1:45pm.

Thus, dozens upon dozens of people didn’t get to stay past the first 30 minutes of council proceeding.

The council didn’t even get to vote on Secure DC until well into the evening, and not without frequent pauses due to the audio malfunctioning in the council chamber. People who carved out time to stay up until 6pm did so. Several other District residents however couldn’t make that sacrifice, so their participation in government activities was cut short.

All of this calls into question the sincerity of elected officials about including everyday people in what has become ivory tower political machinations. WI

I really enjoyed last week’s issue from start to finish. Great stories and photos! Signed a proud supporter!

Melvin Kappert Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

The story about the hundreds of illegally dumped tires was really eye-opening. All the time, I see random discarded items strewn about in my community, and I always wonder what can be done about it. It was great to read about community members and the city working together to stop this unwarranted pollution.

Brenda Gaston Washington, D.C.

Write to news@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.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Marian Wright Edelman

Black History, Women's History: Septima Clark

As Black History Month ends and Women's History Month begins, it's always a special privilege to honor leaders who overlap in both — Black women who did their part to change American history. As we approach the 60th anniversary of the civil rights movement's Freedom Summer, one of these leaders to know and honor is Mrs. Septima Clark, the woman Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. called the "Mother of

the Movement." Throughout her long life, Mrs. Clark pioneered literacy and citizenship education for Black Americans, including the Citizenship Schools that helped inspire the 1964 Freedom Schools.

Readers familiar with Brian Lanker's marvelous photography collection "I Dream a World: Portraits of Black Women Who Changed America" may remember Mrs. Clark as the proud, strong and beautiful woman with silver braids whose portrait graced the front cover of the original book and captured her indomitable spirit. Mrs. Clark was

Guest Columnist

The World is Watching

Our European allies are seeing what many of us in America have seen since Donald Trump came onto the political scene. With concerns about what a second Trump presidency may bring, Europe is now Trump-proofing itself in preparation for the worst. During his four years in office, former President Trump shocked America's closest allies in Europe by upending the transatlantic balance on which the

post-World War II Western world was built. From the solid alliance between America and Europe, the United States became the respected and dependable leader of the free world. Today, Europe's main concern is that a reelected Trump will pick up where he left off by halting aid to Ukraine and reneging on America's promise to defend its NATO partners, thus leaving Europe vulnerable to attack by Russia and Vladimir Putin, Trump's true ally. The former president has falsely suggested our allies owe unpaid balances and has often

Guest Columnist

born in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1898, the second of eight children and the daughter of a formerly enslaved father. She graduated from Avery Normal Institute in 1916 with a teaching certificate, but because the city of Charleston would not hire Black teachers, she found a job in a rural community on Johns Island, South Carolina. The white teacher in that community had only three students but was paid $85 a month, while the Black school had two teachers for 132 children, and its two Black teachers were paid a combined salary of $60. This was the first of many

David W. Marshall

criticized their defense spending. In recent years, the European nations have increased their defense spending in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. But Trump's blunt ultimatum to NATO — pay more or we won't protect you — is troubling and has a bigger agenda behind it.

The paradox is that many critics condemn Trump's divisive tactics and rhetoric but agree with his central point: Europe has depended on the United States for far too long. Presidents from Harry Truman to Barack Obama have urged Europe to increase

Let Them Eat Flakes: Inflation, Nutrition and Reality

Remember the parable of the blind men and the elephant? As each approached an elephant and tried to describe it, they came up with wildly disparate answers. One thought it a snake, another a tree, another a trunk. Because they were blind, they could not see the big picture; they described the part of the elephant they could touch.

Inflation is something like that. People describe it based on the way it hits them, and it hits each family differently. Those with incomes below the median salary of $56,420 per year are hit hardest and most likely counting their pennies. Those with higher incomes shrug off some of the ways inflation hurts. But make no mistake — it hurts. Grocery prices are up by 25% in the past four years, so you are now spending $125 for food you paid $100 for four years ago. To be sure, inflation is waning. Groceries increased by 2.6% between January 2023 and

injustices she encountered throughout her long career, and as time went on, she just started speaking out even when others around her would not. As she put it simply years later: "They were afraid, but I wasn't."

In 1919 Mrs. Clark returned to Charleston, where she volunteered for a NAACP petition effort that ultimately changed the local law prohibiting Black teachers. For the next several decades, she taught primarily in Charleston and Columbia while continuing her own education in the summers — at Columbia University in New York; at At-

lanta University, where W.E.B. DuBois was one of her professors; at Benedict College, where she finally received a bachelor's degree; and at Hampton Institute, where she earned her master's. But after 40 years, her career as a South Carolina public school teacher came to an abrupt halt in 1956 when the state legislature ruled that state employees could not belong to the NAACP. Mrs. Clark refused to resign or lie about her membership and was dismissed.

Mrs. Clark signed her name to a let-

EDELMAN Page 60

its military spending, but no other president has come close to Trump's offensive threats. Ironically, Trump is threatening NATO allies about "paying their bills" while he has a history of reneging on his own bills — many times at the expense of small businesses.

As a piano dealer, Michael Diehl was a small businessman who won a bid in 1989 to supply $100,000 worth of grand pianos to Trump's Taj Mahal casino in Atlantic City. Diehl was still waiting to be paid months after the delivery was made. Despite

having a contract, he was told that the gambling mecca ran into financial difficulties and could only give him 70 cents on the dollar. Diehl was forced to take the discounted payment and lose $30,000. The piano dealer was not alone. A USA Today analysis uncovered 60 lawsuits by individuals who say Trump and his businesses failed to pay them for their work.

The list includes plumbers, painters, waiters, bartenders, real estate brokers and even law firms that helped him

MARSHALL Page 61

January 2024, compared to 10% the year before. The Federal Reserve has been grappling with ways to lower inflation, but they need help fixing supply chain issues and corporate greed.

Still, inflation reminds us how disparate our lives are. Some chafe at inflation, while others shrug it off.

Then, a corporate CEO, Gary Pilnick, who earns at least $4.9 million a year as CEO of Kellogg's, offered a novel solution for families fighting inflation. Let them eat cereal, he says. Really? Cereal, he says, is nutritious and delicious. And it's also relative-

ly cheap. A bowl of cereal and milk is not an adequate replacement for a protein, vegetable and starch (say chicken, mashed potatoes, and green beans), nor is it quite as rib-sticking. But Pilnick arrogantly and glibly dared offer a Marie Antoinette-like solution to family meal planning: Let them eat flakes.

A 13-serving box of Kellogg's Frosted Flakes costs $18.70, or about $1.45 a serving. Six ounces of milk costs about 40 cents. So a bowl of cereal costs $1.85, maybe more depending on the kind of milk you use (low-fat,

almond, skim). In contrast, a chicken leg, mashed potatoes and green beans will run you about $2.50 a serving, and it has more protein than the cereal dinner, which may have as few as two grams of protein. I am trying to figure out what Pilnick was thinking or if he has any children. His rather glib response to many working families' daily challenges was out of line, out of order, and highly self-serving. Sure, some families occasionally do breakfast for dinner and even have

Julianne Malveaux

Women's Equality is Still a Dream

Like African Americans, women have not yet achieved equality. We're still trying to pass the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA). Until the 1970s, women's history was virtually unknown as to the contributions women continue to make to the world. When women did get some recognition, it was for only one week. We've finally, like African Americans, graduated up to a

month, but as much as women do to make this a better world, I submit to you women should be honored in some way every day. I doubt that many people haven't even thought about the fact that while we have numerous men honored with a federal holiday (without deserving one), there is not a single woman with such an honor!

It is time for us to enlist some of those men to support women by working for a federal holiday in the name of Rosa Parks for her bravery in sitting on that bus on Dec. 1, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama.

Guest Columnist

State

of Black America

"We're building an America where we recognize the inherent dignity of every single person, and where every American has the chance to live a life of purpose and meaning. This is my vision for the future." — President Joe Biden, 2024 State of Black America

Before he was elected president

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.)

She did it without fear of what would happen to her. Her courage was significant not just for women, but for all of us. On that day, the whites in charge wanted to keep pushing her to the back of the bus, but she refused. We're at a point in our country where many in charge of creating our laws are still trying to push women back by eliminating Roe v. Wade, and more recently ruling that frozen embryos are children! Immediately after that decision, one of the leading anti-women's rights promoters, Sen. Thomas Hawley Tubberville of Alabama, proclaimed

"We need more kids!"

He had not even read the decision but he had his answer on the case ready. I guess reading, analyzing and taking a position in favor of women and children is not something the senator of Alabama is not required to do! I pray that men like him don't have daughters or granddaughters who could be negatively impacted by his votes. Wouldn't it be great if their votes turned out to negatively affect his return to the Senate when he faces the voters? What is it that gives men like him (and a lot of others in his party) the right to control

the bodies of women?

No matter how hard you try, you will not find a single thing he has done since he's been in Washington, D.C., to help that would take care of the least of these — not women, not children.

On another subject, many American women salute Yulia Navalny's courage during Women's History Month for her announcement that she'll carry on her late husband's work, and we honor Yulia. She no longer has to be called the first lady

WILLIAMS Page 62

2024 Evaluates the Biden-Harris Commitment to Racial Equity

of the United States, Joe Biden made history by becoming the first major-party general election candidate to develop an agenda for Black America, titled "Lift Every Voice."

On his first day in office, he made history again by signing Executive Order 13985, Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities, which declared, "Equal opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy, and our diversity is one of our country's greatest strengths."

Guest Columnist

Acknowledging "the unbearable human costs of systemic racism," the order made an unprecedented commitment to tackle inequality: "Affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government."

More than three years into his presidency, as he asks voters to elect him to another term, the National Urban League developed a special section of the 2024 State of Black America, "Evaluation for Progress: Report on the Biden Harris Ad-

Ben Jealous

ministration."

In doing so, we honor the legacy of the man who originated The State of Black America, Vernon Jordan, who passed away three years ago this week. The 1976 report was a scathing response to President Gerald Ford's State of The Union address, which failed to make a single mention of the plight of African Americans.

"The slow but steady decline in racial cooperation and in the Black condition became, in 1975, a headlong rush into the deep

Whales Are Dying and the Fossil Fuel Industry is Lying

Whoever would have thought fossil fuel industry front groups would make whales and other marine species a cultural wedge issue?

However, thanks to a deception campaign targeting wind energy that's exactly where we find ourselves.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center in New Jersey rescues and

rehabilitates live beached animals and performs necropsies on the remains of dead ones to pinpoint their causes of death. Sheila Dean, one of the group's founders, describes how the rampant misinformation connecting whale deaths to sonar used in surveying the seafloor for offshore wind farms is making her job more difficult. And it is distracting people from what is really killing the whales: vessel strikes, climate change, plastic pollution, and entanglement in fishing gear and marine debris.

"I've been doing this for 47

years. We had a lot of whale deaths in 2023 but there have been years we've had more. In 2013 we had a lot of whales and dolphins washing up. Our necropsy data show a wide variety of possible causes of death, including blunt force trauma from suspected vessel strikes. If the sonar from mapping was killing marine life, our shores likely would have been littered with hundreds, if not thousands of dead and dying marine mammals."

The frenzy that has been whipped up against offshore wind energy has

thrust Dean's organization into the storm. Anti-wind activists and the people they have duped are demanding close examination of whale's ears to show signs of damage from sonar. But most beached whale remains are in an advanced state of decomposition, making that impossible. Where there have been beached animals that have not been too decomposed, mostly dolphins, the MMSC and its partners have gone the extra mile and incurred great cost for CT scans and lab analysis. The results? No evidence of auditory trauma.

pit of depression and hardship," Jordan wrote. "The condition of Black Americans, once the benchmark of America's commitment to equality in justice, is now the object of malign neglect and hostile disregard."

In contrast, President Biden placed racial equity at the center of his administration, committing that it would shape the legislation, regulations, federal investments, and agency actions his adminis-

Scientists have been clear. Disruptions in the whales' feeding patterns, water salinity, and currents are likely the result of climate change. Dean points out the whales are following their food source, which is what brings them into the shipping lanes.

Finding no evidence that sonar mapping for offshore wind farms is connected to the whale deaths, groups like Dean's are being targeted as if they are part of some cover up fueled by the wind industry.

Marc H. Morial

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Intern

This weekend’s options promise a fun-filled and tight-packed list of events that may lead you to learning about history, celebrating women, and enjoying musical sounds.

D.C.’s prominent performing arts scene kicks the week off with multimedia experiences, such as the interactive dance performance of “Polyscope.”

Traditional celebrations like the 11th annual Awesome Con and the 2024 commemoration of International Women’s Day promote community and allyship by recognizing the influence that culture and feminine change makers have on society. The fun continues with a taste of Ghanaian musical engagement and options also include formerly U.K.-based Dopamine Land, offering an opportunity to relax your mind while embracing your inner child.

The weekend ends with the mystifying and educational retellings of Harriet Tubman and Simone Leigh’s artwork, respective events that offer participants a chance to

escape from the unique and exclusive perspectives of barrier-breaking women.

Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, MARCH 7

Motion X Dance Company:

Polyscope

7:30 p.m | $27.00

Atlas Performing Arts Center, 1333 H St, Washington, D.C., 20005

“Polyscope” is a multimedia dance performance examining a common human experience: the lifecycle of the wildfire we call "passion." The show poses the question: If this spark is found in childhood, what does dancing around the flame look like throughout a lifetime? “Polyscope” will strike the match, dance recklessly, and harness the power of passion.

With a mission to share innovative and thought-provoking dance works with all kinds of peo-

ple, Motion X Dance Company (formally Motion X Dance DC) creates relatable dance pieces that reflect on the human experience and illustrate the real world from an artistic point of view. Motion X is a contemporary dance company based in Northern Virginia.

WI

FRIDAY, MARCH 8

International Women’s Day Festival 2024

10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. | Free with registration National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) will memorialize International Women’s Day by hosting both virtual and in-person programs that engage with, highlight, and celebrate women in the visual and performing arts.

For the full schedule of events, visit NMWA’s International Women’s Day page.

Awesome Con

1 p.m. - 8 p.m. | $55+

Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Mt Vernon Place NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

Awesome Con — Washington

D.C.’s Comic Con — is back for its 11th year of awesomeness with a star-studded celebration. Awesome Con brings over 60,000 fans together with their favorite celebrities from comics, movies,

your senses and awaken the imagination of your inner child.

Get ready to play as different activities invite you to try meditation, mix music, draw all over the walls, or even start a pillow fight! Also, don’t forget to find something new at the Bubble Bar, whether you breathe deeply at the Aromatherapy Oxygen Bar or indulge in new treats.

No matter what kind of immersive experience you’re looking for, Dopamine Land is designed to deliver and trigger that happiness hormone.

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SUNDAY, MARCH 10

The Beauty of Our Wellness: The Sessions (Simone Leigh @ The Hirshhorn Museum) Noon. - 2 p.m. |

Free with registration

television, toys, games, and more. Family-friendly and inclusive, the festival includes unique features such as: Science Fair, where science meets science fiction; Book Fair, for book dragons, aspiring authors, and literature lovers of all ages; Awesome Con Jr, an all-ages destination for the next generation of fans; Pride Alley, a celebration of queer creators and fans, curated by Geeks OUT; and Destination Cosplay, where cosplay fanatics can meet, pose, and improve their craft.

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SATURDAY, MARCH 9

Rolling Cocoa Festival

10 a.m. - 3 p.m. | $69+

The Anthem, 901 Wharf Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Presented by Duke Concept, Rolling Cocoa is a new indoor World Music Festival that focuses on promoting Ghanaian music and culture. The maiden edition will take place in Washington, D.C., and feature artists such as Stonebwoy, Black Sherif, R2bees, Kidi, Camidoh, Kwesi Arthur, Efya, S3fa, and more.

Dopamine Land

2 p.m. - 6 p.m. | $16.99 to $22.50

Dopamine Land, 5333 Wisconsin Avenue, Washington, D.C., 20015

Now open in D.C., Dopamine Land is a colorful multimedia and multisensory event that is not to be missed. Discover and explore 10 playful rooms that will surprise

Hirshhorn Museum, 7th Street SW, Washington, D.C., 20560

“The Beauty of Our Wellness: The Sessions” centers around the Hirshhorn Museum solo exhibition of Chicago-native artist Simone Leigh, who represented the United States at the 2022 Venice Biennale (La Biennale de Venezia)–one of the largest and most important contemporary art exhibitions in the world.

With a passion for promoting healthy relationships between mind and body in the Black community, the organizers use the art exhibitions in the DMV to inspire a space for bodily and intellectual exploration.

Harmonies of Liberty:

A Commemoration of Harriet Tubman Day 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Free with registration

In-person and virtual | Edward St. John Teaching and Learning Center Room 1309, 4131 Campus Drive, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742

In commemoration of Harriet Tubman Day, the Harriet Tubman Department of Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies presents “Harmonies of Liberty,” a conversation with artist and activist Tatyana Fazlalizadeh. Joining the conversation is Ms. Ernestine “Tina” Wyatt, Harriet Tubman's great-great-great-grandniece, who will bring greetings on behalf of Tubman's descendants.

WI

5 Motion X Dance Company presents “Polyscope,” a multimedia dance performance at Atlas Performing Arts Center on Thursday, March 7. (Courtesy Photo)

5 With a passion for promoting healthy relationships between mind and body in the Black community, “The Beauty of Our Wellness: The Sessions” is inspired by Simone Leigh’s solo exhibition at The Hirshhorn Museum. (Courtesy Photo)

D.C. Native Jeffrey Wright Independent Spirit Award for ‘American Fiction’

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The Academy Awards take place on March 10, and will be the culmination of a very busy awards season. This year’s crop of honored films represents a diverse mix of talent and topics. “American Fiction,” the movie that is a commentary about how Black subject matter in films is stereotyped, has already received several noteworthy honors.

On Feb. 25, Jeffrey Wright, a D.C. native, was recently honored with the Best Lead Performance award for his role in “American Fiction” at the Film Independent Awards. In his acceptance remarks, Wright thanked “American Fiction” screenwriter Cord Jefferson.

“It’s a beautiful story of a family and a man facing personal

and cultural challenges, some of which are as old as our country,” said Wright, also nominated for the Best Actor Oscar this year.

Jefferson also received Best Adapted Screenplay awards from Film Independent, the Critics Choice, and the British Academy Film Awards (BAFTA). For the Academy Awards, Jefferson is nominated in the Best Screenplay and Best Movie categories. Also, Sterling K. Brown has been nominated in the Best Supporting Actor Category for his role in "American Fiction."

Da’Vine Joy Randolph has received eight awards for her supporting role in “The Holdovers.” In addition to Film Independent, she has received seven other awards, including the Golden Globe, Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice, Satellite Award, New York Film Critics, BAFTA,

and the National Society of Film Critics in eight awards programs. She is the front-runner to receive this year’s Best Supporting Actress Oscar.

“The Holdovers is a testament for what can happen when a small group of passionate people are given a chance to come together and tell a story,” said Randolph when accepting her Film Independent award. “Independent films are the beating heart of this industry, and they are worth fighting for.”

Further, the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) recently announced its award recipients. “Origin” received the award for Best Drama, “American Fiction” was named Best Comedy, and “Color Purple” was Best Musical. A complete list of awards given by AAFCA is on their website. https://aafca.com/aafca-awards WI @bcscomm

5 Actor and D.C. native, Jeffrey Wright received the Best Lead Performance honor at the 2024 Film Independent Awards for his role in the film “American Fiction.” This photo of Wright was taken at the 2022 March on Washington Film Festival held at Union Market in Northeast. D.C. (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

5 (L-R) During the 2022 March on Washington Film Festival at Union Market, D.C. native and actor Jeffrey Wright presented the March on Award to George C. Wolfe, playwright and director of film and theater. Wright was recently honored with the Best Lead Performance award at the 2024 Film Independent Awards for his role in the film “American Fiction.” (Jacques Benovil/The Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

Intriguing Insights: Joy-Ann Reid Explores Medgar and Myrlie Evers’ Love Story and Impact on Civil Rights

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In an interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s “Let It Be Known” morning show, celebrated journalist, author and talk-show host Joy-Ann Reid delved into the intricacies of her latest book, “Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America,” The new book sheds light on the enduring love between civil rights activists Medgar and Myrlie Evers (now Evers-Williams) and their profound impact on the civil rights movement.

The conversation revolved around themes of courage and conviction, standing up for justice, and displaying bravery in the face of adversity. Reid, one of the most influential and outspoken voices in all of news, also touched on several issues including the book.

“What inspired me to do this piece was Myrlie Evers-Williams herself,” Reid recalled. “Just meeting her in person for the first time in 2018 and hearing her talk about her late husband had been almost six decades, but she still spoke about him with this incredible and deep love.”

The 352-page book relives Med-

gar Evers’s central role in pivotal civil rights events, such as the Civil Rights Act and the March on Washington. “What I learned in doing the research for the book is just how central Medgar Evers was to the whole story, to all the stories that we know more about, to the Civil Rights Act,” she explained.

Regarding the relationship between Medgar and Myrlie, Reid emphasized, “They were an intellectual romance before they were a physical romance.” She highlighted the challenges they faced but underscored the strength of their marriage, stating, “They stuck through it because, in the end, Myrlie Evers admired her husband. She admired his manliness, determination, and love for his people.”

Reid praised individuals like Democratic Reps. Ayanna Pressley of Massachusetts and Cori Bush of Missouri, and the two Tennessee state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson. “In the face of a lot of cowardice, you do have a lot of really strong, really powerful voices of courage,” Reid asserted.

Regarding South Carolina Republican Sen. Tim Scott, Reid criticized his alignment with the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former President Donald Trump, expressing bewilderment at Scott’s decision to associate with someone who “wants to tear down democracy.” She blasted Scott’s choice to quote Fannie Lou Hamer in support of Trump, calling it “madness.”

“This man had the nerve to quote Fannie Lou Hamer, who I also researched for this book. Fannie Lou Hamer, who quoted ‘First Class Citizenship,’ which was Medgar’s line when she went to the Democratic Convention in Atlantic City and tore it up so much that Lyndon Johnson said, get this woman off the TV because her voice was so powerful as she demanded what Medgar Evers wanted,” Reid stated, tearing into Scott.

“For him to quote that woman, that great Black woman, that icon, and do that in favor of Donald Trump, someone who wants to tear down democracy, who says he would unleash police on Black people and take away any limitations to the violence they could in part upon our bodies, for him to use that, it’s madness to me,” Reid

explained. “I see very wealthy hiphop artists, after Donald Trump is found liable for sexual assault and fined millions for defamation, then they decide, ‘now it’s time to marry my brand to Donald Trump.’ I don’t understand that. I don’t understand anybody Black who, knowing all we now know, those of us who lived in New York, knew who Donald Trump was; we knew what he was.”

Reid also revealed a surprising aspect of her research, emphasizing the close relationship and sisterhood bond among Dr. Betty Shabazz, Coretta Scott King, and Evers-Williams. She described it as “the group chat before we had group chats” and highlighted the joyfulness with which Evers-Williams shared the story of her friends.

As the conversation encapsulated the profound love story of the Evers and its impact on American history, Reid concluded her thoughts with a powerful message: “They had no money. They had no power. What they had was conviction and love, love for each other, love for their people, love for their family, and even love for their state in this country. And that’s all the armor that they needed.”

5 Journalist Joy-Ann Reid explores the relationship between Megar Evers and Dr. Myrlie Evers- Williams (pictured) in her new book “Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America.” (WI File Photo)

3 In an interview with the National Newspaper Publishers Association's “Let it Be Known,” morning news show. Joy-Ann Reid discussed her new book “Medgar and Myrlie Evers and the Love Story that Awakened America.” (Courtesy Photo)

Makers Union Opens New Location in Cathedral Commons Neighborhoods

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A fourth Makers Union restaurant location is now open in the Cathedral Commons neighborhood in Washington, D.C.

One of the brands under the Thompson Restaurant Group, the restaurant is in a prime residential/retail neighborhood north of the Washington National Cathedral.

Upon arrival, the bright exterior dining arrangement is where patrons will want to be as the weather continues to warm up. Inside, that environment is spacious and bright. The décor gives a feeling of year-round springtime for family dining.

“As the weather warms up, the wall of windows will collapse for an indoor/ outside experience,” said Adrian Cane, general manager of Makers Union at Cathedral Commons. “We look forward to bringing in live music.”

LET’S EAT!

My guest and I arrived at the restaurant on a weekday afternoon. We ordered from the dinner menu with so many choices that anyone’s palate would be satisfied.

We started with the chargrilled Lemon Garlic Parm Wings, a nice unique option to enjoy a classic starter. Makers Union serves their wings two ways with a choice of four types of seasoning. In addition to what we ordered, the wings are available seasoned as Old Bay, Buffalo, or Phoenix Rub.

We then tried the Crispy Brussels Sprouts prepared with Fresno chilis, hot honey, ginger, mint, cilantro, and roasted peanuts. Even though this appetizer is a bit spicy, my guest and I felt we could have had several bowls. I love oven-roasted Brussels Sprouts drizzled with olive oil and spices. These crispy sprouts were over the top.

The “Main Event” section on the menu includes entrees. I had Branzi-

no fish with grilled broccolini, forest mushrooms, leek lemon butter and fine herbs. My guest had the Hickory House Smoked Salmon with creamy mushroom quinoa, green beans, and mustard vinaigrette. The seafood was cooked to perfection.

Dessert for each of us was the Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with strawberry garnish. The serving of bread pudding would be enough to feed more than one person.

Executive Chef Dan Logan oversees the food creations at the Cathedral Commons Makers Union.

“Menus are slightly modified for each location,” said Cane. “We look at the neighborhood to assess what potential diners might like.

OPENING THE DOORS IN CATHEDRAL COMMONS

Before Makers Union opened this

new location, it was Matchbox, another restaurant under the Thompson brand. Ramping up to the opening of Makers Union, Cane worked with the landlord to distribute flyers to the condos attached to the restaurant.

“Every day, I expanded my radius a bit further,” said Cane. “I also distributed complimentary cocktail cards to local businesses, and we’ve had some social media influencers come in.”

Hiring staff was about finding the “best of the best” to be on the team. Cane said they went through 800 applicants to build the current staff of 140 people.

Makers Union at Cathedral Commons, 3701 Newark Street NW, is open seven days per week. The total seating capacity is 200.

Brunch is available on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday there is a “People’s Hour” from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. that is this restaurant’s version of

a happy hour. In addition to alcoholic beverages, there is a nice variety of mocktails.

Two hours of free validated parking are across the street under the Giant Food store.

For more information, call 202-6610161 or visit: makersunionpub.com. WI @bcscomm

Greater

5 Makers Union restaurant has a new location in the Cathedral Commons area of Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/ Makers Union)

‘Bob Marley, One Love’ Film : A Cinematic Triumph Transforming Lives and Communities Across Jamaica and Beyond

Ziggy Marley Opens Up About Making Movie, Father’s Legacy

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In an exclusive interview with the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known morning show, Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, opened up about the profound impact of the hit new

movie “Bob Marley, One Love.”

Beyond its role as a cinematic journey into the iconic musician’s life, the film has emerged as a catalyst for transformative change, touching the lives of individuals and communities in Jamaica and extending its positive influence beyond geographical boundaries.

The quest for authenticity in portraying Bob Marley’s life meant assembling a team that “respected the culture, ensuring a collective effort devoid of individual egos,” the artist and film’s producer asserted.

“We were looking for people not run by ego, we were looking for humble people, really humble people who can work in a community with a community effort,” Marley explained. “That was a key, I think, because it needed to be something that we have a voice in and that nobody could say, ‘you know, it’s my thing or it’s hers.’ So, yeah, the humbleness and the idea of a community working together, those were the traits that were very important for this project.”

The oldest son of the reggae legend provided a thoughtful reflection on the emotional and psychological impact of the threats and challenges his father faced.

“Something that we tried to explore and that even while working on this film, it made me think about it, was what was the toll that this took on [Bob Marley] emotionally or psychologically? I don't think he’s not the type of man to really show you, you know, like all of us, we put on a tough exterior,” Marley remarked. “All the while we’re really having some serious emotional things happening on

the inside. And as a human being, we know that somebody is trying to kill you, you’re going to exile, you’re diagnosed with cancer.”

He said grappling with such challenges is not easy for anyone, celebrity or not.

“These are things that make you think about life, make you think about mortality. And so, we feel like he went through all that internally. And in his own quiet space, you know, where he had to reflect on his inner self,” Marley continued. “The outside stuff is what you can put up with, but the inside stuff is, you know, it’s very rare that we can have a look at that or think about that.”

The timing of the film’s release became a focal point of discussion, with Marley highlighting that it wasn’t a premeditated decision but a response to the present moment. Despite difficulties like strikes that caused delays, Marley emphasized the family’s trust in the universe’s timing as they explored the idea of making a movie about Bob Marley.

“I know it was the right time. No, not because of anything that I thought about years ago, but because I’m living in the present and I realized it’s the right time,” Marley said. “It wasn’t planned like this. So, it’s not like we foresaw this happening at this time. I like to put it this way, the spirit moved me to try to explore the idea of making a film about my father and the family agreed with us and so we started to explore that and then everything fell into place the right way. When the universe speaks, we just listen and be happy with what the universe has given us.” WI

5 Ziggy Marley, the son of reggae legend Bob Marley, opened up about producing the film “Bob Marley, One Love,” and continuing his father’s legacy. (Courtesy Photo/ Ziggy Marley, Facebook)

Equal Access to Education at the Core of Arena Stage Production of ‘Tempestuous Elements’

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Anna Julia Cooper was a dedicated educator who prepared her Black high school students for acceptance to any college. In 1902, she became the M Street High School principal in Northwest, Washington, D.C. Cooper’s vision and documentation of what her students accomplished were constantly challenged by Congressional leaders, the school board, and other Black teachers at her school. This ongoing battle is the subject of "Tempestuous Elements," a magnificent production at Arena Stage until March 17.

An overview of "Tempestuous Elements" was given by Vanessa Dalpiaz, an artistic development fellow at Arena Stage.

“Anna Julia Cooper’s time as principal at M Street was marked by controversy stemming from the wider national conversations occurring over what sort of education should be available to Black Americans,” Dalpiaz said.

Playwright Kia Corthron and director Psalmayene 24 have taken real D.C. history and painstakingly brought it to the stage.

Corthorn’s dialogues between characters hit hard when we hear how white administrators felt about what Black students should be taught. Negro students are not worthy of the “classical” education that white students were taught.

FAIR ACCESS TO EDUCATION AN EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER

This cast is phenomenal.

There are many emotional dialogues in this play, and most are given by Gina Daniels as Cooper, the dedicated educator and feminist. Daniels moves easily between sternness in the classroom and supportive and understanding time in one-on-one guidance to students. Her effectiveness with her portrayal of Cooper does not feel like acting. When Cooper realizes that some of her teachers and personal friends are not on her side, we feel the hurt of their betrayal.

Cooper is tolerant when standing her ground with fellow teachers and school board members. She is a persistent advocate for her high-achieving Black students when administrators are dismissive insinuating a fluke in the system. If alive today, we can imagine Cooper saying the same things to legislators today about what children should be allowed to learn in school.

Daniels is only one of two actors in the "Tempestuous Elements" ensemble who does not have multiple roles.

One of D.C.'s foremost writers, actors, and directors, and associate director/choreographer Tony Thomas, finely manage a rapid rotation of actors in their roles.

"Tempestuous Elements" is performed on the Arena Stage Fichandler

Stage, an open square configuration. In addition to their roles, actors change the set in between scenes as the audience observes as the lights are dimmed. Observing a play in this setting gives the audience a greater appreciation of the intense work of the talented cast and crew.

Above the stage were many clear plexi glasses that appeared as blackboards with lesson notes. This was truly a message that serious classwork was being done by Cooper’s students.

The play is a must-see to learn about another piece of D.C.’s history of work toward equal justice.

I am sure "Tempestuous Elements" will be nominated for several awards from the current District theater season.

Ticket information can be obtained from the Arena Stage website at arenastage.org WI

@bcscomm

5 "Tempestuous Elements" at Arena Stage until March 17 features Gina Daniels as Anna Julia Cooper, principal at the M Street High School in Washington, D.C., in the early 1900s. She advocated for Black students to receive the same classical education as white students. (Courtesy Photo/Tony Powell)

5 "Tempestuous Elements," currently running at Arena Stage until March 17, is about the M Street High School in the District and educator Anna Julia Cooper, who in the early 1900s advocated to ensure

I introduced a 30-page public safety document and it’s sitting on the shelf. I introduced a number of measures, including new recreation centers, and we haven’t done enough.”

A GRASSROOTS ORGANIZER QUESTIONS COUNCILMEMBER PINTO’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In the weeks leading up to the vote, grassroots organizers coalesced around an effort to secure the removal of what some people, including April Goggans, consider the bill’s more punitive and pro-law enforcement measures.

Goggans, core organizer for Black Lives Matter DC, said that face mask bans, drug-free zones, pre-trial DNA collection and police transparency rollbacks sparked concern among Black and brown Washingtonians of various ages and political leanings about an infringement on their civil liberties.

Her engagement strategy involves meeting up with District residents who don’t frequent the John A. Wilson Building. She also has pivoted her attention to countering what she calls an anti-crime narrative among many community members that demeans young people and ties George Floyd-inspired police accountability measures to the District’s crime crisis.

“This fight is about reducing the most racist, most harmful provisions

of the bill in a way that honors the experiences of Black and brown folks in D.C.,” Goggans said. “You have to make sure there’s information [out there] about what’s in the bill and how it impacts folks' everyday lives, not just those who get to go to the council building. It’s a narrative shift back to the facts.”

Last week, Goggans attended a Citizens Advisory Council meeting at Martha’s Table at the Commons in Southeast. She said that’s where D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), architect of omnibus bill and D.C. Council judiciary and public safety committee chair, listened to community members as they weighed in on the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act.

As Goggans recounted, Black community members of various professional backgrounds and political leanings expressed angst about elements of the legislation that they felt unfairly targeted Black and brown Washingtonians. She told The Informer that Pinto didn’t enthusiastically embrace perspectives that challenged her notion of what would keep D.C. safe.

“Some of the things that Councilmember Pinto said are talking points given by the recall [Councilmembers Charles Allen and Brianne Nadeau] folks, the police union, and Mayor Bowser,” Goggans said. “While we had this increased police presence, we had the highest number of police complaints. It’s clear that the proponents of this bill really want individuals to

MarionRemembering LaVern Davis

We are saddened to announce the passing of Marion LaVern Davis, a Ward 4 resident for over 65 years, who died surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, March 3.

Davis, 83, was the mother to Candie Gardner, Pamela Adgerson, LaTrice Jordan, Al Davis and Washington Informer Photo Editor and WIN-TV Producer Shevry Lassiter, all of whom she leaves to cherish her memory. She is also survived by two sisters, Helen and Samantha Speight, a brother Reddick Speight,17 grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren.

The celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, March 13 at Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church, 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE. Arrangements are entrusted to Horton’s Funeral Home in Northwest, D.C.

sacrifice the safety of some for the safety of all.”

AFTER MUCH DELAY, A VIGOROUS DEBATE IN ANOTHER COUNCIL HEARING ROOM

By the time council members engaged in spirited discussion about the bevy of amendments for Secure DC on Tuesday afternoon, proceedings moved from the council chambers (Room 500) to Room 412 of the Wilson Building after the chamber’s audio system malfunctioned.

The council approved, by an 11-2 vote, an amendment that White introduced to prevent the omission of police officers’ names from documents during adverse action proceedings.

Pinto and D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) were the two votes against the amendment, with Pinto saying that concerns about police officers’ employment rights precluded her from supporting it.

Parker stood in support of White, saying that removing officers’ names and badge numbers from reports impedes efforts to keep the public informed about alleged police misconduct. D.C. Councilmember Anita (D-At large) followed up, telling her colleagues that residents need to know which officers are facing termination for misconduct.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) later decried past efforts by the Fraternal Order of Police to help officers evade accountability for burglary, domestic violence, drunk driving, dealing in stolen property, and

other offenses.

The D.C. Council shot down, in a 3-10 vote, another Ward 8 Councilmember White amendment that mandates jobs and behavioral health interventions in drug-free zones. Pinto asked her colleagues not to support White’s amendment due to questions about fiscal impact. At large Council member Robert White (D) stood in support of his Ward 8 colleague, once again telling his fellow council members that drug-free zones are redundant in a jurisdiction where drug sales and use is already illegal.

D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George chimed in to express opposition to the amendment. She said that, because the original drugfree zone statute will likely face constitutional challenges, it's best to keep it in its original form and “let the chips fall where they may.”

Mendelson later followed up, saying that White’s amendment would impede the work of the Department of Behavioral Health and other relevant agencies.

An amendment by Ward 8 council member White requiring the Executive Office of the Mayor to develop and publish a Comprehensive Public Safety Plan met a different fate. Pinto accepted it as friendly.

She also accepted an amendment by D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (At large - I) that would expand the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council’s (CCJC) study about pre-trial detention so that it covers juvenile detainment.

Pinto introduced an amendment not only specifying what would be

included in the CCJC’s study about pre-trial detention, but requiring the council’s nomination of a crime victim to the D.C. Sentencing Commission.

An amendment by D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) specified what information would be included in CJCC’s report about D.C.’s witness protection program. During the council breakfast preceding Tuesday’s legislative meeting, Pinto said that Nadeau and her are still working to overcome the hurdles in this amendment, specifically coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice.

Later, during the legislative meeting, Nadeau accepted Pinto’s amendment to her amendment that would keep the CJCC report private.

The council approved, on a 12-1 vote, Lewis George’s (D-Ward 4) amendment to raise the threshold for felony first-degree theft from $500 to $1,000. Pinto was the sole “no” vote. Pinto also accepted an amendment by Lewis George that clarifies the anti-masking provision with the goal of protecting those wearing masks for reasons related to religion, First Amendment activities, and employment.

The council approved, in a 10-3 vote, an amendment by Pinto that adjusted a DNA collection provision of Secure DC by delaying the process until after someone is charged for violent felony or sexual assault misdemeanor and a judge determines probable cause.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

5Chairman Phil Mendelson (right) speaking to Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Sr. (left) before the D.C. Council voted on the Secure DC Omnibus Amendment Act, for which White stood as the sole “present,” vote. He also proposed amendments regarding public safety. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Marie Curie was a scientist in a time when few women had a chance to study science. She won two Nobel Prizes for her discoveries. She also is the only person –man or woman – to win the Nobel Prize in two different sciences.

Marie Sklodowska was born in Poland on November 7, 1867. Her father was a teacher. He taught math and science. Marie loved learning and wanted to study science in college. In those days, Poland’s universities did not allow women.

Marie headed to Paris, where she could study at a famous university called the Sorbonne.

Imagine a special flashlight that’s so strong, its light can go through almost anything, even your body.

In 1895, Marie married Pierre Curie. He was also a scientist. They discovered two new elements, the tiniest pieces of chemicals. They called one polonium after the country where Marie was born. They called the other radium. They won a Nobel Prize for this work, making Marie the rst woman to win a Nobel Prize.

Marie’s studies of radium led her to make X-rays better so that doctors could better see inside bodies.

BODY BONES BORN COLLEGE CURIE GO LIGHT MATH PARIS POLAND PRIZE SCIENCE STUDY WEEK WORLD

J P Z B P A R I S

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T H G I L N I O Y

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D G U L N L T S E

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Z L I O B O R N M

G L E W P O W K A

The Nobel Prize is one of the most important awards in the world. Nobel Prizes are given in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace and economics. The prizes honor people who have done outstanding work that makes the world better. Find the two identical medals to see what the Nobel Prize looks like. Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Science Helping

S C I E N C E Y H

Look through the newspaper for a picture of or an article about a kind of technology you use in your life. If this didn’t exist, what would you do instead? Standards Link: Write to express an opinion.

Who is a woman you admire? Explain what you admire about her.

Help Marie travel from Warsaw to Paris. © 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40 No. 15 A Woman I Admire Standards Link: Language Arts: Write using descriptive details.

Little Saved

During Marie Curie Her X-ray doctors X-ray machines large Curie “X-ray car” Curie.” It X-ray darkroom images. to battlefields, surgeon guide life-saving

X O W E E K D J T With hundreds Kid Scoop features six-to-seven high-interest activities for school! Get sample today

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review wi book

Kids Books About Women's History

By

Various Authors

c.2024, various publishers

$18.99 each

Various page counts

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You can do it.

All your life, you've been told that you can do anything you set your mind to do. Try new things, get better at old things, dream big and act bigger. You can be soft and tough at the same time. And if you need any inspiration, well, look to these great picture books …

Shortly after her birth in India, Minda Dentler got terribly sick with a disease called polio, and doctors said she would never walk. Alas, her birth mother was very poor and couldn't afford to care for Minda, so she put Minda up for adoption. In "The Girl Who Figured It Out" by Minda Dentler, illustrations by Stephanie Dehennin (Sourcebooks Kids, $18.99), that's just the beginning of a story that started in Mumbai, came to America, and continues at the Ironman World Championship. Kids who say "I can't" will learn from someone who could; for that, it's great for 5-to-7-year-olds.

For a similar story, look for "The Fabulous Fannie Farmer: Kitchen Scientist and America's Cook" by Emma Bland Smith, pictures by Susan Reagan (Calkins Creek, $18.99). Yes, Fannie Farmer was a real girl once, a girl who learned to cook from her mother. Back then, recipes weren't written down but after Fannie recovered from polio as a teenager, her "passion" for cooking simply boiled over. Young cooks ages 7-to-10 will love this delicious tale even more because the book contains recipes!

Growing up with four sisters in a poor New York City neighborhood didn't stop Sarah Brenner, either, even though girls then were treated differently than were boys. In "One of a Kind: The LIfe of Sydney Taylor" by Richard Michelson, illustrated by Sarah Green (Calkins Creek, $18.99), Sarah grew up looking for ways to make the world a fair place for everyone. She gave herself a new name, got an education, and wrote a book about her life and Jewish children like she was once. Six-to-10-year-olds will love this story, especially if they've ever read Green's iconic children's book.

And finally, for the 7-to-10-year-old who's rarely far away from their bicycle, "Pedal, Balance, Steer: Annie Londonderry, the First Woman to Cycle Around the World" by Vivian Kirkfield, illustrated by Alison Jay (Caulkins Creek, $18.99) will be a favorite read. It's the story of Annie Londonderry, who was a very hard worker. When she learned of a challenge — $10,000 for the first person to bicycle around the world in 15 months or less (which was a lot of money in the 1890s) — well, how could anyone resist something that fun?

Fun — but also lots of work!

Could she do it? Be sure to check out the biography at the back of the book because your 5-to-9-year-old will want to know.

If your child needs more women-powered inspiration, be sure to ask your favorite bookseller or librarian for ideas, They've got plenty of great stories you, or for kids of any age. Take a look through the shelves and see what you can find. Go ahead. You can do it.

horoscopes

ARIES During the week ahead, a sense of adventure can have you feeling beyond ready to embrace opportunities for growth and change. In fact, you could be a bit impatient and anxious around these matters, wanting to see progress now. You'd do well to take a leap of faith and go after your wildest dreams while making room for whatever follows to happen organically. Later in the week, you need cozy downtime with loved ones. Working on redecorating or home improvement projects or enjoying a family vacation or reunion can prove restorative for your heart. Lucky Numbers: 8, 16, 52

TAURUS Over this week, you could feel a burning desire to assert your needs. If you've been giving more than you've been taking it's time to face the facts. Ensuring that reciprocity exists between you will be crucial to feeling emotionally centered and invested in this relationship. Later in the week, you could find that you're trying to take on way too much work. Narrowing down your to-do list and reining in your expectations can make for smoother sailing now. Lucky Numbers: 8, 21, 50

GEMINI At the beginning of the week, you could be reflecting on your individual needs to get to a more harmonious place with your partner or a close friend. If you're failing to get on the same page, now is the time to commit to landing on a lasting solution. Later in the week, the cosmos could reveal cracks in your professional game plan that you may have previously glossed over. Acknowledging this reality check and taking the time to address these issues over the next few months can set you up to bring your boldest aspirations to fruition. Lucky Numbers: 15, 21, 56

CANCER Over the coming week, you could clash with your partner or a close friend over an issue that's close to your heart. At the same time, you'll be laser-focused on doing what you need to do to get on the same page. Your efforts could make for a powerful change in your dynamic. Later in the week, you'll enjoy a burst of confidence that makes it even easier to hit your personal wellness and professional goals. Letting your emotional ebbs and flows guide you along the way makes for even more progress. Lucky Numbers: 3, 10, 54

LEO Early this week, you'll be aching to put work aside and express yourself in a fun-loving, heartfelt, and creative way. Whether through art, writing, or socializing taking care of your playful inner dreamer is integral to your emotional balance. Later in the week, you focus on tending to your mind-body wellness. You'll be fired up to hit certain goals, whether that's meditating or advancing your skill set related to fitness. Just avoid pushing harder than necessary. Lucky Numbers: 19, 25, 58

VIRGO During this week, you could be involved in a variety of collaborative projects. The more willing you are to jump into group activities the more rewarding the experience will be. Bonus: you could make new friends and professional contacts! Later in the week, the cosmos delivers a reality check in your closest one-on-one relationships. If you've been failing to see the truth about an unhealthy habit, toxic dynamic, or lack of reciprocity, now is the time to address it. Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 14

LIBRA During the week ahead, you could see your calendar fill up. If you feel like you absolutely cannot get a break, it's time to allow yourself a well-deserved time-out. The frenetic energy calls for you to make a conscious effort to prioritize self-care. Later in the week, you'll feel more confident when it comes to going after your big-picture goals. Plan to have important one-on-one meetings with higher-ups to go over your vision. Lucky Numbers: 6, 25, 31

SCORPIO At the beginning of the week, you could be reflecting on how much time and energy you're giving to your hustle and the rewards that are coming with that (or not). You'll want to work on finding peace and balance around these issues, given that being emotionally present in and enjoying your work is integral to success. Later in the week, the cosmos requires you to take a more pragmatic look at the ways you're seeking pleasure and fun. Lucky Numbers: 2, 43, 55

SAGITTARIUS Early this week, you could be frustrated if you're not getting the amount or type of attention you've been expecting from significant people in your life. Do your best to take a more grounded approach and assert your needs in a cool, collected way. Later in the week, you'll be driven to experience an even deeper connection with your partner or a potential lover. Sharing how you feel and what you want can help you manifest your passionate vision. Lucky Numbers: 17, 20, 39

CAPRICORN At the beginning of the week, you're feeling like backing out of social plans in order to devote a solid chunk of time to rest and relaxation. Lately, you've been taking on more than you realize. A time-out for self-care is well deserved and crucial to maintaining your wellness. Later in the week, you'll get a burst of energy to tackle joint projects. Your tendency could be to go hard right off the bat but you'll do even better if you can lean into collaboration. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 42

AQUARIUS Early this week, you may find that harmony and creative stimulation come by spending time with your colleagues, closest friends, and loved ones. Carving out time for a group date, brainstorming session, or casual get-together has you feeling supported. Later in the week, you'll feel more amped to take on an ambitious workout plan. You could step up your results and feel emboldened to keep it up! Lucky Numbers: 17, 27, 47

PISCES As the week begins, you may find that you're suddenly in the spotlight as your efforts on the job are recognized and higher-ups want to tap you to take on even more responsibility. While you might shy away from being applauded in this way, you deserve credit. Later in the week, you might be tempted to take on far too many tasks. If you can't tackle the entire list, there's no shame. You might be a generous superhero but you're also only human. Lucky Numbers: 4, 31, 39

SPORTS

DC State Athletic Association Holds Annual Championships

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

It's March Madness for basketball on all levels, and this past week the District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) held its annual state boys' and girls' championship, when teams from the public, private and charter schools come together until a champion is determined.

Normally a competition amongst high schoolers, more excitement was added for this year's extravaganza as the DCSAA added boys and girls' middle schools for the first time.

The opening rounds took place at various schools up until the semifinals which were held at Georgetown University and finally the championships at George Washington University's Smith Center.

Georgetown Day Girl Defeat Deal, Alice Deal Boys Capture Titles

The Georgetown Day (13-2) girls rode the scoring of its talented 8th

graders Jozie McDuffie and teammate Iris Leonard to get past Alice Deal, 37-30 in the historic DCSAA state middle school championship at the Smith Center on the campus of George Washington University.

In the boys section, it was the Alice Deal boys' team that went on to win, 67-45 against Jefferson Middle.

"This is special not only for the Deal community, but for the city community as well," said Deal head coach Larry McEwen. “Now the talent feeder to these top high school programs get a chance to showcase their skills. And to be the first champions is something they will not forget."

Kenny Owens, executive director of the DCSAA, said adding middle schools was “just a matter of time.”

We already have softball, cross country and volleyball for the middle schools. Now we have basketball and will soon be doing it for chess. We look to expand and provide exposure for the young athletes."

GEORGETOWN DAY WINS GIRLS, IDEA WINS BOYS CLASS A TITLES

Senior guard Madisyn Moore-Nicholson started off the first quarter strong as Georgetown Day burst to an early lead and pulled away for a 61-43 victory over Jackson-Reed in the DCSAA Class A Girls Basketball Tournament championship, the Hoppers’ second state title in three years.

"This is our second championship but it feels special," commented Pam Stanfield, head coach of the varsity and assistant with the middle school teams. " And to have our middle school win their first ever championship adds even more

for Georgetown Day and our program."

In the boys Class A game, senior forward Malachi Hoston added 20 points and 10 rebounds and scored the go-ahead points on free throws with 1 minute 20 seconds left as Idea (27-6) won its first-ever state title. Senior center Nehemiah Johnson made a steal in the closing seconds to seal the victory.

"This is a group of seniors who have been fighting for respectability," noted IDEA Head Coach Drew Crawford. "They lost their composure a little when they made that big run. But in the end, this is something that they have been working for during their time here at IDEA. This is a great accomplishment for our program."

Fayetteville State Women, Lincoln Men Win CIAA Title

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

It was the latest edition of the oldest HBCU basketball tournament, and it was yet another entertaining gathering of fans to take part in what has become a generational event.

The CIAA was founded in 1912 and held its first basketball tournament in 1946. During that period, the tournament has been played in a number of cities including Richmond, Charlotte, North Carolina, Raleigh, North Carolina, and most recently in Baltimore, beginning in 2022.

It is a social, cultural, educational get together for HBCU alums from all ages and walks of

life. While the numbers are not yet in for attendance and revenue, it is expected to be a significant increase over last year.

This year's games were played at the CFRG Bank Arena, and it did not disappoint.

FAYETTEVILLE STATE DEFEATS ELIZABETH CITY STATE IN WOMEN’S CIAA CHAMPIONSHIP

When it was all said and done, the Fayetteville State University women's team continued its dominance, defeating Elizabeth City State University, 64-59 for its fifth championship since 2020.

The number-one seed and nationally ranked Fayetteville Broncos (26-2) used the formula that it has used all season all season, combining its stout defense with the individual talent of Tourna-

ment MVP Aniyah Bryant (12 points) and a strong supporting cast that includes Keyanna McLaughlin (game-high 17 points),

CIAA Page 52

ST. JOHN'S GIRLS, SIDWELL FRIENDS BOYS PREVAIL

The St. John's girls' team pulled off what was considered by some to be a major upset by taking down Sidwell Friends 42-39 in overtime in the Class AA championship. It marked the second straight title for the Cadets, who had upset nationally ranked Bishop McNamara in last week's Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) championship.

“This tournament means a lot to us," said an emotional St. John's Coach Jonathan Scribner after the game. "To say you’re the best in the city is a big, big thing for our school and for our kids. It’s so hard to do that, especially against a team like Sidwell. So I am incredibly proud of this team.”

In the night finale, Sidwell Friends and the Cadets of St. John's went toe to toe through the first half. But the third quarter proved to be the difference as the Quakers outscored them,16-6 and went on to a 47-37 victory. Sidwell Friends (25-6) had played a strong non-conference schedule, and it played a role in the outcome.

"It's a surreal feeling, to call yourself the best," said Sidwell Friends Head Coach Eric Singletary, regarded as one of the best in the country. "It always overwhelms me. This says a lot about the people in the program and the support that we receive. There's not a lot for me to say."

WI

5Sidwell Friends defeated St. John’s in the DCSAA Championship. Junior Acaden Lewis cuts a piece of the championship net. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

5The women’s basketball team of Fayetteville State University defeated Elizabeth City State University, their fifth championship victory since 2020. (Courtesy Photo)

CAPTURE the moment

5Carla Randolph, Howard University Medical Alumni Association (HUMAA) assistant director; Dr. Brian C. Shaw; Steven Titlebaum, HUMAA executive director; Dr. Annette Bey, HUMAA vice president; Wesley Gourdin, Jr.. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5LaShandra Gray, Howard University's director of Creative and Multimedia Strategy, Washington Gas Vice President and Chief Communications Officer Debbi Jarvis and Andre Francis, director of Strategic Communications at AltaGas Ltd. ( Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5Mr. College Hall South Ronald Whitmore, Claude Gruntaky, CEO of The Equity Alliance, the 85th Miss Howard University Armani Washington and Miss College Hall South Madison Tolbert. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

6Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III, Distinguished Alumni honoree Andrae' Townsel and Howard University Board of Trustees Chair Laurence C. Morse. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

The Rev. Thomas L. Bowen Named White House Senior Advisor

Longtime D.C. Government Leader Joins White House Office of Public Engagement

By Hamil R. Harris

WI Contributing Writer

A longtime District government leader has been named as a senior advisor in the White House Office of Public Engagement.

Under D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Rev. Thomas Bowen served as the director of African American Strategic Engagement, where he held dual roles as the director of the Mayor’s Office of Religious Affairs and the Mayor’s Office on African American Affairs. Often seen offering a prayer, words of wisdom and encouragement at events, residents and city officials alike coined Bowen “D.C.’s Pastor.”

“I am deeply honored to serve in the Biden-Harris administration and grateful for the trust vested in me,” said Bowen, who will be leading the faith engagement

CIAA from Page 50 and sophomores Talia Trotter and Nyah Wilkins, who each chipped in with 12 points.

Elizabeth City State (20-11) was led by Alanis Hill (16), Rashauna Grant (13 rebounds) and NyAsia Biango and Rasheka Simmons, each with 12.

The Broncos now await the seedlings of the NCAA Division 2 tournament to be announced this week.

Lincoln University Beats Fayetteville State in Men’s CIAA Championship

On the men's side, it was Lincoln University (17-13) outlasting Fayetteville State, 57-54 in a slugfest.

effort in the White House. “In our shared commitment to safeguard democracy and uphold our nation's moral foundation, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of faith leaders and believers.”

An ordained Baptist minister, Bowen is the Earl L. Harrison Minister of Social Justice at the District’s Shiloh Baptist Church, where he has served since 2002.

"I am absolutely thrilled about the Rev. Thomas Bowen's selection to serve in the Biden Administration's Office of Public Engagement,” said Charles Smith, a member of the Deacon Leadership Team at Shiloh Baptist Church. “He will certainly add value to that office's mission. I know that because he has served in a myriad of capacities at Shiloh Baptist Church.”

Smith also noted Bowen isn’t the only person associated with

It was a combination of defense and just enough offensive firepower from Ethan Garita (15 points, five rebounds) and Bakir

the historic Northwest, D.C. church, who has worked at The White House.

“He follows other Shiloh members who have served in the White House, including Lorraine Miller, Jocelyn Frye, and Willa Hall Smith. We expect great things from him."

THE ROAD TO THE WHITE HOUSE

Bowen is a graduate of Morehouse College, where he was a Ford Foundation Scholar and president of the NAACP. He studied for the ministry at the University of Chicago Divinity School.

Cleveland (13 points) and some strong rebounding from Kabel Coleman (12 rebounds). T he Lions held Fayetteville State

A native of Lorain County, Ohio, Bowen embraced Washington, D.C., as his home more than two decades ago. He currently lives in Northeast, D.C.’s historic Trinidad neighborhood..

Bowen’s extensive experience in ministry, justice advocacy and leadership includes working in a number of roles, such as senior religious advocate for the Children’s Defense Fund and senior field organizer for the organization’s Black Community Crusade for Children.

“Thomas Bowen is one of the most gifted community leaders, who has a wealth of experience with a diverse group of people

to 30% shooting (17 of 56).

The Broncos got a game-high 21 points from Caleb Sims and 10 from Tairell Fletcher. WI

that include Christians, Muslims, agnostics, and atheists,” said the Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III. “ No other person can engage such a diversity.”

Moss III, will be speaking at Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library on Thursday, March 7, discussing his 2023 book: “Dancing in the Darkness,” in a conversation led by Bowen. The spiritual leader and author said the world needs more leaders like Bowen who are able to build relationships across various communities.

“We need people who are morally rooted who can speak the language of the activist, the civic bureaucrat, the educator, and the union leader.”

Dr. Barabara Williams-Skinner, CEO and co-founder of the Skinner Leadership Institute, said Bowen’s background makes him the perfect addition to the White House Office of Public Engagement, and emphasized his skills will be put to good use.

“The Rev. Thomas Bowen has a long history of faith in action in the teachings and practice of Jesus,” said Williams-Skinner. “We are blessed to have him on the White House faith outreach team to help the administration frame public policy into the moral context. He will help to close the communications gap between the Black faith community and the White House.”

WI

5 The Rev. Thomas L. Bowen was recently named a White House Senior Advisor for the Office of Public Engagement. (WI File Photo/Shevry Lassiter)

5 Lincoln University’s men’s basketball team defeated Fayetteville State University, winning this year’s CIAA men’s championship title. (Courtesy Photo)

There is a book, "Daughters of Dignity" by Laverne McCain Gill, that you need to read. This book seeks to identify our virtues, traces our roots, and presents biblical and theological foundations to validate the experiences of the African American woman. Gill shares how figures such as historical and contemporary role models such as Sojourner Truth and Rosa Parks embody these virtues.

Finally, she gives suggestions for self-evaluation and narratives on contemporary programs to successfully reestablish an ethic of Black womanhood in the community.

How many of you are like me and change the channel when you see television programs or movies that show us in such a negative connotation? Or are you the opposite — you live in communities where you rarely, if ever, see an African American?

How can you know our experiences, good or bad?

How many of our men are in prison here in America? It is a modern-day Jim Crow era. This leaves so many millions of Black women without spouses. I remember when Les Brown went to Lorton back in the mid-'90s while he was here in Washington, hosting "The Les Brown Morning Show" on Radio One. Les was my mentor, as l trained with other speakers-in-training. One day Mr. Brown invited me to co-host his morning show (yep, even before I got my own show, I served as cohost with Les Brown several times). When his partner was unable to be there, as if he could see me as a radio personality in the future, he invited me to co-host with him!

the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

A Women's History Month Salute to My Sisters, African American Women

Great experience! After the show was over, Mr. Brown had a speaking engagement at Lorton Prison, in Lorton, Virginia. His Town Car came to pick us up. I was excited to ride in the limo with someone as famous as Mr. Brown, one of the world's top motivational speakers. What stood out most for me was that when we went inside, management took me to the stage along with Mr. Brown. As I looked out into the audience, l remember seeing wonderful, good-looking African American men. They reminded me of my brothers, my uncles and my father. It was that very moment that I thought to myself "So this is where all the Black men are!" No wonder 70 percent of African American women are single.

A Dec. 16, 2017, HuffPost article, "The Black Male Incarceration Problem Is Real and Its Catastrophic," cited the following statistic: "To give a lens for viewing this data India is a country of 1.2 billion people, the country in total only has around 380,000 prisoners. In fact, there are more African American men incarcerated in the U.S. than the total prison populations in India, Argentina, Canada, Lebanon, Japan, Germany, Finland, Israel and England combined."

Police can lock our men and throw away the key; prison is a moneymaker for them, that's another ar-

ticle I plan to write about. Yet Black women are suffering with children who mostly are from single headed households as a result. We find these women working two or more jobs, trying to make ends meet. Yet poor African American women are portrayed in such a negative light! Wonder what would be said if the TV producers could walk a mile in our shoes!

African American women must be seen as successful, because so many of us are! We are often portrayed by the media as pregnant, promiscuous, poverty-stricken, welfare cases, or prostitutes, yet there needs to be more movies showing us as successful business women, news reporters, attorneys, doctors, airplane pilots, teachers, and the list goes on and on. We are everywhere, working in "good" jobs, as they say. How do we continue to erase some of these hurtful and inaccurate stereotypes to reclaim a connection with our true selves? As a journalist, I'm doing all I can to show my sisters in a positive light, because there are so many of us!

How many of us know that we are queens and that our strength, courage and faith propels generations of our foremothers into a world supported by justice, love, faith, wisdom and perseverance? All are virtues that empower us to raise strong families and have productive careers. WI

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

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

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

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

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

Service and Times

Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

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

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

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

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

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

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor

Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:15 am

Sunday Church School 11:00 am

Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday

Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047#

Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM

Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday:  12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday:  7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study

Baptism 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday

Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm

“We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

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

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”

www.thirdstreet.org

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

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

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

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

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Campbell AME Church 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

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW WDC. 20001

Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!”

Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr. Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

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

Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services

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

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day

Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782

Phone: 301 559-5262

Service and Times

Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom

Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Wednesday Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom

Web: shiloh7thday.org

Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com

"A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service

Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

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

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”

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org

Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

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"

Damion M. Briggs Pastor 8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785

Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM

Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

“Real Worship for Real People”

Website: www.easterncommunity.org

Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

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.

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

Sunday

Monday

Sermon On The Mount

Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

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

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”

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001

Office:(202) 289-4480 / Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM

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 “

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

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

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

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

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738

Service and Times

Worship Service: 7:30 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Worship Service: 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM

Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

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

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

New Commandment Baptist Church Peace Baptist Church St. Luke Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000012

October 30, 2023

Date of Death

Lisa Cheryl Levy aka Lisa S. Levy Name of

NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 5801 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011; Square 3738

Lot 0084. 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: 2/22/2024

Steven C. Starks, Sr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000113

Bernell Brown Jr. Decedent

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

Twana D. Holt, whose address is 4816 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernell Brown Jr. who died on September 16, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Twana D. Holt 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 234

Estate of Carrie W. Carson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cheryl Janet Wallace 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 November 8, 2019 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 2/22/2024

Cheryl Janet Wallace 3809 Tullycross Court Whit Plaines, MD 20695 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

2024 ADM 86

Ethel Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Albert Earl Cooper, whose address is 912 Raad Court, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ethel Johnson who died on December 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Albert Earl Cooper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 001173

Barry Demond Taylor Decedent

Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1714 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

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

Bareae Reid and Beverly Taylor, whose addresses are 1254 Meigs Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20002 & 3129 82nd Ave., Landover, MD 20785, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Barry Demond Taylor who died on 12/14/2021 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Barrae Reid

Beverly Taylor 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

2024 ADM 000077

2024 WIL 000054

Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Janay Kingsberry, whose address is 509 Franklin Street NE Unit 2 Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker who died on December 24, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000105

Catherine E. Meads Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Donald L. Meads, Kevin E. Meads and Gregory N. Meads, whose addresses are 2603 Saint Josephs Dr., Mitchellville, MD 20721, 1401 Illinois Pl., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 & 916 Emerson St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Catherine E. Meads who died on 12/1/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Donald L. Meads

Kevin E. Meads

Gregory N. Meads 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

2024 ADM 000106

M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard Decedent

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

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000011

December 6, 2019

Date of Death

Wallace L. Webster

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Celeste Mason whose address is 1742 Peachtree Lane Bowie, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Wallace L. Webster, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on March 31, 2021.

Service of process may be made upon Celeste Mason 186 Forrester Street SW, Washington, DC 20020 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.

2054 34th Street SW, Washington, DC 20020. 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: 2/22/2024

Celeste Mason

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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: 2/22/2024

Janay Kingsberry

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Frederick Charles Hillyard, Jr., whose address is 4825 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD 20816, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard who died on 8/18/2021 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Frederick Charles Hillyard, 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 001332

Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

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

Fern Clark and Monica Crawford, whose addresses are 3318 Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford who died on 12/25/2022 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 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Fern Clark Monica Crawford Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Yavapai County, Arizona, united States of America. Notice of Assignment Transfer for the approval of the Maritime Administrator. 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 Persons, specially appearing in the interest of, the Preferred Mortgage [46 CFR § 71.01-1], entitlement holder, Doing business as: the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, permanently domiciled at: 6608 N Western Ave # 1133, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [73116] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being known as: [ Legal Description: SE4 NW4 SE4 CONT 10AC SEC 1 17 5E 694/995 ], [ Township Range: SEC 01 TWN 17 RNG 05E ], Parcel 408-22-040T ], Refused address [ 250 Enchanted Way, Sedona, Arizona 86336 ], as per parcel thereof recorded among the Land Records of the Yavapai County Recorders Office, Arizona in Recorded Book: 3899, Page: 803, File/Recoded Date: 02/07/2002, Time: 04:25PM, located at or near Latitude: 34.880580" N, Longitude: -111.783280" W. Notice of Abandonment of Easement and Termination of Easement Rights, Pursuant to [Public Law 89-713, Nov. 2, 1966, SEC. 7502.], [12 CFR § 215.3], Re: USPS: Registered Mail Tracking Numbers: RF222493254US, RF222493435US, [3rd Notice of Default etc.], Re: The administrative acquiescence, and relinquishment, of any and all aforementioned quasi real property interest, from: Michael J. Stevenson, Dba. the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and, Kathleen M. Stevenson, Dba. the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, husband and wife, their heirs, agents, and assignees, to the naked owner: “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, for peaceful and quiet enjoyment. Notice of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Article(s) 69, 73, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 110. Notice of Seizure Forfeiture of the vessels, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, by Maritime Lien, Common Law Lien, and U.C.C. Lien, until said deed is 100% conveyed, acknowledged, & officially recorded. Said seized forfeited vessel(s), it’s agents and assignee(s), hereby grant Plenary Power of Attorney In Fact, to “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, it’s agents and assignee(s), for the execution of an Allodial Quit Claim Deed, in the name of the seized forfeited vessels, for the discharge, of the Seizure Forfeiture, as accord and satisfaction, of “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”. The aforementioned private property real estate is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers, on the private property real estate, shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [ONE MILLION DOLLARS], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, until the full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru 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, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “Ashmu Heru Bey 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.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000130

Luetta V. Currie Decedent

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

Tracey Y. Currie, Orlando L. Currie & Daniel M. Currie, whose addresses are 3719 Apothecary St., District Hgts., MD 20747, 3512 Brothers Pl., SE, Washington, DC 20032 & 7505 Marlboro Pike, Forestville, MD 20747,

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000131

Clark Van Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Tracey Y. Currie Orlando L. Currie Daniel M. Currie Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000127

Lillian Marie Nelson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Deidre Renee Coates, whose address is 27 Fairhill Lane, Indian Head, MD 20640, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lillian Marie Nelson who died on October 24, 2023

with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024.

Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Deidre Renee Coates 27 Fairhill Lane Indian Head, MD 20640 Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000159

Beverly Ann Thompson Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW Suite 500

Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Chevalier Thompson, whose address is 5406 Blaine St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly Ann Thompson who died on July 9, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Chevalier Thompson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Duliip Andrew Jayasundera Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Keisha Johnson, whose address is 346 Walnut Dr., Apt B, Pasadena, CA 91107, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clark Van Johnson who died on January 6, 2024 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Keisha Johnson

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

2024 ADM 158

Namon Powell Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Erika Takia Smith, whose address is 413 Newcomb St., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Namon Powell Sr. who died on March 27, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Erika Takia Smith 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 1146

Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson

Decedent

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Linda Gray, whose address is 9412 Small Drive, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosetta M. Lawson aka Rosetta Lawson who died on September 9, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Linda Gray Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT

2024

Trina

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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Crystal Hailstorks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 148

Geneva Slaughter Decedent

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

Victoria M. Slaughter-Evans and Vanessa E. Slaughter, whose addresses are 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019 and 5241 Karl Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Geneva Slaughter who died on November 20, 2013 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Victoria

Mark

Attorney

Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Roberto Luis Ungaro

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

2024 ADM 000140

Carlos Nicholas Pineda

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Amanda Aurora Pineda & Marisol Pineda, whose addresses are 4408 1st Place, NE #24 Washington, DC 20011 & 4425

Arnold Rd., #T1, Suitland, MD 20746, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Carlos Nicholas Pineda who died on 4/5/2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Amanda Aurora Pineda

Marisol Pineda 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

2024 ADM 000150

Doris A. Robinson Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434

Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

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

Charlene Robinson, whose address is 813 50th Place NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris A. Robinson who died on June 18, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Charlene Robinson

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

2024 ADM 145

Leonard Everett Dowtin Decedent

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

Carol Elaine Dowtin, whose address is 2905 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonard Everett Dowtin who died on December 6, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Carol Elaine Dowtin 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 536

Betty A. Wimple aka Betty Jones-Wimple Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Bryant McClain, whose address is 1025 Euclid Street, NW, Washington DC 20001, was appointed

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 151

Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley Decedent

Xue F. Connelly, Esq.

616 N. Washington St. Alexandria, VA 22314

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Caroline Marie Riley, whose address is 400 9th St., NE Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacquelene W. Riley aka Jacquelene Webb Riley who died on 12/24/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Caroline Marie Riley 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

2024 ADM 000191

Gaynell Lewis aka Gaynell W. Lewis Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Anthony Edward Guyther, whose address is 16021 Dorset Road, Laurel, MD 20707, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gaynell Lewis aka Gaynell W. Lewis who died on December 14, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Anthony Edward Guyther 16021 Dorset Road

Laurel, MD 20707

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

2024 ADM 139

Eugene Griffin Decedent

Yvonne Davis Smith 2501 Northampton Street, NW Washington, DC 20015

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Inez Griffin, whose address is 345 Oakdale Place, Unit 102, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eugene Griffin who died on September 21, 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 8/29/2024. 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 8/29/2024, 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: 2/29/2024

Inez Griffin

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 001377

Mary Twyman-Anigbo Decedent

Peggy A. Miller 5130 7th Street NE Washington, DC 20011-2625

Attorney

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

Ikonna Humphrey, whose address is 1101 3rd St., SW Apt. 808, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Twyman-Anigbo who died on February 1, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Ikonna Humphrey Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 178

Leroy Howard Hackett aka Leroy Howard Hackett Jr. Decedent

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

Rafael E. Hackett, whose address is 1932 CCC Rd., Council, NC 28434, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leroy Howard Hackett aka Leroy Howard Hackett Jr. who died on 1/20/2024 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 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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 7, 2024

Rafael E. Hackett 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

2024 ADM 000168

Theresa P Cashman Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Jennifer Moffet and John Cashman, whose addresses are 3409 S 27th Ave Bozeman, MT 59718 and 3705 Brandywine St., NW Washington DC 20016, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Theresa P Cashman who died on 11/19/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Jennifer Moffet

John Cashman

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

2024 ADM 000156

Jacqueline Mattie Wright Decedent

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

Trammell C. Walters, whose address is 4618 Hilltop Terrace SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline Mattie Wright who died on 12/18/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Trammell C. Walters 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

2024 ADM 000146

Elsie B. Brooks Decedent

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

Donna L. Brooks, whose address is 2715 29th Street SE #A209, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie B. Brooks who died on July 12, 2017 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/7/2024. 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 9/7/2024, 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: 3/7/2024

Donna L. Brooks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

CLASSIFIEDS

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EDUCATION from Page 1

White, a Democrat and two-term council member running for re-election, recently announced three bills he’s introducing to expand vocational training options, connect traumatized youth with mentors, and mandate the monthly release of truancy data.

The introduction of these bills, White said, follows conversations he had with young people across the District who are lamenting, among other troubles, the lack of career advancement options.

“Too often we talk about youth but rarely do we talk to them,” White said. “They told me they don’t have the job opportunities they need to make money. The rise in youth crime is our failure. We have to get a handle on that right now.”

On Feb. 27, White announced his three bills -- the Vocational Education for a New Generation Act, the Youth Mentorship Through Community Engagement Act, and the Truancy Reduction for Student Success Act -- atop the steps of the Wilson Building in Northwest.

That morning, a bevy of community organizers and workforce development specialists stood with White. They included: Samantha Paige Davis of Black Swan Academy; returning citizen advocate Tony Lewis, Jr.; Scott Goldstein of EmpowerEd; Jenise “Jo” Patterson of Parent Watch, Inc.; and Kunta Bedney, council representative for the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters.

If passed, the Vocational Education for a New Generation Act would expand career and technical education by creating a fund controlled by the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE). Vocational programs that receive

the earlier part of February, he sat in Room 500 of the Wilson Building as White, and a dozen other council members, delved into a debate about the Secure D.C. Omnibus Amendment Act.

The more punitive elements of the bill, Grant said, could “take us out” and jeopardize any chance of uniting Washingtonians across all eight wards.

If elected, Grant said he would create legislation that expands youths’ access to career and technical education programs.

curriculum, that culminates in the preparation for industry-recognized certification exams. They also get to participate in internships, job shadowing and industry field trips.

Since the 2022-2023 school year, some District public and public charter students have also been taking career and technical education courses free of charge at the Advanced Technical Center (ATC), located inside the Lemuel Penn Center in Northeast.

alytics and administration.

One Institution Strives to Continue Booker T. Washington’s Work In Northeast, nearly 60 adult students at Four Walls Career and Technical Education Center are embracing the legacy of Booker T. Washington, a Black Reconstruction-era educator who touted the need for entrepreneurship and vocational training.

those funds must provide young people with an industry certification that allows them to enter the job market after graduating high school.

According to the bill, these OSSE funds would also help to ensure that adult learners who left high school can access vocational education programs. White said this bill could be of benefit to existing career and technical education programs.

“Programs that work, we are going to give them more funding and we will expand the programs to meet the market demands,” White said. “We have to do more things.”

RODNEY “RED” GRANT POSITIONS HIMSELF AS AMBASSADOR FOR VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

This primary season, White has Grant, Christian Carter Addison, and George Jackson as challengers.

Grant, a comedian and community organizer, counted among those, including White, who unsuccessfully attempted to unseat D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) during her 2022 re-election bid.

In his second citywide election, Grant is centering young people and elders, two of what he calls the District’s most overlooked populations.

Since 2020, Grant’s nonprofit, Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Cameras, has provided young people with a stipend while teaching them the basics of filmmaking, and developing their socioemotional skills. In 2021, Don't Shoot Guns, Shoot Cameras entered a partnership with Ballou STAY High School in Southeast.

Grant said those efforts could have a ripple effect once applied across all District schools. During

Currently, he serves as the public relations chair for Vocational Education Saves Lives!, a grassroots campaign launched by Black Women for Justice that heralds vocational education as the ultimate solution to crime.

“We have to rethink the way we legislate. We have to be proactive to keep our youngins out of these systems,” Grant said. “We have to give our young people these opportunities and protect them as a community. We have to become neighbors again. You can heal with love. You can start the flame with change.”

A LAY OF THE LAND IN CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION

White and Grant’s collective efforts to expand vocational education come just years after Charles Boston, a former State Board candidate and tradesman with experience in workforce development, submitted a ballot measure allowing District students to take fewer traditional credits in exchange for coursework in allied health, agricultural, environmental and professional trades.

Boston’s measure, which the D.C. Board of Elections later deemed unsuitable, also provided schools more flexibility in providing courses and work-based learning experiences for students between the 6th and 12th grades. In a 2021 interview with The Informer, Boston said that, even with the launch of school-based career and technical education programs, the District could do more to expand student access to the vocations.

DCPS students at 18 high schools can currently enroll in career and technical education programs. In total, the public school system offers more than 50 programs with career education pathways. Students complete a three-to-four year course load, in addition to the core

At this point, the only course offerings are cybersecurity and nursing for 200 students hailing from across the District.

When it comes to career and technical education for adults, the District has the D.C. Infrastructure Academy, which aims to train residents for in-demand construction, energy and telecommunications jobs. Other adult education programs of this kind include Community College Preparatory Academy Public Charter School, in which students can pursue pathways to certification in healthcare, construction, information technology, Google an-

ter to 726 other Black teachers asking them to protest the law, but only 11 of them agreed to attend a meeting with her and the superintendent, and on the day of the meeting only four showed up. She later said that effort was the big failure of her life, and she believed it failed because she tried to push the other teachers into something they weren't ready for. The lesson she learned was that people needed to be trained first so that they would be prepared to act — and the trainings she went on to develop helped shape the course of the civil rights movement.

Less than a week into the New Year, staff members at the Four Walls Career and Technical Education Center conducted an open house. Prospective students on the night of Jan. 3 watched as instructors conducted evening courses for a student body whose ages range from late teens to mid-70s. Enrollees are navigating a program that includes 15 to 19 weeks of the core curricular instruction followed by specialized instruction in electrical wiring, stationary steam engineering, and HVAC construction-maintenance.

Read more on

washingtoninformer.com

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@SamPKCollins

EDELMAN from Page 38 ern Christian Leadership Conference's (SCLC) new Citizen Education Program. Her workshops formed the basis for the Citizenship School movement she helped establish across the South. In addition to teaching basic reading skills using familiar materials like the Sears catalog and covering practical topics like how to write checks, these "schools" taught basic civics and citizenship rights and focused on the arcane voting requirements specific to each local community that were being used to disenfranchise Black voters. Classes met on evenings and weekends in churches, store backrooms, and other available spaces. Lessons were written on dry-cleaning bags in place of blackboards. They relied on training local citizens to teach other community members; Fannie Lou Hamer was among the local leaders who volunteered. Mrs. Clark eventually helped establish and recruit and train teachers for hundreds of Citizenship Schools: "They were in people's kitchens, in beauty parlors, and under trees in the summertime. I went all over the South, sometimes visiting three Citizenship Schools in one day. … One time I heard Andy Young say that the Citizenship Schools were the base on which the whole civil rights movement was built. And that's probably very much true." Rosa Parks also said that while she may have sat down once, Mrs. Clark kept

Mrs. Clark had already attended several meetings at the Highlander Folk School in Tennessee, the legendary grassroots education center devoted to social justice. In the summer of 1955, she led a workshop at Highlander on developing leadership whose participants included a shy, quiet NAACP member from Montgomery, Alabama, Rosa Parks. After Mrs. Clark was fired from her teaching job, Highlander's extraordinary director, Myles Horton, invited her to be Highlander's full-time director of workshops, where she pioneered innovative programs that combined literacy education for adults with citizenship and voter education. When the state of Tennessee forced Highlander to close in 1961, Mrs. Clark continued the same work as director of education and teaching for the South-

EDELMAN Page 61

5 On Feb. 27, D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) announced three bills to proactively stop crime at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest with parents, organizers, and workforce development specialists surrounding him. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

on working and building: "I am always very respectful and very much in awe of the presence of Septima Clark because her life story makes the effort that I have made very minute. I only hope that there is a possible chance that some of her great courage and dignity and wisdom has rubbed off on me."

EDELMAN from Page 60 there, you'll hear another story. I think the civil rights movement would never have taken off if some women hadn't started to speak up." Even later in life, Mrs. Clark was never hesitant to speak up. One of the injustices after her 1956 firing was that South Carolina refused to pay the pension she had earned for her 40 years of teaching or the pay she would have earned in the few years before her retirement if she had not been dismissed. She did not give up on fighting for those wrongs to be righted, and in 1976 the governor reinstated her pension, and five years later the legislature approved paying her back pay.

As a woman in the movement, Mrs. Clark said she felt the men around her often did not do a good job of listening to or including her or other women. Yet she observed that it was largely women who got things done: "In stories about the civil rights movement you hear mostly about the Black ministers. But if you talk to the women who were

MARSHALL from Page 38

defend such suits. Records released by casino regulators in 1990 show that 253 subcontractors on a single project were not paid in full or on time. Former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani and Trump had a handshake agreement where Giuliani and his team would get paid by the Trump political operation for their post-election work. According to campaign finance records, Giuliani's companies were only reimbursed for travel and not paid the $20,000 a day he requested. Trump is self-serving when he consistently fails to honor his financial obligations, even to his closest ally, Giuliani. Therefore, when Trump complains about European allies who are "delinquent" with their 2% GDP contributions, he is guilty of the same accusation he is implying to them. So, what is his true motive? In many ways, Putin and Trump are one and the same.

We know that Vladimir Putin hates NATO and all that it represents — unity. He hates the common bond and the strength in numbers associat-

MALVEAUX from Page 38

fun with it. But offering flakes is no solution for families who are fighting inflation. Pilnick has been appropriate flack for his careless remarks, but those remarks reflect how divided our nation is. Some say, "Let them eat flakes," while others may not even be able to afford the flakes the $4.9 million-earning CEO so glibly offers. Cereal prices have risen 27% in the past four years, faster than other grocery prices. Flakes are not a nutritious substitute for a balanced meal; some are so laden with sugar that they are a health risk. Frosted Flakes, for example, have 13 grams of sugar per serv-

her original and enduring passion for educating children. During "retirement" in her 70s, she became the first Black woman elected to the Charleston School Board. Near the end of her life, she said: "Education is my big priority right now. I want people to see children as human beings and not to think of the money that it costs nor to think of the amount of time that it will take, but to think of the lives that can be developed into Americans who will redeem the soul of America and will really make America a great country."

Although her signature accomplishment may be the programs she established for Black adults, she never lost

ed with the group of aligned nations. NATO is unity. Its unity keeps Putin in check, which he does not like. Its unity is fueled by separate parts working together and joining to form one cohesive body. NATO is a unified body that Russia cannot destroy externally.

For it to be effectively weakened, the alliance must be undermined and divided internally, which is why NATO must become Trump-proof. Putin also hates democracy; therefore, American democracy must be Trumpproof as well. The internal attempts to destroy American democracy by those with a faithful allegiance to Trump are getting bolder by the day. In a speech at a recent CPAC meeting, a wellknown right-wing influencer, Jack Posobiec, spoke about how important it is for conservatives to band together to end democracy in America and presumably replace it with Christofascism like in Russia. "Welcome to the end of democracy," he declared.

American democracy is unity. Its unity is represented through political bipartisanship and by allowing all peo-

ing. Healthy? Hardly.

The COVID pandemic sparked inflation-related challenges, and those challenges, while decreasing, continue. Wages have not risen as quickly as inflation has, and those on the bottom are encountering significant difficulties. Hunger is a national problem that requires income supplements for people experiencing poverty, like the child tax credit. It certainly doesn't need the glib myopia of an intellectually challenged CEO who perhaps thought he was being cute. His solution, let them eat flakes, is no solution for the already nutritionally threatened folk on the bottom, especially those with children.

This Women's History Month, let's continue to honor Septima Clark's history-making legacy by making her priority our own.

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ple to have an equal voice with equal political authority. The same people who maintain and who seek to end democracy are accomplishing their goal of internally dividing and destroying what was once the Republican Party. The GOP was never Trump-proof and is no longer a political party committed to governing in the best interests of the overall nation or our democratic allies. The white evangelical church was never Trump-proof. Christians and non-Christians continue to be turned off and baffled by white evangelicals' worship of the criminally charged Trump.

Trump has gotten away with so much his entire life, from not paying his workers and contractors to being indicted for overturning a presidential election. Why should we expect him to stop? The remaining question we now face is with the Supreme Court. Is it Trump-proof? Decisions before the Supreme Court could directly affect Trump's legal and political future. The world is waiting and watching in disbelief.

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Gary Pilnick earns more than $94,000 a week. He could donate some of that to a food bank. Letting them eat flakes is no solution to our nation's hunger situation. Forty-four million of us, including one in five children, experience hunger. While we brag about our international prowess, the reality is that 12 countries — Finland, Ireland, Norway, France, the Netherlands, Japan, Sweden, Canada, the U.K., Portugal, Switzerland and Austria — do better at providing citizens with nutritious meals. Instead of offering flakes, Pilnick should offer policy solutions. Or he should just shut up.

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WILLIAMS from Page 39

of the Russian opposition because she is now the leader of Russian opposition! Those of us who are activists in America love the late Alexei Navalny and we thank Yulia and Alexei's mother, Lyudmila, for upholding his name.

The crowds of people who showed up for Navalny's celebration of life is

MORIAL from Page 39

tration championed. As our report makes clear, that commitment has resulted in meaningful policy changes for Black Americans across economic opportunity, education, healthcare, criminal justice, housing, the environment, and civil rights protections.

Candidate Biden promised to invest in Black America and improve the economy. When President Biden took office, the unemployment rate was 6.3%. Today, it's 3.7%. The Black unemployment rate was 9.2%. Today, it's 5.3%.

Candidate Biden promised a Cabinet and senior staff that reflects the soul of America. The Biden White House is the most diverse in American history, with nearly 50% of current appointees identifying as people of color.

JEALOUS from Page 38

Dean is clear that her organization takes no money from the wind industry.

Meanwhile, the real problems behind the increase in whale deaths go unaddressed. And with climate change perhaps the largest overriding problem, and our transition away from fossil fuels to clean energy the solution… well, it is not hard to see how this is by design.

Lies and deceit have always been the stock-in-trade of the fossil fuel industry's public relations and lobbying efforts. Back in 2009 when I was national president of the NAACP, the lobbying firm for a major coal industry group faked a letter to Congress from our Albemarle-Charlottesville chapter in Virginia to stop a climate bill. The letter even used NAACP letterhead and declared opposition to the American Clean Energy and Security Act, a bill we actually supported!

So let us follow the money behind

the strongest evidence of the love of the Russian people for Navalny. What just happened in Russia should show us how important it is to vote for our democratic leaders and have those votes count. For the man in America who wants to be president again and has shown us he likes authoritarians such as Putin, it's obvious he wants to become one. Take note of what these people do

Most notably, his vice president is the first Black woman in history to hold the office, and he appointed — as promised — the first Black female Supreme Court justice.

Candidate Biden promised to expand healthcare access. Under the Biden administration, the Affordable Care Act has flourished. In the most recent enrollment period, more than 20 million Americans have signed up for plans, a record-breaking eight million more enrollments than previously recorded.

Parts of President Biden's equity agenda, unfortunately, have been blocked by Congress and an ultra-conservative Supreme Court.

The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would have restored anti-discrimination protections in the Voting Rights Act that were gutted by the Supreme Court. The Freedom to Vote Act

the rising tide of local front groups opposing offshore wind development. The organizing efforts and litigation come from organizations with benign names like the American Coalition for Ocean Protection and Save Right Whales. Those organizations link back to dark money groups like the Texas Public Policy Foundation, the Caesar Rodney Institute, and the Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow. And those groups are funded by fossil fuel interests like ExxonMobil and the Charles Koch Foundation. Major players include operatives who have been on the forefront of climate denial for years and involved in previous political smear jobs like the Swiftboat Veterans for Truth. These groups opposing wind energy are not just screaming their lies into the wind. They are shifting public opinion. A Monmouth poll shows public support for New Jersey's offshore wind projects has dropped from 76% to 54% in the wake of the disinformation campaign around whale deaths.

when they're not subject to democracy and its rules. Please don't fall for the gold sneakers with the "T" on them. The sneakers aren't going to help you if you have a man in the White House who already identifies you with crime. Honor your mothers during Women's History Month by promising them you won't vote for a self-declared dictator!

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would have expanded opportunities to register to vote and cast a ballot, and it would have prevented voter suppression through partisan gerrymandering and unlawful voter purges. President Biden gave a landmark address in January 2022 in Georgia, ground zero for voting rights, where he called for an end to the Senate filibuster to prevent a minority of Senators from blocking these bills. Filibuster reform can be accomplished by a simple majority in the Senate, which Democrats had. Sens. Joe Manchin of West Virginia and Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona refused to change the filibuster rule for voting rights, however, blocking both bills.

Please visit StateOfBlackAmerica.org to read the full evaluation of the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to racial justice.

WI

The Northeast as a region has been among the most forward-thinking when it comes to the use and development of renewable energy. If these groups are successful in blocking the development of renewable energy adoption and production in the Northeast, it does not bode well for the rest of the country. And the fossil fuel industry knows it.

We are already seeing Big Oil and Gas target solar with blatant misinformation targeted at communities across the country. A recent NPR report detailed how one group connected to polluters and climate deniers, the so-called Citizens for Responsible Solar, "has helped local groups fighting solar projects in at least 10 states including Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania."

So if it has not already, misleading campaigns of the fossil fuel industry could be coming to a town near you. Remember if you see a group opposing clean energy, it is usually a good idea to follow the money behind the message. WI