The Washington Informer - May 16, 2024

WTU Rails against 'Delay Tactics' in Collective Bargaining

Mayor Bowser Hints at Impasse

about

Salary in Teacher Contract

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Once again, the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) and D.C. Public Schools (DCPS) have yet to finalize a new contract, due to what union members describe as delay tactics by central office leadership and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D).

Public school teachers say that, without a new contract, they will more than likely not see a cost-of-living salary increase for however long it takes to finalize the con-

Negotiations

tract. The situation proves even more harrowing for those with more than 20 years, whose retirement income will stagnate.

Michael Donaldson, a Spanish teacher at Deal Middle School in Northwest, said this situation reaffirms the stark reality of teaching amid DCPS’ budget crunch.

“DCPS increased the cost of each teacher but we’re not seeing those benefits on an expired contract,” Donaldson said in reference to what central office leaders ex-

TEACHERS Page 44

Powerhouse Panel, Diverse District

Residents Reflect on 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, Bolling v. Sharpe

Considering 'Separate But Equal' in 2024, How Local Case Influenced D.C. Today

By D. Kevin McNeir and Micha Green

WI

Contributing Writer and WI Managing Editor

end of legalized racial segregation in American schools. The landmark decision in Brown v. Board of Education on May 17, 1954, not only integrated schools, but overruled the “separate but equal” principle set forth in the 1896 Plessy v. Ferguson case.

With Brown v. Board of Education turning 70 this year, the Thurgood Marshall Center for

Seven decades ago, a 45-yearold Thurgood Marshall, then chief counsel for the NAACP’s Legal Defense Fund, led a determined group of attorneys to a victory in the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), marking the REFLECTION Page 44

Maryland’s Primary Election Comes Down to the Wire, Alsobrooks and Hogan Victorious in Senate Race

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, April McLain Delaney Among Victors in Other State Primaries

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Maryland’s primary elections

came to a close on Tuesday night with the closely contested U.S. Senate race ending with Prince George’s County

Executive Angela Alsobrooks as the Democratic victor and Larry Hogan, Maryland’s former governor, as the

PRIMARY RACE Page 12

The Youth of Black Swan Academy Unite around Budget Demands

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Throughout much of this budget season, the young people of Black Swan Academy visited D.C. council members’ offices and tes-

tified before the Committee of the Whole in demand of priorities outlined in their 2023 Black Youth Agenda, including timely school repairs, violence interruption expansion, youths’ access to public benefits, and expansion of affordable housing.

These items, and more, came to the forefront once again on Mon-

BLACK SWAN Page 29

5Rawle Andrews, Esq., Dr. Jean Accius, Ph.D., Kim Keenan, Esq. and Barbara Arnwine, Esq. on a panel at the Thurgood Marshall Center for Service and Heritage in Northwest, D.C. on May 9 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, and pay tribute to Thurgood Marshall. (D. Kevin McNeir/ The Washington Informer)

5Jacqueline Pogue Lyons, president of the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) rallied at Roosevelt High School on May 10 because WTU and D.C. Public Schools have yet to finalize a new contract, which could result in teachers not seeing a cost-of-living salary increase. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S POLITICAL UPDATE

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

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Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

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REPORTERS

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BRENDA

Whoopi Goldberg Shares Her Inspirational Life in New Autobiography

Whoopi Goldberg entered the Library of Congress with a standing ovation and with a lot of wisdom acquired from her extraordinary life.

Her new book “Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me” is a love letter to Goldberg’s late mother Emma and brother Clyde. They have been an essential foundation for Goldberg’s success such as being an EGOT— that means she is one of 19 actors, producers, directors, and composers who have received an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Goldberg is an exceptional listener and storyteller, as we experienced in her conversation with Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden, Ph.D.

“The title of my book is a tribute not just to my mother but also to my brother,” Goldberg said. She further revealed a poignant truth. “With age, certain memories and experiences fade away. There are aspects of life one

anticipates forgetting after turning 60, but there are also unexpected ones.”

The 68-year-old Goldberg transported us to her childhood home in the Chelsea district of New York City, where Christmas was a magical time. Their mother ensured that the grandeur of the holiday existed with decorations and gifts. In her book, Goldberg reveals that her mother's gift to them was the magic of Christmas.

“My mother kept that alive for us,” Goldberg said about one of her childhood memories.

A Parent with Mental Health Challenges

At age seven or eight, Goldberg shared that her mother, Emma, had a nervous breakdown. Emma was hospitalized for two years, and she was given electric shock treatment. Because of Goldberg’s age, she could not visit her mother.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

A’ja Wilson Announces 2025 Shoe Drop with Nike

A’ja Wilson, a South Carolina superstar, entered a new rank as one of four WNBA players to have an active shoe deal. The 6-foot-4, center for the Las Vegas Aces will now be recognized across the globe as fans venture out to purchase the “A’One” set to release in stores by 2025.

“You thought we’d sleep on an SEC champion, national champion, [No. 1] draft pick, fivetime All-Star, U.S. Olympic gold winner,” the Nike promo read ahead of the shoe’s debut. “You

thought. Of course A’ja’s got a shoe.”

She was last spotted in her hometown of Columbia with personalized merch with the words, “Of Course I Have a Shoe Dot Com” at her alma mater, the University of South Carolina.

Wilson returned to the courts at the Colonial Life Arena for the Aces' preseason game against Puerto Rico on May 11. That night she scored 27 points and earned a total of 14 rebounds for the win. Another display of the positive reputation she hopes her shoe will empower others to build.

"I hope when girls wear this shoe, they believe in themselves," Wilson shared in a news release. "I want them to hopefully lace them up, feel powerful and understand that nobody can stop them from their dreams. Set those goals high. Go get them — that's the biggest thing." WI

The Best Music Mix Will Be Heard at the 20th Anniversary DC Jazz Festival

The 2024 DC Jazz Festival (DCJF) is celebrating its 20th Anniversary in style with a music lineup that will impress. Added to the lineup is multi-instrumentalist and actor Jacob Collier, who will join the sensational vocalist Samara Joy and the renowned DJ/record producer D-Nice for the VIP Gold Experience at the Anthem on Friday, Aug. 30.

Collier and Joy are young multi-Grammy award recipients whose careers are rising quickly. Their backgrounds are similar, as they each grew up in musical families. Collier’s mother and maternal grandfather were violinists and educators, while Joy is a product of The McLendon Family, a renowned gospel vocal group.

“DC JazzFest at The Wharf,” the festival’s signa-

ture event, will be held over Labor Day Weekend, Aug. 31st and Sept. 1st. Other performers include NEA Jazz Masters Kenny Barron and Dianne Reeves, and guitar icon Bill Frisell. Also scheduled are Latin Jazz tradition keeper Bobby Sanabria’s Multiverse Big Band, Cuban funk from Cimafunk, Emmet Cohen featuring Houston Person, Carmen Lundy, Brandee Younger, and Kris Davis’ Diatom Ribbons.

D.C. native Corcoran Holt, the Michael Thomas Quintet, Amy K. Bormet Trio, and the 2024 DCJazzPrix winning band New Jazz Underground will also be featured on the Wharf’s stages.

To learn about tickets and sponsorship opportunities for the 20th Anniversary DC Jazz Festival, visit dcjazzfest.org WI

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

5A’ja Wilson. (Courtesy Photo/X)

TD Bank Opens First Branch in Ward 7, Bringing Financial Resources East of Anacostia River

By DR Barnes WI Staff Writer

TD Bank opened its first branch east of the Anacostia River in Ward 7 at the Good Hope Marketplace, on Saturday, May 11, where officials, community members, and local leaders celebrated the business bringing financial resources to the area.\

Local residents poured into the bank’s ninth D.C. location at 2857 Alabama Avenue SE and were greeted with smiles, music, and applause from dozens of green and white-clad TD customer representatives.

Hugh G. Allen, TD Bank executive vice president, said every time a new customer walks in the door, “We want to give them a wow experience. That’s our culture.”

Brandon Rainer, retail market manager of TD Bank, explained that the branch is known as a community store.

“This location has dedicated space for teaching financial education and for hosting events by

community leaders,” he explained.

The 3,527-square-foot store also offers longer hours, with the doors open seven days a week, including Sundays.

Community members played a significant role in the opening of the new TD Bank branch. Prior to the ribbon-cutting, their remarks underscored the importance of financial institutions investing in communities in Wards 7 and 8.

Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church Associate Pastor Karen Curry commended TD officials for their inclusion of the faith community during their outreach prior to opening the new store.

“People of faith are a part of the fabric of the community, not an afterthought,” Curry said. She praised Rainer for spending time with community members and offering opportunities for financial education, resources, and tools to have a fresh start financially.

“TD Bank,” she said, “will help residents to develop an entirely different relationship with money.” WI

BY MARY ZIMMERMAN DIRECTED BY PSALMAYENE 24

PHOTO BY BRITTANY DILIBERTO

5Pastor Kendrick Curry and associate pastor Karen Curry share why they welcome TD Bank to Ward 7. (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

5TD Bank Store Manager Jay R. Laraque raises the scissors following the ribbon-cutting of the first brand East of the Anacostia River. (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

MAY 16

1927 – William Harry Barnes becomes the first African American board-certified medical specialist.

1929 – Longtime Congressman John Conyers (D-Mich.) is born in Highland Park, Michigan. 1966 – Famed singer and actress Janet Jackson is born in Gary, Indiana.

1979 – A. Philip Randolph, a leader in the civil rights movement, the American labor movement, and socialist political parties, dies in New York City at 90.

1990 – Iconic entertainer Sammy Davis Jr. dies in Beverly Hills, California, of throat cancer at 64.

MAY 17

1954 – In the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that public school segregation is illegal.

1956 – Boxing great Sugar Ray Leonard is born in Wilmington, North Carolina.

MAY 18

MAY 16 - 22, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

MAY 19

1925 – Black revolutionary Malcolm X is born Malcolm Little in Omaha, Nebraska.

1930 – Lorraine Hansberry, famed African American playwright best known for "A Raisin in the Sun," is born in Chicago.

1952 – Eccentric model and singer Grace Jones is born in Spanish Town, Jamaica.

MAY 20

1743 – Touissant L'Ouverture, the father Haitian independence, is born.

MAY 21

1862 – Mary Patterson becomes the first Black woman in U.S. history to be awarded a master's degree. She earned it from Oberlin College in Ohio. 1969 – Police and National Guardsmen open fire on student demonstrators at predominantly Black North Carolina A&T University, leaving one student dead. Five policemen were injured.

2009 – A Black man — James Young — is elected mayor of Philadelphia, Mississippi — a town that, during the 1960s, had the nation's most racist reputation. Ku Klux Klan members dominated the town and it was known for the mistreatment and unpunished killings of Blacks. One of the most brutal events in the city was the 1964 murder of three civil rights workers. In his 2009 election victory, Young captured 30 percent of the white vote.

MAY 22

1863 – The War Department establishes the Bureau of Colored Troops and begins to aggressively recruit Blacks for the Civil War. The Black troops would play a major role in turning the tide of battle against the rebellious Southern slave states.

1966 – Entertainer Bill Cosby becomes the first African American to receive an Emmy for Best Actor in a dramatic series for his role in the 1960s television series "I Spy."

1896 – The United States Supreme Court issues its infamous ruling in Plessy v. Ferguson. The decision declared the doctrine of "separate but equal" was constitutional. By doing so it, in effect, approved all Jim Crow or segregationist laws designed to degrade Blacks or keep them separate from whites. The ruling would stand until the Brown v. Board of Education decision of 1954.

LORRAINE HANSBERRY

GRACE JONES

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P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Legendary singer and songwriter Stevie Wonder celebrated his 74th birthday on May 13. In honor of his special day, what is your favorite Stevie recording?

WILLIAM ALEXANDER / HOUSTON, TEXAS

“I Wish” is my favorite. And you can’t go wrong with “Superstition” and “My Cherie Amour.” He has so many hits. Happy birthday to him.

TODD FOUNTAINE / NEW YORK, N.Y.

“It’s a Shame” written by Stevie and sung by the Spinners.

LISA CARAWAY / LOS ANGELES, CALIF.

There are so many, but “You Will Know” is one of my favorites.

MICHAEL MCNEIL / WASHINGTON, D.C.

My top picks are “Knocks me off my feet,” “Always,” and “Ordinary Pain.”

FRANCES BANKS/ PHILADELPHIA, PENN.

“As” is my favorite. I have every album Stevie Wonder ever made and never missed a concert when he performed in Philly! He is my all-time favorite.

AROUND THE REGION

Our staff is made up of writers, just like you. We are dedicated to making publishing dreams come true. Trusted by authors for nearly 100 years, Dorrance has made countless authors’ dreams come true.

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Rapper Project Pat Takes Prison Ministry to New Beginnings Youth Services Center

Youth See Popular Artist in a Different Light

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Patrick Earl Houston, the rapper known as Project Pat, has toured prisons and jails across the United States for years to spread what he calls the good news of Jesus Christ.

Though many of his tunes have been lauded for their street relatability, Houston’s been embarking on his mission of inspiring others through the Go Foundation, a prison ministry he launched in 2020, and he recently came to the D.C. area to empower local youth.

Dozens of young people who are staying at the Youth Services Center (YSC) on Mt. Olivet Road in Northeast and New Beginnings Youth Development Center in Laurel, Maryland recently met and gleaned wisdom from a spiritually awakened Houston during sessions he held at both D.C. Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) facilities.

On the morning of April 26, Houston started his visits at YSC and New Beginnings with a word of prayer. He then spoke to the young men, many of whom have been in contact with the system for years, about the power of positive change.

“When you’re 16 and 17, your mind starts thinking differently. You start thinking about being

grown, even though you’re not grown,” said Houston, 51. “I told them that if you want good, you have to seek out good. A lot of choices affect your future.”

During each session, Houston engaged youths in candid conversation about how he overcame adversity in his life. He later passed out copies of “Right and Wrong Thinking” by Kenneth E. Hagin and “The Tongue of Creative Force” by Charles Capps. He said both books convey messages that he took a long time to consistently follow since first discovering the power of the Most High as a youngster.

“You have to have a good relationship with God,” Houston said. “As men especially, we let our ego get in the way of God’s blessing us to be who we truly can be,” he continued. “You have people who are still messed up because there is a negative force drawing them back to drugs and the streets. You need the power of God, the power of Jesus, to break that.”

PROJECT PAT CONNECTS BEYOND HIS ARTISTRY

Houston, the older brother of Three 6 Mafia founding member Jordan “Juicy J” Houston, has a rap career spanning more than 30 years. After serving a lengthy prison sentence throughout the 1990s, he reemerged with his solo

album, “Ghetty Green," on his brother’s Hypnotize Minds label. In 2000, Houston gained mainstream notoriety when he provided the hook on Three 6 Mafia’s “Sippin’ on Some Syrup.” Later, after the release of his second studio album, “Mista Don’t Play: Everythangs Workin,” Houston served a four-year prison sentence for a parole violation. Shortly before his incarceration, he released “Layin’ Da Smack Down.”

Upon coming home from prison in 2005, Houston continued his music career, releasing at least four more albums, including “Walkin’ Bank Roll” and “Real Recognize Real.”

Many of the young people who Houston encountered at YSC and New Beginnings however heard little, if anything, about his music career.

As one New Beginnings resident explained, Houston related to his audience.

“It wasn’t about the streets, but it was about him trying to build a connection and trying to relate to our situation,” said a New Beginnings resident who asked to be identified as V.K. “ He was trying to put himself in our shoes in order to get a message to us. He was saying life doesn’t revolve around the streets.”

Another New Beginnings resident by the name of P.M. said PROJECT PAT Page 9

5 Rapper Project Pat speaks to young people at the District’s Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services’ New Beginnings Youth Center on April 26. (Ja’Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

Houston’s words helped them reflect on the events that brought them into contact with the justice system.

“He didn’t really speak about the music industry much, but he spoke about his life and experiences and how he changed his life and overcame so much,” P.M. said. “Even though he’s from out of town I felt his struggle and felt like I could relate when he talked about being in the streets, on the run, with nowhere to go, and feeling hopeless.

I’ve been there before.”

Working to Overcome DYRS Challenges

Reports of overcrowding and staff shortages at YSC in recent months have called into question DYRS’ ability to maintain a safe environment for young residents.

On May 8, the D.C. Council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, chaired by D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), recommended that DYRS implement strategies to deter violent behavior and strengthen security measures in facilities under its purview.

Those strategies include training staff members and doling out consequences for acts of violence that residents commit against staff members and other residents. The ultimate goal, the committee report said, centers on the creation of an environment that’s conducive to youth residents’ rehabilita-

tion while at YSC and New Beginnings.

To that end, Houston’s visit counts among several events inspired by “Friday Nights with the Superintendent,” during which DYRS Superintendent Douglas White brings motivational speakers to speak with YSC and New Beginnings residents.

As DYRS Director Sam Abed recounted to The Informer, White reached out to Houston earlier this year upon learning about the Go Foundation. Abed said that Houston immediately and enthusiastically responded to the call to help District youth. For Abed, Houston’s presence primed the youth at YSC and New Beginnings for thought-provoking conversations.

Such an exchange, he said, further advances DYRS’ mission.

“It’s important for our young people to see those outside volunteers who connect with them in ways that our staff cannot,” Abed said. “Volunteers that come with lived experiences and turn themselves around to show that they are for kids.”

Abed explained these inspirational talks can be life changing for DYRS residents.

“I see young people look up to elders who are respected in the community,” he told The Informer. “You have to give background on the person’s importance and influence, but the connection makes a difference.” WI

@SamPKCollins

AROUND THE REGION

Are You Ready for the June 4, 2024 Primary Election?

Primary Election: June 4, 2024

Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Early Voting: May 26 – June 2, 2024

Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm

Early Vote Centers are closed May 27, 2024 for Memorial Day.

What Voters Need to Know:

• For the June 4, 2024 Primary Election, all voters registered with one of the major parties (Democratic, Republican, or DC Statehood Green) will be mailed a ballot.

• Voted ballots can be returned to a Mail Ballot Drop Box, via US Postal Service, or to any Vote Center.

• Locations for Vote Centers and Mail Ballot Drop Boxes are available at www.dcboe.org

• Ballot tracking via BallotTrax is available at www.dcboe.org

• If voting in person, you can cast your ballot at any Vote Center, regardless of your residential address.

Qualified non-citizen DC residents may vote in local elections. Specifically, non-citizen DC residents may vote in elections for Mayor, Attorney General, members of the DC Council, members of the State Board of Education, and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioners. They may also vote on initiative, referendum, recall, and charter amendment measures. To learn more, visit www.dcboe.org/noncitizenvoter.

Register to vote at dcboe.org/registertovote.

5Rapper Project Pat. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

Settles from the Petworth neighborhood in Northwest reads the Washington Informer. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

EMILYs List Board Member Michael Tubbs speaks during the 2024 We Are Emily National Gala held at the Anthem in Southwest on May 8. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

Grammys Come to Capitol Hill Supporting Rights of Music Creatives

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The Recording Academy® came to Washington, D.C., for their annual Grammys on the Hill, a time to advocate about issues affecting music creatives. This year, Grammy winners and nominees visited the White House and Capitol Hill to discuss AI fakes and high concert ticket prices, while also taking time to honor their own and two Congressional leaders with Grammys on the Hill Awards.

Singer, composer, producer, advocate, and nine-time Grammy-winner Sheryl Crow and Congressional members Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) were awarded for their significant contributions in supporting music creators.

TALKING AI AND HIGH TICKET PRICES WITH US POLITICAL LEADERS

The Recording Academy continues to call on Congress to protect the image, likeness and voice of individual creators from AI fakes.

Legislative measures such as the No AI FRAUD Act in the House of Representatives and the Senate's No FAKES Act are in the discussion draft phase.

A second issue is reforming the live event ticket marketplace to protect artists and fans through legislation. This includes the Senate’s Fans First Act and a similar House bill, the TICKET Act.

On May 1, music creative advocates went to the U.S. Capitol for several meetings with Congressional members seeking support for these issues and bills. Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) addressed the group.

"Your identity is in danger because of artificial intelligence," Salazar asserted.

"Did you know that right now, someone with not very good intentions can grab the image and voice and likeness of your daughter and transfer that information to make pornography?"

Later that day, more than 60 advocates headed to the White House to discuss AI policy with senior members of the Biden-Harris Administration. While at the White House, advocates were briefed on AI policy, ticket reforms, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the President's

5Originally from D.C., husband-and-wife duo Michael Trotter Jr. and Tanya Trotter, known as The War And Treaty, participated in the annual Grammys on the Hill Advocacy Day. Before performing during a dinner event on April 30 for the advocacy days in Washington, D.C., the couple discussed the importance of meeting with Congressional leaders. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

work on gun violence. That was followed by a special conversation with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre.

HEARING DIRECTLY FROM GRAMMY WINNERS AND NOMINEES

Consumers have been horrified by the rising cost of concert tickets. But it is another thing to hear successful recording artists talk about what they encountered when buying tickets to hear live music.

“Well, I can attest as a husband and dad with a family that wanted to see Taylor Swift, the ticket prices were out of control,” said musician, composer, producer, and five-time Grammy winner Jimmy Jam, “A lot of the time, it’s not really the artist benefitting from the higher prices. Artists set their ticket price, but because of a type of deregulation, those tickets are allowed to be sold at really exorbitant prices.”

Vocalist Patti Austin, known for her hit records in R&B, jazz, and pop, was among Grammy artists who came to speak with legislators. She is a seven-time Grammy nominee and has received one. Austin is also the founder

of the mentoring organization The Over My Shoulder Foundation. Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

RACE from Page 1

Republican winner.

“My name is Angela Alsobrooks, and I am officially your Democratic nominee in Maryland’s Senate race,”Alsobrooks wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Hogan wrote his campaign “for Maryland and America's future begins now.”

“I want to thank the people across the great state of Maryland for your support,” he wrote on X. “The Washington politicians win by perpetuating polarization, but Maryland is known as the state of middle temperament. We believe in common decency and common sense.”

Though there were many candidates and contests to watch throughout the state, including Baltimore’s mayoral race, and people vying for congressional seats, the race to replace longtime Sen. Ben Cardin (D) has been competitive from the very beginning.

The competition between Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. David Trone (D), became particularly contentious the closer time ticked toward election day on May 14. Alsobrooks trailed

Trone in early voting numbers, while the Trone campaign had to take back and clarify certain comments that some argued undermined his opponent and her supporters.

Trone donated over $60 million to his campaign, among the largest self-financed campaigns in American political history. While, Alsobrooks boasted the support of major state leaders, including: Gov. Wes Moore (D), Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D), and most of Maryland’s congressional delegation.

The Associated Press called the race for Alsobrooks at 9:55 p.m. on election night. Alsobrooks, Gov. Moore and union workers gathered that evening in Greenbelt, Maryland pledging to continue their efforts into the general election.

“On November 5, 2024, we are going to defeat Larry Hogan, keep Maryland blue, and keep our Senate under Democratic control — spread the word,” Alsobrooks declared on social media.

Hogan said he’s ready to get down to business.

“I come from the get-to-work and get things done school, and I'll work with anyone who wants to do the

people's business. That’s what I did for eight years as your governor, and it’s exactly what I'll do in the United States Senate.”

THE ROAD TO THE PRIMARY

Marylanders came out to vote even before Tuesday. Just over 150,000 votes were received prior to Election Day, roughly 4% turnout in a year, without contested presidential primaries for either major political party. Mailed ballots can now be counted prior to Election Day, and the election results become available online as soon as the polls close and precincts begin to report.

Alsobrooks said that she was “on

course to win” during early voting, while Trone emphasized throughout the campaign that he was a stronger general election candidate, particularly as he had won Republican areas in the past and had virtually unlimited campaign finances to conduct his general election campaign.

In the final publicly-released polls conducted prior to the primary, both Alsobrooks and Trone led former Republican Governor Larry Hogan.

Observers noted the contentious nature of the primary in the final days leading to the election, which begged the question of how party divides will be bridged regardless of the nominee.

Supporters of Alsobrooks’ raised issues with Trone’s verbal gaffes and outsized personal spending on the race. Trone supporters, particularly those from Prince George’s County, have called out Alsobrooks’ record.

“I think folks will unify to the degree that we can but words do matter. The more divisive the rhetoric, the more personal it gets, the longer it takes for that healing process to occur. And Larry Hogan is no joke. He is going to be one heck of a candidate,” said Maryland dTreasurer Dereck Davis (D), who endorsed Alsobrooks.

“As soon as the party is able to unify behind the winner and run united, I think the greater our chances are. But this tone that’s taking place, this level of discourse is taking place, it’s going to require more healing.”

Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk (DDistrict 21), a Trone supporter, also said that party unity will be critical to defeat Hogan. The 2002 and 2014 elections, both highly contested and

with strong party divisions, resulted in Republican governors in the general election.

THE RESULTS ARE IN OTHER STATE RACES

Throughout election night, numbers remained close in many congressional districts, as well as in the Baltimore mayor race.

Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski (D) easily won the Democratic primary in the 2nd Congressional District against Delegate Harry Bhandari (D- District 8), and is likely to win the general election to replace longtime Congressman Dutch Ruppersberger (D).

In both the 3rd and 6th Congressional District, more than 10 candidates vied for the nomination.

State Sen. Sarah Elfreth (D- District 30) and retired Capitol police officer Harry Dunn were the top polling candidates in the 3rd District to replace longtime Congressman John Sarbanes (D). Elfreth won with 35.4% of the vote in comparison to Dunn’s 24.8%.

Secretary April McClain Delaney was the victor in the 6th District race against Delegate Joe Vogel (D- District 17).

The top two contenders in Baltimore’s 2020 election were again the top candidates in 2024: incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and former Mayor Sheila Dixon (D). Perennial candidate Thiru Vignarajah dropped out shortly before the primary and endorsed Dixon, however Scott proved victorious when The Associated Press called the race at 11:40 p.m. Tuesday night.

WI

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks hosted a party in Greenbelt, Maryland on Tuesday, May 14, as ballots were tallied for the Democratic primary, in which she was declared victorious, (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 All in the family: U.S. Rep Glenn Ivey, Prince George’s Council Chair Jolene Ivey, and Maryland Del. Julian Ivey volunteered to help the Alsobrooks campaign. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

PRIMARY

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE HOSTS 65TH COMMENCEMENT

Prince George’s Community College (PGCC) will host their 65th Commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18 at The Show Place Arena in Upper Marlboro, with more than 1,500 students expected to graduate– 369 with honors and 179 from PGCC’s Early and Middle College Programs.

“We are excited to celebrate the Class of 2024,” said President Falecia D. Williams, Ed.D. “We are proud of these students. This achievement represents countless hours of hard work and determination. Our commitment to student success drives everything we do, and it's a joy to see our graduates reach this milestone. Congratulations to the PGCC Class of 2024.”

Daisy Navarro, a first-generation Mexican-American student who began attending PGCC in 2020, will serve as the Distinguished Graduate Speaker. A member of several campus organizations including Women of Wisdom (W.O.W.), Trio, and STEM Collegian Center, Navarro was awarded the Prince George’s Community College Science Achievement Award. She plans to transfer to the University of Maryland, College Park and eventually become a doctor to give back to her community.

PGCC President Williams, Board of Trustees Chair Tomeka Bumbry, and Executive Vice President and Provost of Teaching, Learning, and Student Success Clayton Railey, Ph.D. will also serve as speakers during the commencement.

Detroit Pistons General Manager Troy Weaver recently donated $250,000 to provide academic scholarships for 10 students residing in the 20785 zip code to attend PGCC.

"As a proud PGCC graduate, I am honored to assist the next generation of PGCC students with their education,” said Weaver. “Prince George's Community College provided me with the foundation I needed to succeed on my path to the NBA." WI

FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL REUNION

Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS) is hosting an inaugural allclass reunion for alumni of all ages on May 18, in an event that will include a live DJ, vendor tables, a car show, and the chance to meet new neighbors and old friends.

The first school in Prince George’s County dedicated to educating Black students, FDHS also boasts an impressive list of successful alumni. Some notable Douglass’ Eagles are: Maryland State Delegates Kent Roberson (D- District 25) and Debra Davis (D- District 26); County Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D- District 9); former Delegates Beatrice Tignor and Susie Proctor; former Board of Education Chair R. Owen Johnson; and NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman.

“Just as one of the goals of a family reunion is to bring family together, class reunions do the same. Class reunions are a time for friends to gather from near and far to share old memories and create new ones,” FDHS Alumni Association President Aaron D. Person told The Informer.

Celebrating the 100th year that this school has been educating Black students in Prince George’s was a major reason for celebration, and the gathering will also serve as an opportunity to collect shoes to donate.

The alumni association is advocating to relocate a Prince George's County Civil Rights Trail plaque that is dedicated to the school to the former schoolhouse site in Upper Marlboro by petition.

In the meantime, the all-class reunion is one way FDHS is working to celebrate and continue to spread the school’s long legacy.

“The reunion we have planned for May 18 is going to bring in Eagles dating back to classes from the late 50's all the way up to the class of 2024, who will graduate on May 20,” said Person. “This will give the younger Eagles a chance to connect with and hear the stories from the older Eagles. It's an opportunity to get first hand accounts of how life was from our living historians.”

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5 An estimated 1,500 students will graduate from Prince George’s Community College on Saturday, May 18 at Showplace Arena. (WI File Photo)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

MCLAUGHLIN CO-FOUNDS PLANITWORKS

Brian McLaughlin, an experienced leader with more than 26 years of professional experience in the nonprofit, public and for-profit areas, has co-founded a business, PlanitWorks, that operates in the booming green energy industry.

“I want to drive the clean energy revolution into all communities,” said McLaughlin, a Silver Spring, Maryland resident. “I want solutions that work for the community, and I want solutions that work for the planet.”

McLaughlin is a founding partner and CEO of PlanitWorks, an end-to-end energy solutions development company specializing in sustainable housing and renewable energy projects on Tribal (Native American) lands and communities of color. Previously, McLaughlin served as the CEO or executive officer at five separate companies.

briefs

He told the Informer that there aren’t enough Black entrepreneurs in the green energy field.

“The renewable energy space is so new,” he said, referring to products such as solar farms, solar rooftops, and geothermal devices. “Black entrepreneurs are not exposed to the same information that others have about these new technologies, and there is no group of people out there seeking to help you grow in the industry. As a result, you tend to be shut out and tend to be the last to learn about it.”

McLaughlin said PlanitWorks, based in Capitol Heights, Maryland, will teach people about the green energy economy and “tell people about it.” He said his company will develop a specialty in aiding HBCUs in making their buildings and physical facilities greener.

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5Brian McLaughlin is the co-founder and CEO of Capitol Heights, Maryland-based company, PlanitWorks. (Courtesy Photo/Brian McLaughlin)

D.C. GETS OVER $100M FOR BROADBAND UPGRADES

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) announced on May 9 that the National Telecommunications and Information Administra -

tion (NTIA) has awarded the District over $100 million in federal funds through the Volume II Initial Proposal under the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program.

“By ensuring District residents, businesses, and institutions have access to affordable, high-speed internet—and supporting them with trainings on digital literacy

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

PUBLIC CHARTER MIDDLE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

To Provide Classroom and Office Furniture

Howard University Public Charter Middle School – Request for Proposal – for the opportunity to bid on providing Classroom and Office Furniture. Additional specifications outlined in the Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained beginning on May 17, 2024 from Leslie Boler at info@hu-ms2.org

Proposals will be accepted at 405 Howard Place, NW, Washington, DC 20059 no later than 2:00 PM Eastern time on Friday, May 31, 2024,

All bids not addressing all areas as outlined in the RFP will not be considered.

and workforce development— we can give more people in the District a fair shot, and remain a leader in tech careers, talent, and innovation,” said Bowser. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of the Biden-Harris administration for their focus on digital equity so that together we can break down barriers and close the digital divide.”

OCTO’s DC State Broadband and Digital Equity Office will use the $100.6 million in BEAD funding to increase internet access to residents and all-levels digital literacy training with an eye for workforce development primarily in Wards 5,7, and 8.

“D.C. is a hub for technology and innovation,” said Interim Chief Technology Officer Stephen Miller. “And we want to be able to properly train and connect our residents to opportunities with the leading tech companies that we have here in Washington, D.C.”

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CAAB LAUNCHES CREDIT AND PROSPERITY CAMPAIGN

The Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) announced on May 8 the launch of its DC Builds Credit and Prosperity Campaign. The campaign is designed to benefit low-and-moderate income Black, Latinx, and Immigrant families in the District by helping them improve their credit scores.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, almost 1 in 5 District residents are credit invisible, have a thin credit file, or are unscorable.

“We are excited to add DC Builds Credit and Prosperity to the set of intentional strategies CAAB has developed over the past five years to financially empower low-to-moderate income Black, Latinx, and Immigrant Washingtonians,” said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s CEO and executive director. “We are proudly focusing on intentionally addressing and closing the racial wealth gap in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

JPMorgan's CEO Jamie Dimon Prioritizes Small Business Growth in the DMV

By DR Barnes WI Staff Writer

JPMorgan Chase Chairman and CEO Jamie Dimon is no stranger to the D.C. area. He has appeared at the grand openings of more than a dozen new branches, expanding Chase's footprint throughout the DMV. He is also a pied piper for local, small, and diverse entrepreneurs seeking resources and expertise to grow their businesses.

At its recent Chase for Business Marketplace, a day-long networking event recognizing May as National Small Business Month, more than 300 local small business owners flowed through Doc5 at Union Market in Northeast. Dimon and others shared their professional expertise, and participants participated in panel discussions with industry experts.

“Being in diverse communities works for us,” Dimon told a group of reporters between sessions when asked about the company’s position on DEI. “If we had documents that said ‘quota,’ that’s against the law. But if I wanted to hire 20 Black bankers, that’s not against the law, and that’s good for business. We recruit at 27 HBCUs, and that’s not going to change.”

Ben Walter, CEO of Chase for Business, noted the District’s influence on businesses nationwide.

“Washington, D.C. is home to some of the most creative and inventive business owners in the country,” Walter said in a statement. “They are showing up big for their customers, and we want to do the same for them. We’re honored to be a part of their business journey and look forward to their continued growth.” WI

Scale Up DC Pitch Competition: A Virtual Showcase of Local Founders

Submitted by DC Black MBA

The inaugural Scale Up DC Pitch Competition will happen on Tuesday, May 21. This event will highlight ten innovative founders from the DC metropolitan area looking to secure a spot in the final pitch competition and a chance at $50,000.

Dr. Carletta S. Hurt, president of the National Black MBA Association DC Chapter, expressed her excitement about the event. "It's great to have the Scale Up Pitch Competition in DC this year, especially as we prepare for the national conference. This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase some amazing founders who are shaping the future of their industries while contributing to our local economy," said Dr. Hurt.

The competition features a diverse array of businesses at various levels, each with a unique innovation and visionary goals. The ten founders are:

Please Assist Me - Founded by Stephanie Cummings, this company offers comprehensive home management services through a single app. It aims to streamline daily chores and errands by integrating technology and service provision.

Femly - Arion Long established Femly, which focuses on providing eco-friendly feminine care products and is dedicated to addressing menstrual health through accessible, sustainable solutions.

SOTRO - Stephanie Louis's venture offers an innovative platform that enhances online shopping experiences with VR technology, allowing users to try before they buy.

Drink Krave - Founded by Aliyah Newman, Drink Krave offers a range of natural, hydrating beverages designed to meet a modern audience's health and wellness needs.

SneakPeek Technologies Inc. - Justin Kelly's company is at the forefront of artificial intelligence in retail, developing technologies that personalize the shopping experience.

Whitman Consulting - Andre Thornton has developed a consulting firm specializing in strategic planning and leadership development for nonprofit organizations.

WH Farm Co. - Nicole Vanderhorst’s initiative focuses on sustainable farming practices, aiming to reconnect people with their food sources through community-supported agriculture.

LASARRUS Clinic and Research Center - Led by Lloyd Emokpae, this facility is dedicated to innovative patient care and cutting-edge clinical research in the medical field.

Myles Comfort Foods - Myles Powell's business brings a new twist to comfort food, offering gourmet options that are both satisfying and heartwarming.

YOVI - Founded by Miles Holt, MS, YOVI is a tech startup developing digital tools to enhance vocational training and career development.

The Scale Up DC Pitch Competition is a qualifying event for the Scale Up Pitch Semi-Finals competition and eventually the final competition during the 46th annual National Conference in September. Three founders will advance to the next round in August and win nearly $10,000 in cash and prizes. Founders are members of the National Black MBA Association – DC Chapter and reflect the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit and the potential of the DC metropolitan area.

5JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon promotes small businesses at Union Market event May 8. (DR Barnes/The Washington Informer)

Arkansas Civil Rights Icon Daisy Bates Commemorated with Capitol Statue NATIONAL

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The recent unveiling of a statue honoring civil rights activist and journalist Daisy Bates in the U.S. Capitol’s National Statuary Hall brought out a bipartisan mix of individuals, praising the freedom fighter as a changemaker who influenced integration in schools in Arkansas and nationwide.

“Considering the current climate that we’re in as it relates to politics and race, it’s important that we re-

mind people of our history,” Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett asserted during the unveiling ceremony on May 8. “I think we need to consistently remind people of our history and what really matters. And hopefully, we can find it in our hearts to recognize the future historians doing their part to better this country.”

Arkansas Republican Congressman Bruce Westerman reflected on Bates’ early life challenges, offering a rather poetic take, noting how her biological mother’s death wounded

her emotionally and forced the activist to confront racism at an early age.

“Imagine, as an 8-year-old girl, you learn that years before, your mother had been raped, murdered,

5Daisy Bates’ family members gather around the recently unveiled statue in her honor in the U.S. Capitol Building on May 8. (Shedrick Pelt @sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer) and dumped in a pond. That was young Daisy Gatson Bates’ story in the small town of Huttig, Arkansas, not far from the Louisiana line,” he said.“On top of that, imagine you learn the white men who did this to your Black mother were never brought to justice—never held accountable. How would you feel?”

The Arkansas congressman then emphasized Bates’ courage in the face of adversity.

“Courage does not mean an absence of fear,” he remarked. “But true courage, the example of courage Daisy Bates gave us all, is to face our fear, to overcome it, and to do the right thing.”

Ben Victor, the man who created the statue, also praised Bates’ immense courage despite odds.

“Her courage really stands out to me,” Victor said. “I’ve depicted her in motion because she was a woman with a cause. She is smiling, showing her optimism in the face of great adversity.”

BATES’ WORK IN INTEGRATING ARKANSAS SCHOOLS, HER INFLUENCE NATIONWIDE

In 1954, the Supreme Court ruled segregated schools unconstitutional, and after the ruling, Bates began gathering African American students to enroll at all-white schools.

Often, the white schools refused to let Black students attend. Bates used her newspaper to publicize the

schools that did follow the federal mandate. Despite the continuous rejection from many Arkansas public schools, she pushed forward. When the National NAACP office started to focus on Arkansas’ schools, they looked to Bates to plan the strategy, her bio noted. She took the reins and organized the Little Rock Nine. She selected nine students to integrate Central High School in Little Rock in 1957, whom she regularly drove to school and worked tirelessly to protect them from violent crowds. Bates also advised the group and even joined the school’s parent organization.

Because of her prominent role in integration, Bates was often a target for intimidation, with rocks thrown at her home, bullet shells sent to her mailbox, and repeated threats that forced her family to shut down their newspaper.

Bates, who died in 1999 at age 84, played a crucial role in desegregating Arkansas public schools in the 1950s. Along with her husband, she published an Arkansas newspaper dedicated to integration and served as the president of the state’s NAACP chapter.

“Every high school, every middle school, every elementary school, every college in this country is the pattern of America today because of Daisy Gaston Bates,” remarked Charles King, president of the Daisy Bates House Museum Foundation, during the unveiling ceremony. WI

President Biden Plans Week-long Commemoration of 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board Decision

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

President Joe Biden will lead commemorations this week marking the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education– one of the more pivotal moments in the civil rights movement.

Administration officials noted that the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education serves as “a reminder of the progress made and the work yet to be done in pursuing justice and equality for all Americans.”

On Thursday, Biden plans to host a meeting at the White House with the plaintiffs from the historic case and their families, a meeting the White House said, underscores the lasting impact of the unanimous 1954 decision, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional.

On Friday, the President plans to deliver remarks at a National Associa-

tion for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) event at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAHC) in Washington, D.C., commemorating the anniversary.

The White House said Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris will convene with the leaders of the Divine Nine, historically Black sororities and fraternities, on Friday. Harris, a graduate of Howard University and member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, brings a personal resonance to the engagement.

“Brown v. Board was a defining moment for our country and its future,” officials from the Legal Defense Fund stated while highlighting the ongoing work to ensure equal educational opportunities for everyone.

Biden and Black Voters

The Brown v. Board of Education events precede Biden’s scheduled appearances on Sunday, where he will directly engage with Black voters and

communities, as he plans to deliver the commencement address at Morehouse College, a historically Black institution in Atlanta, and later speak at an NAACP dinner in Detroit.

Throughout the week, Biden is expected to highlight his administration’s efforts toward racial justice and equity, including policies benefiting the Black community.

A White House official cited record-low Black unemployment, significant investments in Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), expanded Affordable Care Act coverage, and the historic nomination of Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court as key accomplishments.

The President’s outreach to Black voters comes amidst looming electoral challenges. The Black Press of America and Black voters played a crucial role in Biden’s 2020 victory, and administration officials admit that their support remains vital for

his reelection prospects.

Recent polling suggests a significant lead for Biden among Black voters, with a USA Today poll indicating a 64% to 12% advantage over former

The Future Depends on Us

DC PLUG is a multi-year project that is designed to protect the District’s most vulnerable power lines by placing them underground and improving grid resiliency where you work, live and play.

5President Joe Biden will lead commemorations this week marking the 70th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision in Brown v. Board of Education. (WI File Photo)

President Donald Trump. “Biden got into office with the votes of urban Black people,” Anita Shelton, of DC Women in Politics, told The Informer last year. WI

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INTERNATIONAL

As she met with women in Nigeria on Saturday, May 12, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, said it had been “humbling” to find out recently through a genealogy test that she is partly Nigerian.

“It’s been really eye-opening to be able to know more about my heritage and to be able to know this is just the beginning of my discovery," she told guests at the event on women in leadership.

Markle and her husband, British Prince Harry, are visiting Nigeria for the first time to promote mental health for soldiers and young girls.

"What’s been echoed so much really in the past day by men and women alike is 'Oh! We weren’t surprised when you found out you were Nigerian,’" she said. "I say that mostly as a compliment to all of you, because what they define as a Nigerian woman is brave, resilient, courageous, powerful, beautiful.”

Markle is known for her advocacy on women’s rights and gender equality.

The event, held in the capital Abuja, was co-hosted by Nigerian economist and head of the World Trade Organization, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

It highlighted the importance of female leadership and empowerment in driving positive change globally. Participants discussed the importance of mentorship for young women and career challenges faced by women in the country.

“Oftentimes, when women reach the peak of success, they leave. But you need to come back home, you need to at least be a familiar face for the next generation to say 'Oh she looks like me, and I can be that,’” said Markle.

Prince Harry and Markle were in Nigeria to support the Invictus Games, helping wounded veterans, including Nigerian soldiers in a 14-year battle against extremists.

Invited by the military, the couple landed in Abuja early Friday, May 10. They met with wounded soldiers and their families in what Nigerian officials have said is a show of support to improve the soldiers' morale and well-being.

Markle and the prince’s three-day visit to Nigeria ended on Sunday.

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Jamaica will stage a Future of Work and Productivity Summit next month. Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr., Minister of Labour and Social Security, explained that the summit represents a crucial juncture in Jamaica’s drive towards transforming productivity to accelerate economic growth

The event, being held under the theme: “Bridging the Innovation Gap: Education, Skills and Economic Transformation,” will be held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Papine, St. Andrew over three days, beginning June 20.

It will bring together industry leaders and experts to share insights and strategies to increase workplace productivity, including leveraging cutting-edge technology to boost efficiencies. The staging of the three-day summit coincides with the observance of World Productivity Day on June 20.

Speaking at the media launch held at the UTech campus on Thursday, May 9, Minister Charles Jr. noted that productivity must be a lifestyle and the goal of the summit is to initiate conversation around transforming Jamaica.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Collette Roberts Risden, said the summit will underscore the Ministry’s commitment to advocate for and actively implement policies that support digital upskilling and the adoption of new productivity tools.

“This is essential as we bridge the gap between current educational and training output and the future skills that are required for our economy,” she pointed out.

Among the objectives of the summit are to educate and inform industry leaders, policymakers and academics about the significance of innovation in productivity, as well as to foster a multi-stakeholder dialogue that promotes an inclusive approach to economic growth. WI

5Meghan Markle and an unidentified woman in Abuja, Nigeria. (Courtesy Photo)

5Minister of Labour and Social Security, Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr. (left), converses with Chief Technical Director of Jamaica Productivity Centre (JPC) Tamar Nelson (center) and JPC Board Chairman, Omar Azan. (Courtesy Photo)

“This time, it’s different.” TREATMENT WORKS. RECOVERY IS POSSIBLE.

 Free substance use disorder treatment available 7 days a week

 Three medications to help

 Better coordinated treatment services

 Peer counselors who have been there

 Transportation, recovery housing, and more

HEALTH

Halle Berry visits the Hill to Fight for Women’s Health

Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Halle Berry, the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, recently visited Capitol Hill to advocate for women’s rights, particularly to raise awareness about menopause.

“I’m standing up for myself. Because I know that when a woman stands up for herself she stands up for all women. And all women go through menopause,” Berry, a 57-year-old mom of two, said.

Berry shared that menopause-when a woman's ovaries stop pro-

STROKE AWARENESS MONTH

ducing eggs and releasing the necessary hormones for fertility-- is one of the most unrecognized and understudied issues for women.

“Society has told us when we get to be old we should just sort of putter away, we should fall off into obscurity and that our issues don’t matter. Well that’s just not true,” continued Berry, founder of re-spin, a health and wellness platform dedicated to raising awareness about menopause.

The Academy Award-winning actress stood alongside Reps. Patty Murray (D-WA) and Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) as they introduced the “Advancing Menopause and Midlife

Women's Health Care Act.”

If passed, the legislation would garner an unprecedented $275 million towards research, care and acute treatment for menopause. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) would receive $25 million annually for five years to increase data collection and review chronic symptoms associated with the transitional period in a woman’s life.

Strokes and Black Women: The Importance of Knowing the Signs, A Healthy Lifestyle, Self-Advocacy

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Giving birth in the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, medical professionals treated Erin Adelekun’s lingering headaches with pain killers, deeming discomfort a side effect, and eventually discharging her just two days after her delivery. It was just nine days later when she woke up to what she described as the, “worst

headache imaginable,” and quickly learned she was having a massive stroke.

Assuming the cluster of headaches were caused by a lack of sleep from feeding her daughter throughout the night, she decided not to call her doctor about the consistent head pain. However, the morning her migraine greatly intensified, her broken sense of communication gave way to a serious issue taking place.

Notice

Authorization is being requested from the Office of the Cemetery Oversight for Maryland to remove remains of Ethel B. Chambers from Gate of Heaven Building B, Patio Q, Tier E, Crypt 27 for reburial at Gate of Heaven Life of Christ Mausoleum II, Patio V, Tier E, Crypt 118. This relocation is being made for the purpose of reuniting with her daughter. This request is being made by Carmencita Whonder who is granddaughter of the deceased.

“My husband told me he would cook me breakfast and let me get some rest. He called me to notify me that breakfast was ready, and I thought I was saying I’ll be down in a minute, but I couldn’t talk and was [actually slurring my words],” Adelekun told The Informer. I ran downstairs and I couldn’t communicate with him, and then suddenly, my arm gave way and I knew that I was having a stroke. I was [thinking] ‘Oh my goodness, I’m having a stroke! This doesn’t happen to young people!’”

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health reports that African American women are “twice as likely to have a stroke as compared to non-Hispanic White women.” African Americans are roughly 50% more likely to experience stroke than their white adult counterparts, with Black men being 70% more likely to die from a stroke compared to non-Hispanic white males.

Common risk factors related to

Berry shared a personal testimony about her own experience with a male doctor who refused to say the

5 Erin Adelekun, known on social media as “Stroke Mama,” who had a stroke days after childbirth, uses her platform to raise awareness about strokes and offer inspiration to stroke survivors. (Courtesy Photo/ Instagram)

stroke are hypertension, high cholesterol, cigarette smoking, and obesity or being overweight. Alarmingly, African Americans represent disproportionate numbers of diagnosis and fatalities among several risk factors for stroke.

Dr. Andrew Stemmer, a neurology specialist at MedStar Health, explained the more common and also discreet symptoms that can signal an oncoming stroke. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

word “menopause” when addressing her health concerns.

“It is well past time to stop treating menopause like some kind of secret and start treating it like the major, mainstream public health issue it is,” Sen. Murray said at the May 2 press conference.

Nearly 1 in 3 women between 45 and 54 have been misdiagnosed with another condition by a healthcare provider before finding out it was actually menopause causing their symptoms according to a recent poll.

In hopes of spurring earlier detection, the bill proposes $10 million in annual grants for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and funds the creation of a public awareness campaign to address widespread misinformation relating to perimenopause and menopause.

“Menopause is a reality in every woman’s life – yet it is astonishing how little research has been done to address the multitude of symptoms and treatments,” said Senator Lisa Murkowski emphasizing that health research must be inclusive of women’s bodies across the full spectrum of life.

The bill is stacked with bipartisan support through a roster completely comprised of women. So far, 17 senators - three Republicans, 13 Democrats and one independent are backing efforts to promote more clinical trials and additional research on the subject.

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5 Halle Berry, the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress, recently visited Capitol Hill to advocate for women’s rights, particularly to raise awareness about menopause. (Courtesy Photo/Halle Berry/ re-spin, Instagram)

EARTH OUR

D.C. Launches First Ward 8 Air Quality Monitor in Bellevue

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

A new air quality monitor installed in Bellevue made its public debut May 7, becoming the first District’s official monitor in Ward 8. At the ribbon cutting, District officials emphasized commitments to improving air quality in communities that have faced environmental injustice.

“When racial equity is not explicitly brought into operations and decision-making, racial inequities are likely to be perpetuated,” Dr. Amber Hewitt, D.C.’s chief equity officer, said in a speech at the event. “This monitor will help fill the information gaps right here in Ward 8, and policymakers will be able to use the information and data gathered from this project to develop strategies for addressing air quality exposure disparities.”

Hewitt pointed out in her remarks that Bellevue sees the most pediatric emergency room visits out of any census tract in the District. The new monitor, installed on the roof of Bald Eagle Recreation Center, measures

know, you've mostly been looking in the Anacostia area… [but] the southern part of Ward 8 is really a lot more neglected, we don't have as much information,’” Ashenafi said. “We've also heard concerns about how there's a lot of industrial areas sort of in the south tip of Ward 8—there's the wastewater treatment, there's the asphalt plant.”

HOW TO RECYCLE BETTER 7 TIPS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER

We should think of the slogan “reduce, reuse, recycle” as a hierarchy: if you’re considering your impact on the planet, the best thing we can do is buy less stuff, and the next best thing is to reuse the stuff we have instead of tossing it. Still, recycling materials like plastic, paper and aluminum into new products is at least a little bit better than sending them straight to a landfill.

fine particulates, also known as PM 2.5. These small particles can enter the bloodstream once inhaled, causing serious health problems such as heart disease, asthma and low birth weight.

The D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) looked at many potential sites around Ward 8 for the project, and met with Ward 8 residents—including eco-feminist community advocate Brenda Richardson—several times during the process. Initially, the agency had proposed a list of possible spots around Anacostia, according to Hannah Ashenafi, associate director of DOEE’s Air Quality Division. The sites had to meet the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards for air quality data collection, which include rules about height, safe access and distance from roads, among other requirements.

But after listening to community input, Ashenafi’s team restarted the site selection process from scratch.

Residents had indicated that they wanted to know more about air pollution in some of D.C.’s southernmost neighborhoods.

“We had quite a few folks say ‘you

DOEE used federal grant money stemming from the American Rescue Plan Act, a 2021 law that directed the Environmental Protection Agency to fund projects addressing health disparities from both air pollution and COVID-19.

According to Berhan Teklu, environmental protection specialist in DOEE’s air monitoring branch, the air quality monitor itself costs about $15,000 and should last around five or six years.

The Ward 8 monitor is the sixth monitor in a network that DOEE uses to submit air quality compliance information to the EPA. It began transmitting data in early April, and that data can be viewed live on the EPA’s interactive map at airnow.gov. A few weeks of information isn’t enough to draw any firm conclusions, and seasonal changes can have major impacts on PM2.5 and other dangerous pollutants. Still, Teklu said that the data collected from the Bellevue monitor during its first month generally mirrored other air quality monitors around the city.

“So far, it's [a] very good value, the numbers we're seeing,” Teklu said of the first month of data. “From experience, it's good—very low pollution levels.”

WI

One main hurdle for recycling systems is contamination. Sometimes, if a batch of waste has too many “wrong” items, the whole load gets trashed. These tips—pulled from online outreach by the Plastics Industry Association’s sustainability director, Charlotte Dreizen—can help your household do recycling right.

FLATTEN CARDBOARD BOXES

Recycling machinery typically treats 2D objects as paper products, so flattening your boxes really does make it more likely they’ll get properly recycled. Tape left on boxes is okay, and so is a little grease. But if cardboard has food stuck on it or is wet, it can’t be recycled.

PLASTIC CAPS GO BACK ON PLASTIC BOTTLES

Generally, items smaller than 2 by 2 inches won’t be recycled So plastic bottle caps need to be reattached to their bottles. If you have just a lid and no bottle, toss it in the garbage.

SERIOUSLY: NO PLASTIC BAGS IN THE BIN

Plastic bags and items made of soft plastic film are a huge problem in our regular recycling stream—they tangle up equipment, which can endanger workers and cause facility shutdowns. However, plastic film can be recycled at special dropoffs, which you can find at many grocery stores.

SEPARATE DIFFERENT MATERIALS

Recycling machines sort paper, plastic and metal into separate streams. So if you have packaging that’s partly cardboard and partly hard plastic, they can both likely be recycled (if they’re larger than 2" by 2"), but they need to be separated.

YES, WE DO ACTUALLY HAVE TO CLEAN IT OFF

Unfortunately, that goopy peanut butter jar or sticky raspberry container can’t go in the blue bin with food residue on it—if you want to recycle it, give it a scrub. The exception: leftover laundry detergent or dish soap is totally fine.

RECEIPTS ARE NOT RECYCLABLE

Most receipts aren’t made of normal paper. Instead, they’re printed on “thermal paper,” which has a chemical coating. That coating usually contains bisphenol A (BPA), which is toxic and no good for future paper supplies.

WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT

Most jurisdictions have a list online that can help residents determine what’s recyclable and what’s not. Households in the District can use a handy tool to look up items and find out how to dispose of them at zerowaste.dc.gov. It might seem counterintuitive, but if you’re really not sure whether an item is recyclable, it’s better to put it in the garbage—that avoids contamination. 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 77

5 Amber Hewitt, D.C.’s chief equity officer. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Hannah Ashenafi, associate director of DOEE’s Air Quality Division. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Berhan Teklu, an environmental protection specialist in DOEE’s air monitoring branch. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

2024 Howard Graduates Declared as Class of ‘Courage’

Students Recognized for Resilience Despite COVID-19 Challenges, Grad Week Trials

By Bousaina Ibrahim WI Contributing Writer

A rainy Saturday morning turned bright and sunny as more than 20,000 supportive friends, parents, and alumni filled Capital One Arena to celebrate the largest graduating class in Howard University history for the institution’s 156th commencement convocation.

While commencement exercises started earlier in the week, during the Saturday, May 11 ceremony, 2,839 graduating students were recognized for their resilience, growth, and determination.

Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO at the Teacher In-

surance and Annuity Association (TIAA), a leading provider of financial retirement services, served as commencement speaker. Duckett congratulated the graduating class on their successful milestone and reminded them that courage is woven into Howard’s history.

“Students before you navigated wars and sit-ins and unrest and kept moving forward. So don’t get discouraged. You’re here in your beautiful regalia and your courage is shining through,” Duckett said.

Duckett, who became the first Black woman to hold her CEO position at TIAA in 2021, urged the graduates to begin their careers after college with a smart financial outlook.

She recommended that students save at least 10% of their income to generate more wealth throughout their life.

“Today is the time to think about the power of investing, the power of saving, and the power of compounding interest. I need all of you to start saving early because a dollar saved today is worth more than a dollar saved tomorrow, ” Duckett said.

Howard President Ben Vinson III said he was honored to celebrate his first commencement ceremony as

president. Vinson recognized the resilience of the Bison graduates before him, particularly the undergraduates, whose high school graduation was abruptly taken away when the pandemic hit.

“Your journey from then to now has been unlike any other graduating class before. And yet, it is precisely what makes each of you prototypical Howard students. You exemplify the Bison spirit,” Vinson said.

Like most of her classmates, Africana studies major Ariel Gordon started her Howard experience in 2020 virtually, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. A St. Louis, Missouri native, Gordon said she saw the connection between what she was learning in her online classes with Dr. Nathan Carr and others, and the violence she was working to prevent in her own community. `

“I think us 2024 graduates have a different perspective on learning at Howard,” Gordon told The Informer.

“For us, our education is within the world and not just in the confinement of an institution. We’re maneuvering our own hoods, our own cities, and using our knowledge and curiosity to get us through and think differently.”

Gordon said some of her favorite Howard memories include her first Homecoming tailgate sophomore year, the Different World campus visit last month, and her study abroad experiences in Costa Rica, Jamaica, Tanzania, and Columbia.

OVERCOMING ODDS EVEN GRADUATION WEEK

President Vinson gave a special shoutout to students at Howard’s College of Nursing and Allied Sciences, who experienced an abrupt cancellation of their Thursday, May 9 graduation.

That Thursday, chaos erupted when visitors were prohibited from entering the ceremony after the auditorium was at capacity. Frustrated loved ones took to shouting and banging on the glass, demanding to be let in, eventually shattering the glass.

However, Howard held a special ceremony for the nursing students following the commencement.

“We apologize for the events that you endured this week, but we stand here to salute you,” Vinson said.

Nursing major Patience Wise was one of 15% of the graduates, who were the first to earn a college degree in their family. Wise told The Informer graduating felt like a huge weight lifted off her shoulders, after her experience was full of highs and lows.

After overcoming so many challenges individually and collectively, Wise said her graduation shutdown greatly disappointed her and her nursing classmates-- the largest group of graduates this year.

“We were all devastated. We had worked so hard, and no one will ever really understand that unless they go through nursing school, especially at Howard,” Wise said. WI

5Howard University graduates shout in excitement as each of their departments are officially bestowed their degrees during the 156th Commencement Convocation. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5Thasunda Brown Duckett, president and CEO of Teacher Insurance and Annuity Association (TIAA), a leading provider of financial retirement services, served as the 2024 Howard University commencement speaker. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

UDC Celebrates 47th Commencement Encouraging Students to Serve Community, Become Changemakers

MSNBC’s Rashida Jones Serves as Keynote Speaker, Counsels UDC Graduates

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

MSNBC President Rashida Jones addressed nearly 800 graduates, during commencement exercises for the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and its community college on May 11, encouraging them to approach life with a purpose and telling them they were special.

“Some people wish they could be in your seat,” said Jones, during the graduation, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest.

“UDC is a very unique school. UDC is part of the fabric of Washington, D.C.”

The graduation ceremony, which was the first for UDC President Maurice D. Edington, attracted hundreds of people in the convention center and countless others on livestream.

University officials said the oldest

graduate was 69 years old while the youngest, 19.

Jones, 42, is a graduate of Hampton University and received that institution’s Outstanding Twenty-Year Alumnus Award in 2022. Working through the broadcast journalism ranks, she became president of MSNBC in 2021.

Jones told the graduates not to fear or avoid the pressures of life.

“When there is pressure, you are doing something special,” Jones, the first Black woman to lead a major cable news network, said. “Pressure is a privilege. Pressure will make you better at what you do and will make you a better person.”

Jones encouraged the graduates to reach back into the community to help others as they work and achieve success. She urged them to celebrate their individuality, saying “don’t feel like you have to fit in,

add to spaces because it is your superpower.”

Christopher Bell, the chairman of the university’s board of trustees, also congratulated the 2024 class and discussed the importance of giving back to others and becoming changemakers as part of their next steps.

“We love to celebrate your achievements, we love to celebrate your journey,” said Bell. “You are taking the most important step of your journey… Serve the community with passion. Go out and make the change you want to see.”

The graduation ceremony was special for 33-year-old Midas Hampton, who received a doctoral degree in urban leadership and entrepreneurship.

Hampton said he is happy to be a UDC graduate.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

loved

5Rashida Jones served as UDC’s 2024 keynote speaker and received an honorary doctorate. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Internet simplified

Clarence Thomas Cries ‘Foul’ Over Barrage of Public Criticism – Does He Protest Too Much?

There are those who believe that all Black folk “look alike.”

Of course, just a cursory glance at the vast panorama of hues, heights and hairstyles that can be seen within the African diaspora dispel such absurd notions.

Similarly, and just as incorrect, there are those who believe that all Black folk “think alike.”

But if you believe that hype, we suggest you spend a few hours in any of D.C.’s more popular barber shops, beauty parlors or houses of worship frequented by African Americans and you’ll soon see that Black perceptions are varied and complex.

These stereotypes which minimize the diversity of the Black community have become relevant given the latest controversy surrounding Supreme Court Justice

Automatic IRAs in the

Clarence Thomas. On Friday, May 10, during a judicial conference on the Gulf Coast, Thomas lashed out at his critics, denouncing the public scrutiny that he and his family have faced over the past year.

To be fair to Thomas, who is now the oldest and longest-serving member on the Court, it was obvious from the moment that he was nominated by President George W. Bush in 1991 to succeed social justice icon Thurgood Marshall, that Brother Clarence had some mighty big shoes to fill.

For more liberal-minded Black people, the bitter confirmation hearings for Thomas that centered on an accusation that he had sexually harassed one of his subordinates, Anita Hill, served as a foreshadowing of what was to come – Thomas had no inten-

Workplace Should be Implemented

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) came out with a survey earlier this year revealing about one-quarter of U.S. adults over age 50 who are not yet retired say they never expect to retire. The results of the survey run counter to the American Dream of retiring after decades in the workforce.

Millions of Americans count on monthly Social Security payments, a pension or a 401K plan and personal savings and assets to carry them through their retirement years. However, as prices and the cost of living continue to rise, a concern has emerged among many Americans that they have not saved enough for retirement and will have to work into their golden years to survive.

In addition, pensions are no longer a dominant instrument for retirement.

In 1975, there were 27.2 million active participants in private sector pension plans but by 2020, that number had dropped to 12 million, according to the Congressional Research Service based on data obtained by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, the number of participants in plans such as 401Ks or profit-sharing soared

tion of continuing the tradition of thought and decorum established by our nation’s first Black Supreme Court justice, Thurgood Marshall. Thomas would be confirmed, albeit by one of the narrowest margins ever recorded, and has remained a staunch and seemingly stoic Black conservative since joining the Court in October 1991 as confirmed by both his rare public statements and his rulings from the bench.

But because all Blacks neither look nor think alike, it stands to reason that Thomas has a fan base who are satisfied with his accomplishments since becoming an associate justice just as there are others who have few reasons to applaud what he has done.

and “lies.”

from 11.2 million in 1975 to 85.3 million in 2020. In other words, people are now responsible for their own retirement planning and contributions from employers are not mandatory.

The time has come for automatic retirement accounts to be made available to all Americans.

U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal (D-Mass.) has introduced the Automatic IRA (Individual Retirement Accounts) Act of 2024 that would require employers with more than 10 workers that don’t have a retirement plan to automatically enroll their employees in IRAs or other automatic contribution plans or arrangements, like 401Ks. Smaller employers would be eligible for a new auto IRA tax credit to fulfill this requirement.

D.C. Council member Christina Henderson (I-At Large) introduced the Automatic Retirement Savings Act of 2023 creating a program serving employees of small businesses that are unable to offer their workers retirement savings due to the cost and administrative burden of maintaining them.

Both bills need enactment so that senior Americans can live with a measure of financial security. WI

In remarks shared by Justice Brett Kavanaugh who also attended last Friday’s judicial conference, Kavanaugh said consistency, transparency and mutual respect serve as the keys to improving public trust in the judiciary at a time when support for the Supreme Court has dropped precipitously. He added that judges and Supreme Court justices must explain their interpretation of the law in clear and concise terms.

Meanwhile, Thomas, commenting on the target that has been on his back since news surfaced last year of how he has benefited from travel and real estate deals financially fronted by one of the justice’s GOP donors, described the public’s assault as “nastiness”

Thomas has the right to his opinion. But given Kavanaugh’s reasonable assessment of the things he and his colleagues need to consider and on which they should focus, if they want to regain a greater percentage of the public’s support, then Thomas has served as the source of his own problems.

The longtime justice has consistently faced harsh questions and criticism about many of his judicial decisions – criticism that has been neither arbitrary or capricious. Figuratively speaking, it’s safe to say that Thurgood Marshall must be shaking his head in wonder.

In addition, Thomas’ explanations for his rulings have sometimes lacked the clarity and conciseness which Kavanaugh said

must be supplied. Further, with Thomas routinely accepting lavish gifts from wealthy friends and by refusing to recuse himself from cases related to the 2020 election because of his wife’s involvement with efforts to block President Biden’s victory, Thomas has placed himself squarely in the hot seat.

People in Washington, D.C. may “pride themselves on being awful,” as Thomas noted, but given his refusal to be transparent in his dealings, both personal or professional, he appears to believe that he has special rights and privileges.

Sorry, Clarence – you do not. No one – not the president, not members of Congress and not even a Supreme Court justice – is above the law. At least, that’s what the Constitution tells us. WI

I have no words that have not already been said many times before, but I pray for the family of the slain three-year-old and continue to pray for peace so our children can be safe and free in our communities.

Gracelynn

Hogan Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

I really enjoyed the JP Morgan Chase piece on “How to Start Your Small Business.” I’ve passed the article around to my grandsons and nephews, who are young but could certainly benefit from the information. It was clear, concise, and straight to the point.

Steven Lighty Hyattsville, Md.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Honoring Bro. Malcolm X, a Master Teacher for

Group Unity

As we witness and experience what is happening today on the continents of North America and Africa, it's absolutely important to study and act on the serious guidance for unity left to us by Brother Malcolm X. That's the important way to celebrate what would have been his 99th birthday on May 19, 2024.

A letter sent by Bro. Malcolm on

July 31, 1963, to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and several other civil rights leaders including the following: "A united front involving all negro factions, elements and their leaders is absolutely necessary. If capitalistic Kennedy and communistic Khruschuv can find something in common on which to form a united front despite their tremendous ideological differences, it is a disgrace for negro leaders not to be able to submerge our ‘minor' differences in order to seek a common solution to a common problem caused by a common

enemy. On Saturday, August 10th, from 1-7pm, the Muslims are sponsoring another giant outdoor rally at 116th Street and Lenox Avenue.

"Two previous rallies at the same location, attracted 5,000 – 7,000 Harlemites, respectively. We expect our largest crowd this time, rain or shine. There will be no debating, arguing, criticizing or condemning. I will moderate the meeting and guarantee order and courtesy for all speakers. This rally is designed not only to reflect the spirit of unity, but it will give you a chance to present

Justice for Marilyn Mosby and Other Black Women

Marilyn Mosby is the fearless Baltimore chief prosecutor who took on the six police officers who essentially killed Freddie Gray, a young man who was arrested and given such a "rough ride" that he suffered fatal neck injuries. Mosby's bod attempt to hold so-called "law enforcement" accountable attracted the ire of the Baltimore police department, then-Gov. Larry

America is a nation of symbols. The bald eagle was designated the national emblem because of its strength and determination. The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom.

The Liberty Bell is an iconic symbol of independence. While people are quick to embrace these and other symbols of American patriotism, the true meaning behind these iconic

Hogan, the status-quo "law and order" establishment, and others. How dare she, this young Black woman, the youngest ever to earn election as chief prosecutor, take on the police? Now, she has been convicted on a flimsy charge and may face as many as 40 years in jail.

Usually, prosecutors look the other way toward police violence, which is why so few officers are indicted, much less convicted, for violations of both the law and human decency. In Baltimore, the officers broke laws that required passengers in police transport

to be secured by seat belts as they were moved from their arrest site to a police station. Mosby took the unprecedented step of indicting six police officers involved in the death of Freddie Gray. Two were acquitted, one had a hung jury, and three others had their charges dismissed. The federal government declined to prosecute the officers, which means they got away with murder; the city of Baltimore paid Gray's family $6.4 million when they threatened to sue.

All of this happened in 2015, five years before the murder of George

your views to the largest and most explosive elements in metropolitan New York. If you cannot come, please send your representative. Invitations to participate have been sent to: Dr. Gardner C. Taylor, Dr. Adam C. Powell, James Farmer, Whitney Young, A. Phillip Randolph, Dr. Ralph Bunch and Dr. Joseph H. Jackson."

He signed the letter: Your Brother, Malcolm X.

A statement he issued to African leaders and other attendees at the

July 1964 Organization of African Unity meeting in Cairo, Egypt included the following: "Our problems are your problems: We have lived for over three hundred years in the American den of racists wolves in constant fear of losing life and limb. Recently, three students from Kenya were mistaken for American Negroes and were brutally beaten by the New York Police. Shortly after that, two diplomats from Uganda were also

Page 45

Floyd. Officers were convicted in that case, and the ringleader of the mob, Derek Chauvin, will spend two decades in jail after he infamously put his knee to Floyd's neck for more than nine minutes. Arguably, had Marilyn Mosby not had the courage to indict officers in the death of Freddie Gray, there would have been no precedent in indicting Chavin and his gang of thugs for killing Freddie Gray. Mosby, in other words, is a trailblazer.

She is now being punished for her boldness. Convicted of, essentially, lying on a mortgage application and

using her 401(k) savings to fund an investment, she could face as many as 40 years in jail. Many Black women, including political pundit Angela Rye and Dick Gregory Society leader E. Faye Williams, have rallied around her as she has asked for a presidential pardon. She has lost almost everything she values — her reputation, her marriage, her property, and there is a motion to revoke her law license, leaving her with no means of support.

This case is not only about Marilyn

symbols is often rejected and ignored.

The Lady Justice statue is the most recognized symbol of American justice, depicted as a blindfolded woman holding scales and a sword. The scales represent the balance of justice. They imply a systematic, rational process of fairness where both sides of a case will be considered even-handedly. It counters the reality of a shameless segment of society with its "thumb on the scale" approach to justice — an approach where too much weight (or biased influence) on one side will cause the scales to tilt unfairly in one

direction.

The sword in the hand of Lady Justice represents power and authority as well as the power to punish injustice. The most severe blow from the sword is capital punishment. The true meaning of the blindfold tells us that justice is blind in its impartiality and objectivity of the law. Justice does not see who is before her. Whether rich or poor, black or white, brown, friend or foe, male or female, everyone receives equal treatment. External factors from partisan politics, wealth, gender, power, race, or fame are removed to allow

the unhindered execution of an honest and objective final judgment. Yet, justice is not always blind when it comes to the presumption of innocence. The presumption of innocence is the fundamental principle of our American judicial system. It means every person accused of a crime is presumed innocent unless and until his or her guilt is established beyond a reasonable doubt. Behind this one principle is an individual's basic right to have a fair trial where the burden of proof is placed squarely on the government. States must prove a person's

guilt to the highest standard. If there is "reasonable doubt," an accused person must be given the benefit of the doubt and cleared because the state's burden of proof has not been met. What happens when Lady Justice decides to remove her blindfold? Regardless of whether it occurs in the past or present, the presumption of innocence has proven to be no match for Jim Crow-type justice. The racist stereotypes of Black men as predators have contributed

Julianne Malveaux

Guest Columnist

David W. Marshall

A. Peter Bailey

BAILEY

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Family Reunions: Rough But Great!

I don't know if you've ever had a Family Reunion. If you haven't, I think you should have one. They can be very interesting!

That's a pledge we made when Mother left us a few years ago. We always had one when she was with us, and we have kept that pledge.

We have one every year. After this one, I am tempted to say, "That was a very nice thing to do," but when

you get a family that is as blessed as ours, maybe it is a good idea to give all the new born babies, the 1-yearolds, teenage girls who live in another world with their newfound dance moves and cheerleading skills and eye rolls, until they stop responding to you as though you must be from another planet!

As for many of the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents, they are so enamored by what their grown-up children have produced that each one, with few exceptions, think theirs can do no wrong.

Columnist

In many cases they are right, and as their aunt, I love all of them, except when their parents think their child is never wrong in the squabbles their child has with their cousins.

I have no children, but parents with children think that means those of us without children could not possibly understand anything about children.

I must admit I sometimes can not resist coming to the rescue of the little ones, especially when their parents are chastising them.

As for the noise the little ones pro-

duce every day when the big event is going on, they just smile and pretend they don't even hear it, so it doesn't bother them. Well, I think all of them surely must have left their hearing aids back home!

Occasionally, we have family reunions at my mom's home, but this year, we (THEY) thought it would be a great idea to rent a Texas mansion and we would all live together 24/7! They were right about the first night. They just didn't get it right for the rest of the time when everybody seemed to come alive together!

Don't get me wrong, now, because I love all of my family members, but like it is with every family, it might have been wise for some to have been invited on the day of the main event only!

I must admit that I would have been happier having rotation day where all the children lived together in one house according to the level of age or maturity, and have the parents who believe they have the most wonderful children in the world, live in

WILLIAMS Page 46

Black-Owned Businesses Face Significant Obstacles. Anti-Racial Justice Efforts Are Making Them Worse

a more equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem." — Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, The State of Black Business 2024

"Recent legal challenges have targeted programs aimed at alleviating the obstacles faced by marginalized communities, particularly those designed to promote equity in entrepreneurship. … With this analysis, we can create and implement strategies that catalyze informed policymaking, advocacy efforts, and targeted interventions aimed at reversing systemic barriers and fostering

The good news: Black-owned businesses are more likely than other businesses to have a low level of debt, or no debt at all. The bad news: that's because Black-owned businesses are far less likely to be approved for loans in the first place, and Black business owners are more likely to pull from their personal savings for business expenses.

The Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, a partnership of the National Urban League and Third Way, embarked on an “analytical journey” to understand the nuanced dynamics of racial inequality in the business landscape and underscore the urgency of advancing equal opportunities for Black communities and other communities of color.

The result, the State of Black Business report, finds that Black Americans are drastically underrepresented among business owners relative to their share of the population. They

are more likely than other businesses to be shut out of traditional financing opportunities. They are starved for venture capital investment. And they are less likely to be awarded government contracts.

Yet efforts to correct these disparities are under attack by extremist activists determined to preserve — if not widen — the racial gaps in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Earlier this year, a federal court shut down a pathway to opportunity for historically disadvantaged business owners and forced the Minority Business De-

velopment Agency to offer its services to non-marginalized communities. The same right-wing activist who successfully challenged affirmative action in college admissions has sued to end a grant program for Black women entrepreneurs. Lawmakers in more than 30 states have introduced or passed more than 100 bills to shut down diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Despite growing at a rate of 30% between 2018 and 2021, Black-

For an Antidote to Climate Despair, Look to the Impact of Rachel Carson's Silent Spring

Did you hear the birds singing outside this morning? A lot of us take that common sound of nature for granted. Most people these days do not realize how close we came to living in a much quieter world; to the widespread destruction of entire ecosystems and some of our most iconic species. That our springtime is not si-

lent today is thanks to one of the original victories of the modern environmental movement — and the book that many credit for starting that movement. It is a story of hope. One that should inspire faith in those of us who care deeply about stopping the climate crisis and saving our planet.

The synthetic pesticide dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane — commonly known as DDT — came into heavy use in the 1940s. It was used in crop and livestock production, in people's home gardens,

and to combat some insect-borne illnesses. Within a couple decades, it became clear that DDT made people and animals sick. It also sent certain species, like North America's great birds of prey, spiraling toward extinction.

Then in 1962, the book Silent Spring by author and marine biologist Rachel Carson used science to expose the "shadow of death" cast by DDT. More than 40 years before former vice president Al Gore sounded the alarm about global warming with his film An Inconve-

nient Truth, Rachel Carson focused the world's attention on the vast harm caused by humans' indiscriminate use of chemicals to tame nature.

The New Yorker magazine first ran excerpts of Silent Spring in June of 1962. When the full book was released the following September, it only took three months to sell 100,000 hardcover copies and two years to sell more than a million. It ignited a movement. Within a decade, Congress passed the landmark National Environmental Policy Act

(NEPA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created. In 1972, DDT was banned, and one year later, Congress passed the Endangered Species Act. That is just the beginning of the success story.

DDT did not just kill crop-killing bugs. It clung strongly to soil and ended up in the water. It remained toxic as it was passed from animal to animal all the way up the food chain. It became heavily pres-

Marc H. Morial

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer

This weekend enjoy a plethora of themes celebrating the arts to anniversaries.

Start your weekend with the appreciation of art through the Temple of Invention AR Experience and the 30th Annual Juried Multi-Media Art Show.

Enjoy the future of filmmaking with the likes of the MoCo Youth Media Festival or honor the past by celebrating the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education.

DMV residents can look forward to the return of Cirque du Soleil and the sights of cultural dance performances before engaging in the immersive experience of learning Japanese koto music or the lively experience of Caribbean Wine & Music.

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, MAY 16

30th Annual Juried Multi-Media Art Show

11 a.m. - 4 p.m. | Free Mattawoman Creek Art Center, 5565 Upham Place, Marbury, MD 20658

Celebrate spring at Mattawoman Creek Art Center in beautiful Smallwood State Park. This water-

side gallery is hosting its 30th annual juried art show where regional artists – displaying a variety of media, styles, and subject matter –will compete for awards. The show runs Fridays through Sundays until May 26.

The Temple of Invention AR Experience

12 p.m. - 5 p.m. | Free Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th St NW & F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Visit the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and experience the museum's free and new augmented reality (AR) experience, "The Temple of Invention," now available to visitors through May 16.

Through AR this game, visitors will meet fascinating people – including inventors, soldiers, poets, artists, and architects and experience key moments such as Clara Barton tending to wounded Civil War soldiers, President Abraham Lincoln’s raucous second inaugural ball, and a disastrous fire in 1877 that destroyed thousands of patent models.

FRIDAY, MAY 17

Celebrating the Past, Shaping the Future: 70th Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free with registration

5Cirque du Soleil's Corteo, which means cortege in Italian, is a joyous procession that combines the actor's passion with the acrobat's grace and power to plunge the audience into a theatrical world of fun, comedy, and spontaneity situated in a mysterious space between heaven and earth. (Courtesy Photo)

THINGS TO DO from Page 28

National Museum of African American History and Culture, 1400 Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20560

The National Museum of African American History and Culture marks the anniversary of a landmark United States Supreme Court decision Brown v. Board of Education, resulting in a major step toward equality and justice for African Americans.

Join the museum in examining this historic event's impact on the current state of education and honor the champions who have made the pursuit of educational justice possible.

Cirque de Soleil presents "Corteo"

7 p.m. | $25.00+

EagleBank Arena, 4500 Patriot Circle, Fairfax, VA 22030

Cirque du Soleil’s Corteo is back in North America and heading to Fairfax, Virginia to charm audiences for the very first time. This unique production, directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, first premiered in Montreal in April 2005, and will be presented at the Eagle Bank Arena for eight shows from May 17 through May 25.

SATURDAY, MAY 18

MoCo Youth Media Festival

11 a.m. - 1 p.m. | Free AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Road, Silver Spring, MD 20910

This year marks the 15th Montgomery County (MoCo) Youth Media Festival, which celebrates the creativity and impact of young filmmakers and artists from across the region.

This year's festival will include a special tribute to festival founder Richard Jaeggi, who died in 2014.

Fest Of Spring Baltimore '24 Noon- 8 p.m. | $20.00+ 16700 Barnesville Road, Boyds, MD

Hosted by RHU LLC, step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive, and immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and

music of the Caribbean. Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival. Enjoy live performances by CULTURE feat. Kenyatta Hill, EXCO LEVI, Image Band & more. Music by DJ ABLAZE, DJ SMALLY & NAJ SUPREME.

Kids 12 & under free. RV Parking / Camping On-Site

SUNDAY, MAY 19

Washington Toho Koto Society Introduces Japanese Koto Music 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. | Free Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20902

The Washington Toho Koto Society, a nonprofit group of koto players and friends founded in 1971, hosts an event where presenters will discuss the cultural context of the koto, a 13-string traditional Japanese instrument that creates a very simple, clean and clear sound.

Performances will include classical, children's and contemporary pieces.

The program will take place in the Multipurpose Room on the first floor, in the Library.

Four Seasons Dancers

"Dances of the World 2024"

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. | $30.00+ Cultural Arts Center Montgomery College, 7995 Georgia Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20910

Join for an unforgettable evening of cultural dance performances at the Cultural Arts Center, Montgomery College at Four Seasons Dancers’ "Dances of the World 2024.”

Get ready to be mesmerized by the rhythms, movements, and colorful costumes that showcase the rich traditions of different countries.

WI

BLACK SWAN from Page 1

day evening during a rally that the Black Swan Academy youth hosted in Freedom Plaza -- right across the street from the John A. Wilson Building where council members are currently deciding how to allocate $21 billion in local funds for Fiscal Year 2025.

Desiray Knight, Black Swan Academy’s middle school coordinator, watched closely as some of the young people she’s been mentoring since February took to the podium, recited poetry and advocated for social services they deemed essential in improving their quality of life.

“They’re starting to learn that they’re in control and they have power. It’s not always in adults’ hands,” said Knight, 22. “They’re learning about the council members and their jobs. It’s about knowing who to go to for certain things. Talking about it gives young people closure without getting in trouble.”

The presentations, Knight told The Informer, followed months of discussions and planning around what would eventually become the 2023 Black Youth Agenda. As she reflected on her experiences as a former Black Swan Academy youth, Knight identified mental health as one of the more pressing issues of the day for young people.

“We’re fighting [to get] them in schools with people who are trained to deal with mental health,” Knight said. “Young people are overlooked when it comes to certain things. Black Swan Academy gives them the comfort zone to speak about

how they feel and what they want to change. They’re going to be our leaders [so] their voices are very important.”

THE YOUTH PROMOTE THEIR AGENDA BEFORE THE COUNCIL

Since 2013, Black Swan Academy has worked to acclimate Black youth in the District to civic engagement. The nonprofit’s 2023 Black Youth Agenda has four parts -- Hear Us, Heal Us; Where Dreams Come Home; Keep It Clean, No More Truancy; and Safe Passage 4 Youth Passage.

In addition to youth opportunities, these sections work to address: the expansion of childcare options for District residents, access to utility assistance, timely and quality public housing repairs, financial education courses in the K-12 curriculum, emergency funds for student toiletries, food and clothes, personal hygiene machines, rehabilitation programs, and increase of support for out-of-school time programming.

On May 3, 16 Black Swan Academy members were scheduled to testify before the D.C. Council Committee of the Whole during its marathon budget hearing. Each young person who engaged D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson provided testimony that merged their lived experiences with research that contextualized the issues they faced.

Marcus Williams, a junior at

Anacostia High School in Southeast, urged the Committee of the Whole to fund upgrades to apartments like where he and his family lives.

“It makes me upset to live in the place I live now because everything is falling apart and everything around Ward 8, including the buildings are old,” said Marcus, 16. “It’s sad that me and the people in my community have to go through this detriment with [there being] enough money for housing… Not adjusting this issue can affect more people. Not just me and my family.”

While speaking before Mendelson, K’layah McCoy, a Black Swan Academy youth who attends the Social Justice School in Northeast, stood in solidarity with peers who don’t have adequate housing.

“Seeing homeless people on the street, especially children, makes me sad,” K’layah said. “I got everything I could ask for and I feel like homeless youth should be treated the same as me… They deserve housing, hygiene products and fresh clothes. I would also ask that you expand homeless shelters for youth [and] expand affordable housing access.”

Meanwhile, Star Short, a Black Swan Academy youth organizer who attends Dunbar High School in Northwest, demanded resources that would make her school a clean and welcoming environment for her and her peers.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

5Black Swan Academy staff serve evening meals to young students, waiting for the "We All Rise When Black Youth Thrive" Rally on Freedom Plaza on Monday May 13 at the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest, D.C. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Overlapping Storylines Keep Audiences Engaged for Folger Theatre's 'Metamorphoses'

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Greed, romance, misguided wishes, incest, death, reincarnation, and a few laughs against the imagery of water are a lot to figure out in “Metamorphoses,” a new production at the Folger Theatre. This sounds like a lot to take in, but that’s part of the enjoyable attraction of “Metamorphoses,” which runs until June 16.

This production of “Metamorphoses" consists of 15 books. Almost every cast member plays multiple roles. That sounds like a lot, but the play is less than 90 minutes long.

This production features an all-Black cast for the first time in Folger Theatre’s history.

“This production aims to celebrate Black life and culture through the lens of Mary Zimmerman’s marvelous script,” explained director Psalmayene 24.

Adapter and playwright Zimmerman molded Roman poet Ovid’s “Metamorphoses” for the stage.

Ovid’s play is said to have been one of Shakespeare’s favorites.

Director Psalmayene 24 brought African diaspora content to the production, opening the play with an African dance led by a Water Nymph character.

The stage design by Lawrence E. Motten, III, makes great use of cascading stairs to increase the impact of key characters changing the mood between vignettes. To give a contemporary feel to scene changes, Psalm incorporates various R&B and Black pop hits like a mashup of James Brown and Michael Jackson, then Rotary Connection for the wrapup.

“Metamorphoses” at the award-winning Folger Theatre should be seen. It is a fast-paced play that says a lot about the path your mind and heart can take you.

Our community depends on teachers.

Teachers help shape the minds of tomorrow’s leaders. That’s why we invest in partnerships that seek to make a quality education accessible for all —and a teacher’s job a little easier.

For tickets and performance schedules, visit Folger Theatre at folger.edu.

WI

IG & X: @bcscomm

5The Water Nymph, played by actor Miss Kitty, introduces audiences to the mythical tales of Ovid in Mary Zimmerman’s “Metamorphoses,” directed by Psalmayene 24, on stage at Folger Theatre until June 16. (Courtesy Photo/Brittany Diliberto)

On Memorial Day weekend each year, people enjoy barbecues, sporting events, camping, weekend getaways, theme parks and concerts. But Memorial Day is really about remembering those who gave their lives defending America and other free nations in wartime.

No matter where you live, at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, May

31, you can participate in the National Moment of Remembrance. For one minute, Americans are asked to pause and think about the service men and women who died defending the freedoms we enjoy today.

These brave men and women served in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and the Coast Guard.

Memorial Day, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts often place small flags or candles beside headstones in military cemeteries across

closely at these flags. Only two of them are correct depictions of today’s American flag. Can you find them?

Glue two craft sticks in a “V” shape as shown. Make five of these for each star you want to make. Glue each of the “V” shapes together to form a star. Paint the star red,

Memorial Day

Look in the newspaper for events in your town happening on Memorial Day. What special Memorial Day parade or ceremony could your family attend?

How many stars can you find?

the U.S. Civil Flowurs were graves of more soldiers from and South National

that people the graves dies fighting Memorial holliday in government businesses Day so that time to honor those who America. The National Purade in held every and by

The obituaries in a newspaper or on a newspaper website tell about people who have recently died. Look at today’s obituaries and notice whether any of those who died had served in the military.

Understand that

are

© 2024 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 40, No. 25

Color this window poster. Display it on Memorial Day.

review wi book

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

MAY 16 - 22, 2024

"The Jazzmen: How Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, and Count Basie Transformed America" By

Larry Tye

c.2024, Mariner Books

$32.50 / 395 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Your toes didn't wait long before they started tapping. They knew what was coming, almost as soon as the band was seated. They knew before the first notes were played and the hep cats and jazz babies hit the floor to cut a rug. Daddy, it was the bee's knees but in the new book "The Jazzmen" by Larry Tye, if you were the Sheik on the stage, makin' cabbage wasn't all that swank.

Louis Armstrong was born in 1900 or thereabouts in a "four-room frame house on an unpaved lane" in a section of New Orleans called "Back o'Town … the Blackest, swampiest, and most impoverished" area of the city. His mother was a "chippie" and the boy grew up running barefoot and wild, the latter of which led to trouble. At age 12, Armstrong was sent to the Colored Waif's Home for recalcitrant Black boys, and that changed his life. At the "home," he found mentors, father figures, and love, and he discovered music.

For years, Bill "Count" Basie insisted that he'd grown up with "no-drama, no-mystery, and nobody's business but his," but the truth was "sanitized." He hated school and dropped out in junior high, hoping to join the circus. Instead, he landed a job working in a "moving-picture theater" as a general worker. When the theater's piano player didn't come to work one day, Basie volunteered to sit in. He ultimately realized that "I had to get out... of Red Bank [New Jersey], and music was my ticket."

Even as a young teenager, Edward Ellington insisted that he be treated like a superstar. By then, his friends had nicknamed him "Duke,"for his insistence on dressing elegantly and acting like he was royalty. And he surely was — to his mother, and to millions of swooning female fans later in his life.

Three men, born at roughly the same time, had more in common than their basic ages. Two of them had "a mother who doted on... him." All three were perform-aholics. And for all three, "Race... fell away as America listened."

Feel up to a time-trip back a century or more? You won't even have to leave your seat, just grab "The Jazzmen" and hang on.

In his introduction, author Larry Tye explains why he so badly wanted to tell the story of these three giants of music and how Basie's, Ellington's, and Armstrong's lives intersected and diverged as all three were near-simultaneously performing for audiences world-wide. Their stories fascinated him, and his excitement runs strong in this book. Among other allures, readers used to today's star-powered gossip will enjoy learning about an almost-forgotten time when performers took the country by storm by bootstrapping without a retinue of dozens.

And as for the racism the three performers encountered? It disappeared like magic sometimes, and that's a good tale all by itself here.

This is a musician's dream book, but it's also a must-read story if you've never heard of Basie, Ellington, or Armstrong. "The Jazzmen" may send you searching your music library, so make note. WI

ARIES You'll be feeling more sensitive early in the week. See if you can put work on the back burner in order to rest and reconnect with your nearest and dearest. The moment does wonders for your most intimate bonds. Later, you'll have more energy to research simple, everyday ways to take care of yourself. Even if these measures seem small, they're sure to have a cumulative effect that has you feeling more vital, strong, and energized. Lucky Numbers: 18, 21, 42

TAURUS Lean into your creative impulses to express what's in your heart and tune in to that need to connect with your love interest at the start of the week. Whether you opt to write a flowery note or plan an exciting date, your desire for funs key right now. It could set a happy tone in your relationship. Later, you could be thinking about a professional project in a new way. This new approach may feel too wild, trust your gut on it. A little confidence can go a long way. Lucky Numbers: 4, 8, 26

GEMINI You could find yourself meditating on how you can tweak your focus on the job in order to feel more aligned with goals at the week's start. This opportunity can allow you to refocus your ultimate endgame. Later, you'll be reflecting on the activities and behaviors that help boost your feeling of safety. Get into the weeds of your past and think about how far you've come and how you want your most intimate bonds to evolve. Setting intentions can be an incredibly powerful. Lucky Numbers: 2, 31, 37

CANCER At the week's start, you could be swept up in fantasizing about a long-distance trip or taking advantage of an opportunity to hone your skill set. Although your ideal scenario might seem unrealistic at first, you'll do well to figure out the steps you need to take to make it a reality. Later, you could be overflowing with creative ideas you want to share with colleagues and higher-ups. Narrow your focus to the pitches that speak to you and feel like they'll be fulfilling. Lucky Numbers: 11, 38, 54

LEO At the week's start, you'll be especially direct with your partner or significant other. Sharing your deepest desires and warmest emotions can feel empowering and help take you to another level. Later, get clear on your main objective when it comes to your cash flow. If your work hasn't been reflective of your big-picture goals, now might be a wise time to reassess how you're expending your energy. You might also be pleasantly surprised by an opportunity. Lucky Numbers: 7, 14, 50

VIRGO You'll want to get out of your comfort zone early in the week. Hitting the road with friends could prove satisfying on an emotional level. Later, meditating gives you space for self-reflection. You'll do well to give yourself credit for your accomplishments up to now and think about what you want to achieve going forward. The moment is ideal for envisioning a bold goal and then homing in to an actionable plan for crossing the finish line. Lucky Numbers: 6, 20, 30

LIBRA You might be feeling especially creative and let your imagination run wild at the start of the week. Make the most of this moment by writing down your ideas. Later, you'll do well to tune in to your intuition. It's possible you're in need of a time-out from the daily grind and craving solo time to reassess your approach to goals. What you discover now could help you map out a new strategy that sets you up for even greater success moving forward. Lucky Numbers: 1, 13, 46

SCORPIO When the week begins, you'll be drawn to working toward your aspirations. Whether you've been wanting to hit a certain fitness goal or business proposal, leaning in to collaboration can help you take your efforts to the next level. Later, it's a sweet time for surprises. Your ability to remain open-minded about what's coming down the pike can make it easier to embrace the turns of the moment. Eye-opening discoveries can make your heart race now! Lucky Numbers: 2, 19, 41

SAGITTARIUS A cozy night in could prove steamy and romantic at the start of the week. You may want to have an important heart-to-heart talk with your partner. The dreamy moment has you feeling like you're connecting in a comfortable, fated way. Later, step back from your daily to-dos and meditate on what you really want. Get clear about your path past, present, and future. Envisioning all the details and moving parts of your vision can bring it within reach. Lucky Numbers: 15, 17, 48

CAPRICORN Honing your skill set has greater appeal than usual early in the week. You may find yourself talking to like-minded professionals about experiences that have helped them take their career to the next level. Connecting with mentors can prove insightful as well. Once you have all the information, you can move forward with a game plan that feels truly satisfying. Later, you might feel restless and eager to get out of your comfort zone by taking a trip or even reading something out of the ordinary. You'll do well to meditate on what will really satisfy this urge, then go for it! Lucky Numbers: 1, 30, 32

AQUARIUS When the week starts, it's a lovely time to reflect on ways you could maximize your work/life balance. Tuning in to your intuition can help you land on small steps that make this an attainable result. Later, you'll be longing for adeeper connection with your significant other. Embrace your cravings, then open up to your special someone about what you have in mind. Simply being aware of why you want what you want and sharing that with your lover can elevate your intimacy and self-awareness. Lucky Numbers: 9, 13, 58

PISCES Your artistic instincts are sharper than usual. Allow yourself to get caught up in those daydreams about your professional path. Getting in touch with this and pinpointing what drives you. Later, you may be having more stimulating conversations with your significant other or a friend. Sharing your passions, elevates your own self-exploration and connection. Make the most of this by prioritizing activities that can fuel your conversations. Lucky Numbers: 30, 31, 49

SPORTS

Howard University Golf Program on the Rise

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

While some people did not know what to expect when Howard University started a golf program in 2019, five years later, the program is thriving and on the rise.

Over the past few years, the men and women golf teams participated in a number of high-profile tournaments and recently enhanced its profile by joining the Northeast Conference

(NEC). The move paid off handsomely as Howard captured its first ever conference title and the coveted automatic NCAA bid.

There are a couple of factors that contribute to the program's success.

The first key to Howard’s golf success was the hiring of Sam Puryear as director of the program. Puryear became the first African American head coach at a Power Five Conference institution (Michigan State, 2008). Further, his coaching career has produced:

5Howard University’s men and women golf teams have participated in a number of high profile tournaments and recently enhance its profile by joining the Northeast Conference. (NEC). (Courtesy Photo)

one national championship, one Big Ten Championship, two Coach of the Year honors, two Conference Carolina titles and two South Atlantic Conference championships.

“We want to build something that no one has seen,” Puryear told Howard University News Service in November 2021. “HBCU golf is getting stronger and better.”

The other boost along the road to the program’s progress was the generous financial contribution from

NBA great Stephen Curry. In 2019, the program made national headlines when it received a generous financial boost from the six-time NBA AllStar and Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation co-founder.

"I think the Howard program in general is going to give them, not just them, but kids coming up through the ranks, a vision of what they can be in terms of playing golf competitively and the doors it can open for them," said Cur

ry, according to a July 2021 ABC7 News report.

It did not take long for the highly successful Puryear to capitalize on the opportunity and to build a strong program, with the men's and the women's programs having continued to ascend and get attention in the college golf world.

“We want to find the best student athletes with the resources that we have available,” Puryear said more than two years ago. "Dealing with a champion like Curry could help us build something and go after the best players.”

Howard’s men's golf is led by senior Marcus Smith, Jr., graduates Gregory Odom, Jr., and Everett Whiten, Jr. and freshman Bear Huff. Each golfer was named to the NEC All-Tournament.

The team made its debut in the NCAA Chapel Hill Regional, May 13-15.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

CAPTURE the moment

5History, Heroes & Hope Award honorees: Dave Grohl, a Grammy-winning musician, the Mellon Foundation President Elizabeth Alexander, and George C. Wolfe, director of the film “Rustin”. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

3Soprano Christine Lyons sang the National anthem standing with opera singer Denyce Graves, and Terry Eberhardt, executive director of the Denyce Graves Foundation at the Trust for the National Mall's Ball for the Mall on May 8. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer) (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5CNN journalist Wolf Blitzer welcomes guests to the Trust for the National Mall's Ball for the Mall on May 8. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5Employees and guests of Altria enjoy the evening program during the Ball for the Mall on May 8. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

6Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes with Jan Du Plain, president & CEO of Du Plain Global Enterprises, Inc. attending the Ball for the Mall on May 8. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

4Co-Chairs Georgette “Gi Gi” Dixon and Nels Olson give remarks at the Ball for the Mall on May 8. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

3Sheila Johnson and Dr. Carla present a History, Heroes & Hope Award to filmmaker George C. Wolfe. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Preachers Join Local Pro-Palestinian Movement

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

As students across the country continue to protest in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians who’ve been killed or displaced by the Israeli government, a growing number of local ministers have now joined local movements.

More than a month ago, the Rev. Tony Lee, pastor of Community of Hope AME Church in Temple Hills, Maryland was invited to speak

at the now shutdown encampment at George Washington University.

He told The Informer that “God is using the students to be prophetic for this season.”

“What we are witnessing all over the nation is a move of God to call this nation to be accountable, because we are complicit in a genocide,” said Lee. “God is using our students to call us back to our moral selves.”

The Rev George Gilbert Jr., said the student protests remind him of

the movement that helped to end apartheid in South Africa in the 1980s.

“God is always on the side of the disenfranchised, and what we see is just apartheid taking place in Gaza, which is just like it was in South Africa,” Gilbert said, “[We] see children being starved, not receiving medical attention and homeless.”

The conflict in Gaza arose after Hamas, a terrorist group, killed 1,200 Israelis in a surprise attack on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel has killed roughly 33,000 Palestinians, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry, with two-thirds of the deaths being women and children, according to the Associated Press.

In addition to the thousands of lives lost and the dismantling of more than 221,000 housing units in Gaza, 26 hospitals and 12 universities have been destroyed or out of service. With a lack of electricity, clean water and sewage flowing through the streets every humanitarian organization that works in the Gaza area have declared that Israel is in violation of the rules of war. Having blocked humanitarian aid efforts, Israel leaves hundreds of thousands of people facing malnutrition, severe medical conditions, and death.

The Rev. Delonte Gholston, pastor of Peace Fellowship Baptist Church in Northeast, D.C. joined Pastor Lee at George Washington last month and expressed the importance of speaking out on the injustices in Gaza.

“We have to keep pressure on the government to stop sending

money and weapons to Israel,” said Gholston, adding that many African American clergy have been reluctant to criticize Israel because of fears of being criticized as antisemitic.

“It is not being antisemitic to be pro-humanity,” he continued. “All of God's children have a right to live. They are all blocking humanity.”

Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad said the student protests are a natural human response to the devastating realities affecting Palestinian people.

“The students are responding to a natural, troubling, and deep calling from their souls for an end to the mounting death toll of innocent human lives, the devastation to the Palestinian property and land, and the catastrophe humanitarian crisis,” Shareef told The Informer. “Regardless of color, ethnicity, nationality, etc…, there is only the ‘human heart.”

He too emphasized that the protests aren’t about antisemitism.

“I don’t see the protest to be or to be driven by antisemitism, although it does exist and has to be addressed accordingly,” Shareef said to the Informer. “Nevertheless, the collective conscience, inherent soul, and sense of justice for our humanity has been assaulted and is disturbing the peace of human souls.”

Shareef said the crisis in Gaza has him extremely concerned.

“I'm scared, I’m tired, I’ve had enough.”

WI

5 Imam Talib Shareef of Masjid Muhammad said the student protests are a natural human response to the devastating realities affecting Palestinian people. (Courtesy Photo)

This week's Religion Corner is a tribute to Sister Gita, a very special woman I met more than 10 years ago, during the kickoff and promotion of "The Belief Series" hosted by Oprah Winfrey, which aired in 2014 on the OWN Network. Groups all across the country and internationally were hosting watch parties to share together the series of shows on the OWN Network showing how the many different faiths all share in love for one another.

Sister Jenna was the DMV area chair, and she asked me to serve as chair of our events being held at the National Mall's Amphitheater, maintained by the National Park Service. I accepted, we had many meetings, and the outcome changed my life forever. I also met Sister Gita during this time.

We lost Sister Gita a little over a week ago. Please allow me to share my column this week by telling you about this very special woman. Here is her story, gathered by conversation with her daughter, Sister Dr. Jenna:

Yvonne Stevenson, lovingly known as Sister Gita, passed away on May 4, 2024, at her home, embraced by the warmth of her family and friends. She left this world in peace and love, a reflection of the life she lived fully in service and devotion.

Her childhood was marked by unimaginable loss, as she was orphaned at the age of 7 when her mother tragically perished in the Kendal train crash of 1957. The

WITH LYNDIA GRANT AND SISTER DR. JENNA

A Tribute to 'Sister Gita' Yvonne the religion corner

disaster claimed over 350 lives and injured over 500 others, leaving indelible scars on Jamaica. Amid this chaos and devastation, young Yvonne was called upon to identify her mother's body. The trauma of that day marked the beginning of a journey that would require extraordinary strength and resilience.

With her two younger sisters, she was placed in orphanages, where they struggled to protect themselves and one another from men with bad intentions. They found temporary refuge with a schoolmaster who later returned them to the orphanage after six years leaving them to fend for themselves again. Despite the adversity, she later worked three jobs to ensure her sisters had food, clothing and education. In this struggle, she began to find her inner strength.

At 17, she married and gave birth to Sister Jenna, a light of hope and compassion. While marriage brought some joy, it also highlighted the emotional scars she bore, making it challenging for her husband to support her through her struggles. In her 30s, she found the Brahma Kumaris spiritual organization and began practicing Raja Yoga Meditation, which transformed her life. Within six months, she was a changed person, channeling her trauma into service, love, and peace.

For nearly 40 years, she dedicated her life to God and service, whether through cooking, dancing,

speaking or simply offering a quiet, comforting presence. She has saved countless lives from the brinks of suicide and despair, guiding them to their inner strength and connecting to the Divine. She has traveled the world, sharing wisdom on the nature of the soul, the essence of God, and the power of service. Her love for God was clear to all through her gentle smile, unwavering devotion, and love for all. During the pandemic, dementia slowly stole her physical abilities, but her spirit remained luminous. Sensing the end was near, her daughter, Sister Jenna, took her to her beloved India, where she found solace before returning to her home at Om Shanti Village. On May 4, she flew into the arms of God at 10:35 p.m.

As Sister Jenna reflects on her mother's legacy, she shares this lesson: "I learned how to live and how to die." In Sister Gita's remembrance, Sister Jenna will be planting peace trees on May 21 and will have a special segment featured on "The Next Normal" program she hosts on the Meditation Museum's YouTube channel, sharing Sister Gita's wisdom and quotes with the world.

Since May 5, evening meditations in honor of Sister Gita have united friends across the globe to celebrate her journey home. We send our love and good wishes to Sister Gita as she finds her place in the next life. WI

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

ADA, Age Discrimination, Benefits, Civil Rights, COBRA, Contracts, Deaf Law, Defamation, Disability Law, Discipline, Discrimination, FMLA, FLSA, FOIA, Family Responsibility, Harassment, HIPPA, OSHA, National Origin Discrimination, Non-Compete, Race Discrimination, Rehabilitation Act, Retaliation, Severance Agreements, Sexual Harassment, Torts, Whistleblowing, Wage-and-Hour, Wrongful Discharge

RELIGION

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

Worship 10:30 am

zoom.us/;/2028828331

Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mary’s Episcopal Church

Baptist Church

Dr. Kendrick E. Curry

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 890

Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson Decedent

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

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson, whose address is 1260 E. 26th Ave., Columbus OH 43211, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson who died on May 4, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/3/2024. 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 11/3/2024, 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: 5/3/2024

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 1123

Beatrice T. Coleman aka Beatrice Thelma Coleman Decedent

Joan M. Wilbon 1649 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Lawrence D. Coleman and Mack Arnold Coleman, whose addresses are 811 Delafield St., NE, Washington DC 20017 and 1125 Heritage Place Apt. C, Waldorf, MD 20602, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Beatrice T. Coleman aka Beatrice Thelma Coleman who died on December 25, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. 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 11/2/2024, 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: 5/2/2024

Lawrence

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000037

August 15, 2022

Date of Death

Juliet Wei Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Peter Wei whose address is 235 Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Juliet Wei, deceased, by the Surrogates’s Court for Orange County, State of New York, on December 18, 2023. Service of process may be made upon Wei Wu 1301 Delaware Ave., SW N501, Washington, DC 20024 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: 1311 Delaware Ave., SW Unit S439, Washington, DC 20024. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

Peter Wei 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 000434

Mary C. Stancil Decedent

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

Mildred E. Dunmore, whose address is 1707 Columbia Rd., NW #208, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary C. Stancil who died on 8/1/2004 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. 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 11/2/2024, 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: 5/2/2024

Mildred E. Dunmore 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 FEP 000039

February 25, 2024

Date of Death

Frank Peace, Jr. aka F. J. Peace Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Veronica L. Haney-Singleton whose address is 1402 Haney Branch Road, Summerville, SC 29486 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Frank Peace, Jr. aka F. J. Peace, deceased, by the Probate Court for Berkeley County, State of South Carolina, on March 7, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon James H. Bennett 601 Allison Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017 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: 1418 Van Buren Street, NW, Washington, DC 20018. 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: 05/02/2024

Veronica L. Haney-Singleton 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 000463

Virginia L. Taylor Decedent

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

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

Anita L. Boone, whose address is 4865 Orchard Gardens Court, White Plains, MD 20695, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia L. Taylor who died on February 27, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Anita L. Boone 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 000429

Randell Herrion West Decedent

Melody Miles Haynes 14605 Elm St., #1219 Upper Marlboro, MD 20773 Attorney

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

Linda Ann Covington, whose address is 6935 Emerson Street, Hyattsville, MD 20784, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Randell Herrion West who died on August 10, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. 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 11/2/2024, 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: 5/2/2024

Linda Ann Covington 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 000416

Michael Joseph Reidy, Jr. aka Michael Joseph Reidy Decedent

Lisa M. Nentwig, Esq. Dilworth Paxson LLP 1500 Market Street, Suite 3500E Philadelphia, PA 19102 Attorney

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

Rosalie C. Werback, whose address is 4114 Davis Place NW, Apt 107, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Joseph Reidy, Jr. aka Michael Joseph Reidy who died on 1/19/2024 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 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Rosalie C. Werback 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 000418

Cynthia Malvina Reid Bruton Decedent

Steve Larson-Jackson 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Vincent Cedric Bruton, whose address is 604 Halifax Place, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Malvina Reid Bruton who died on 3/7/2024 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 11/2/2024. 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 11/2/2024, 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: 5/2/2024

Vincent Cedric Bruton

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 1107

Tina Marie Lloyd Jenkins Decedent

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

Shelbie Lloyd, whose address is 1100 Eastern Avenue, NE, Apt., 405, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tina Marie Lloyd Jenkins who died on 4/24/2023 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, sD.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before. 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, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/9/2024

Shelbie Lloyd 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 000428

Christine C. Chen aka Christine Chung-Heng Chen aka Christine Chen Decedent

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

Christian Garaud, whose address is 2939 Van Ness St., NW, Apt 1021, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christine C. Chen aka Christine Chung-Heng Chen aka Christine Chen who died on March 12, 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 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Christian Garaud

2939 Van Ness St. NW, Apt. 1021 Washington, DC 20008 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 000445

Erma L. Williams Decedent

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

Joseph E. Williams Jr., whose address is 9730 Goldenrod Ct., Toano, VA 23168, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Erma L. Williams who died on 2/12/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Joseph E. Williams Jr. 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 000435

Sonalee Asim aka Sonalee Gooch aka Sonalee Jobanputra Decedent

Leanne Fryer Broyles, Esq. Frost Law

839 Bestgate Road, Suite 400 Annapolis, MD 21401 Attorney

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

Mahdi Asim, whose address is 424 Ingraham St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sonalee Asim aka Sonalee Gooch aka Sonalee Jobanputra who died on February 17, 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 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Mahdi Asim

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 000455

Nicole E. Puffett Decedent

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

Louisa L. Puffett, whose address is 6317 Snug Harbor Rd., E. New Market, MD 21631, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nicole E. Puffett who died on March 27, 2024 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 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Louisa L. Puffett

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 000233

Alfred J. Price, Jr. Decedent

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq.

Law Office of Kathy Brissette-Minus, LLC

9701 Apollo Dr., Suite 230 Largo, MD 20774

Attorney

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

Brandon Williams-Price, whose address is 4118 Leisure Drive, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred J. Price, Jr. who died on March 1, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Brandon Williams-Price 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 000454

Maria Del Carmen Leon De Jones Decedent

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

Lorena S. Jones, whose address is 11337 Joyceton Drive, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Maria Del Carmen Leon De Jones who died on 4/6/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: May 16, 2024

Lorena S. Jones 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 000453

Patricia Y. Johnson Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Deidre Johnson UNK Deidre, whose address is 3209 Walbridge Place, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Y. Johnson who died on January 21, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/9/2024. 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 11/9/2024, 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: 5/9/2024

Deidre Johnson UNK Deidre 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 000532

Estate of Mildred J. Lockridge

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated February 8, 1982 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 5/16/2024

Stephanie L. Royal, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 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 FEP 000045

November 21, 2023

Date of Death

Shirley M. Buie Washington Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Lizette Buie whose address is 2225 12th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Shirley M. Buie Washington, deceased, by the Cereta A. Lee Register of Wills Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on April 2, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Gray Rush 5034 Kimi Gray Court SE, Washington, DC 20019 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:

2225 12th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 5/16/2024

Lizette Buie

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 000554

Estate of Iris A. McCrae

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated February 24, 2015 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: May 16, 2024

Ethel Mitchell 8403 Colesville Road Silver Spring, MD 20910 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 000513

Gerald Patrick Coleman

Decedent

Sebastian Krop, Esq. 1330 New Hampshire Ave., NW, #111 Washington, DC 20036-6300

Attorney

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

Elizabeth Coleman, whose address is 10455 Xeon St., NW Minneapolis MN 55433, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gerald Patrick Coleman who died on 10/16/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Elizabeth Coleman 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 000471

Aleksey Minchenkov Decedent

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

Irina Minchenkov, whose address is 11112 Baskerville Rd., Reisterstown Md, 21136, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Aleksey Minchenkov who died on 2/10/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Irina Minchenkov 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 493

Wayne Anthony Clarke Decedent

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

Candice Antoinette Jones, whose address is 403 37th Place, #102, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wayne Anthony Clarke who died on December 28, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Candice Antoinette Jones 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 000521

Kevin Lewis Decedent

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

Vicky Lewis Smith, whose address is 2910 Vista Street, NE Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kevin Lewis who died on June 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Vicky Lewis 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 1359

Yvette Morris Decedent

Robert Ragland 1916 R St., NW Suite 308 Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

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

Bernice Vonderpool, whose address is 1531 Varnum St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvette Morris who died on 3/1/2023 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 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Bernice Vonderpool 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 000484

Elizabeth Ruth Begle Decedent

E. Regine Francois Williams 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 301 Largo MD 20774 Attorney

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

LaVerne Hawkins Jones, whose address is 11213 Petworth Lane, Glenn Dale MD 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elizabeth Ruth Begle who died on April 6, 2006 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

LaVerne Hawkins Jones 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 000474 Frances VanHagen Decedent

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

Diane Ross, whose address is 521 Morison Street, Charles Town, WV 25414, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances VanHagen who died on 12/28/2015 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Diane Ross 521 Morison Street Charles Town, WV 25414

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 000512

Marta Alvarez aka Marta Alicia Alvarez Decedent

Augusto D. Macedo 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Mayra Alicia Alvarez, whose address is 5829 Colorado Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marta Alvarez aka Marta Alicia Alvarez who died on December 8, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Mayra Alicia Alvarez 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 000473

Katie I. Goodwin aka Katie Idella Goodwin aka Katie Smith Decedent

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

Norma R. Evans, whose address is 60 Normandy Road, Marlton, NJ 08053, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Katie I. Goodwin aka Katie Idella Goodwin aka Katie Smith who died on January 28, 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 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Norma R. Evans 60 Normandy Road Marlton, NJ 08053

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 000447

George Elliott Benjamin Decedent

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

Gina Benjamin, whose address is 501 E Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Elliott Benjamin who died on June 9, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/16/2024. 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 11/16/2024, 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: 5/16/2024

Gina Benjamin Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 890

Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson Decedent

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

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson, whose address is 1260 E. 26th Ave., Columbus OH 43211, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson who died on May 4, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/3/2024. 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 11/3/2024, 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: 5/2/2024

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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plained to principals earlier this year about the “lack of buying power” in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget.

Last summer, Donaldson and other WTU collective bargaining team members submitted a Memorandum of Agreement to DCPS to jumpstart a contract negotiation process that the D.C. Council implored WTU and DCPS to finish before the start of the current budget season.

However, DCPS would not acknowledge receipt of the MOA or move forward with negotiations for 72 days.

Bowser would later go on to present her Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal to the D.C. Council without a finalized teachers’ contract. Donaldson told The Informer that the salaries calculated in that document are based on an outdated contract that doesn’t reflect the current cost of living in the District.

Donaldson expressed his fear that the lack of a contract would exacerbate tensions at schools where positions are getting cut and teachers are anticipating overcrowded classrooms and the lack of wraparound student support.

“When DCPS came up with how much a teacher costs, they estimated based on what they think it might cost,” Donaldson said. “We’re working off of numbers that are inaccurate because they are not based on a current contract. That’s maddening and it doesn’t help for stability for our local school budget to not know the actual cost of a teacher.”

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE MONEY

On May 6, contract negotiations worsened during Teacher Appreciation Week when WTU’s collective bargaining team received notification from DCPS, at the last minute, about a canceled collective bargaining meeting.

A day later, DCPS filed a Public Employee Relations Board (PERB) complaint alleging that WTU violated confidentiality by speaking to the media and at least one D.C. council member about contract negotiations.

On Monday, Bowser declined to speak on the PERB complaint and teacher contract negotiations in great detail, opting only to tell The Informer that both sides have reached an impasse around matters of teacher compensation.

“We have to have fair bargaining,” Bowser said. “One union can’t bargain all the dollars away.”

Meanwhile, DCPS Chancellor

in 2022. Once again, WTU and DCPS are at odds as a new contract has yet to be finalized, which could result in teachers not receiving salary increases. (WI File

Lewis D. Ferebee remains engaged in an ongoing fight with the D.C. Council over central office dollars.

On Monday, he sent a letter to council members in response to the $25 million that D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson took out of DCPS central office to offset the loss that District schools experienced under Bowser’s budget proposal.

In the letter, Ferebee demanded that council members reject Mendelson’s proposal out of deference to the cuts that DCPS already made to central office and what he described as an urgent threat to services that benefit students and their families. Though he empathized with those concerned about cuts to teacher positions, Ferebee remained firm about his notion that DCPS must go through a period of post-pandemic “right sizing.”

“Districts across the country are experiencing the sunsetting of COVID recovery federal dollars and feeling the increased costs of new labor contracts and higher benefit costs,” Ferebee said in the letter. “For all these reasons, now is the time to ensure a sustainable staffing level which will be significantly higher than pre-pandemic.”

WTU ALLEGES

INFRINGEMENT ON COMMUNICATION

In the aftermath of DCPS’ PERB complaint, WTU members rallied in demand of a finalized contract. Rallies took place after school hours at Coolidge High School and Roosevelt High School in Northwest and Eastern High School in Northeast during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Staff members who participated in those acts of civil disobedience represented Dorothy Height Elementary School, MacFarland Middle School, Whittier Elementary

Service and Heritage (TMCT) in Northwest, D.C., honored the institution’s namesake with a thought provoking panel pondering progress and the notion of “separate but equal” today.

“I was just starting school 70 years ago in the North Carolina Colored School System when Brown v. Board became the law of the land,” said TMCT Board Chair Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis, during the panel on Thursday, May 9.

toward true integration.

“We have always struggled to truly integrate our schools but as one panelist said, we have the system that we designed,” she said. “I believe we still lack the public and political will to fully implement Brown, paired with decades of laws and policies that prevent the true integration of public schools.”

REMEMBERING D.C.’S BOLLING V. SHARPE

School, Roosevelt High School, Coolidge High School, and Ida B. Wells Middle School in Northwest and Eliot-Hine Middle School and Eastern High School in Northeast.

Elected officials who supported WTU throughout much of last week included D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At large) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8), and State Board of Education Representatives Eboni-Rose Thompson (Ward 7) and Frazier O’Leary (Ward 4).

On Friday, May 10, O’Leary and D.C. Jobs With Justice Executive Director Elizabeth Falcon counted among those who listened as WTU President Jacqueline Pogue Lyons explained the union’s qualms with District officials on the steps of Roosevelt High School.

For several minutes, Pogue Lyons took teachers down memory lane, recounting instances when DCPS scheduled collective bargaining meetings early in the morning, just hours before teachers had to report to school.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and Julia Hudson, chief of staff for At-large D.C. Councilmember Anita Bonds (D), attended that Feb. 29 meeting at the American Federation of Teachers headquarters in Northwest.

In its PERB complaint, DCPS alleges that WTU engaged in “ex-parte communication” with council members about compensation, which DCPS says falls outside of the council’s observer status in contract negotiations.

Pogue Lyons would later question Bowser’s concern about confidentiality and the mayor’s overall sincerity about quickly finalizing a contract.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

As one of the panelists, Chavis remembered his childhood growing up in Oxford, North Carolina, where government officials employed numerous strategies to maintain the status quo and sidestep the unanimous 1954 SCOTUS decision.

“Things didn’t change – at least for me,” said Chavis, who also serves as president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA). “I graduated from high school while forced to remain a student in a segregated school system.”

The powerhouse panel included: Chavis; Kim Keenan, former NAACP general counsel; Dr. Jean Accius, president and CEO of Creating Healthier Communities; Rawle Andrews, executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation and the 135th president of the Bar Association of D.C.; and talk show host, Barbara Arnwine, president and founder of the Transformative Justice Coalition. Ebony McMorris, White House correspondent for American Urban Radio Network, moderated the informative discussion.

The panelist provided a reminder of the critical role that the judicial system has played in securing equal rights for African Americans – not only in public education but in all aspects of U.S. society.

With the 2023 SCOTUS decision overturning affirmative action, and the Court’s current conservative majority, panelists and guests considered where the nation is today.

“I think with this Court’s majority, especially with the decision last year on affirmative action… I definitely see the dissenting justices pushing back and not giving an accurate reading of Brown,” said Jenna Tomasello, a Buffalo, New York Native who has lived in the District for a decade.

“Over the past 70 years, the Court has chipped away at Brown and at cases that came after that victory.”

After taking in the panel, Tomasello, 32, told The Informer the U.S. still has a lot of work to do to push

The Court’s unanimous decision in Brown v. Board of Education was bundled with four related cases. One of the companion cases, Bolling v. Sharpe, changed the course of history for the nation’s capital.

Decided on the same day as Brown v. Board of Education, Bolling v. Sharpe stemmed from the D.C. Board of Education denying a petition by a group of parents in the, then, predominantly white neighborhood of Anacostia, to integrate John Philip Sousa Junior High School. As D.C. is not a state, the Supreme Court rendered a separate decision on Bolling v. Sharpe, ruling “separate but equal,” unconstitutional in District schools.

Today, Bolling v. Sharpe continues to reverberate in District neighborhoods and schools.

According to Statistical Atlas, African Americans currently account for 96.8% of Anacostia residents, in comparison to the predominantly white population in 1954.

Further, African American students are the largest population in District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), accounting for 56.9%, U.S. News reported.

During the 2022-23 school year, Sousa Middle School— where Black parents fought for the right for their children to attend more than 70 years ago— DCPS reported the student body as 94% African American and 6% Hispanic or Latino. Almost 70 years later, the once all-white school, reported no white students.

The panel ignited a particular flame in entrepreneur, philanthropist and former U.S. Senate candidate for the state of Maryland Dr. Roussan Etienne Jr.

“Listening to the panel talk about Bolling v. Sharpe reminded me of the importance of going back, doing the research and discovering or uncovering the truth that has long been hidden from view,” Etienne, 55, told The Informer. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

A Northeast, D.C. resident, Eti-

5 A former intern with the Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) stands outside of the John A. Wilson Building

Photo)

beaten by New York Police who mistook them for American Negroes.

If Africans are brutally beaten while only visiting in America, imagine the physical and psychological suffering received by your Brothers and Sisters who have lived there for over three hundred years.

BAILEY from Page 26 No matter how much independence Africans get here, unless you wear your national dress when you visit America, you may be mistaken for one of us and suffer the same psychological humiliation and physical mutilation that is an everyday occurrence in our lives. Your problem will never be fully solved until and unless ours are solved. You will never be respected until and unless we are

"Our problem is your problem.

MALVEAUX

from Page 26

Mosby. It is about the misogynoir that she has faced. She was targeted and prosecuted because she had the nerve to take the system on, targeted, and charged just like Fannie Lou Hamer, who was blinded and then evicted from her home after she registered voters. She has been targeted because she has been a vocal advocate for justice, opposing mass incarceration, racial disparities, and police violence. Pushing for police accountability, she has collided with well-financed opponents who want to see her punished, making an example of her as a deterrent to others who speak up.

I do not use the term lynching lightly. There were nearly 5,000 documented lynchings in this country, and nothing compares to a noose around the neck or the burning alive that so many of our people experienced. But the writer Richard Wright once spoke

MARSHALL from Page 26

to the higher rates of incarceration and wrongful convictions for Black men. The failure and breakdown of our criminal justice system by way of police coercion tactics, youth vulnerability to false confessions, racial profiling, media bias, the exclusion of DNA evidence, and wrongful conviction despite inconsistent evidence is an unfailing side of America's dark and painful history.

From the Emmett Till story to the Scottsboro Boys, who were wrongly convicted of raping two white women, to the Exonerated Five, who were wrongly convicted of brutally assaulting and raping a white woman jogging in New York City's Central Park, Black men in America have continued to be perceived as dangerous and violent. The perception of Black men as a danger to white women, in particular, is deeply rooted in the history and legacy of slavery. In Louisiana, for instance, rape was only considered a crime when the victim was a white woman, according to the American Bar Association, and capital punishment was a

also respected. You will never be recognized as free human beings until and unless we are also recognized as human beings."

Again, the most important way to honor Bro. Malcolm is to study and act on what he advocated about unity and plan to announce what we have accomplished on May 19, 2025, which will be the 100th anniversary of his birth. WI

to the widespread effect of lynching, saying that a lynching that happened in Mississippi could be felt in Chicago. In other words, lynchings were a warning to Black people: Stay in your place. Similarly, the prosecution of Marilyn Mosby is a warning to Black women. Stay in your place. How dare you challenge the establishment?

It is a warning to other Black women. In Georgia, prosecutor Fanni Willis has had her personal life embarrassingly explored in public because the former president doesn't want to face charges that he tampered with in an election. In New York, prosecutor Letitia James has faced potshots, threats, and ignorance because she has pursued financial fraud charges against the former president. In Maryland, billionaire bully David Trone has spent $57 million of his own money to defeat Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Alsobrooks may beat him, but if not,

mandatory punishment for rape and attempted rape only when the alleged attacker was an enslaved person (and Black). This is what happens when Lady Justice removes her blindfold, sees the race of the people before her, and then decides to abuse the authority of the sword. As a result, Black men were killed for crimes they didn't commit, and it still occurs today.

In the American justice system, no one is above the law, not even a president. The law is to be fairly, impartially, and consistently enforced by the courts, which should be independent from other branches of government. Again, what happens when Lady Justice removes her blindfold, sees the wealth and power of the person before her, and then decides to allow the "thumb on the scale" type of justice to tip the balance of fairness in one direction? While Donald Trump is no longer president, as a citizen, he still has a tremendous amount of power and influence throughout our nation and within all levels of our legal justice system. Four separate jurisdictions, New York, Florida, Georgia, and Washington D.C., have criminal prosecutions

will she pay a price for standing up to a bully? He has the dollars and the racist, vindictive nature to hurt her. In San Francisco, Mayor London Breed is up against financial bullies whose misogynoir is troubling.

It's open season for Black women, and we must respond in kind. Black women can support the sisters on the firing line, Mosby, who will be sentenced in May unless she secures a pardon (www.justiceformarilynmosby. com); Alsobrooks, whose primary is May 14 (www.angelaalsobrooks.com), and Breed, who is in a fight to retain her mayoralty (www.londonbreedformayor.com). We must be vigilant about attacks against those courageous prosecutors who are simply doing their job of bringing charges against the former president. A specious attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Misygonoir is a disease, and it puts us all in jeopardy. WI

against the former president.

Three of the four might not reach the courtroom before the 2024 presidential election. Justice is best served when trials take place without undue delay. If the defendant were anyone other than Donald Trump, the wheels of justice would likely not be grinding to a halt. This now denies the American voter the opportunity to see the facts and outcomes from all four cases prior to choosing the next president of the United States. With the Trump-appointed Judge Aileen Cannon, the "thumb on the scale" justice is most obvious in Florida. Critics of Cannon point to her slow-walking her decisions and the apparent pandering to Trump's requests to delay the trail. Now, Judge Cannon has postponed the trial indefinitely, thereby removing the balance of justice. Trump's longterm strategy is to delay his trials, get elected, and then make the trials go away.

Justice delayed by Judge Cannon and the U.S. Supreme Court means justice could ultimately be denied to the American people.

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the house with like minded parents. Those who have no children should live in House number 2 and pretend to each other what wonderful nieces and nephews and family members they have, who would never do anything wrong. But, of course, when they say it, they know better!

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owned businesses with at least two employees represent only 2.5% of all businesses in the United States. These businesses are smaller — only 3% have more than 20 employees, with the vast majority having fewer than five employees.

They're also younger. Nearly half are less than two years old, compared to 19% of white-owned businesses. Black-owned businesses face the greatest obstacles to financing, by far, more than any other demographic. Only 32% — compared with 56% of white-owned businesses — are fully approved for the financing they seek, while 40% — compared with 18% of white-owned businesses —

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ent in the fish, rodents, and smaller birds eaten by eagles, hawks, osprey, condors, and the other great raptors.

Then the raptors started to disappear. DDT poisoning caused the shells of the birds' eggs to become so thin they broke under the weight of birds sitting on them in the nest. Between ending the use of DDT and the efforts to protect habitats and reintroduce animal populations, America's great raptors came back from the brink.

The peregrine falcon, which has the distinction of being the world's fastest animal, was close to being completely wiped out. By 1951, the last breeding pair of peregrines was documented in Illinois. Today, they are plentiful in the state, including its biggest city Chicago, where the skyscrapers mimic the peregrines' natural habitat among high cliffs. In fact, this year marks 25 years since Chicagoans voting the peregrine falcon the official City Bird of Chicago. The Chicago Ornithological Society celebrated by declaring 2024 "The Year of the Peregrine Falcon."

Our national symbol itself, the bald eagle, was down to only 417

Well, I truly do enjoy family reunions and I will always be present, but I will be happy to be on the next planning committee.

I would be happy to give my niece, Lynne, and her husband, Terry, a break, and everyone should have an opportunity to participate in a family reunion.

First, I would give my niece and nephew a break and let somebody

are completely denied loans, lines of credit, and cash advances.

Even when financing is approved, Black-owned businesses are more likely to be offered high interest rates. As a result, these businesses are more likely to delay plans to expand and have a harder time refinancing their existing debt.

The racial gap in venture capital investment is even more startling.

Only 0.5% of venture capital funding went to Black founders in 2023.

As the fourth anniversary of George Floyd's murder approaches, the demand for racial justice that arose in its wake is being stifled, along with the nation's history of discriminatory hiring and lending practices, voter suppres-

nesting pairs in known existence by 1963. Now, where I live in Maryland, I see at least one bald eagle almost every day.

Also in Maryland, in the same town where I am raising my kids, is the house where Rachel Carson wrote Silent Spring. The Rachel Carson House is nestled in a wooded neighborhood. It was designed by Carson along with a local builder with large picture windows perfect for letting in light and observing the area's wildlife. It is also the headquarters of the Rachel Carson Landmark Alliance.

The president of the Alliance, Dr. Diana Post, says, "Protecting wild spaces, that was Rachel's dream." That dream is in action on Carson's former property. And Dr. Post points out there are many examples of how people today continue to reach for that same dream, like the Biden administration's "America the Beautiful: 30 by 30" initiative. That initiative aims to "connect and conserve" at least 30% of lands and waters by the year 2030.

In addition to Carson's mark on protecting nature and public health, we must also recognize a lesson from Silent Spring's impact: that, in the fight to save our planet, we can — and, I believe, we will —

else see how much of a challenge family reunions can be … but everybody should have them!

We spent three days together, and as we parted, we gave each other hugs and everybody was happy. We took photographs to share the memories and the great times we had. I am so proud of my family. We have grown closer every year.

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sion and gerrymandering.

The same activists who are trying to stifle discussions of historical racism in America's classrooms likely would prefer to stifle AEE's report.

But we won't be silenced. We're developing a national policy platform that encourages and supports entrepreneurs of color, gives them greater access to new markets and capital, streamlines regulatory procedures, provides more technical assistance, and more.

Systemic inequality robbed the U.S. economy of an astounding $16 trillion over 20 years. Fear and resentment aren't just harming communities of color, but the resiliency and prosperity of the nation as a whole.

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win. That is an important lesson for these times.

According to a study last year by the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication, about 7% of Americans are experiencing psychological distress over climate change. For the younger generations — Gen Z and millennials — that number goes up to 10%.

Climate anxiety and despair are understandable. But while last year was the hottest year on record and severe weather events are increasing, cause of hope is all around us. Solar and wind power are now less expensive than dirty fossil fuels and getting more affordable by the day. And a new green manufacturing sector is taking root that is creating good jobs and will help the lives of working people, in addition to protecting our health and our environment. The movement launched by Silent Spring and our success in bringing back species that were all but extinct prove we are capable of great things.

So, as we celebrate what would be Rachel Carson's 117th birthday, let the fact that today our spring is not silent be a reminder that we can be our own salvation.

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