The Washington Informer - May 24, 2024

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Amid Concerns about His Health and Election Endorsement, Councilmember Gray Accepts Honorary Degree from GWU

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

On Sunday, thousands watched as D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7) accepted an honorary Ph.D. from his alma mater, George Washington University (GWU), during its commence-

ment on the National Mall on Sunday, May 19.

In 1964, Gray received a bachelors of science in psychology from GWU. As a student, he joined the Jewish fraternity Tau Epsilon Phi, where he served two consecutive terms as president.

Gray’s decades of public service not only include stints as Ward 7 council member, but council chairman and D.C. mayor. He’s the only elected official in D.C. history to serve in those three roles. Gray has set

GRAY Page 44

Capitol Heights Left Hundreds of Old Garbage Bins in a Residential Neighborhood for a Year

Remaining Cans Removed After Informer Inquiries; Residents Still Have Storage Lot for a Neighbor

By Kayla Benjamin

Every single-family home in Capitol Heights, Maryland received a new garbage bin last May. The incorporated town, having switched to a new trash pickup provider, had to swap out everyone’s trash cans.

1,500 in total—didn’t go very far. Bright green and unwashed, the used trash cans ended up piled in an open-air storage facility owned by Capitol Heights. They joined a haphazard collection of vehicle parts, wood scraps and old mattresses.

But the old plastic bins—about GARBAGE Page 33

After Release of Independent Report, Nadeau and Bonds Set Sights on Legislation Despite Debate about Tactics, Some Possibility of Collaboration

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D) recently released an independent review of the District’s investigation into sexual

harassment complaints against ex-Bowser administration official John Falcicchio.

The findings of that review, Nadeau said, will inform her legislation that mandates third-party investigations into sexual harass-

5While students at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, the first Black high school in the United States, enjoy a curriculum redesign and programs like JROTC (pictured), safety concerns loom large in the aftermath of a May 3 shooting outside of school grounds that shattered a window and injured a student. (WI File Photo)

ment complaints made against mayoral executives. One recommendation from the now redacted report that she cited involves the creation of a centralized sexual harassment oversight

REPORT Page 44

D.C. Residents Reflect on Impact of Bolling v. Sharpe Decision Effects of De Jure Segregation Persist

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The Bolling v. Sharpe Supreme Court decision of 1954, decided on the same day as Brown v. Board of Education, deemed the racial segregation of District public

schools unconstitutional. In the years that followed, local and federal officials attempted to facilitate racial integration at several all-white District schools, including John Philip Sousa Junior High School, where the Black plaintiffs in the BOLLING V. SHARPE Page 29

5An Opus Avenue resident looks out at the garbage cans, construction equipment and other items kept in storage on the property that abuts her yard April 16. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5Amid health concerns and rumors surrounding his recent endorsement of Ward 7 Council candidate Wendell Felder, D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray accepted an honorary Ph.D from his alma mater, George Washington University, during its commencement on the National Mall on May 19. (WI File

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REPORTERS

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wi hot topics

House Oversight Committee Meeting Erupts in Personal Attacks and Partisan Disputes

A Thursday night session of the House Oversight Committee intended to discuss a resolution recommending Attorney General Merrick Garland be held in contempt of Congress, descended into chaos amid personal attacks and partisan bickering.

The rare evening session took a contentious turn when MAGA Republican and rabid Donald Trump supporter Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia responded to a question from Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) with a personal remark.

“I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading,” Greene said, attacking Crockett’s appearance.

Democrats immediately reacted negatively to the remark, with Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) leading the charge. She demanded that Greene retract her comments and offer Crockett an apology.

“That is absolutely unacceptable,” Ocasio-Cortez de-

clared amid the crosstalk. “How dare you attack the physical appearance of another person?”

Greene, undeterred, taunted Ocasio-Cortez, asking, “Are your feelings hurt?”

Ocasio-Cortez responded sharply, “Oh, girl? Baby girl, don’t even play.”

Just minutes later, Greene attacked Ocasio-Cortez’s intelligence, challenging her to a debate and asserting, “You don’t have enough intelligence.” This prompted audible groans from other members.

Despite agreeing to strike her comments toward Crockett, Greene refused to apologize for her remarks.

“You will never get an apology out of me,” she declared.

Following the vote, Crockett sought clarification on the committee’s standards regarding personal attacks.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

Kenyan President Ruto Makes Historic African State Visit to

East Africa recently emerged as a leader in the Western Hemisphere in regards to political triumphs, trade and trial agreements with countries like the United States and United Kingdom.

In the first state visit from African leaders in over 16 years, this week, Kenyan President William Ruto will partake in a historic visit to America to build on international alliances through meetings with President Joe Biden and congressional delegations.

"His remarks here will underline the importance of democracies working collaboratively to tackle global challenges," State House Spokesman Hussein Mohamed shared.

Ruto's first stop will be at Carter Presidential Library

U.S.

and Museum in Atlanta. From there, he will meet with renowned film director Tyler Perry on Tuesday to explore economic expansion and a small congressional delegation on Wednesday.

The African delegation comes prepared to put new projects on the table.

“We have prepared more than 30 bankable projects worth over $20.5 billion to interest American investors and the Kenyan diaspora," Kenyan Trade Minister Rebecca Miano shared last week.

Kenya has been pushing for its own free trade agreement with the United States since 2020 but no official legislation has been signed.

Ruto, 57, who’s been leading the nation for the past decade, saw his visit as a chance to address any concerns with elected officials across the nation but was denied the opportunity to speak with members of Congress by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA-4). WI

Diddy Drama Continues: Assault Footage Leaked, His Instagram Apology, Former Head of Security Speaks

Sean “Diddy” Combs’ former head of security, Roger Bonds, expressed no surprise after 2016 footage recently released showing Combs brutally beating then-girlfriend and singer Cassandra “Cassie” Ventura, revealing he witnessed the hip-hop mogul being violent toward women multiple times.

“It didn’t surprise me when I saw it because I’ve seen things of this nature before,” Bonds said in a televised interview this week Piers Morgan Uncensored.

“I’ve gotten in between things like this back in 2012,” he added, describing the 2016 incident where Combs was seen shoving, kicking, stomping and dragging Ventura in a hotel hallway.

When asked how many times he’d seen Combs become

violent toward women, Bonds replied: “around four or five times.”

He added, “I’ve seen him [be violent] with Cassie and Kim Porter, his kid’s mother. I’ve seen him get physical, grabbing them up and getting into wrestling and punching matches.”

Combs apologized for the 2016 incident in a recent Instagram video, calling his behavior “inexcusable” without directly addressing Ventura. “I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted,” he said.

However, Ventura’s lawyer, Meredith Firetog, criticized Combs’ apology, calling it self-serving. “Combs’ statement is more about himself than the many people he has hurt.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

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

STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; ASHLEIGH FIELDS, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

5Kenyan President William Ruto (Courtesy Photo/X)

D.C. Leaders Decry House Passage of Legislation Limiting Local Crime Response

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The U.S. House of Representatives approved the DC CRIMES Act, a bill that would permanently restrain the District of Columbia Council from altering the city’s sentencing laws, even to impose harsher penalties. The legislation’s passage has sparked outrage among local leaders who fear it would impede their ability to respond to evolving crime trends.

The House’s move to pass the bill, with a vote of 225-181, further highlighted bipartisan worries following a surge in crime last year.

Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) condemned the bill as “the biggest rollback of D.C. self-government in a generation” during her speech on the House floor.

The DC CRIMES Act, which Rep. Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) has championed, reflects Republican efforts to assert control over D.C.’s criminal justice system and seeks to impose harsher penalties for both adult and juvenile offenders. Of particular focus is the 1985 Youth Rehabilitation Act, which allows judges to grant lenient sentences to young adults under 25.

Donalds defended the bill, arguing that it would ensure adult criminals are treated as such, which he claimed was akin to the rest of the country.

However, the legislation faces significant hurdles in the Democratic-controlled Senate, where it would require 60 votes to advance due to the Senate filibuster. The Biden administration has also voiced strong opposition to the bill.

The bill has also drawn criticism from advocacy groups.

Liz Komar, Sentencing Reform counsel with The Sentencing Project, condemned the DC CRIMES Act as an assault on home rule and public safety, arguing that limiting the Youth Rehabilitation Act would exacerbate racial disparities and increase incarceration rates.

In a letter to House leadership, District leaders expressed concerns over the bill’s potential impact on home rule and local crime response. Mayor Muriel E. Bowser (D), D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), and Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb (D) warned that the bill would hinder their ability to address emerging crime trends by restricting their authority to change sentencing laws.

“By prohibiting the Council from enacting ‘any act, resolution, or rule to change any criminal liability sentence,’ the bill would prevent District policymakers from responding to emerging crime trends by enhancing criminal penalties, or even create new crimes,” Schwalb, Bowser, and Mendelson wrote. “Swift and certain consequences are essential to deterring crime, and persistent congressional interference is at odds with that goal. Given recent experience, these delays could be extensive, preventing courts from imposing longer sentences while legislation languishes in Congress.”

The bill underscores broader tensions between federal oversight and local autonomy, with implications for criminal justice reform and racial equity in the nation’s capital.

“This is pure political theatre from national politicians attempting to score points for their next hometown election,” Schwalb asserted. WI

5The U.S. House of Representatives approved the DC CRIMES Act, restraining the District of Columbia Council from altering the city’s sentencing laws, and sparking outrage among local leaders who fear it would impede their ability to respond to evolving crime trends. (WI File Photo)

AROUND THE REGION

black facts

MAY 23 - 29, 2024

MAY 23

1921 – "Shuffle Along," the first of a succession of widely popular Black musicals performed for white audiences, opens at the 63rd Street Theatre in New York City becoming the first African American Broadway musical. The musical comedy combined the talents of the legendary team of Euboea Blake and Noble Sizzle.

MAY 24

1854 – Anthony Burns celebrated fugitive slaves in American his tory, is captured by deputy U.S. marshals in Boston.

1944 – Legendary singer born Patricia Louise Holte in Philadelphia.

MAY 25

1878 – World-renowned dancer gles" Robinson ia.

MAY 26

1799 – Famous Black Russian writer A Sergeyevich Pushkin Russian Literature," is born in Moscow.

1949 – Pam Grier tresses and top sex symbols of the 1970s, is born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

graduates from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, becoming the first Black to do so. Green was a member of the "Little Rock Nine," the group of Black students who first integrated the high school with the aid of federal

The book "The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa" is released, revealing that Israel aided the racist regime of South Africa and supported providing chemical and nuclear weapons to them for possible use against the country's majority-Black population. The documents were discovered by American

delivers her "Ain't I A Woman?" speech to the Ohio Women's Rights Convention. 1865 – President Andrew Johnson announces his program of Reconstruction. It required ratification of the 13th Amendment, but did not guarantee Black suffrage. 1980 – Vernon Jordan, then-president of the National Urban League, is critically injured in attempted assassination in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

WI

PATTI LABELLE

C. ALSTON / WASHINGTON, D.C.

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

AROUND THE REGION

CHERI COX / GURNEE, ILL.

Tell the truth. It’s easier to remember than a lie.

SHAVETA BROCK / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Take at least one day off a month from work for a mental health day. Don’t let these jobs drain you mentally and physically. What’s some

Let it go—get counseling if you have to. The pain, the hurt, the need for closure, and the need to understand will weigh you down. You’ll get out of character. You’ll hurt others. Find a safe outlet and let it go.

KATRINA BROWN / VIRGINIA BEACH, VA..

Correcting your kids isn’t abuse. Don’t let trendy parents stop you from guiding them.

ALBERT DAVIS / MIAMI, FLA.

Just go for it; none of us know what we’re doing either.

Local Politicians and Journalists Run in ACLI Capital Challenge

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

All three branches of government gathered for friendly competition last week at Anacostia Park in Southeast, D.C., for a three-mile showdown to raise money for the next generation of leaders.

Hosted by the American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI), the “Capital Challenge” is an annual event to raise money for the Junior Achievement League.

“Thanks to generosity of our sponsors and the more than 660 people who participated in this year’s ACLI Capital Challenge, we’re making a difference in the lives of millions of kids,” said the ACLI President and CEO Susan Neely. “We always enjoy the friendly competition between our nation’s leaders at the Capital Challenge. But the true champions are the 4.4 million kids in all 50 states served by Junior Achievement.”

The D.C. staple also shows running is quite the hobby for many high ranking officials.

“I think it’s good for you. But the few days that I miss, I feel crappy. I don’t know if that’s physical or psychological, but I feel crappy,” White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients, who participated this year, told The Economic Club’s David Rubestein in an interview last month. “I have my four shots of espresso, do some reading. And then I go.”

Jack Miller of The Washington Post finished as the fastest overall with a time of 14:30 while Morgan Foster of Rep. Greg Stanton’s office placed as the top female finisher, earmarking a blazing 16:49.

This year Rep. Greg Casar (DTX) gave the audience a show as he prevailed in claiming the title of the speediest man in Congress with a time of 19:33. Arizona Indepen-

dent Sen. Kyrsten Sinema, who has consistently run the Capital Challenge, ranked as the fastest woman in Congress clocking in at 23:07. Barrier-breaking Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson managed to run a time of 33:24 for her first time on the race track, but was defeated by Justices Amy Coney Barrett (26:09) and Brett M. Kavanaugh (24:20) and his team “Running Circuit,” placed first among all judicial teams. This was the first time three Supreme Court Justices participated.

Jamaican District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan’s team was called “Cool Runnings,” named after the famed movie. United States Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigeg’s team was named “Running on time & on Budget.” Jackson called her squad the “Junior Justice League.” WI

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.

Each team is required to have one member of Congress, the Cabinet, the Vice President, Sub-Cabinet Agency Head or equivalent, Federal Judge, on-air radio or TV journalist, or print journalist. They must have five runners and one must be a woman. All five count in scoring. This year, participants ranging from federal judges to journalists raised $200,000 at the 42nd ACLI Capital Challenge.

5Pete Buttigeg crosses the finish line at the ACLI annual race. (Courtesy Photo/ACLI)

5Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman to serve on the Supreme Court, smiles after finishing her first Capital Challenge. (Courtesy Photo/ ACLI)

3Greg Casar smiles with the winning trophy in hand after finishing the three-mile race in under 20 minutes. (Courtesy Photo/ ACLI)

AROUND THE REGION

In At-Large Council Race, Rodney “Red” Grant Targets Robert White

At-Large Councilmember White Stands On His Record

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

On June 4, Democratic voters in the District will decide whether to reelect two-term At-large D.C. Councilmember Robert White or replace him with Rodney “Red” Grant, a comedian and social entrepreneur who’s been critical of the incumbent.

Grant, a native Washingtonian and former mayoral candidate, says that his lived experiences and longtime youth engagement make him more of an ideal council member than White. If he wins, Grant pledges to consolidate and secure funds for effective youth programs.

Another agenda item, he says, is the expansion of vocational training programs for District youth. Such work, he said, will build upon his nonprofits and business ventures.

“I’ve spoken about [vocational training] for the last three or four years,” said Grant, chair of public relations for the Black Women for Justice’s campaign to bring back vocational education. “Once we do that, we can move into a place where we want to be. We have lost our hand in guiding our young people and there has to be accountability.”

Grant went on to suggest that White hasn’t taken accountability for “the damage he caused to the city.” Since launching his at-large council campaign, he has toured the District to educate voters about his campaign platform centered on: poverty and crime reduction, LGBTQIA community support, small business advocacy, and education equity.

AT LARGE COUNCILMEMBER

WHITE STANDS ON HIS RECORD

White rebuffed any notion that he’s not plugged in with District residents, telling The Informer that such criticism from Grant comes from a disingenuous place.

“The difference between me and my opponent [Rodney “Red” Grant] is I’m not using my com-

munity for Instagram likes,” White said. “If people believe you are there for public relations, they would engage you differently rather than if you’re there to solve problems.

Though he represents all District residents on the council, White said that he places his focus on those who’ve been left behind, including returning citizens, victims of crime, survivors of domestic violence, the housing insecure, and community members vying for new lights and other amenities on their school grounds.

White’s Whole Government Response to Crime Act, elements of which became part of D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s Secure DC Omnibus bill, had set out to close gaps in the public safety ecosystem White said he learned about while in meetings, neighborhood walkthroughs, and in conversation with those who lost loved ones to violence.

If elected to a third term, White pledged to focus on public safety, housing and sustainability of the District’s funds.

White said his legislative record serves as a testament to his growth while in office, and what he could do with a wealth of experience under his belt.

“I get better at diagnosing the problem and how to move the gov-

ernment in the right places,” White said. “I’m taking money from things that are not effective and putting it into basic needs, like school, housing and public safety efforts. You have to understand how government works to do that.”

DISTRICT RESIDENTS WEIGH IN

Keith Silver, a Northwest resident and longtime civic leader, told The Informer that he's voting for Grant on June 4, mainly out of a desire for an elected official who he feels will better connect with Washingtonians from marginalized communities.

Silver, a four-time advisory neighborhood commissioner and MLK Holiday Annual Peace Walk co-founder, said he started following Grant during his 2022 mayoral run.

“Red Grant’s got a pulse on the community and people gravitate toward him. He's very comfortable walking in inner city communities,” Silver said.

Meanwhile, Karen Settles, a longtime resident of Stoddert Terrace/37th Place SE Family Success Center, said she’s throwing her support behind White out of satisfaction for his oversight of DCHA. Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5At-large Councilmember Robert White and comedian Red Grant are running in the District’s Democratic primary on June 4. (WI File Photos)

AROUND THE REGION

Jessica Randolph, associate creative director for Anacostia Arts Center, reads The Washington Informer. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

(l to r) Rahman Branch, Trayon White, Sr., Marissa Mitchell, Troy Donte Prestwood, Rodney "Red" Grant, and Kelly Mikel Williams pose before speaking to Ward 8 community residents at the "Your Choice, Your Voice" Ward 8 Candidates' Forum. Moderated by Mitchell of Fox 5 Morning News, the event took place at Sycamore and Oak's main pavilion on Saturday, May 18. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

D.C. Democrats Push Importance of Biden Re-Election at Kennedys-King Dinner

Texas Rep. Jasmine Crockett Calls for D.C. Democrats to Campaign Nationwide

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Sumayya Lane has been involved in District politics for a number of years, primarily as a volunteer and supporter of the local Democratic Party and its political candidates.

As she sat in a suite at Nationals Park for the DC Democratic Party Kennedys-King Dinner, she smiled as she watched her party members mix and mingle but was not naïve to the real reason for the gathering.

“We’re here trying to put forth unity,” Lane, 69, said. “We are focusing on the accomplishments of the Biden-Harris administration. We are moving forward with re-electing President Biden.”

Ward 4 resident Neena Murphy Martin agreed with Lane on the need for unity in November.

“We need to come together as a party,” Martin, 50, said. “There is no big D or little D but one D. All the infighting, the disrespect has got to go.”

There’s not a concern about Biden winning the District. D.C. Board of Elections data reveals that nearly 77% of all registered voters in the District are Democrats. The District is the only Electoral College jurisdiction to never have voted for a Republican president.

Nevertheless, many District Democrats have voiced concerns about the upcoming November general election in which Biden will face off with Republican former President Donald Trump and whether the party will keep control of the U.S. Senate and recapture the U.S. House of Representatives.

A recently released New York Times poll reports Trump leading Biden in five out of six swing states, such as Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. Plus, the poll found Biden losing support among young, Black and Brown voters, all of whom were critical to his 2020 election.

When Lane, a resident of the Deanwood neighborhood in Ward 7, was asked what might happen if Trump were to regain the White House, a sullen expression came over her face.

“He will assume a dictatorship and destroy the American Dream,” she said.

She told The Informer Democrats

must tap into the needs of voters in order to win in November.

“The Democrats need to listen to the people,” she said. “They need to listen to their ideas. They need to incorporate the younger generation.”

CALLING ON DISTRICT DEMS TO TAKE VIGOR NATIONWIDE

Martin, a resident of Shepherd Park, said District Democrats must look at the “big picture,” and support party members in red states like Mississippi, Florida, and Texas.

U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas), who recently defended herself recently from an insult by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), served as one of the speakers for the event.

“D.C. plays in the greater game,” Crockett told the crowd. “You’re in the thick of it… You’re in the bubble. [In D.C.], the only team in town is the blue team.”

Crockett, 43, who represents the Dallas area in Congress, encouraged District Democrats to go into battleground states during this campaign

5Sumayya Lane, a Ward 7 Democrat, attended the DC Democratic Party Kennedys-King Dinner. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

season to help the party win in November.

Ryan Jones, a candidate for the District attorney general position in 2022, said the Democrats will win if they interact with voters.

“Getting people out is important,” Jones, 39, said. “We need to knock on doors and get people excited about the election. Not only should we support Joe Biden but local candidates as well.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PRINCE

GEORGE’S:

MARYLAND’S NEW LEADING COUNTY FOR BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS

When Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) was elected, one of his key promises to his core constituency was partnering with business leaders to grow the state’s economy in an attempt to “win the decade.”

This effort, which has reflected in a close partnership between his Administration and various business groups in Prince George’s including the Prince George’s

County Chamber of Commerce, is already bearing fruit. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Prince George’s is now Maryland’s No. 1 county for creating Black-owned businesses and is now creating more jobs annually than Montgomery County. The Economic Development Corporation (EDC), noting that there was room for business retention, has begun hosting more networking events and providing more resources for startups to get off the ground.

A couple of new businesses that have started in the county this year include: Tetragram, an app to keep cannabis consumers best informed on the effects of their medication that has over 15,000 users current-

a Bethesda-based nonprofit, is teaming up with the Prince George’s Department of Parks and Recreation to fix these challenges. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

ly and PerVista, which uses AI to scan surveillance footage alongside a database of weapons. Both of these companies have more than five employees, and are Blackowned.

“Our goal is to reduce the impact and number of active shooter events in schools, hospitals and other public places,” said PerVista founder Vernard Wright.

We have previously covered business openings in Prince George’s

County. Read more here and here.

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NEW PLAYGROUNDS COMING TO PRINCE GEORGE’S PARKS

While there are nearly 250 playgrounds across the many public parks in Prince George’s County, a considerable number of them need renovations and updates to make them safe and accessible.

Prince George’s Student Wins Fifth District Congressional Art Competition Lusenie

Turay’s ‘Regal Musing’ Shows Beauty of Blackness, Childhood

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

With his piece “Regal Musing,” Charles Herbert High School rising senior Lusenie Turay recently showcased the artistic aptitude Maryland has to offer. A work

showcasing the hues and beauty of dark skin juxtaposed between a deep blue background, Lusenie’s work recently won the Fifth District Congressional Art Competition, and will be unveiled on June 27 at the annual awards ceremony hosted in the U.S. Capitol, where the piece will hang for a year.

“I poured my heart into capturing my story, and I truly hope my work sparks a deeper appreciation for diverse perspectives and encourages others to share their own unique voices,” Lusenie, a Sierra-Leonian American, said in a press release announcing the honorees.

Every year high school students are encouraged to engage their talents through a Congressional showcase. Since 1982, the Artistic Discovery competition has welcomed over 650,000 entries from districts across the country.

Through the face of a young child with amethyst colored skin and intricate gold markings, Lusenie’s work emits a serious and emotional tone for admirers.

“I was captivated by his artwork and impressed by the time and effort he put into creating it. I look forward to viewing his thought-provoking piece in the Capitol complex this year,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said in a statement.

The high-schooler, a Google Code Next Engineer student, used Procreate software to bring this image to life. The online tool offered the ability to produce a striking image. His work will be unveiled on June 27 at the annual awards ceremony hosted in the U.S. Capitol where it will hang for a year.

A list of all Maryland student awardees can be found below:

1st Place –Lusenie Turay; Charles Herbert Flowers High School; ‘Regal Musing’

2nd Place –Eaton Ekolrintaragon; Huntingtown High School in Calvert County; ‘Hidden Treasure’

3rd Place –Joseph Harrison IV; Georgetown Prep in Prince George’s County; ‘A Black Boy’s Childhood’

4th Place –Emma Johnson; North Point High School in Charles County; ‘New Beginnings’

5th Place –Hailey Muise; Chopticon High School in St. Mary’s County; ‘Milo’

To help with this issue, the Department of Parks and Recreation is partnering with Bethesda-based nonprofit Kaboom. Kaboom’s 25 in 5 Initiative aims to build parks in 25 communities across the nation over the next five years, with Prince George’s County selected as the first partner.

“It’s been a win-win, because we’ve been able to service and reach more of the youth in Prince George’s County by providing these innovative and gorgeous playgrounds with Kaboom,” said Parks and Recreation spokesperson Angel Waldron. “So we are thrilled with the partnership. We’ve gotten 10 projects down already and we’re looking forward to more.”

Kaboom Associate Director of Digital Content and Strategy Jordan Hebert said that the company hopes to keep the partnership “going as long as we can.”

Herbert emphasized the importance of playgrounds for children’s development.

“[Playgrounds are] where kids learn about all of their social peers. There’s physical play, there’s emotional benefits, getting kids outside, the benefits of nature,” he explained.

A new playground recently opened at the Oakcrest Community Center in Capitol Heights and new playgrounds have also been built in Riverdale, Chillum and Fort Washington. The next playground is expected to open in the Palmer Park area this summer.

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5 While there are nearly 250 playgrounds across the many public parks in Prince George’s County, a considerable number of them need renovations and updates to make them safe and accessible. Kaboom,

5 Lusenie Turay’s artwork “Regal Musing,” inspired by his Sierra-Leonian heritage, will hang in the U.S. Capitol for a year. (Courtesy Photo/Congressman Steny Hoyer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

BOARD OF EDUCATION CANDIDATES ADVANCE TO GENERAL ELECTION

In the Maryland primary, Prince George’s residents also voted for Prince George’s County Board of Education of members who will be running in the 2024 general election on Nov. 5.

The Board of Education seats are elected in a nonpartisan runoff manner, where candidates from the same district all run against each other and the top two vote recipients advance to the general election. The seats are staggered, so roughly half the board is up for election every cycle.

District 4 School Board Member Shayla Adams-Stafford ran uncontested and is certain to begin her second term representing her central county district.

In District 1, longtime Board of Education member David H. Murray and educator Dr. Tiffini L. Andorful advanced to the general election. District 7’s general election will feature School Board Member Kenneth Harris II, running for his second term, against American University professor Dr. Phelton Moss. District 5’s contest is between either appointed School Board Member Zipporah Miller and PGCEA-endorsed PGCPS parent Robin Brown.

District 8 saw legislative director Angela R. Jones and PGCEA-endorsed Zakyia Goins-McCants advance to the general election to repre-

sent the South County-based district while appointed Board of Education Member Leslie Frazier fell to last place.

The Prince George’s County Delegation passed legislation in 2022 that would end the practice of appointing four members of the Board of Education, which should take effect this year. Some of the expected issues during the general election are school safety, classroom sizes, and teacher retention. WI

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY MAINTAINS AAA RATING AHEAD OF JUNE BOND SALE

Ahead of a planned June bond sale, Fitch Ratings has affirmed roughly $300 million of general obligation (GO) bonds at AAA rating. This is the highest status possible, and indicates that investing into these bonds is viewed as extremely safe.

“The ‘AAA’ IDR and GO rating reflects the county’s historically strong operating performance supporting its ‘AAA’ financial resilience assessment,” read the Fitch Ratings analysis. “The ‘AAA’ assessment reflects a ‘high midrange’ level of budgetary flexibility and Fitch’s expectation that reserves will be maintained at or above 10% of spending (compared to the current 33%).”

Among the many moves that made former County Executive Wayne Curry (D) legendary in his role as Maryland's first Black suburban executive was a trip to Wall Street that resulted in the County improving to AAA bond rating despite a $108 million deficit inherited to be-

gin his administration. The County has maintained this platinum status as Black leadership has expanded to new offices, and this has undoubtedly helped with economic development and growth within the area. The potential consequences of a bond rating drop could be disastrous: this would increase the interest rate on future loans and debts by the County government and . Former County Councilmember Derrick Leon Davis (D) has frequently noted that the bond rating is among the most important things for the County government to protect. WI

SENATORS CARDIN, VAN HOLLEN SECURE FEDERAL FUNDING FOR MARYLAND

In the backdrop of the highly con-

Chris Van Hollen (both D) have been working to secure funding for Marylanders.

Cardin, who currently chairs the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, chose not to run for re-election and will be replaced by either Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) or former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

Over $15,000,000 in federal funding is earmarked for local projects in Prince George’s and Montgomery County. Some of the recipients include: two flood control projects in Prince George’s, summer enrichment and commercial driver’s license training programs at Prince George’s Community College, and a nonprofit that provides glasses to students in need.

“This second FY24 spending package continues critical investments in locally driven projects and opportunities across the state,” said Sen. Cardin. “We are responding directly to the needs of Marylanders and remain committed to bringing new federal resources to our state.”

On May 3, both Senators announced $1,071,000 to establish a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Maryland- Eastern Shore (UMES), which would be only the second HBCU in the nation and the first Maryland university to offer this program.

“Investing in the education of Maryland’s future veterinarians will

help protect our agricultural economy and improve access to veterinary care,” said Senator Van Hollen. “These funds will make UMES a regional pioneer, providing top-notch education in veterinary medicine and creating opportunities for students to enter an understaffed but critical field.”

The Senators also partnered with much of Maryland’s congressional delegation on May 2 to announce nearly $30,000,000 from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to identify, remove, and replace lead pipes across Maryland. Forty-nine percent of this funding is required to be offered as grants or forgivable loans to disadvantaged communities.

An EPA report conducted last year found there are at least 70,000 pipes in Maryland, primarily in the Baltimore metropolitan region, that contain lead content.

“Lead pipes pose a serious threat to the health of our communities and are especially harmful to our most vulnerable: young children and older adults,” read a joint statement from the lawmakers. “We passed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to fund priorities like this and boost our efforts to eliminate these dangerous pipes once and for all –including in areas that historically have been overlooked. With this investment, we’re bringing clean, safe water to all our communities.”

WI

5 In Sen. Ben Cardin’s last year as Senator, he has helped to secure federal funding to replace lead pipes, implement flood control programs, and expand enrichment programs at Prince George’s Community College.. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

tested Senate primary, Senators Ben Cardin and

5 In Sen. Ben Cardin’s last year as Senator, he has helped to secure federal funding to replace lead pipes, implement flood control programs , and expand enrichment programs at Prince George’s Community College. (Courtesy Photo/X, Sen. Ben Cardin)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

WARD 8 NONPROFIT IS RECOGNIZED

The Acee: The Firm Foundation based in Ward 8 in Southeast, Washington has been recognized for its work in helping struggling men, women and children and families cope with the challenges of everyday life.

The foundation’s co-founders, Gwyneth and Jermaine Brown, were honored at the Power Up for Success: 2024 DC Small Business Summit and Expo’s luncheon that took place on April 30 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. The Browns received the Small Business Non-Profit Business of the Year Award.

At the luncheon, the Browns were introduced to the luncheon participants by Milo Kofman, the executive director of the DC Health Benefit Exchange Authority.

“When we heard we won the award, we were excited,” said Gwyneth, 39. “I was wondering how did these people know what we were doing? People see what we are doing and want to do more. We do need more financial resources because we are a small nonprofit with a big heart.”

A troubling incident precipitated Gwyneth to start Acee. She observed a mother slap her young son hard in public and screamed at him to “get up.”

“I said to myself, who did not teach

briefs

that was not the way to treat a child,” she said. “I thought about how can I help women like that be better to their families.”

Acee focuses on spiritual, personal, professional, educational and community development. It sponsors programs such as theatre productions (Jermaine is an actor), motivational seminars, financial literacy sessions and health and wellness.

The Browns don’t have a brickand-mortar location but have worked extensively out of the Community of Hope Church of the Nazarene for its programming. Gwyneth said spiritual beliefs guide their work.

“1 Corinthians 3:11 says ‘for no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Christ Jesus,’” she said. “We want to do things to help the community. We welcome any support that anyone wants to give us.”

WI

TRADE MISSION TO PARAGUAY

The Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced recently that it is sponsoring a trip to Paraguay.

The trip will offer both members and non-members the opportunity to explore new markets, forge international partnerships and the chance to elevate business profiles. Paraguay offers a strategic location in the heart

of South America, known for its business-friendly environment and strong economic growth.

Key benefits of the trip according to association officials is the chance to meet high-profile government officials and business leaders; gain sights into Paraguay’s business landscape and investment opportunities; network with potential partners and clients; showcase products and services to a new market; and participate in exclusive business matchmaking sessions.

The trip will take place from July 13-July 19. Deadline for registration is July 1.

For more information, contact the chamber at 202-728-0352.WI

E.L. Haynes Public Charter School  Notice of Intent to Enter Sole Source Contract Student Data Services

E.L. Haynes Public Charter School (PCS) intends to enter a sole source contract with EmpowerK12 for student data services. The decision to conduct a sole source agreement was due to the specific needs of the school for student data analysis, dashboards, and support that can only be met by EmpowerK12 with their specialized expertise. The anticipated cost of this contract is $49,000.

If you have any questions, or for additional information, please email contracts@elhaynes.org no later than 4:00pm on Friday, June 14, 2024.

“I was wondering how did these people know what we were doing? People see what we are doing and want to do more. We do need more financial resources because we are a small nonprofit with a big heart.”

VIRGINIA ALI TO BE HONORED

Virginia Ali, the co-founder of Ben’s Chili Bowl, will be honored for her business acumen and dedication to the community on June 15 at the WETATi Academy Anne Reese Carswell Scholarship & Awards Gala that will take place at the Colony Ballroom, Adele H. Stamp Student Union at the University of Maryland, College Park from 6-10 p.m.

Ali opened the doors of the noted eatery on August 22, 1958, and has endured the 1968 King assassination disturbances, several recessions, Metro subway construction and the coronavirus pandemic.

Presidents of the U.S. and other countries, celebrities, national politicians and every mayor of the District has eaten at Ben’s, along with countless residents and students.

To register for the event, go to wetatiacademy.org. WI

DC SMALL BUSINESS CENSUS

The Bowser administration announced the launching of the DC Small Business Census to better understand who makes up the city’s small business community and to ensure that the District is a place where small business owners of all backgrounds can thrive.

The Office of the Deputy Mayor

for Planning and Economic Development will supervise the project.

“D.C.’s small business community is the backbone of our local economy, and we want to ensure that D.C. is a city where small businesses can thrive,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert. “In the Comeback Plan, Mayor Bowser set a bold goal of expanding the share of minority-owned businesses in the District. The Small Business Center will help us accurately capture the current landscape and reach businesses that may not have engaged with the government before.”

District small business owners are urged to participate in the program. Starting this month and continuing through the summer, businesses may receive a call or in-person visit from a member of the Small Business Census team, and can choose to take the census in English, Spanish, Amharic, French, Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese. The census will be conducted by the team of BBC Research and Consulting and two Certified Business Enterprises (CBEs), Pantera Management and Tiber Hudson.

The BBC-Pantera-Tiber team previously assisted the District government in conducting the 2021 citywide disparity study to examine the availability and utilization of minority-and-women-owned businesses under D.C. procurement and contracting activities. WI

5Gwyneth and Jermaine Brown are the co-founders of Acee: The Firm Foundation, a nonprofit based in Ward 8. (Courtesy Photo)

Red Lobster Closes Dozens of Restaurants Nationally

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Red Lobster lovers will be sure to lament the recently-reported closures of nearly 50 locations across the country, including three in the DMV, as the company filed for bankruptcy on May 19.

The restaurants in Laurel, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Columbia are all closing. There are still multiple Red Lobsters available in Prince George’s County, including one in Camp Springs and another in New Carrollton. There will be roughly 600 locations open nationally following these closures.

While some observers have blamed the brand’s recent endless shrimp promotion that cost $11 million more than it earned, others have cited burdens imposed by private finance as the reason the brand is preparing to file for bankruptcy and reorganize their business.

Thai Union, the foreign corporation that secured a majority stake in 2020, is planning to divest from Red Lobster and accept a $530,000,000 loss. It is not currently known how the bankruptcy will affect prices or service at the remaining establishments. The company estimates over $1 billion in debts and obligations and less than $30,000,000 in cash assets.

According to the company, the proceedings from bankruptcy will be used to “drive operational improvements, simplify the business through a reduction in locations, and pursue a sale of substantially all of its assets."

We have previously covered Maryland seafood. Read more here and here. A comprehensive list of Black-owned eateries is available here.

WI

June 4–6

John Legend with the Wolf Trap Orchestra

The Washington Chorus & Wolf Trap Present Joyfully Together

A Community-Powered Singing Celebration with Santino Fontana

June 1

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Big Boi

Danielle Ponder

June 15

Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes

June 16

TLC

En Vogue

Jody Watley

July 5

On Sale Now!

June 8

Patti LaBelle Gladys Knight

Pilobolus re:CREATION

July 10

Nas

30 th Anniversary of Illmatic National Symphony Orchestra

July 21

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis

Cécile McLorin Salvant

August 15

Boyz II Men Bell Biv DeVoe

August 17 + 18

…and many more!

5Red Lobster lovers will be sure to lament the recently-reported closures of nearly 50 locations across the country, including three in the DMV, as the company filed for bankruptcy on May 19. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

Biden Confronts Campus Protests and Calls for Cease-Fire in Morehouse Speech NATIONAL

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Before President Joe Biden’s commencement address at Morehouse College, an official told the Black Press that the White House was “very nervous,” primarily due to the ongoing protests of Israel's war in Palestine that have swept campuses around the country.

The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, noted that a group of alumni from Morehouse, Clark Atlanta, and Spelman had objected to the president’s appearance. Despite these objections, the school confirmed its invitation for Biden to address the 2024 graduating class and to bestow upon him an honorary degree, leading the White House and the president to agree to proceed with the address.

This decision was particularly important as the Biden-Harris campaign continued to court Black voters.

“It’s one of those things,” the official stated, noting that Stephen Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, traveled ahead of Biden to Morehouse to help smooth the path for the president and broker peace.

During the ceremony, Mel Foster, associate provost of Student Success, addressed the audience.

“We also ask that you respect the dignity and reputation of excellence at Morehouse College,” Foster asserted. “Although we respect everyone’s right to free speech, Morehouse has provided guidelines to ensure we are in full compliance with the law.”

The event featured several refer-

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ences to the global conflict, with some students and at least one faculty member wearing Palestinian scarves. In his opening prayer, the Rev. Claybon Lea Jr., a pastor from California, alluded to the plight of Palestinians.

Valedictorian DeAngelo Fletcher also addressed the issue, calling for a cease-fire in the Middle East.

“It is important to recognize that both sides have suffered heavy casualties in the wake of October 7,” he said. “It is my sense as a Morehouse man, nay, as a human being, to call for an immediate and a permanent cease-fire in the Gaza Strip.”

Biden’s speech highlighted historic investments in historically Black colleges and universities like Morehouse and underscored the diversity he has implemented at the highest levels of government. He cited the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a Morehouse graduate whose bust sits in the Oval Office, as a key inspiration for his political career.

Biden also sought to contrast himself with the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president Donald Trump, his likely opponent in November’s election. He asserted that Trump and other Republicans would dismantle the progress Black Americans have made in the past three years.

During Biden’s keynote speech, a handful of students and faculty

Biden also sought to contrast himself with the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president Donald Trump, his likely opponent in November’s election. He asserted that Trump and other Republicans would dismantle the progress Black Americans have made in the past three years.

members turned their backs on him, silently protesting his support of Israel’s war in Gaza during a spring that saw protests sweep across the country’s college campuses. At one point, as many as six students were seen seated with their backs to Biden, fists raised in the air, with at least one faculty member joining the demonstration.

Biden acknowledged the protests, stating, “Let me be clear: I support peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard, and I promise I hear them.”

He also addressed the Middle East conflict, calling it a humanitarian crisis.

“What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking,” he said.

“It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for an imme-

diate cease-fire to stop the fighting. Bring the hostages home.”

Biden subtly hinted at his hopes for the political future of his vice president and running mate, saying he was ”proud to put in the first Black woman on the United States Supreme Court.

“I have no doubt one day a Morehouse man will be on that court as well, just after an AKA from Howard,” referencing Vice President Kamala Harris’s membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha, a historically Black sorority, during her time at Howard University. Biden is the third U.S. President to receive an honorary degree from Morehouse, following Barack Obama in 2013 and Jimmy Carter in 1975 before he became president.

WI

5President Joe Biden, pictured here at Howard University’s commencement in 2023, addressed the students at Morehouse University and was honored with an honorary degree on Sunday, May 19. (WI File Photo)

Biden Holds Strong Support Among Black Voters, but still Faces Potential Hurdles Ahead of 2024

Biden and the Black Press

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Despite words of praise for former President Donald Trump from African American figures like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, President Joe Biden continues to enjoy strong support within the Black community. A new Pew Research Center study, “An Early Look at Black Voters’ Views on Biden, Trump, and Election 2024,” highlighted this trend, showing that a majority of Black voters believe Biden possesses the qualities needed for another term.

The study revealed that 77% of Black registered voters prefer Biden over Trump. However, researchers noted, “Biden’s advantage among this group is not as wide as it was four years ago,” an indication of a slight erosion of support.

The study also revealed that 83% of Black registered voters identify with or lean toward the Democratic Party, down from 88% in 2020. The shift is evident across gender and age demographics, with younger Black voters showing a higher tendency to lean Republican compared to their older counterparts.

Trump’s ratings among Black voters remain overwhelmingly negative. The study found that 72% of Black voters rated his presidency as poor or terrible, and 65% believe the twice-impeached and four-times indicted Trump broke the law in his alleged efforts to overturn the 2020 election. Despite this, 49% of Black voters express a desire to replace both Biden and Trump with different candidates if given the option.

The priorities of Black voters diverge somewhat from those of the general electorate. While the economy is a top concern for 73% of Americans, Black Americans place a strong importance on improving the education system (79%) and ensuring the financial stability of Social Security (74%). Other key issues include reducing healthcare costs (72%), addressing poverty (70%), reducing crime (68%), and tackling racial issues (65%).

Biden’s job performance approval among Black Americans has seen

some improvement. As of April 2024, 55% approve of his handling of the presidency, up from the neareven split in January 2024. This approval, however, is still below the 87% recorded early in his term.

Looking ahead to the 2024 election, 55% of Black voters believe the outcome is crucial as Trump’s plans include a dictatorship and an erosion of rights for all people of color, according to his biggest supporters’ “Project 2025” plan. Currently, 77% lean towards voting for Biden, while Trump garners support from 18% of Black voters, with younger African American voters more likely to support Trump compared to their older counterparts.

Confidence in Biden’s capabilities remains relatively high among Black voters, with 56% believing he respects democratic values and 50% confident in his ethical conduct. Only a small fraction extends these beliefs to Trump, with no more than 8% attributing similar qualities to him.

BIDEN THE BLACK PRESS

The Biden campaign could face significant challenges if it fails to engage adequately with the Black Press of America.

The Black Press, celebrating its 197th anniversary in Baltimore next month, continues to play a crucial role in reaching Black voters. Reflecting on a similar situation in 1992, President Bill Clinton faced backlash for reneging on a promise to address the Black Press at their annual convention. Ironically, that convention was held in Baltimore, the same city that’s hosting the 2024 conference.

“Clinton later made up for it by inviting the Black Press to the White House for a discussion, a move that helped him secure the presidency,” stated Philadelphia Tribune Publisher Robert Bogle, who famously led a press conference during that 1992 convention to denounce Clinton’s absence.

Bogle and Houston Defender CEO Sonny Messiah Jiles, who also helped lead the 1992 presser, told the

National Newspaper Publishers Association’s (NNPA) Let It Be Known morning news show that, if Biden neglects to address the Black Press or invest in significant advertising, his campaign risks alienating a critical voter base.

Overall, Biden still maintains a substantial lead among Black voters, but Jiles and Bogle said his campaign must navigate carefully to maintain and strengthen this support.

“Addressing the Black Press and focusing on the community’s unique priorities will be essential steps in securing their votes in the upcoming election,” Bogle asserted. WI

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n Business Cards

n Banners

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n Color Copies

n Contracts & Vouchers

n Church Fans

n Fax & Scan

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Tithe Envelopes n Tickets & Flyers

T-Shirts

Mugs

5Alex Okosi, the managing director at Google Africa; Julienne Uwac, the executive director in charge of Itorero and Culture Promotion at the Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement, and Robert Masozera, the director general of Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy, at the launch of Rwanda's cultural heritage collection on the Google Arts and Culture platform on Saturday, May 19. (Courtesy Photo/The New Times)

A partnership between the Rwanda Cultural Heritage Academy (RCHA) and Google Arts & Culture, created a platform that works to preserve and digitize Rwandan stories, images, and more, according to The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper.

In addition, launched on May 17 at the Rwanda Art Museum (former presidential palace), the RCHA gallery will also be an opportunity for visual artists to showcase their talents, giving demonstrations through images, videos, and 360 captures.

“This is a milestone for us who work in preserving the culture and heritage, but especially Rwanda. It will help us preserve and promote our heritage and culture. The platform currently consists of past exhibitions on the history of Rwanda, visuals of museums and heritage sites, and exhibitions that promote art and craft in Rwanda,” Chantal Umuhoza, who is in charge of exhibitions at RCHA told the media. She added that alongside these exhibitions, there are also photos of objects that haven’t been at public display.

“Many people who visit museums have access to exhibitions, but are not lucky enough to visit the reserves,” she explained. “This project gives authentic information on Rwanda’s culture and heritage, and what is most interesting is that it will be accessible by everyone all over the world.”

Alex Okosi, the managing director at Google Africa said that this milestone is important for Rwandans because it shares their culture to them, as well as the rest of the world who would wish to know it.

“The world gets to see the rich culture and the beauty of Rwanda. If I am Rwandan, there is nothing that will give me greater pride than to know that the world now understands my culture from whatever corner they are,” he noted.

Jemima Kakizi, artist and curator, who has been advocating for women in the art sector, told The New Times that being on Google Arts and Culture, means that you are an established artist or known in your country, which can give you more opportunities.

“When you see someone on that platform, you know this is someone credible. It will also increase our visibility. There is growth in the digital art scene and I am happy that even women artists have an article on the platform,” she added.

The project started in 2021, but its implementation was implemented from 2022. So far, 58 stories and 1,500 photos have been uploaded.

The Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) has announced the launch of its groundbreaking guidebook, “Artificial Intelligence Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism.” This artificial intelligence (AI) initiative, spearheaded by the CHTA Technology Task Force, marks a significant milestone as it is the first guidebook of its kind released by any regional Hotel and Tourism Association.

into the region’s tourism sector. (Courtesy Photo)

Authored by Christus Gill with AI support, the guidebook represents a major advancement in incorporating AI into the region’s tourism sector, setting a new standard for innovation and technological integration.

Building upon the World Travel and Tourism Council’s (WTTC) foundational guide, “Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Technology: Guide for Travel & Tourism Leaders,” CHTA has crafted a comprehensive resource for industry stakeholders. The AI Guidebook provides essential insights and best practices tailored to the unique landscape of Caribbean tourism. It aims to illuminate the myriad benefits of AI adoption and addresses the challenges and concerns that might arise.

Sanovnik Destang, executive director of Bay Gardens Resorts, chair of the CHTA Technology Task Force, and the main driver behind this initiative, shared his enthusiasm about this innovative tool.

“The AI Transformation Guide for Caribbean Tourism opens up a new realm of possibilities for our industry,” Destang said. “By integrating AI technologies, we can significantly enhance guest experiences, improve operational efficiencies, and push the boundaries of what Caribbean tourism can achieve.”

The guide explores Generative AI and other AI technologies, providing tailored insights and strategies for the Caribbean hospitality and tourism sectors. It addresses challenges and ethical considerations, showcasing AI’s potential to transform travel by combining innovation with creativity.

The CHTA Technology Task Force also plans to release a follow-up guidebook featuring case studies of AI implementation in Caribbean hotels and tourism companies. WI

HEALTH

Mental Health Challenges On The Rise Among Black Youth Community,

Health Leaders Tackle Pervasive Concerns

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

While mental health challenges have significantly increased since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic locally and nationwide, health leaders and advocates are working to address the growing concern of emotional distress and instability in young people.

Historically, Black youth have experienced lower rates of suicide and suicide attempts, but, recent data now indicates an alarming rise in statistics. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide rates among people aged 10-24 years increased 36.6% among African Americans from 2018-2021.

Dr. Colby Chapman Tyson, associate medical director of Inpatient Psychiatric Services at Children’s National Hospital, witnesses a variety of mental health challenges coming through her doors, including District youth toiling with displaced anger, violence, and suicidal ideations.

“It is hard to encapsulate [it] in just a few words, but, essentially what we are seeing is more youth, number one, just even coming into the emergency room for mental health needs. And then we are seeing a higher number of them requiring psychiatric admission,” Tyson told the Informer. “We are seeing higher levels of suicidality, suicide attempts outside the hospital but also inside the hospital now, [along with] higher levels of violence, aggression, severe anxiety, sometimes to a point where they struggle with even going to school.”

Based on a 2021 D.C. youth

survey, 17% of high schoolers in Washington, D.C. (including Black, Hispanic, and sexual minorities) have reported attempting suicide, which is greater than the national average of 7.4%.

Further, Tyson is continuing to see patterns of suicidal ideation without long-standing difficulties or warning signs leading up to it.

“We are seeing teens with no form of psychiatric history who are just struggling to cope with what is going on in the world; feeling alone, dealing with bullying and stressors, or trauma,” said Tyson. “Suicide is now kind of become this way of solving this problem, this overwhelming distress that they are dealing with to address painful emotions. We are seeing a lot of that [coupled with abuse of] severe substances.”

Within Black communities across the District, young people are dealing with a host of unique challenges that often vary from their non-Black peers. Some students face trauma, poverty, and family conflict, often compounded with disciplinary actions as opposed to mental health care within the school systems. Further, for some Black pupils and their families, a lack of appropriate resources and access to mental health care exacerbate the mental health crisis as a whole.

“Some of my patients are trying to support themselves with a mental health condition, but there is no electricity [in their home], and that is interfering with their sleep, which is affecting their bipolar disorder and causing them to go into a manic episode. It all can connect,” Tyson said. “Some of our youth

5 Dr. Sheryl Neverson, Senior Vice President of Clinical Strategy for the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, speaking during the Greatest of All Time (GOAT) Youth Mental Health Expo in 2023. The 2024 expo was held May 18 at Bowie State University. (WI File

Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

struggle academically, but that is the only thing that the world is focused on-- is if they are smart enough in school-- but we are not looking at mastery in other areas of their life, to help build their competence and esteem.”

PAYING IT FORWARD

TO THE COMMUNITY

Efforts are underway in Prince George’s County to provide resources and help break mental health stigmas, as the Volunteers of America Chesapeake & Carolinas, along with the Prince George’s County Health Department came together for the 3rd annual G.O.A.T (Greatest of All Time) Youth Mental Health Expo on May 18.

The goal of the expo is to expose young people and their caregivers to effective means of support to manage mental health and wellness.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, roughly half of the 57,000 Marylanders between the ages of 12-17 suffering from depression were unable to access treatment in 2023, while 1 in 6 teens report experiencing negative emotions either often or consistently.

Samiryah Chaney, 22, who sits on the Prince George’s County Youth Action Board and G.O.A.T Committee has experienced the arduous journey of foster care and homelessness in her younger years. Now, Chaney is working in her

community to share her knowledge and help young folks triumph from the trauma that many undergo.

“We are trying to raise awareness for our young people to get them to understand that mental health affects you in a lot of [different] ways,” Chaney said.

During her childhood, Chaney clinically battled bouts of anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, and depression. Her personal life challenges have given her the wisdom and resources to help other young people address their mental health concerns while encouraging change in her community.

“I felt misunderstood. Sometimes I felt like I couldn't properly convey to others how I felt, so I just wouldn't say anything at all. At times, the way I would [express] my struggles came off a little alarming to others. With our young people, they are just experiencing things and are not taught the necessary skills or knowledge they need to overcome it,” Chaney explained.

Chaney also told The Informer that social media is a prevalent component of rising depression and anxiety among this generation of youth.

“There are a lot of factors there. I’ve noticed a lot of things are starting to become a trend for people who are not [fully aware of what they are doing], so they are just hurting themselves. Last

year in November, I lost one of my cousins to a fentanyl overdose. I think she thought that it was ‘Molly’ (MDMA). A lot of people that I grew up with, and even rappers today, you [hear] died from an overdose but it was not deliberate,” said Chaney. “Another thing [I hear about] is cutting.”

Chaney continues to use her story as a means of encouragement to youth and young adults who have also struggled through disparaging circumstances while underscoring the importance of finding happiness and stability by any means.

“Some people don't see that even when you are in an [unfortunate] circumstance, it doesn’t mean you can’t overcome it. You will grow from it and you can still experience happiness,” Chaney told The Informer. “You may be in a very violent area that you don't particularly want to grow up in, or [maybe] a young kid in foster care who is not at home with your biological family, but there is always a brighter side to things.”

The young adult said she appreciates giving back to youth, because she knows she’s making a difference in their lives.

“I am just [sharing my] knowledge of what I think young people need or may be thinking,” Chaney said. “It just brings me happiness every day because I know I am making a change.”

WI

EDUCATION

PRINCIPAL from Page 5

landmark civil rights case attempted to enroll their children.

However, those efforts didn't amount to much according to Carlene Thompson, a Ward 7 resident who attended Sousa Junior High School more than a decade after Bolling v. Sharpe.

“The class photos we took were all Black,” said Carlene Thompson, 72. “If there were any white students, I didn't see them.”

Thompson, a Sousa student between 1966 and 1968, remembers what she calls the school’s family-oriented atmosphere, much like she had at home with her nine siblings, father and later her grandfather.

“The teachers took to me like a mother or father,” Thompson told The Informer. “They helped me grow. That's what kept me interested in school.”

During the 1967-68 school year, Thompson transferred to Hart Junior High School in Southeast to finish out her eighth grade year. That's where she said she first encountered white youths, and even white administrators, in an academic setting.

Though she and her white classmates got along well, Thompson said that the spring 1968 assassination of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr and riots that subsequently broke out across the District, and other U.S. cities, diminished any dreams of a multiracial utopia.

“The white kids were scared of the Black kids [and] the white principal was trying to get the white kids out of there,” Thompson said. “I didn't see any more of them. I'm not sure if he stayed long after that either.”

YOUNG PEOPLE

DISCUSS SCHOOL INTEGRATION, AND A DCPS ALUMNA LOOKS BACK

May 17, 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the Bolling v. Sharpe and Brown v. Board of Education decisions.

In the decades following the abolishment of de jure school segregation (segregation mandated by law and enforced by the government), the phenomenon took on a new life as families of means, color notwithstanding, jockeyed for the District’s more well-resourced, academically rigorous schools. At the same time, other schools, particularly those in the eastern part of the District, became under enrolled and underfunded-- a battle ever present to this day.

Despite the launch of sixth grade academies and other enrichment programs at once struggling District schools, and the Office of the State Superintendent of Education’s (OSSE) facilitation of an annual school enrollment lottery, some families still feel mired in a web of educational inequity that, in some respects, mirrors what they see on the streets and in their homes.

Last year, rumors about the closure of what’s now known as Sousa Middle School compelled students, teachers, faculty, parents and alumni to attend a school boundary and student assignment meeting that the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education hosted.

Sousa Middle School, like other schools located east of the Anacostia River, faced low enrollment that jeopardizes its budget and the ability of Black youths from the surrounding communities to enjoy a quality public school education within walking distance of their homes.

While students at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School, the first Black high school in the United States, enjoy a curriculum redesign that brings Afrofuturism into the classroom, safety concerns loom large in the aftermath of a May 3 shooting outside of

school grounds that shattered a window and injured a student.

A week after that shooting, Dunbar students and youth from other schools commemorated the Bolling v. Sharpe decision during an event that allowed for discussion about a local education ecosystem that now includes public, public charter schools, and African-centered private schools.

On May 10, dozens of students who attended the event, titled “An Examination of Black Education and Chess Tournament,” learned about prominent Black figures, watched African cultural dance and drum performances and discussed the impact of school integration before putting their wits to the test in a couple rounds of chess.

Program coordinator and D.C. Public Schools alumna Ateya BallLacy said she and chess instructor Vaughn Bennett hosted the event with the intent to instill academic excellence in Black children and further scrutinizing what they are, and aren’t, getting from their public school education.

Although she acknowledged the gains that many public school students are making in the D.C metropolitan area, Ball-Lacy still touted the need for a culturally-foundational education.

She heralded Nationhouse, an African-centered school that her daughter attended, as an ideal institution for Black children navi-

gating what she called a society lacking in principles.

“In our public school systems, there’s not a lot of effort to cultivate strong African children who are becoming strong African young adults,” Ball-Lacy told The Informer.

“When that process is missing, our children are coming out brilliant without a focus on nation building,” she added. “We have to be reflective on what’s working and what’s not working, how children are being socialized, what they are learning about their ancestors and what type of energy we are cultivating when it’s missing.”

Ball-Lacy said she received that type of education as a student at Shaw Junior High School between 1986 and 1989.

In 1928, Shaw Junior High School, an all-Black school, came into existence when the William McKinley Manual Training School, an all-white school, moved out of its building on 7th Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Northwest.

After school segregation ended, Shaw remained majority African American, and it began to deteriorate to the point that it became known as “Shameful Shaw.” During the latter part of the 1960s, the Rev. Walter Fauntroy founded the Model Inner City Community Organization (MICCO) as a means to organize residents and small business own-

ers around the Shaw community’s economic development.

Ultimately, the Shaw Urban Renewal Area Plan would come to fruition in 1969, a year after the assassination of King, who led a parade through the Shaw community in 1967 in support of MICCO’s efforts.

By the time Ball-Lacy enrolled in Shaw, the school moved to a new building on 9th Street and Rhode Island Avenue in Northwest. Though not what many today would define as an African-centered educational institution, Ball-Lacy said that Dr. Percy Langston Ellis, Jr., Shaw Junior High’s principal at the time, personified the same values as Nana Agyei Kwame Akoto, one of Nationhouse’s founders.

Those values, she said, fostered an atmosphere where she and her sister cultivated their genius under the watchful eye of multi-talented teachers, like band director Lloyd Hoover, and their principal who protected them from the elements of urban life.

“Dr. Ellis held everyone to a high standard,” Ball-Lacy said. “We were in the thick of the crack epidemic but we didn’t have that energy in the building. We were allowed to be children. Dr. Ellis was innovative in ways people weren’t ready for. If school funding was cut, it didn’t touch us. He

PRISON Page 36

5Sousa Junior High (now Sousa Middle School) was built in 1950 and is significant for its role in Bolling v. Sharpe. (Courtesy Photo/historicsites.dcpreservation.org via Martin Luther King Jr. Library)

PRINCIPAL from Page 5

stood 10 toes down in his stance against foolishment.”

A DISTRICT ELDER WHO EXPERIENCED SCHOOL

SEGREGATION

FIRSTHAND

Ann Ricks Underwood, an 89year old D.C. resident, spends much of her time with her daughter, other family members, and neighbors on her porch in Northwest where on any given day, conversations often run the gamut.

Oftentimes, Ricks Underwood and her family talk about the violent crime engulfing the District. As she reflected on her upbringing in the nation’s capital during legal segregation, Ricks Underwood didn't mince words about the current state of affairs.

“Our parents fought too hard for us to have an education, good books and to be able to go places for young people to act stupid and ignorant the way they are now,” Ricks Underwood told The Informer.

The middle child of three siblings, Ricks Underwood spent the first 12 years of her life in Georgetown, what was then a majority-Black enclave near Rock Creek Park and the C&O Canal in Northwest.

During her youth, Ricks Underwood went to Phillips and Wormley schools, an all-Black elementary school. By the time that she and her family moved to 18th Street in Northwest, above what's now known as DuPont Circle, Underwood attended Francis Junior High School, another allBlack school located right above Rock Creek Park.

In the fall of 1949, Ricks Underwood started attending Cardozo High School, then an all-Black school located on 9th Street and Vermont Avenue in Northwest. She counted among the “several hundred” young Black people who attended school in shifts due to overcrowding and a shortage of typewriters and other supplies.

At the start of her senior year in 1951, Ricks Underwood and her peers walked into the new Cardozo High School, which D.C. Public Schools moved to its cur-

rent location on 13th Street and Clifton Street.

Ricks Underwood said that the building originally housed Central High School, an all-white school that never filled to capacity. As a major in the school cadet program, Ricks Underwood had an opportunity to visit her new school before her peers so she could guide them through the hallways on the first day of school.

Upon entering the building, Ricks Underwood saw messages that the white students left for her and her peers.

“The whites left things like ‘nig**r’ on the wall and all the racist terms,” Ricks Underwood said. “We didn't pay that no never mind.”

Ricks Underwood told The Informer that her last year as a high school student showed her the potential of what Black children could achieve when given the appropriate resources.

“We all went to school at the same time,” Ricks Underwood said. “We had two gyms and a huge auditorium and they had different rooms for typewriters. We had everything we needed: our own locker and a cafeteria, which we didn't have [at the old school.]”

By 1952, Ricks Underwood graduated from Cardozo High School. She moved to Barry Farm in Southeast and went on to enjoy life as a wife, mother, and later a D.C. government and federal government employee.

At the time of the Bolling v. Sharpe and Brown v. Board of Education decisions, Ricks Underwood’s first child, Valeria, was only one year old. As she looked back on those times, Ricks Underwood realized that she had been in her all Black, family-oriented world, shielded from any worries about segregation.

“I was happy to hear that schools were integrated,” Ricks Underwood said as she reflected on her coming of age. “I didn't feel too much difference. We never went to the White House. It never bothered us. The only time I remember seeing a difference was going to Luray Caverns [in Virginia] and seeing they had “colored only” bathrooms.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

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

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

Early Vote Centers are closed May 27, 2024 for Memorial Day. Register to vote at dcboe.org/registertovote.

JPMorgan Chase’s Military Pathways Development Program Guides Veterans from Service to Success

By Angela Swinson Lee Special To The Washington Informer

U.S. Navy veteran, Kassandra Harriott is the youngest of six children in a military family. Her father is a retired U.S. Marine, and all of her siblings are still serving.

“The only thing outside of the military we know is that you retire, so for me deciding to leave the military there was no precedent for what that looked like,” Harriott said.

Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant journey and can sometimes pose challenges and uncertain opportunities. For veterans, this shift represents not only a change in career but can also mean a shift in identity, routine, and support systems.

JPMorgan Chase’s Military Pathways Development Program has helped Harriott navigate that transition. The program connects top veteran talent to essential roles at JPMorgan Chase and provides candidates the training, support and exposure they need to grow into future leaders across our most demanding businesses.

JOURNEYING INTO THE CORPORATE WORLD

“The Pathways program helped me transition into corporate life to align my transferable skills and my military experience with some of the roles offered at JPMorgan Chase. Given how the program is set up, there are two rotations for one-year roles, so in that time, you're able to apply training, network with colleagues and senior

level management and get exposure within the firm.”

Mark Elliott, global head of Military & Veterans Affairs at JPMorgan Chase, said service members and their families have sacrificed so much during their military service that the program provides an opportunity to give back and demonstrate an appreciation for that service.

“Our anchor initiative is to help veterans find meaningful careers when they transition out of the military, and that takes on so many different kinds of manifestations. One, it's about giving them an opportunity in our firm to discover what they’re good at outside of their military career,” Elliott said. “Some of our veterans know exactly what they want to do when they come out of the military, and they may not need to go through that kind of discovery phase, and so they’re placed in a job that affords them to take advantage of the skills that they know they have and that they know are necessary or desired in that particular team or line of business.”

RECOGNIZING CHALLENGES AND UNCERTAINTY AHEAD

Through his time working with the program, Elliott has found that one of the biggest challenges veterans often face is uncertainty.

“It's uncertainty about where do I fit in. Some may have left high school and went into the military, or they finished up a college degree and then they went into the military and that's all they've ever known,” said Elliott, who served nearly three decades in the U.S. Army. “When you step away from that, I liken it to leaving a family, and that family was everything to you. They embraced you. They hugged

you. When things were tough, they cheered you on, and now you step into the corporate world or nonmilitary, and you don't know what to expect.”

Harriott is convinced that the program has provided her with stability and the support of a community that sees the potential that military veterans have and allows them to explore their talents and different roles within the firm. “It’s been really validating to experience a company that really rec-

ognizes that and allows you the space to grow,” she said. “You can explore different types of roles and see what best aligns with you instead of choosing something that's the first pick up.”

HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES

As Memorial Day approaches, Harriott said, it’s a moment to reflect upon those who've served and those who are currently serv-

ing and remembering that someone is on deployment 24 hours a day. “It’s about just being thankful, showing gratitude toward them, and taking a moment to think about what their sacrifices mean for you and for this country.”

For more than a decade, JPMorgan Chase has partnered with the nonprofit organization Carry The Load for its Memorial May campaign and National Relay, a 20,000-mile journey across America to honor and remember the nation’s heroes.

“It is an honor to partner with Carry The Load to engage individuals across the nation on the true meaning of Memorial Day and help deliver the message that we must remember those who gave the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms,” said Elliott.

5U.S. Navy veteran, Kassandra Harriott

4Mark Elliott, global head of Military & Veterans Affairs at JPMorgan Chase

We’re proud to support the people, businesses and neighborhoods of Greater D.C. for over 50 years. Together, we’re creating a stronger, more inclusive economy for generations to come.

By Washington Gas President Blue Jenkins

A famous parable describes an old fish meeting two others while swimming in the ocean. He asks, “'How’s the water, boys?' The two youngsters paddle out of sight before asking each other, “What the heck is water?'

We may not have fins and gills— and if you do, you must have an exciting life!—but like those young fish, we can become so immersed in our world that we lose perspective. The natural gas industry’s role in our energy landscape dramatically illustrates this.

Let’s be frank: our data show that a small but vocal minority of people think the natural gas industry should disappear altogether. However, when we consider the practicalities of this economy-wide transformation and look at established data, it quickly becomes evident that natural gas is a critical and indispensable component of our energy mix today and in the future.

The steady flow of natural gas fuels us as we live, work and play. Its silent reliability has become our “water”—so omnipresent that this safe and reliable energy is easy to take for granted. It supports our modern lifestyle in countless ways.

Consider the far-reaching impact of natural gas on our global economy and the small businesses that drive our region. It fuels innovation while supporting numerous core industries, from education to healthcare and commerce to construction.

Enjoying the benefits of natural gas is only possible because of our dedicated employees and repeated investments that maintain a vast network of essential infrastructure. We’re also focused on operating efficiently and safely, helping our customers use energy more effectively and investing in lower-carbon solutions. We advocate for energy choice and support

balanced energy policies.

Supporting balanced energy policies is absolutely critical as we help our communities resolve the energy trilemma. This term refers to the three interrelated challenges of making our future energy ecosystem affordable, reliable and aligned with climate goals. Washington Gas has focused on balanced energy choices for decades.

If we aren’t mindful, discussions about our future energy ecosystem can become more about concepts and less about delivering real-world solutions. We must never forget that providing energy is all about people. Supplying robust options empowers everyone in our communities to make the choices that allow them to live their best lives.

Resolving the energy trilemma underscores the importance of providing energy choices, which is especially critical for vulnerable populations. U.S. Department of Energy data finds that at a national level, financially at-risk households spend a more significant portion of their income on home energy costs (often referred to as energy burden). Studies also find that these families face an energy burden three times higher than other households.

Closer to home, DC Fiscal Policy Institute data listed the 2022 D.C. poverty rate at 13.3%. Washington Gas alone serves approximately 35,000 at-risk customers. Rapidly or dramatically increasing energy costs can significantly impact such households.

Many current conversations surround the concept of full-house electrification. While that approach has passionate advocates, it’s simply not yet practical or cost-effective to rip out well-functioning, critical appliances and replace them overnight with all-electrical appliances. Such a step often requires changes to household wiring while also impacting the electrical distribution and wholesale generation system.

Beyond feasibility, our policymakers must remain focused on customer affordability – both the upfront costs of new appliances and the new impact on the monthly bill. You may already know the following statistic from the

‘How’s the Water?’

American Gas Association (AGA) because it’s so striking. Natural gas is 3.3 times more affordable than electricity and significantly more affordable than several other residential energy sources for the same amount of energy delivered.

Tripling a household’s energy costs isn’t an option, especially for those struggling financially. Too often already, friends and neighbors in our communities ask themselves, “Do I pay my utility bill or buy medicine or food?” Our duty as energy providers is to support energy affordability where possible, such as the Washington Area Fuel Fund. Again, a balanced perspective on the energy trilemma means that we must always think about affordability as we work to deliver climate goals.

Affordable energy and its economic benefits strengthen consumer choices. Any significant cost change impacts individuals’ ability to live and work where they choose. Everyone, especially those living in underserved households, deserves secure choices aligned with their budgets and lifestyles.

You can tell that I like data! Let’s keep going.

The AGA also finds that homes using natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $1,132 per year compared to those using electricity. Natural gas has also saved American families $125 billion over the past 10 years.

Natural gas is a huge success story. This is good news when you realize that energy use is growing. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimates that primary energy will increase between 16% and 57% by 2050. Having choices and options is a way to help pay for this new growth.

To proactively address these growing needs, Washington Gas has committed to modernizing our pipelines with $1.7 billion of capital to deploy over the next five years through approved and filed accelerated pipe replacement programs. Programs such as PROJECTpipes (D.C.), SAVE (Virginia) and STRIDE (Maryland) are enhancing system safety and efficiency as we replace cast iron and bare steel pipe with new corrosion-resistant high-density polyethylene pipes.

These long-term initiatives have logged noteworthy results, such as 39.58 miles of pipe replaced in 2023 alone. Each foot of upgraded pipe strengthens both safety and reliability.

As an added benefit, our modernization activity has cumulatively reduced 358,602 metric tons of greenhouse gas equivalents as of the end of 2023.

Should innovative natural gas solutions be part of our shared energy future? Absolutely, and that’s one reason we’re advancing our renewable natural gas initiatives. More simply known as RNG, this form of natural gas is produced from local sources, such as organic waste from landfills, wastewater treatment plants and agricultural operations.

RNG offers a lower-carbon fuel source that supports the same applications as conventional natural gas, including electricity generation, heating, industrial applications and transportation. It can also be stored and transported using the existing natural gas infrastructure instead of the cost and delays of new delivery systems.

It’s no secret that AI is already energy-intensive and will create even more unprecedented demands on our power grids. As the Washington Post recently reported, Northern Virginia alone needs the equivalent of several large nuclear power plants to serve all the

new data centers planned and under construction. As a fuel source, RNG can help data centers meet their energy needs.

Tomorrow is bright and built upon our shared history. Washington was a small town when Washington Gas brought light to its first customer, the U.S. Capitol, in 1848. We have grown with this community ever since and care deeply about the 1.2 million customers we serve today.

We are proud to be there for our customers and will continue to work every day to earn your trust and confidence. WGL is committed to meeting changing energy needs in a lower-carbon future. Our plans for tomorrow are firmly rooted in our service to our customers and communities today.

So, as we consider the challenges of the energy trilemma, let’s not forget the wisdom of that savvy old fish. Natural gas helps create the safe, dependable “water” surrounding our daily lives. That’s a comforting reality as we swim toward our shared-energy future.

D.C. Leaders Want to Respond to Citizens’ Requests, but Congress Keeps Getting in the Way

For longtime District residents, conversations surrounding statehood can cause frustration and fatigue.

Since 1801, District residents, abiding by all obligations of American citizenship, have sought to be equal to all other citizens of the United States – a request that continues to be denied. According to summary statements shared by the D.C, Statehood website, the U.S. remains the only nation in the world with a representative, democratic constitution that denies voting representation in the national legislature to citizens of the capital.

But it goes further. All legislation, including the local budget for the District, must be approved by Congress. And so, like the ubiquitous “big brother,” Congress remains hellbent on interfering in the local affairs of the District.

The latest example of Congress sticking its nose in affairs that could be better handled by District leaders, and should be addressed by local leaders, is the DC CRIMES Act, which House lawmakers passed on May 15, by a vote of 225 to 181. The Act represents another example of members of Congress asserting congressional control over the District – this time by prohibiting the D.C. Council from pursuing softon-crime sentencing policies.

H.R. 7530, the D.C. Criminal Reform to Immediately Make Everyone Safer (DC CRIMES) Act, illustrates the latest instance of the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducting constitutional responsibility to oversee the District. The chairman of the Committee, James Comer (R-Ky.) applauded the bipartisan passage of the bill which was sponsored by Committee member Rep. Byron Donalds, a Black Republican from Brooklyn, NY, who, since 2021, has represented Florida’s 19th District which includes much of Southwest Florida.

Pardon our ignorance but what qualifies Congressman Comer, a Republican born in Carthage, Tennessee, who represents 35 counties in Kentucky, from the Mississippi River to Central Kentucky, and Donalds, to speak to the needs of D.C.’s 712,000 residents?

After the House passed the DC CRIMES Act, D.C. Mayor Bowser said, “Congress should be hands off when it comes to local affairs,” while agreeing that some federal issues related to public safety merit their attention, like “getting judges appointed and ensuring that prosecution rates match those of other big cities – that’s where their focus should lie.”

D.C. residents have grown frustrated and angry over the recent crime wave that has involved young offenders. After hearing the complaints of their constituents, the D.C. Council and the mayor have worked through the process of shoring up legislation to reduce juvenile crime.

But Congress, clearly unimpressed with the abilities of the leaders that D.C. residents have elected, once more has exerted its own dominance.

The Republican-backed bill limits youth offender status to 18 and younger, instead of 24, directs the attorney general to create a website posting weekly statistics on juvenile crime, and prohibits the D.C. Council from making changes to existing criminal liability sentences.

Let’s cut to the chase: D.C. taxpayers pay more federal taxes than 12 states; has more residents than Vermont and Wyoming and is comparable in population with states that include Delaware and Alaska.

The District has sent nearly 200,000 men and women to defend and fight for democracy abroad with 2,000 of those patriots never making it back home. Residents of the nation’s capital elect a delegate to the House of Representatives who can draft legislation (Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton) but cannot vote. Further, D.C. operates its own school system and manages its own SNAP and Medicaid programs.

And while D.C. has passed 24 consecutive balanced budgets and is fiscally independent, it is still subject to the congressional appropriations process and riders that allow any member of Congress to impose their will on District residents.

“Without statehood, the District has always had to adapt to restrictions imposed on it by the federal government, ranging from the pro-

hibition on regulating the sale of recreational marijuana to the law restricting the height of buildings,” said Dr. Yesim Taylor ,executive director, DC Policy Center, in a June 2021 interview with The Washington Post, said. “If the District had voting representation in Congress, lawmakers could lobby more effectively for federal grant funding available to all states.”

Statehood is the only remedy that provides full representation in Congress for the residents of Washington, D.C. So, what’s the real reason for their objections?

The District is no longer “Chocolate City” – the name it first gained in 1957 when the District became the first large city in the US with a majority-Black population. In fact, most of the people moving into

D.C. since 2010 have been white. And while District residents were encouraged after Congress passed the DC Home Rule Act of 1973, the federal government has continued to control local affairs in the District.

Maybe, Congress just doesn’t want to see another “blue state” enter the Union. WI

Kudos to Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. It’s exciting that Maryland could potentially have its first Black woman senator. The time is now!

Gail Harvey Laurel, Md.

TO THE EDITOR

Big congratulations to all the high school and college graduates and the families who’ve supported them along the way. Let no one take your accomplishments from you. And thank you, Washington Informer, for documenting the graduates in our community.

Wren Dillard Washington, D.C.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Federal Judge Halts New CFPB Rule on Credit Card Late Fees

halted the rule's implementation.

May 14 was the day that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was set to implement a new rule that would save credit card holders an estimated $14 billion each year. The rule would provide savings of $220 per year on average for people who are charged late fees. Instead, a federal district judge imposed a temporary injunction that

Reactions to the injunction marked a clear divide between corporate business interests that claimed and cheered a legal victory while many government and consumer groups saw the decision as harmful to the more than 167 million consumers who have credit cards.

CFPB seeks to lower credit card late fees to $8 per month, instead of the current $32 now charged by a $1 trillion industry that has steadily jacked up the price of delinquent fees for years. Further, the rule would

only apply to card issuers that have one million or more accounts. It would also allow these very large issuers an opportunity to justify future proposed increases by showing the CFPB actual costs incurred.

Speaking on behalf of the Biden administration's ongoing efforts to end a variety of junk fees, spokesman Jeremy Edwards said, "We are disappointed that a court sided with House Republicans, big banks and special interests to hit pause on a critical measure to save American families billions in junk fees."

Poor and Low-Income People Need to Vote

"There were 15 presidential debates in 2020," thunders the Rev. William Barber, the co-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign: A National Call for a Moral Revival (www.poorpeoplescampaign.org). I've heard him make this point many times, and sometimes the exclusion so rankles him that he shifts from conversational mode to preacher mode, with all the thunder

The fact that exit polls showed that Donald Trump received 9% of the Black vote in 2016, the highest number for a GOP candidate since George Bush in 2000, and then won 12% in the presidential race in 2020 should be a cause for concern.

Moreover, some recent polls surprisingly showed that if the

that comes with the shift. According to Barber, not 30 minutes was devoted to poverty in any of the 15 debates. No wonder poor folks don't vote — few talk to or hear them. So they stay home.

Politicians might pay more attention to their issues if more poor folks voted. Instead, many Republicans consider poverty some kind of a moral failure. And while Democrats tend to promulgate policies that provide some assistance at the bottom, they often couch them in terms that do not appeal to people experiencing poverty.

For example, I recently talked to a young brother who says he will not vote. He says neither Democrats nor Republicans appeal to him. When I spoke to him about some things the Biden-Harris administration has done to benefit the Black community — including infrastructure spending, HBCU assistance, and more. The young man said he doesn't go to college and doesn't plan to. "Politicians don't care about poor people, just the middle class." Nothing I said could convince the young man that voting made a difference. He

"It is disappointing that the court has granted this last-ditch effort by the banks to prevent these critical limits on credit card late fees from going into effect next week," said Chuck Bell, advocacy program director for Consumer Reports. "Credit card companies have been bilking consumers out of billions of dollars in excessive late fees for far too long."

"The financial burden of late fees falls most heavily on people living paycheck-to-paycheck, low- and moderate-income consumers, and people of color," continued Bell.

"CFPB research has found that people with low incomes pay proportionately bigger fees because they tend to have smaller credit card balances."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation and lead plaintiff in the litigation, issued a statement that underscored the longstanding and anticipated future opposition to the CFPB.

"The CFPB's attempted micro-

CROWELL Page 45

described voting as a "trick bag" and made vaguely insulting comments about "old Black civil rights people" (was he talking about me?) who put too much faith in the system. I didn’t have the energy to argue with the young brother. I have little faith in the system, but, as I told him, you can't win if you don't play, and Black folks have to play the politics game. You do, I don't, he said. I guess that was the last word.

Rev. Barber hopes to ignite this young man and the many others who stay home. He says that a third of

the electorate (85 million people) are poor and low-income and comprise between 34% and 46% of voters in battleground states and more than 20% in all but five states. That means, in a 2020 election, where the victor won by fewer than 100,000 votes in three key states, poor people may hold elections in their hands. Their failure to vote reminds me of the Biblical "dry bones" that turn to flesh. Today's dry bones are uncast votes that might make a difference in the 2024

presidential election was held today, 17% of Black voters say they would vote for Trump and, even more troubling, 20% say they would vote for someone other than either Trump or President Biden.

Black voters have been the largest and most loyal voting bloc for Democrats for years, but there has been a shift in the number of Black voters who consider themselves Democrats.

That trend could be explained partially by a number of younger

Black voters with no direct experience with the civil rights movement. They have scant knowledge and no direct personal memory. They feel disappointed with Democrats and the Biden administration and seem willing to consider Trump despite his blatant and toxic racial baggage. This disconnection with the Democratic party is felt most strongly with some young Black males, many in critical battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Arizona, Pennsyl-

vania and North Carolina where Democrats need every vote. Most of these states have large concentrations of Black voters in their urban areas. This is a special issue in potentially close races like this one because the Electoral College gives Republicans a massive advantage in federal elections. This system allows them to govern with a minority of the popular vote.

However, there is also data that shows that the Democratic candidate for president over the last five presidential elections since 2000

has averaged 90% of the Black vote with an average of only 8% for the GOP candidate. In addition, the overwhelming concern of most Black voters continues to be race and racism with a particular aversion to the reprehensible and duplicitous Trump who has shown repeatedly that he is an instigator of racial hate. Any relationship he has with Black voters has been deceptive and disingenuous.

Julianne Malveaux

M. Suggs

Charlene Crowell

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Daisy Bates: From Little Rock to the

like to do. In the class, I offered two subjects. One was gun security in the home. The other was African American history.

A few weeks ago you might have read about my family reunion and being a former teacher, I like to teach the little ones something about our history. To be honest the young teens were busy sharing their latest dance and cheerleading steps; however, to my pleasant surprise, my 6-year-old nephew, Francis, came to the lecture while others did whatever young teens

Imagine my great surprise when the 6-year-old Francis told me he already knew about gun security because he learned that from his parents, but a greater surprise was the interest he showed in Black history. I put on the table a deck of Black history cards. He went through the stack and picked out the ones he wanted me to talk about. The first one was Daisy

U. S. Capitol

Bates. The reason that was such a pleasant surprise was the fact that around the time we were talking, a memorial to Daisy Bates was being installed in the U.S. Capitol. In 2009, the organization for which I served as National President, installed Sojourner Truth. My friend, former first lady Michelle Obama, delivered the main address about Sojourner. Another friend, Cicely Tyson — a Delta — performed the "Ain't I a Woman" speech.

Now here we are finally with

No New Police Bills Without Oversight and Accountability

Services grant program, commonly known as COPS.

"If there's no criminal accountability of police for criminal behavior, then the fox is guarding the henhouse, and we're the hens, and we're living in a country that's becoming a police state." — Maya Wiley

Since 1994, Congress has appropriated more than $20 billion for the Community Oriented Policing

The Biden-Harris administration is making bold moves to ensure America leads the global clean energy economy of the 21st century. We are at the crossroads of our country's next major shift in trade policy and domestic manufacturing that will define our economy for decades. The last time we were here was more than 30 years ago. I was

Has this program made communities safer? We don't know, because in its entire 30-year existence, it has operated without any oversight, transparency or accountability measures.

Last month's Senate Judiciary Committee hearing was the first full committee meeting ever on oversight of the COPS Program.

Yet a bill to pump another $3.25 billion into the program over the next five years — again, without

adding oversight, transparency, or accountability measures — has bipartisan support and is poised to sail through Congress.

As election season approaches, lawmakers appear desperate to stoke fears of a nonexistent crime wave and paint their rivals as "soft on crime."

In fact, the measures proposed to respond to the fantasy of rising crime would harm vulnerable communities of color and undermine public safety and community trust. Furthermore, the cynical timing

the fourth Black woman being installed with a memorial, led by two people from Arkansas whose families, no doubt, were even more strongly opposed to the part Daisy Bates played in our history: Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Sen. Tom Cotton! Did they finally see the light about equal justice or were they just there due to their positions in government? You may decide.

Daisy Bates is my Soror in Delta Sigma Theta. While I am proud of her for that reason, there is

more. Tragically as a 3-year-old child, her mother was killed by a white man, and naturally, that had a lasting negative impact on her. It caused her to go to foster care. After foster care, she was married young and moved to Little Rock, Arkansas. She became a journalist and built a newspaper through which she dedicated her life to ending racial injustice. That was very dangerous, but she did it anyway.

of these proposals by those who continue to downplay the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on law enforcement on makes a mockery of National Police Week, an annual convening to honor, remember and support law enforcement and officers lost in the line of duty.

To much fanfare and posturing, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives last week passed a bill that would "eviscerate due process" for immigrants accused of assaulting a police officer. Contrary to the misleading rhetoric sur-

rounding the bill and its inflammatory title, the "Detain and Deport Illegal Aliens Who Assault Cops Act" immigrants already are subject to deportation upon conviction of violent crimes. This bill would subject immigrants merely accused of assault to mandatory, indefinite jailing. In some states, immigrants accused of offenses that did not even involve physical contact could be jailed indefinitely.

The House also passed the DC

helping to organize the movement to stop the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). The framework being put forward this time, by the current administration, is the anti-NAFTA moment American workers have been waiting for. I am organizing in support of it.

The tariffs announced this month on electric vehicles (EVs), solar panels, batteries, semiconductors, and materials like aluminum and steel are part of a broader regime of policies and investments creating the foundation for America's leadership

in the next economy.

These tariffs are part of a smart, targeted approach that stands at odds with the flailing, nonstrategic approach of his predecessor. They show the president understands the threats posed by China and has the courage to take them on in a real and impactful way.

And the administration gets that tariffs are just one piece of the puzzle.

In his remarks at the signing ceremony for the tariffs, Biden highlighted his bipartisan infrastructure law's investment in building 500,000 EV

charging stations nationwide and the "thousands and thousands of [International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers] jobs" it would create. The tariffs will help ensure the aluminum, steel, solar panels, and other components and materials for these charging stations are American-made. And that means even more good American jobs.

NAFTA cost our country hundreds of thousands of jobs and devastated America's manufacturing sector. By contrast, Biden's trade policies, coupled with other policies

and investments, have the power to create a green jobs boom and birth a new manufacturing renaissance. Companies have already announced over $825 billion in private sector investments in U.S. manufacturing and clean energy since Biden took office. All of this is key not only to long-term job creation, but to stopping China's domination of the next economy.

A future in which China holds all the economic cards is one in which

WILLIAMS Page 46

Marc H. Morial

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Biden's Anti-NAFTA Moment Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Fellow

Memorial Day weekend is where theatrics meet fun and creativity with this bundle of boastful events and exhibitions.

If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy with the family, then Thursday is the perfect day to check out the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival or Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s presentation

of Beauty and the Beast.

Dive into oceanic topics with Ocean Explorer Theater, or enjoy the immersive experiences of Saturday’s “Ways of Seeing Time” exhibition, or Sunday’s Mosaic Theater: Mexodus.

Horror-genre lovers are in for a delight with the Paranormal Cirque, while U Street hosts a Caribbean bar crawl to celebrate the holiday with drink specials and good music. Aiming for something more relaxed

and comedic? Join the Kennedy Center in welcoming Angelina Spicer with a screening of her comedy special, “The Waldorf Hysteria.”

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 23

Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Carnival

6 p.m. | $35.00

Odenton Volunteer Fire Company, 1425 Annapolis Road, Odenton, MD 21113

Set your calendar for The Odenton Volunteer Fire Company‘s annual carnival, starting running through Monday, May 27. Enjoy a variety of rides, games, food, and fun for the whole family, including a presentation of Colors by the Odenton Volunteer Fire Company’s Honor Guard on Memorial Day, beginning at 5 p.m.

All you can ride bracelets for the carnival rides will be sold each night of the carnival for $35.00. Please note, the bracelets are only good for the date of purchase.

Toby's Dinner Theatre Presents Beauty and the Beast

6 p.m. | $79.00

Toby's Dinner Theatre Columbia, 5900 Symphony Woods Road, Columbia, MD 21044

Featuring the animated film’s Academy Award®-winning score, this breathtaking musical is the story of Belle and the Beast, who happens to be a handsome prince cursed by a

SATURDAY, MAY 25

Ways of Seeing Time

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Free Gallery 3700, 3700 S Four Mile Run Drive, Arlington, VA 22206

“Ways of Seeing Time” displays work created by artist and scientist Kristen Orr.

What started as an attempt to heal from her recent heartbreak became a collection of positive ideas about time. With the thought that these ideas might help others dealing with existential dread, Orr assembled her favorite ways of seeing time into a zine – a small art booklet – that she made copies of and shared with many people.

The work on view in Gallery 3700 recreates select pages from this zine at a large scale using cut vinyl text and gouache paintings on watercolor paper.

beautiful enchantress.

If the Beast can learn to love and be loved, the curse will be lifted. If not, he and his servants will be doomed for all eternity. Will their love bloom before time runs out?

Tickets can be purchased directly through the Box Office by calling (410) 730-8311.

FRIDAY, MAY 24

Ocean Explorer Theater Spotlight Gallery Talks & Tours

11 a.m. - Noon | Free National Museum of Natural History, Constitution Avenue NW & 10th Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Looking for a deeper dive into ocean topics like animal adaptations, behavior, biodiversity, or ecology?

Come and join some of the Ocean Educators in Explorer Theater to watch short videos, explore specimens, and learn more about earth.

Located on the 1st floor of the Explorer Theater in the Sant Ocean Hall Venue at the National Museum of Natural History.

Paranormal Cirque

7:30 p.m. | $20.00+

St Charles Towne Center, 11110 Mall Circle, Waldorf, MD 20603

Paranormal Cirque III, is a one-ofa-kind production, featuring artists with the sole purpose of taking audiences on a sensual journey of acrobatics, contortion, and aerial acts that include: death-defying stunts, creepy creatures, and haunting performances.

No-one under the age of 13 will be admitted to the show. Guests aged 13 - 17 must be accompanied by an adult.

SUNDAY, MAY 26

Mosaic Theater: Mexodus 3 p.m. | $70.00

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

In a world premiere co-production with Baltimore Center Stage, Brian Quijada and Nygel D. Robinson use live-looping to create a musical, where history meets hip-hop in this groundbreaking theatrical experience that explores the often-untold stories of enslaved people in the United States who sought freedom in Mexico, rather than looking north.

The Waldorf Hysteria 7 p.m. | Free with reservation Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Come to the Kennedy Center for a screening of Social Practice Resident Angelina Spicer’s comedy special, “The Waldorf Hysteria,” featuring a post-screening panel with Spicer and other maternal health advocates.

“The Waldorf Hysteria” takes audiences through the pain, truth, and funny parts of motherhood. The story follows Spicer, a young, ambitious, up-and-coming stand-up comedian who suddenly feels trapped and overwhelmed by the demands of her newborn.

This comedy special will show that postpartum depression is an issue for women of all races, ages, and socio-economic statuses.

WI

5“Beauty and the Beast” is one of several Toby’s Dinner Theatre’s 2024 productions that promises an enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. The production will run until June 16. (Courtesy Photo/Toby’s Dinner Theatre)

From Childhood to Today, Actor Glynn Turman Continues to Make His Mark in TV, Film, Beyond

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Glynn Turman is always working. Starting as a child actor, the award-winning talent has two projects that will capture the interest of those who have followed his career, and those who might be new to the longtime stage, television and film artist.

Airing now on AppleTV+, Turman is featured in “The Big Cigar,” a mini-series about Black Panther Party member Huey P. Newton, who, with the help of a few celebrities, escaped to Cuba to avoid prosecution for murder. In an exclusive interview with The Washington Informer, Turman revealed he knew Newton.

“I don’t think this aspect of the Huey P. Newton story has ever been told,” Turman said. “He was pursued by the FBI, and we learn about his efforts to avoid being captured [for] a crime he did not commit.”

Actor, producer, and director Don Cheadle is attached to “The Big Cigar.” He is a co-executive producer and directed the first two episodes that Turman is in.

Turman is also in the cast for a Kevin Costner project, “Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1.” The film, a Civil War Western, premieres in theaters on June 28. Behind the successful “Yellowstone” projects, Costner is the executive pro-

ducer, director and lead actor for “Horizon.”

Costner and Turman have known each other for many years. They admire each other’s work and are ranchers and horsemen.

According to Turman, he was approached to be in “Yellowstone,” but there were scheduling conflicts.

“He came up with this and gave me a call,” Turman said about “Horizon.” “I just had a great time working with him. We shot in Zion National Park in Utah.”

Both “The Big Cigar” and “Horizon” found Turman working with directors who started as actors.

“There’s a short-hand communication between actors,” Turman said. “We know how to communicate the emotion, or how to phrase what we want to get across from actor to actor.”

If that were not enough, Turman has been on tour with fellow actors for the groundbreaking television sitcom “A Different World.”

A new generation of viewers is now seeing reruns of the series. The actors have been enthusiastically welcomed on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) campuses.

“The questions from the HBCU students were so smart,” Turman said. “Some of the

issues we dealt with on the show are still relevant today.”

Turman receives some of the biggest applause during the HBCU tour because students have seen him in commercials for Ivy Park Beyoncé Knowles Carter's clothing line. One of the commercials, in which Turman wears a denim jumpsuit, was filmed on his ranch in Southern California.

“My wife got jealous because the

students were calling me ‘old zaddy,’’’ he joked.

From a child on Broadway in “A Raisin in the Sun,” to now in two new films, Turman will continue to be in demand.

“Just another reason my mouth fell open to see him in the ‘A Different World’ reunion touring HBCUs! A spry 77, Glynn Turman's first big acting role came at 12, originating Travis Younger in ‘A Raisin in the Sun’ on Broadway

in 1959,” said social media user Valerie Hawkins on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Learn more about Turman in “The Legend of Glynn Turman,” a documentary about his life, now streaming on Roku, Tubi, Peacock, Crackle, Sling, Prime Video, Vudu, Hoopla and many more.

View the trailer for “The Legend of Glynn Turman” documentary at LegendofGlynnTurmanTrailer WI

5Actor Glynn Turman maintains a busy schedule. He is now starring in two films, “The Big Cigar” and “Horizon: An American Saga-Chapter 1.” (Courtesy Photo/ Bobby Quillard.)

4

Motown Records alumni were on a panel to share stories of their time as artists for the label as part of the “Motown DC” exhibit premier event. (L-

R) George Spann from The Dynamic Superiors, Frank Hooker of The Young Senators, Joe Herndon of The Temptations, moderator Dr. Nick of ATX Soul Radio, singer Carolyn Crawford, and Louvain Demps of The Andantes.

(Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Motown Exhibition Brings Back DC Memories of Legendary Music

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Bruch Violin Concerto No. 1 WITH JONATHAN CARNEY

Orchestra seats start at $21 BUY TODAY AT BSOMUSIC.ORG SAT, JUN 1, 8 PM THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE

KODÁLY Dances of Galánta

BRUCH Violin

Concerto No. 1

PRICE Symphony No. 1

Thomas Wilkins, conductor

Jonathan Carney, violin

BSO Concertmaster Jonathan Carney takes center stage in Bruch’s beloved Violin Concerto No. 1, the epitome of Romantic beauty complete with soaring lyricism and a fiery finale. The pioneering Symphony No. 1 by Florence Price— the first Black woman to have a symphony played by a major orchestra—embodies the very fabric of American identity, melding lush textures and ingenious melodies that paint a vivid portrait of our rich musical heritage.

THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE | 877.276.1444

Easily accessible via the D.C. Metro Red Line.

An exhibition based on the music born from the heart and soul of Berry Gordy, founder of Motown Records, is now open in Southeast D.C. “Motown DC,” which includes photos and memorabilia about legendary Motown artists, is at the Anacostia Arts Center until July 7. Beverly Lindsay-Johnson and Nikki Graves Henderson meticulously co-curated this exhibition.

“There are more than 90-plus photos of legendary Motown artists such as The Temptations, The Supremes, The Four Tops, Martha & The Vandellas, Marvin Gaye, The Velvelettes, The Marvelettes, Mary Wells, Stevie Wonder, and other music legends of Motown,” said Lindsay-Johnson. “Also on display are personal items on loan by several original Motown artists.”

A few historic Globe Posters promoting shows held in D.C. are on display. One poster at “Motown DC” is for the famous 1964 Motortown Revue, which is what a Motown tour was called back in the day.

HOW DO YOU GET TO MOTOWN

At a recent special event for “Motown DC,” several Motown veterans shared their stories during a panel discussion in collaboration with The African American Music Association.

Moderated by Dr. Nick of ATX Soul Radio, the panel included singer Carolyn Crawford, Louvain Demps, a Motown background singer with the Andantes, George Spann from The Dynamic Superiors, Joe Herndon with The Temptations, and Frank Hooker of The Young Senators.

The panel discussion was a great reunion of Motown alumni, and the audience loved it. Crawford and Demps came to Motown in the early 1960s. Both followed a similar response path Motown through an ad seeking singers and writers.

For Herndon, The Young Senators and The Dynamic Superiors, it was being in the right place at the right time and receiving recommendations from networking.

“On my 14th birthday, I recorded my first record with Motown, called ‘Forget About Me,” said Crawford, who composed that hit record. “I then negotiated my record deal directly with Gordy.”

The Dynamic Superiors from D.C. came to Motown, resulting from a last-minute booking for a convention in Atlanta before Christmas in 1972. That’s where they met Ewart Abner, a Motown executive.

“In two weeks, he called and flew us to L.A. to meet the Motown folks. Each group member had their own hotel suite for 10 days,” said Spann. “We were used to staying two or three to a room.”

Motown’s girl background group, The Andantes, began recording at Motown in 1962, recording nearly 25,000 songs.

Demps said, “We sang night and afternoon. We did not do a particular number of songs daily because we did them so fast.”

When Eddie Kendricks left The Temptations to pursue a solo career, he needed a band. He heard about D.C.’s popular band, The Young Senators.

“Kendricks was staying at the Watergate when we met with him,” said Hoover. “Eddie was traveling, and we were having a ball!”

Herndon, a member of The Temptations from 2003 to 2015, was a perfect example of networking. Ali-Ollie Woodson, a group member from 1984 to 1986, introduced Herndon to Otis Williams, the only still-living original member. Herndon came to the group as a bass vocalist reminiscent of original member Melvin Williams.

“I was told to put your suit up because you’re going on tonight,” said Herndon. He was unsure if he knew those famous Temptation steps. “I realized by being backstage observing, I could probably fake it. But I was surprised that I knew that much.”

The “Motown DC” exhibition is funded by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.

The Anacostia Arts Center is located at 1231 Marion Barry Avenue, SE. For more information visit anacostiaartscenter.com.

WI @bcscomm

Herb Alpert and Lani Hall Deliver the Hits to Their Fans

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Herb Alpert’s recent performance was a beautiful walk down memory lane as audiences were treated to the oral history of his amazing career and two compilations of greatest hits.

The legendary artist’s wife Lani Hall was a vocalist with Sérgio Mendes and Brasil '66, so the audience was treated to music from Alpert’s catalog and the early hits from Sérgio Mendes. Three exceptional musicians and vocalists performing with Alpert and Hall were pianist Bill Cantos, bassist Hussain Jiffry, and drummer Tiki Pasillas.

Even though The Tijuana Brass, Alpert’s group, may have been considered pop music artists, their sound was a mix of different styles.

“It was a hybrid of Brazilian jazz, American jazz, pop music, classical music, and African,” Alpert told the audience.

The group’s music was heard on television shows like the original “Dating Game,” which used Alpert's “Spanish Fly” and “Whipped Cream,” the theme and tune in between segments. Audiences were showered with the sounds “Casino Royale,” “Tijuana Taxi,” “Lollipops and Rose,” “This Guy’s in Love with You,” and more.

The added bonus from the Strathmore concert were videos and photos of Alpert from days when he was writing, producing a touring. As an painter and sculptor, slides of those creations from Alpert also served as scenery for the evening of music.

He talked about meeting Hall when Brasil '66 toured with The Tijuana Brass. They’ve been married for 50 years, and they showed quite a bit of “personal display of affection” while they were on stage. Hall’s Brasil '66 set included “The Look of Love,” “Mas Que Nada,” “Fool on the Hill,” “Pretty World” and more.

Alpert has played an important role in music throughout his career. At age 89, his portfolio is impressive.

He is the “A” in A&M Records. With a diverse list of artists on its roster, A&M was one of the largest independent record labels, with artists including: Quincy Jones, Liza Minnelli, Gino Vannelli, Janet Jackson, the Police; Sting; the Brothers Johnson, Wes Montgomery, and others. Known as a philanthropist and educator, the Herb Alpert Foundation has supported 75 different organizations ranging from the Jazz Foundation of America, Jazz Education Network, Southern Poverty Law Center, and Homeboy Industries, which provides training programs to former gang-involved and previously incarcerated men and women. There’s also Herb Alpert Schools of Music at UCLA and CalArts and the Herb Alpert Music Center at Los Angeles City College.

WI

@bcscomm

BY MARY ZIMMERMAN DIRECTED BY PSALMAYENE 24

PHOTO BY BRITTANY DILIBERTO

3Legendary trumpeter, composer, record label titan, fine artist, and philanthropist Herb Alpert and his wife, vocalist Lani Hall, performed at Strathmore Hall in North Bethesda on May 17. Pictured (L-R) are Lani Hall, bassist Hussain Jiffry, and Herb Alpert. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

review wi book

By Diane Richards

c.2024,

Amistad

$28

384 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Beyonce does it.

So does Misty Copeland, Drake, Alicia Keys and Chaka Khan. You'd do it, too, if you thought you could sing and dance and make a living at it. Alas, not everyone can be a paid performer on a big stage, but Whitney Houston was. So was Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. Katherine Dunham did it and as you'll see in the new novel "Ella" by Diane Richards, so did a little girl from Yonkers.

You can do anything.

That's what Ella's mother, Tempie, always said, and Ella took that to heart. She decided that she was going to make a living with her feet by dancing at the clubs in her neighborhood. Ella loved to dance, and she was good at it.

But everything changed in the winter of 1932. Times were hard and Tempie had to tell Ella that she couldn't dance at the clubs anymore. Doing laundry brought in more cash, so Ella had to help Tempie with white folks' wash.

The two clashed. They yelled and screamed at one another. Ella couldn't have regretted her words more when Tempie died and everything changed.

Dancing? No more, said Ella's stepfather, and he followed it up with punches. You need an education, said Aunt Virginia, who took Ella in when she ran away from that man. Here's where real money is, said the man in charge of numbers running, just before Ella skipped school to break the law. Get to work, snarled the supervisor at the New York State Training School for Girls, a sort of juvenile hall where Ella was sent for truancy.

Get outta here, said the bouncer at a club, after Ella escaped the School and made her way to Harlem.

One day, she'd have lunch with Marilyn Monroe. She'd perform with Duke Ellington and she'd appear on TV and in movies. But when she finally landed a spot on Amateur Night at the Apollo, she didn't dance.

No, Ella Fitzgerald opened her mouth and sang …

Based on a few years in the life of the real singer, "Ella" is great for readers who like a deep dive into historical fiction. Author Diane Richards says in her Author's Notes that she holds a longtime fascination for the singer, and it shows in Richards' detailed retelling.

Covering about 22 important months of Fitzgerald's life (with bookends set in 1948), Richards gives readers a subtle sense of the tough times that surrounded her subject. With the Great Depression as a backdrop, we get to know a determined Fitzgerald, a teenager who'd do anything to follow her dreams, but who needed to make money first — and we meet the women who launched her. It's a story you'll like, with highs and lows that will make you happy and make your heart pound.

horoscopes

Don't be surprised if you forget that this book is a novel; if it turns you into a fan, check out the resources near the back cover for more. For you, "Ella" is a book that'll make you sing. WI MAY 23 - 29,

ARIES Getting to the bottom of a wellness concern proves frustrating at the start of the week. That's because it could be tough to pinpoint. Patience and postponing any action for the time being serve you well. Later, the cosmos urges you to consider new ways to broaden your horizons, hone your skills, and pursue your professional dreams. Cast a wide net while researching your options and you could land on a particularly exciting opportunity. Lucky Numbers: 11, 12, 37

TAURUS A blast of creativity could inspire you to work with colleagues on artistic endeavors at the week's start. Consider whether you feel drawn to a project. Later, you might have an increased sense of clarity around your partnership or what you want from your next intimate bond. You might also do well to spend one-on-one time with the object of your affection, because the mood is right for expressing your emotions in a deep, physical, and passionate way. Lucky Numbers: 3, 9, 21

GEMINI At the beginning of the week, you might find a way to weave more self-care into your day. You'll be especially in tune with your intuition, so trust what it's telling you, and let that guide your next steps. Later, if you've wanted to enjoy more oneon-one time with your significant other, closest friend, or a potential mate, the cosmos brings a perfect time to enjoy one another's company, work together toward a shared goal, and even take your bond to the next level. Lucky Numbers: 11, 29, 56

CANCER Consider having that important conversation with your partner or close colleague early in the week. You're able to connect intellectually and get closer to hitting a shared goal through hard work. Later, you could be feeling optimistic about a new healthful eating plan you'd like to try. Dive into researching all the details, and consider whether or not it will fit into your daily life. As long as you feel like it's the right routine, and the right time to try it out, you'll set yourself up for success. Lucky Numbers: 5, 25, 50

LEO When the week begins, you might be prepared to pitch an idea to higher-ups. Your sense of fun comes through, but you might run the risk of being too optimistic and overestimate how much you can take on. Trying to lead with a more measured approach can help you. Later in the week, it's a beautiful time to connect with your partner. Be spontaneous, let the moment lead wherever it shall, and you'll boost your chemistry in a magical way. Lucky Numbers: 6, 21, 40

VIRGO You might find it's easier than ever to work with a colleague or a friend on a project early in the week. Bouncing ideas back and forth and then leaning into one another's strengths can turn a dream into reality. Later, you'll be feeling passionate, joyful, and intently focused on new ways to express yourself. Let yourself revel in the moment and fully embrace your instincts to write or have colorful, flirtatious conversations. This can attract new opportunities. Lucky Numbers: 19, 37, 53

LIBRA You'll be one happy social butterfly when the week begins. Not only will you be feeling jovial, but you'll be having a blast with friends and loved ones. You'll be feeling optimistic about your existing relationships and psyched to foster new connections. Later, the stage is set for confusion that could have you feeling exhausted. Employing your favorite stress-management techniques can help you navigate this rough patch without compromising your well-being. Lucky Numbers: 4, 22, 48

SCORPIO You might be feeling especially whimsical and loving early in the week. Make a point of sharing how you feel with your partner or someone else special. Anything you've been fantasizing about now can easily be turned into reality if you're willing to let yourself get swept away in the moment. Later, it's an ideal time to connect with colleagues, higher-ups, or potential business partners and share your biggest, boldest ideas. Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 26

SAGITTARIUS Setting an ambitious personal goal might very well be at the top of your mind when the week begins. You feel like you can take on the world and easily level up your day-to-day game so that you're able to make long-term dreams a reality. The more you can connect with others the more successful you'll be! Later, it could be more challenging to strike that elusive work/life balance. Part of the issue is not having all the facts to make definitive plans. Lucky Numbers: 2, 19, 31

CAPRICORN Progress on a long-term professional goal is within sight at the start of the week. You'll be ready to get to work applying for a new opportunity or signing up for training that will allow you to hone your skill set. If it's time for you to make an important decision that could have reverberating effects on your career, you'll feel ready to make your move. Later, you're inspired to expand your mind in a way that feeds your brain and your heart. Working with an expert like a Reiki practitioner, attending a sound bath, or learning Tarot might be exactly what your soul is craving now. Lucky Numbers: 13, 14, 36

AQUARIUS At the beginning of the week, you might struggle to get on the same page as your partner or close loved one when it comes to a crucial financial matter. The issue is that you don't have all the information you need. Wait until the haze passes and you'll land on a solution. Later, you can gain clarity about your closest bonds and how they're serving you. You'll do well to open up about your deepest, most intense emotions, because it can bolster a feeling of connectedness with others and simultaneously help you better understand how you feel. Lucky Numbers: 3, 26, 43

PISCES Early in the week, you could be fantasizing about planning an exciting, long-distance trip or taking a class that allows you to expand your artistic skills. Allow yourself to bask in these thoughts, then consider which ones your heart is calling you to turn into concrete goals. Later, the cosmos steps up the warmth in your romantic and platonic bonds. A group date, party, or other opportunity to enjoy the company of loved ones can feel incredibly comforting. Lucky Numbers: 4, 36, 46

"Ella: A Novel"

EARTH OUR

Prince George’s County zoning maps list the property as residential. Under the county’s zoning ordinance, that should mean the space can’t serve as a “junkyard” or provide “outdoor storage” as a principal use.

It took the town a year to remove all the old bins from the lot: the last of the garbage cans, along with almost all the other junk, were taken out by May 16.

One homeowner watched all of this play out from her own front yard. The 26,000 square-foot lot directly abuts her property on Opus Avenue, separated by a chain-link fence. Tidy houses with neatly mown lawns line the rest of the suburban street, where almost all the residents are Black or Latino.

“To put a junkyard in a completely residential neighborhood is ridiculous,” Dana Torres*, 48, said. “It's just disrespectful to the people that are here. But because most of us are over-consumed with working and surviving to keep ourselves afloat, we don't have the time or the connections or the finances to fight this.”

Torres’ name has been changed because of concerns about how speaking out could affect her future job options if employers search for her name.

A fourth-generation native Washingtonian, Torres moved to Capitol Heights a decade ago, seeking a peaceful place for her family that still had metro access. She spent eight years driving for Uber, sometimes for up to 13 hours a day, while raising her son as a single mom.

“You invest in your home, not only because it's an investment, but because this is where your heart is—this is where you want to leave a legacy for your family,” Torres said.

But Torres is still coping with serious, and increasingly expensive, rodent problems that started with the trash cans’ arrival at the storage lot. She can hear groundhogs scratching and squealing inside her home’s walls. Their burrows have cropped up all over her yard, right at the foundations of the house, causing water leaks in her

basement when it rains. In 10 years living there, Torres said, she had never before had such acute issues.

In response to a request for an interview, Capitol Heights mayor Linda Monroe provided two written statements, in which she said that the town’s former trash services provider, Bates Trucking and Trash Removal, was supposed to take the bins away.

She explained that the town did not have the appropriate vehicles to efficiently deal with the garbage cans and had been “diligently removing wheels from each bin” before taking them away to “an approved dumping area.”

“It's a tedious but steady process,” Monroe wrote in the email, sent a week before the final cans were removed. “I am truly empathetic of the residents’ plight and know that the intention of the Town is to eventually resolve this temporary situation.”

TAKING IT UP WITH THE TOWN

After attempting to address the trash and rodent problems with officials at both the town and county levels, Torres said she felt “disheartened” by the process. The town had taken away some of the cans throughout the year, she said, but the pace of their removal picked up after the Informer first began asking about the storage lot in mid-April.

“Honestly… they would not have moved that stuff,” she said in a voice message to an Informer reporter May 16. “We’ve been complaining and complaining and complaining. So I’m so happy that it’s moved.”

Bates Trucking declined to comment on the situation with Capitol Heights, instead directing the Informer to speak with the company’s lawyer, Robert Dashiell. Dashiell said he believed the trash cans would still belong to Bates Trucking and did not know why the company had not taken them elsewhere.

In her statement, Monroe acknowledged that the town might sometimes “without intent, fall short.”

Monroe and other Capitol Heights

3 A Capitol Heights-owned storage lot on a residential street housed 1500 garbage cans, unwrapped mattresses, tires and construction equipment when the Informer visited April 16. The town cleared the last of the junk by May 16, about a year after it had first placed the garbage bins in the facility. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

officials declined to answer specific questions about what prompted the faster removals in April and May, as well as most questions about why the trash cans were put there in the first place, why another company was not contracted to remove them more quickly, and what plans the town has for the storage lot going forward.

BEYOND APPEARANCES: PERSISTENT PROBLEMS

Torres has already spent around $1200 for wildlife control services to deal with the groundhogs around her home. The rodents had dug burrows all over her yard, including right around the edges of her house. Filling those holes with cement had little effect, since she couldn’t do much to address the rodents’ nearby source of food and habitat.

One of the tunnels runs right near an air conditioning unit, causing water to leak into the basement when it rains. She was told it will cost $13,000 to address the water damage and add new waterproofing measures. Moreover, Torres uses the basement, which has its own entrance, as an Airbnb rental. Summers are her busiest time. Last year she could not rent the place out all season because of the scratching noises. Torres estimates she will have lost around $20,000 of income she had earmarked for her son’s tuition at Montclair State University, where he is junior.

“He was also in an accelerated master’s program,” Torres said. “He's going to need to come home and not finish that master's there, but look for something more local where he can be at home.”

Ernest Buchanan, a neighbor who has lived across from the storage lot since 1978, said that while the spot has always looked bad, it used to be primarily used for storing vehicles, equipment and materials for fairly short periods of time. He said it’s gotten worse in “the last few years” as dumped items were left in the facility for longer.

In interviews, multiple Opus Avenue residents mentioned noise from trucks and from the work going on at the facility. During the week that the trash cans were being taken apart, Gonzalez described the sounds coming from the lot as a loud “noise like a grinder.” Several residents also mentioned mosquitoes or flies that swarm around the lot when items stored inside collect standing water during the summer.

Not all residents along the street are concerned about the facility—Calvin Jakes, a neighbor who lives across the street and three houses down from the storage lot, said he “had no problems” with it. Those living in homes directly surrounding the site tended to report more issues.

Raul Cordova, a father of two who lives next door to Torres, said that he has had to deal with longstanding groundhog and raccoon problems on his property. The area behind his yard is forested, and according to county

maps, a small part of that land belongs to Cordova. But next to his portion sits a long-abandoned house, and next to that is a parcel owned by Capitol Heights. All of it, Cordova said, attracts illegal dumping.

“I found out that part of the property is mine, which is why I have taken charge and started cleaning it, but the obstacle… is that people from around the area continue to throw garbage over and over again after I have already cleaned it,” Cordova wrote in a text exchange with the Informer, which has been translated from Spanish. “I have tried to contact the city of Capitol Heights and ask them to please take charge of cleaning up the rest of the property that is not mine, so the problem can be reduced a little. But I still have no response and no help of any kind.”

Torres said she sees the existence of the storage facility in her neighborhood as an “apparent” example of “environmental racism.”

“The thing that’s so disheartening is… our town is run by people of color, but I think we all [still] have experiences where we know our voices are never heard—they know that they can just do anything, and there are no repercussions,” Torres said. “If they were to put this in a white neighborhood, there would be backlash, and it would not even occur.”

This story is part 1 of a two-part series about the town of Capitol Heights’ handling of its storage facility on Opus Avenue.

WI

4 The Opus Avenue storage facility on May 19, shortly after Capitol Heights finished clearing it out. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

GARBAGE from Page 1

SPORTS

Davis Boxing Promotions Delivers Top-notch Boxing Show at ESA

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

There is no boxing show like one in the DMV area, and on Saturday, May 18, Davis Boxing Promotions put on one of those classic events. Featuring some of the top young, super featherweight, bantam and super bantamweights– including two champions in the co and main events– local boxing fans were treated to a memorable night at the Entertainment and Sports Arena (ESA) in Southeast, Washington.

The festive atmosphere featured go-go and hip-hop music blasting in the background and iconic Hall of Fame Ring Announcer Henry "Discombobulating"' Jones on the microphone. Other treats included the showcasing of Sharon Sams as one of the rare female ring referees, who showcased her skills as the only woman referee in the ring in four of the fights.

This was all put on the mastermind of Eric Davis, of Davis Boxing Promotions.

"I had been doing some comedy and talent shows but I always wanted to delve into boxing because of its rich history in Wash-

ington, D.C.,” said Davis.

"So, in 2022, I stepped out on a leap of faith and started Davis Boxing Promotions. We started our first three shows at the Merrick Center in Southeast before moving to the ESA. Coming from Southeast, D.C., in what is called East of the River, it held special meaning for me to be able to host it there."

Davis told The Informer that, like in all new ventures, there are growing pains.

"There were questions surrounding the quality of fighters on the card, so we made a conscious effort to provide the best quality fighters for the boxing fans," he explained.

On Saturday, there were nine fights on the card, with a mix of the top fighters from the DMV (Waldorf, Falls Church, Hagerstown and Washington, D.C.).

To give it a blend of quality opponents, Davis brought in fighters from other areas including Puerto Rico and Mexico. Perhaps the most interesting fighter on the card may have been Juan Hernandez Martinez (4-4-2), from Mexico, who fought heavily favored recently crowned champion

Dwayne Holmes, Jr. (6-0) in the

co main event.

"He traveled by bus from Mexico to San Antonio, then to Washington, D.C. to fight in this event," said Davis, referring to Hernandez Martinez's determination. "And it proved one of the big surprises of the event as he lost in a decision to Holmes in perhaps the most competitive fight of the night from start to finish."

David added: "To do what he did and only be 20 years old, he has a tremendously bright future."

In the much-anticipated main event, there was a clash between Jordan "Short Dog" White (17-1, 11 knockouts (KOs) and veteran Jonathan Oquendo-Rinaldi (31-

9, 19 KOs). Oquendo-Rinaldi, who was regarded as a strong challenger to White, was recently crowned NABF champion.

It proved to be not as much of a battle as anticipated as White made quick work by disposing of Oquendo-Rinaldi with 1:06 seconds in the first round.

"Short Dog had been scoring first round knockouts through his recent career, but the thinking was that Oquendo-Rinaldi would serve as a huge test." noted Davis.

Other results include:

• Francois Scarboro (7-0) defeated Jose Rodriguez Crespo (64-1) winning by toal knockout (TKO)

• Chris Glenn (6-0-1) won a split decision Jason Versa (5-11)

• Ervin Fuller III (7-0) won a unanimous decision over

• Donte Dunnaville (5-1)

• Jeffrey Yu (4-1) knocked out Harley MacPherson, who was also making his debut.

• Shakell Daley (4-0) scored a TKO over Dylan Nixon, who was fighting in his first professional fight.

• Josiyah Giles (5-0) won a unanimous decision over Charles Puryear.

• Nicholas Isaac (4-0)

scored a unanimous decision over James Holcombe, who was also making his debut.

"Our goal is to take D.C. boxing to the next level," explained Davis. "We have excellent boxing talent here. The next step is to get a network to consider us. To let them know that Vegas and California are not the only areas where boxing should be shown. I have an excellent team working with me and we feel that we are ready to make the next step in bringing boxing back to D.C.."

Gary "Digital" Williams has been around the sport for 35 years and has seen boxing up-close and personal. He shared his notion on how to take boxing to the next level in the D.C. area.

"The problem has not been that we have to bring boxing back; it has always been here," says Williams, who was honored at the event for his contributions to the sport. "The problem has been consistency with regards to promotions over a period of time. That's what Davis Promotions is attempting to accomplish. There are some quality young fighters here in this area. They have a lot of potential. I like what I see."

The Washington Informer will begin a series of profiles on the top young boxers in the area. WI

5Dwayne "Sugar Wayne" Holmes Jr. (right) lands a right hook across the face of Juan Hernandez Martinez (left) during the co-main event of the Davis Boxing Promotions’ card at the Entertainment and Sports Arena on Saturday, May 18. Holmes Jr. outlasted Hernandez Martinez eight rounds to secure a majority decision victory. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

The DC Democratic Party held its Kennedys-King Dinner at Nationals Park in Washington, DC, on Friday, May 17. The honorees and speakers were Virginia State Sen. President Pro Tem Louise Lucas, Charlie Rodriquez of the Puerto Rico Democratic Party, and U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas.

3Celebrated publicist Raymone Bain and Sumayya Lane of the D.C. Federation of Democratic Women. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3Charles E. Wilson, chair of the DC Democratic Party, speaking during the Kennedys-King Dinner at Nationals Park. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5Tonya V. Kinlow and Eugene Kinlow. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (center) with her daughter Miranda.(Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

3U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett, the event’s keynote speaker, shares a laugh with the audience during her speech at the Kennedys-King Dinner at Nationals Park on Friday, May 17. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Successful Mother-Daughter Duo Linked by Faith

By Hami R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

When it comes to walking by faith and having endurance to conquer insurmountable odds, Bianca Ward Washington has learned a lot from her mother, Dr. Cherie Ward, director of the Jim Vance Media Program at Archbishop Carroll High School in Northeast, D.C. While life hasn’t always been easy for the mother and daughter, the two are living examples of the power of prayer and perseverance.

On Thursday, May 23, when members of the Class of 2024, graduate from Carroll, Bianca will be salutatorian of her class, achieving the second highest grade point average. However the family celebrations don’t end there. Next month, Ward will receive the Veteran Teacher of Year at the school's annual Kennedy Center Gala.

As the two relish in these achievements, they noted life was much different in the fall of 2021.

"It was during the Christmas season, and I prayed to ask God to spare my mother's life and send her home for Christmas,” said Bianca in an interview. “I never gave up because I knew my mother would have wanted me to continue to excel and I believed God would answer me. She went to the hospital on December 6 and she came home on [December] 22. He answered my prayer and I was grateful."

While Ward only had a 20% chance of survival from neurosurgery for a life-threatening aneurysm, she said she wasn’t worried.

“I have had my last rights read to me five times and yet I am still here to talk about it. I knew that as long as I relinquished my actions and humbled my thoughts to that part of the process I knew that I could achieve anything,” she said.

The mother and educator said Bianca’s worries were compounded by the fact that Ward’s mom died from

the very same condition.

"The 27th Psalm, ‘The Lord is my light and my salvation, whom shall I fear,’ is the prayer my mother gave me to say daily during my young adulthood,” Ward said. “And when she passed away unexpectedly the morning of my graduation from Howard University, I knew that whatever God had in store for me was going to take the strength and endurance that was being asked of me at that time.”

Ward is the former poet laureate for the D.C. City Council's Black History programs and Miss District of Columbia. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of the District of Columbia and director of Communications for the Whole Genome Science Foundation. She has earned her Master of Arts and PhD in Communications, Culture, and Media Studies from Howard University.

Ward is also co-founder of TEDxHowardUniversity, TEDxLeDroitPark, and TEDxBrookland, author of her book, “By the Rubric of Rhythm, They'll Read,” and producer of her upcoming children's educational television program, “Lumumba's Playground.”

While Bianca is a fairly private person, she earned the respect of other pupils at Carroll as the president of Peer Ministry, a group of students who help facilitate activities that promote faith and service within the school community.

Through all the trials and tribulations, this mother and daughter have endured, they are both optimistic about the future. Ward said,

"All things are possible through Christ who strengthens us,” said Bianca, who will be attending Jefferson University in Philadelphia and plans to major in Architecture. Reflecting on her journey, She said, “sometimes you have to just let go and let God."

But Ward concluded the interview with a poem she wrote called: “Jesus as a Hiding Place.”

When all others have forsaken thee, and to you

The world has covered its face,

Just know, there’s a hiding place.

Somewhere, and someone to whom you can turn

Whenever it seems you’re alone,

Without a friend and family to comfort you

And it seems no place is home.

There’s shelter, a pavilion, that’s been reserved for vagabonds like you

No matter the baggage or trials that are challenging,

His goodness and mercy shine through---

The darkest hour, and remotest abyss

From which one can’t find their course, A path has been paved to mountains on high Inner strength is now gained from a higher source.

Sometimes daily existence is overwhelming.

Just can’t seem to keep pace,

Someone has already died for your sins

In Jesus, there’s a hiding place.

He’s the answer and solution

To problems that trouble you so,

Open honesty and an earnest heart

Is all’s needed, when on bended knee you go.

Prayer to him changes things

No matter how rough the road may be,

Regardless the weight of your burdens

Relying on him is the key—

To locked doors, new beginnings and horizons seemingly beyond reach

Lift thy head to the son of God,

For his help and wisdom, you beseech.

All one has to do is ask

And thou shalt conquer any race, Seek sanctuary in his tabernacle

To find in Jesus, there’s a hiding place.

By Cherie A. Ward

5 Dr. Cherie Ward and her daughter Bianca Ward Washington use faith and endurance to overcome insurmountable odds, and both are set to receive high honors from Archbishop Carroll High School in Northeast, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

This Memorial Day, let us remember the 209,145 Black soldiers and White officers who fought as part of the Union Army of the American Civil War.

On Friday, Dr. Frank Smith was my radio show guest on "The Lyndia Grant Show" (Spirit 1340 WYCB, a Radio One Station), talking about the history of the project, and how the Spirit of Freedom Memorial is celebrated each year on the Sunday before the Memorial Day holiday, when hundreds of Black motorcycle riders called Rolling Thunder show up for a short ceremony. They come from across the nation, and the African American Civil War Memorial at Vermont Avenue and U Street in northwest Washington is an annual stop for Black Motorcycle riders, and they have been coming now for more than 10. This year the date of the Rolling Thunder celebration is Sunday, May 26, beginning at 10 a.m. The public is invited to attend.

Dr. Smith announced on my show that Rolling Thunder also gives a donation to the African American Civil War Memorial each year as well.

On another note, on July 18, this monument will celebrate its 26th anniversary. Unveiled on a hot, clear day, on July 18, 1998, with a crowd of more than 30,000 visitors from around the world who came to see the unveiling ceremony of the Civil War Memorial, erected for the United States Colored Troops. Descendant families attended, each wearing T-shirts with pride, bearing the name and regiment of the soldier who fought in the war which saved the Union, from their partic-

LYNDIA GRANT AND SISTER DR. JENNA

Remembering the USCT of the American Civil War the religion corner WITH

ular family. Media spoke with many families and wrote stories In newspapers across the country bought the plight of various soldiers. In fact, the granddaughter and great grandson of Frederick Douglass, along with other family members were here for the unveiling. His name is Kevin Douglass-Greene.

Appointed by D.C. Councilman Frank Smith to serve as project director, the unveiling celebration was planned under my leadership. I, Lyndia Grant, worked with more than 200 volunteers. Media coordination was part of my job, until the end, when the unveiling date approached, we hired a full-time press coordinator, my dear friend and colleague, Lavonia Perryman Fairfax.

The press came from far and near! On unveiling day, every major network had TV cameras parked around this Memorial. Our architect Paul Devrouax (now deceased) was on a major news station during the morning news. Dr. Frank Smith, our founder, was on another channel; Rev. Reginald Green, board secretary was on; and our board chair, Beverly Perry, then-senior vice president of Pepco, was on the morning news too.

I never will forget when Fox Morning News called to have a representative on their morning news, I contacted Dr. Smith to ask him who did he want to go. He said, "Lyndia, you got all of our key players on various news channels, you, will have to go on Fox Morning News. You're the project director." So, I did!

For those of you who are not familiar with the history of the American Civil War, and how the U.S. Colored Troops officially became members of the Union Army, here is what happened. The United States War Department issued General Order 143 on May 22, 1863, which authorized the establishment of the U.S. Colored Troops. The order also established a bureau in the Adjutant General's Office to record matters relating to the organization of the troops.

The War Department issued General Order 143 on May 22, 1863,

creating the United States Colored Troops. By the end of the Civil War, roughly 179,000 Black men (10% of the Union Army) served as soldiers in the U.S. Army, and another 19,000 served in the Navy. The new official number today is 209,145 United States Colored Troops, confirmed by the National Park Services and the National Archives and Records.

Here is a short history of the United States Colored Troops, this Memorial Day holiday weekend. These records were taken from the National Archives and Records. "The issues of emancipation and military service were intertwined from the onset of the Civil War. News that the Confederacy had attacked the U.S. garrison at Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina — which began the Civil War in earnest — set off a rush by free Black men to enlist in U.S. military units. They were turned away, however, because a 1792 federal law barred them from bearing arms for the U.S. Army. In Boston, disappointed would-be volunteers met and passed a resolution requesting that the government modify its laws to permit their enlistment.

President Lincoln's administration wrestled with the idea of authorizing the recruitment of Black troops, but was concerned that such a move would prompt the border states to secede. When Gen. John C. Frémont in Missouri and Gen. David Hunter in South Carolina issued proclamations that emancipated enslaved people in their military regions and permitted them to enlist, their superiors sternly revoked their orders. By mid-1862, however, the government was pushed into reconsidering the ban because of the escalating number of formerly enslaved people coming over Union lines (referred to in the military as "contrabands"), the declining number of white volunteers, and the pressing personnel needs of the Union Army.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

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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

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 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

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 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

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 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 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

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 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 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

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

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 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 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 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 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

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 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

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 000535

Benjamin Jamison Jr. Decedent

Stevaughn J. Bush, Esq. 600 Maryland Ave SW, Ste. 800E Washington, DC 20024 Attorney

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

Timothy Jamison, whose address is 6610 Insey St., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benjamin Jamison Jr. who died on January 18, 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Timothy Jamison

Representative

of Wills

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 000476

Neva Blake aka Neva Rosabud Ward Murray Blake aka Neva R. Blake Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW, Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

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

Andre Antonius Blake aka Andre Blake, whose address is 1438 Alabama Ave., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Neva Blake aka Neva Rosabud Ward Murray Blake aka Neva R. Blake who died on 12/13/2023 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Andre Blake 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 000549

Gloria B. Hood aka Gloria Hood Decedent

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

Angela Hallman-Tabron, whose address is 6615 Calmos Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria B. Hood aka Gloria Hood 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Angela Hallman-Tabron 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 000047

Larry Turner aka Larry Paul Turner Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq. The Geller Law Group 4000 Legato Road, Suite 1100 Fairfax, VA 22033 Attorney

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

Alice Paterick Paxton, whose address is 2354 N. Oakland Street, Arlington, VA 22207, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Larry Turner aka Larry Paul Turner who died on April 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Alice Paterick Paxton 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 000506

James Michael Robinson Decedent

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

Cheryl Ann Robinson, whose address is 4418 6th Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Michael Robinson who died on March 15, 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Cheryl Ann Robinson

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000507

Mae Young Cundiff Decedent

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

Charmaine Cundiff, whose address is 132 56th Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mae Young Cundiff who died on March 18, 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Charmaine Cundiff 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

2018 ADM 000929

Sheila R. Tilghman Milbourne aka Sheila Roberta Tilghman Milbourne Decedent

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

Carolyn Ramona Davis Hantz, whose address is 28 – 46th Place NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sheila R. Tilghman Milbourne aka Sheila Roberta Tilghman Milbourne who died on September 13, 2017 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Carolyn Ramona Davis Hantz 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 000496

Joann Brown Decedent

James W. Taglieri 1100 Connecticut Ave., NW #730 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Lavida King-Hedspeth & Betty Butler, whose addresses are 8358 Loch Raven Blvd., Towson, MD 21286 & 707 Broderick Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Joann Brown who died on 2/1/2024 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Lavida King-Hedspeth Betty Butler Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000505

Gloria T. Payne Decedent

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

Shirley Marie Payne Jones, whose address is 6036 Southport Drive, Bethesda MD 20814, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria T. Payne who died on March 4, 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Shirley Marie Payne 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

2022 ADM 234

Estate of Carrie W. Carson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated November 8, 2019 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 5/23/2024

Cheryl Wallace 3809 Tullycross Court White Plains, MD 20695

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000533

Terry Adam Hedgepeth Decedent

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

Christina Elizabeth Hedgepeth, whose address is 729 Rittenhouse St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Terry Adam Hedgepeth who died on 4/2/2024 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 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Christina Elizabeth Hedgepeth

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 001352

Candace A. Waterman Decedent

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

Taylor Michelle Hunt and Karen Michelle Patton, whose addresses are 9203 Jerome, Redford, MI 48239 & 14023 Salem, Redford MI 48239, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Candace A. Waterman who died on May 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/23/2024. 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 11/23/2024, 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: 5/23/2024

Taylor Michelle Hunt 9203 Jerome, Redford, MI 48239

Karen Michelle Patton 14023 Salem, Redford, MI 48239 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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out to fulfill a vision centered on fiscal responsibility, economic development, equitable access to quality public education, and eradication of health disparities.

Still, as Gray’s wife, Dr. Dawn Kum, explained, there was something missing.

“Vince said that his only regret was not getting a doctorate,” Kum said to GWU faculty, staff, graduates and celebrants as she spoke on Gray’s behalf on Sunday. “I replied it’s not too late.”

Gray, who recently suffered his second stroke in two years, sat in his wheelchair on stage donning academic regalia as Kum expressed gratitude for the honor and took listeners on a trip down memory lane.

“To my surprise, the next day Vince reached out to the then-president to inquire about enrolling in a doctorate program,” she continued in her recounting of a conversation between her and Gray.

“And at once he made a plan to fit academics into an already full workload representing Ward 7 on the D.C. Council and chairing the Committee on Health. Sadly, [COVID-19] raised its ugly head and,like so many of us, his plans had to be put on hold.”

QUESTIONS

ENSUE AMID THE CHANGING OF THE GUARD

During the early part of May, Gray, who’s been a wheelchair user since his first stroke in 2022, didn’t attend the D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole’s legislative meeting due to the in-patient physical therapy he took on in the aftermath of another stroke.

In the days leading up to GWU’s commencement, council colleagues and Ward 7 residents expressed concern about Gray’s health. On Friday, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) took the X (formerly known as Twitter), wishing Gray a speedy recovery from a “health setback.”

Minutes later, Gray, via his X account, responded to Mendelson, assuring him that all was well.

“I’m fine, Mr. Chairman,” Gray’s tweet read. “Three weeks ago, I experienced a health setback and have had no subsequent issues. I’m working every day on Ward 7 and [c]ouncil business, while at the same time undergoing physical therapy.”

After his first stroke, Gray continued to meet with council colleagues virtually while working at his home office. That didn't stop constituents,

organizers and colleagues from questioning whether the Ward 7 council member could continue to work on behalf of the ward.

Sheila Bunn, Gray’s chief staff, counts among those who are attempting to lay such concerns to rest. She told The Informer that Gray still makes every decision about policy, legislation and other actions. She noted that staff members brief the council member on issues and he further educates himself before arriving at a decision.

Assumptions about his cognition, she said, are rooted in misinformation and ulterior political motives.

“Let me be clear, the council member’s cognitive abilities are unaffected by his stroke,” Bunn said. “Councilmember Gray has been having mobility issues for several months. And, as we shared a few weeks ago, he has been doing in-patient physical therapy to improve his mobility… His recent stroke is a setback in that regard, but he isn’t receiving treatment or physical therapy for any additional effects.”

THE ENDORSEMENT

READ ALL ACROSS WARD 7

During the earlier part of last year, Gray’s office announced that he would no longer make verbal statements in public. He instead has opted to release written statements and responses to media inquiries through Chuck Thies, his director of communications.

That process, Thies told The Informer, involves him and Gray sitting together as Gray articulates his message and Thies turns it into “political prose” before disseminating it to the public.

Thies likened his job to that of a presidential speechwriter, saying that he and Gray embarked on a similar process when Gray endorsed Jacque Patterson in his re-election bid for the At-large D.C. State Board of Education seat and, more recently, Wendell Felder, one of 10 candidates running to succeed Gray as Ward 7 D.C. council member.

A statement released by Gray’s office dubbed Felder as one who stands above the other candidates when it comes to “ideas, work ethic and dedication to the community.”

"Wendell Felder's journey in public service demonstrates his dedication to uplifting Ward 7 residents and advocating for their interests,” Gray's statement said.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

WI

@SamPKCollins

panel, which reviews complaints and supports District agency-level sexual harassment officers (SHOs).

Nadeau also noted that she would spend some time determining the need for a standalone office for SHOs in D.C. Department of Human Resources.

“We learned from this situation there was a lot of confusion about who was investigating this and who to go to,” Nadeau said. “We need to pursue investigations that are of the utmost integrity and independence.”

The D.C. Council unanimously approved the launch of an independent investigation into the Mayor’s Office of Legal Counsel (MOLC)’s investigations into sexual harassment complaints against Falcicchio, former deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development and chief of staff for D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), during its July 2023 legislative meeting.

On May 10, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) hand delivered the report from the independent investigation to the Executive Office of the Mayor, Nadeau, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D), and D.C. Councilmembers Anita Bonds (D-At large) and Kenyan McDuffie (I- At large).

The independent investigation cost the D.C. government $750,000. Days before the OIG circulated physical copies, the D.C. Government reportedly reached a $500,000 settlement with the two former D.C. government employees who filed complaints against Falcicchio.

By the evening of May 17, Nadeau’s office released a redacted version of the independent report, which also

ment-issued devices.

Additionally, the manner in which MOLC organized the findings from the first investigation, according to the independent report, didn’t clearly convey the evidence of sexual harassment and a hostile work environment.

Nadeau said that such an outcome emphasized the need for bolstering the D.C. government’s response to sexual harassment complaints.

“Ensuring that SHOs exist and they are well trained is the first step of prevention,” Nadeau said. “Once we get to reporting, the harassment has already occurred. I want to make sure that should it happen, employees know they have a path to make that complaint, that they have rights and that they will be supported.”

included details about a third subordinate who alleged sexual harassment but didn’t file a complaint against Falcicchio.

The independent investigation, conducted by the law firm of Arnold & Porter Kaye Scholer LLP, found that, despite a mandate that the Office of the City Administrator (OCA) investigate sexual harassment allegations made against a deputy mayor, neither OCA, the Executive Office of the Mayor or the Office of the Deputy Mayor of Planning and Economic Development had a SHO at the time of the city’s investigation.

“That person wasn’t available,” Nadeau told The Informer. “The mayor’s policy says you can go to any sexual harassment officer in any agency [but] it’s a lot of work for a person trying to file a complaint… How do you figure out the sexual harassment officer [in a way] that maintains your privacy? Making it more clear and centralized and not reliant on all positions being filled at all times makes it easier for complainants.”

COUNCILMEMBERS

NADEAU AND BONDS TRY THEIR HAND AT SEXUAL HARASSMENT LEGISLATION

The 117-page independent report determined that MOLC’s sexual harassment officer, who ultimately conducted the investigation, didn’t have the resources and supervision that didn’t allow them to glean wisdom from human resource officers, the attorney general and other SHOs.

The report also stated that the SHO also didn’t review Falcicchio’s govern-

Last summer, Nadeau introduced her legislation, titled the Sexual Harassment Investigation Integrity Act of 2023, which was referred to her committee-- the Committee on Public Works and Operations-- and the Committee on Executive Administration and Labor, chaired by Bonds. A key provision of that bill requires the Office of the Inspector General to hire and retain independent counsel to conduct investigations into harassment and discrimination complaints made against mayoral appointees, agency directors, employees who report to the mayor, or the city administrator.

Toward the end of last year, Bonds and Nadeau conducted a joint hearing about Nadeau’s legislation during which they heard from public and government witnesses who weighed in on the intricacies of an independent sexual harassment investigation.

During that joint hearing, Bonds revealed that she too introduced a bill, titled “Straightforward Approach for Equity in the Workplace,” that’s aimed at unifying and simplifying approaches to addressing sexual harassment complaints across District agencies.

Provisions of Bonds’ bill include the prohibition of sexual harassment by all D.C. government employees, including those under the jurisdiction of the mayor and independent agencies.

The bill also tasks MOLC and D.C. Office of Human Resources (DCHR) to recruit and establish qualifications for SHOs. Each deputy mayor’s office, per the legislation, would install an attorney as a SHO. Within 90 days of the bill’s publishing, DCHR would also establish a Workplace Culture Task Force that would evaluate workplace culture and professional practices during quarterly meetings for at least two years.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5D.C. Councilmembers Anita Bonds (pictured) and Brianne Nadeau are working toward legislation clarifying how to report sexual harassment complaints against executive office employees. (WI File Photo)

CROWELL from Page 26

management would have raised costs for most credit card users and made it harder for businesses to meet consumers' needs," said Maria Monoghan, the organization's Litigation Center counsel. "The U.S. Chamber will continue to hold the CFPB accountable in court."

Similarly, Rob Nichols, the president and CEO of the American Bankers Association, speaking on behalf of the nation's $23.7 trillion banking industry said in part, "We thank our co-plaintiffs for their collaboration, and we look forward to the Court ultimately ruling on the merits of our case."

The veiled references to continued legal efforts to oppose the CFPB, were anticipated by a U.S. Senate Banking Committee hearing held on May 9, the day before the federal judge's ruling.

Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, the committee's chair, opened the session by saying, "The CFPB took a major step towards reducing costs for consumers when it issued its

MALVEAUX from Page 26 election.

The Poor People's Campaign, coled by Rev. Barber and Rev. Liz Theoharris, director of the Kairos Center at Union Theological Seminary, will convene the Mass Poor People's and Low Wage Workers' Assembly and Moral March on Washington on June 29. Barber tells me this is not just a march but a movement to drive people to the polls. He avoids endorsing candidates, preferring to drive voters to the issues.

One of the critical issues is the lives we lose to poverty. University of California Riverside public policy professor

SUGGS from Page 26

Fortunately, the overwhelming majority of Black voters cannot be bamboozled or deceived because we know the record of his stance on healthcare with his recent attacks on Obamacare, opposition to greater diversity in the workplace and efforts to restrict our voting rights as well as his racist, conspiracist "birther campaign" that sought to undermine the then-president, Barack Obama. Still, we can't simply ignore the reports that Trump is possibly making inroads with Black voters while Biden is losing support from us. Granted polls have been

Credit Card Late Fee rule. Credit card late fees are the most costly and frequently applied junk fee. According to one report, 1 in 5 adult Americans, an estimated 52 million people, paid a credit card late fee last year."

"By law, credit card late fees are supposed to be 'reasonable and proportional' to the cost that companies incur for late payments," continued Brown. "So, let's be clear: these are massive, trillion-dollar Wall Street companies. The idea that you missing your payment due date by a day or two is imposing some huge cost on the credit card company is ridiculous."

Testifying at the hearing, Adam Rust, the Consumer Federation of America's director of financial services, noted how industry trends impose harms — especially to consumers of color.

"While the existence of junk fees is not new, their presence in the daily lives of consumers is growing," Rust stated. "As a result, junk fees now exist in places where they have previously not oc-

David Brady said that 183,000 people die annually because of poverty, the fourth-leading cause of death. Heart disease, cancer and smoking take more lives — obesity, diabetes, drug overdoses, suicides, firearms and homicide take fewer. These lives lost represent an economic drain on our nation. Those who die because they are poor could be working or contributing to society. Additionally, the resources we spend on their end-of-life care could be used more productively. Poverty is a scourge for our nation, but it is not a priority for our nation's politicians.

"The curse of poverty has no justification in our age. It is socially as cruel and blind as the practice of cannibal-

shown not to be reliable predictors of what Black voters will do. Actually, our biggest worry should probably be third-party voting (third-party presidential candidates have no chance of winning. This is a binary election and only a Democrat or Republican can win) and potential voter apathy, despite the high stakes in this contest to determine whether Donald Trump is elected again.

Clay Cane, a SiriusXM radio host, rightly said that the 2024 presidential election is not just a choice between the lesser of two evils, but this is an election to see if we can stop Trump and his pernicious plans to institute a future

curred. Junk fees are multiplying in number, variety, and frequency. Americans are being 'nickeled and dimed' by these practices."

"The system is harmful to everyone but more harmful to vulnerable low-wealth consumers and consumers of color," continued Rust. "The CFPB's campaign against junk fees will help consumers save money. The Consumer Federation of America is strongly supportive of the credit card late fees rule."

Although it is probable that the temporary injunction will lead to more litigation appealing for the rule's reinstatement, at press time no related developments were filed. But as more than 90 national, state, and local organizations noted in a joint advocacy letter to Members of Congress and the Senate this April, "low-income individuals and people of color bear the brunt of these fees, with those making less than $32,000 annually paying twice as much in late fees as those making $150,000."

The bottom line in this continuing saga: civil rights include silver

ism at the dawn of civilization when men ate each other because they had not yet learned to take food from the soil or to consume the abundant animal life around them," said Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Predatory capitalism is cannibalism. It is taking more than is needed for selfish gain, to exploit those who are at the bottom of the totem pole, and to demonize them. Dr. King's War on Poverty attempted to address poverty and get poor and low-income people involved in their destinies. Rev. William Barber is a worthy successor to Dr. King. We can all support his activism by showing up in D.C. for the March on Washington on June 29. WI

dictatorship to carry out his vile policies. A Trump victory would be a grave threat to the well-being of Black Americans for certain.

In any case, the Democratic party must recognize the seriousness of the disenchantment of many Black voters who don't feel motivated to make it to the polls and campaign more directly and intentionally in our community.

Furthermore, we ourselves must make an unprecedented and determined push to get to the polls in greater numbers to help stop this monstrous man and his MAGA minions from regaining control of the White House. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 27

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When the Supreme Court ruled segregation in schools to be unconstitutional, she went about finding students to enroll in white schools, but they were often blocked. She used her newspaper to publicize schools not following the federal law.

Because of the work she did, she was forced to withstand economic, legal and physical intimidation. She didn't let that stop her. She even defended soldiers who faced police brutality. She

MORIAL from Page 27

Crimes Act, an attempt to override D.C. home rule by prohibiting D.C. from ever changing its sentencing laws without Congressional approval, notably restricting the D.C. courts from offering alternative sentencing for people under 25 years old.

"This provision, which does not define the term 'criminal liability sentence' is as poorly drafted as it is offensive," D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton said, urging the

JEALOUS from Page 27

climate change is allowed to run rampant. Even though manufacturing in the United States is 3.2 times more carbon efficient than manufacturing in China, China has a grip on more than 80% of the world's solar manufacturing. China produces 58% of all new electric vehicles sold worldwide. In 2022, China accounted for about 59% of global primary aluminum production and 54% of the world's crude steel production.

All that manufacturing is energy intensive, especially for steel and aluminum. And in China that energy comes primarily from coal — the dirtiest energy source there is. China is the world's largest consumer of coal — with 56% of global consumption in 2020, according to the International Energy Agency. That coal reliance makes carbon emissions from Chinese steel production as much as double that from American steel. It adds to the urgency of seizing market share from China and using our own domestic manufacturing to help expand the market. And it is why the president paired his tariffs on Chinese solar with tariffs on aluminum and a $500 million investment in the first

served as president of the Arkansas NAACP.

Many may remember her for struggling to integrate Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Gov. Faubus sent in the National Guard to keep Black students out of the school, but President Dwight Eisenhower then ordered the 101st Airborne Division into Little Rock to ensure the "Little Rock Nine" students would be able to attend school.

He reminded Gov. Faubus that as president, it was his duty to defend federal laws and required to

House to vote it down. "The nearly 700,000 D.C. residents, a majority of whom are Black and Brown, are worthy and capable of self-government."

Meanwhile, violent crime in D.C. has dropped by 26% so far this year.

It is indefensible that Congress continues to introduce bills that will increase the number of police officers and police-focused funding in our communities, despite years of public outcry for comprehensive police reform like the George Floyd

aluminum smelter in the U.S. in 45 years. Imagine that new aluminum plant being built with modern protections against pollution and powered by American-produced solar panels made with the plant's own aluminum. That is what President Biden imagined. And he is making it happen.

The Chinese government has not played fair. It overproduces in order to flood global markets. It has leaned on exports of "bifacial" (basically, two-sided) solar panels, which were foolishly exempt under the Trump-era solar tariffs — with 98% of Chinese solar panel imports to our country now being bifacial. And the Commerce Department is now investigating how China has allegedly used countries like Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia, and Thailand as pass-throughs to route solar products to the U.S. and evade tariffs.

The Biden administration's trade policy in this area can help make China more of an honest broker. But even that is no substitute for owning the manufacturing and supply chains of the staple goods that will power our next economy. And let us not forget the national pride Americans once felt in the products invented and built by American hands.

give full cooperation to the U.S. District Court. Those were the days in which Republicans were told they were required to follow federal laws, and to ensure that others did the same. We give thanks to Daisy Bates' courage.

Soror Sarah Davidson who was a teenage civil rights mentee of Daisy Bates, was fortunate to attend the unveiling ceremony. She said, "Mrs. Bates did in death what many could not do in life. She brought Republicans and Democrats together with civility — something that is unusual today." WI

Justice in Policing Act. The National Urban League has urged citizens to take action by sending letters of opposition to the Senate Judiciary Committee and U.S. House of Representatives.

We must continue to loudly voice our concern and disapproval of this type of legislation and refocus the conversation on police transparency, accountability and community-centered public safety that decreases citizen encounters with law enforcement and the criminal justice system. WI

The U.S. automobile industry is a great example. The future of automobiles is electric. If we do not invest heavily in U.S. EV production, we cede important ground to our primary global competitor. And we leave behind the current and future auto workers who will benefit from robust domestic EV production. But President Biden's policies once again show he has the whole picture in mind. He is not simply putting a tariff on EV's and expecting us to dominate. He is investing in the supply chain and protecting it — with tariffs on the aluminum, steel, semiconductors, and chips that are all vital to EV manufacturing (EVs use twice as many chips as gas-powered cars). At the end of the day, we must invest in domestic growth of the industries at the center of the emerging global economy. If we fail, we allow China to dominate that economy and risk taking steps backwards in our efforts to curb climate change and save our planet. The Biden administration is showing its keen understanding of what is needed to tackle that challenge and build a strong future for American workers at the same time.

WI

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