The Washington Informer - May 2, 2024

“It's

about the People in Gaza:” Student Encampment Protest Hits

1-Week Mark Black Protesters Connect Palestinian Cause to Global Liberation Movements

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

On the fourth day of the protest encampment at George Washington University, at least a dozen D.C.-area families with young kids joined the Sunday afternoon crowd. They came to show support for students demonstrating against Israel’s war on Gaza, which has led to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians—including

MLK Gateway Phase II Opens in Anacostia

Project to House New DHCD Headquarters

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

As Bo Menkiti took to the podium on the rooftop at the newly built MLK Gateway II, located near the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. and Marion Barry Avenues in Southeast, he glanced at the panoramic view of Washington. With the U.S. Capitol, Washington Monument, Navy Yard, the Anacostia River and Frederick Douglass Bridge all in sight, the founder and CEO of the Menkiti Group emphasized the significance of the new structure as more than a

more than 14,000 children.

“I want our child to know about how the struggle for civil rights in the United States is connected to global struggles for justice and human rights across the board,” said Alicia Sanchez Gill, who attended on April 28 with her wife and their 3-year-old.

“What's happening to children and families in Gaza is connected to what's happening to children, partic-

Poor People’s Campaign Emphasizes Moral Resurrection of Economic Rights

Barber Emphasizes Poverty Crisis, Calls on People to Join Mass March on June 29

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

As poverty plagues communities across America, the Poor People’s Campaign, led by Bishop William J. Barber II, is working to eradicate systemic deprivation through voter empowerment during the 2024 election cycle.

instability, hunger and even death. The nation’s poverty rate leaves millions penniless and currently ranks among the top five leading causes of death killing approximately 295,000 citizens per year. As the population increases, rates of destitution are rising faster than access to homes, healthcare and basic necessities.

RIGHTS Page 51

building, but a symbol of the power of coming together to make a difference.

“On behalf of myself, my family, the amazing teams at the Menkiti Group and SHIFT Capital, our project and financing partners and the hundreds of women and men who worked tirelessly to bring this building to life, I want to welcome you to the MLK Gateway II,” Menkiti, 46, said to a crowd that included community members, entrepreneurs, and D.C.

“Our votes are demands and not really support for candidates. We are mobilizing those votes and saying to candidates if you want these votes then talk to poor and low wage folks,” said Barber.

GATEWAY Page 38

With poverty can come housing

5Michelle Obama surprises D.C. students during a College Signing Day celebration at Capital One Arena in Northwest on April 30. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) See story on Page 26

5 Bo Menkiti, founder and CEO of The Menkiti Group, speaks at the ribbon cutting ceremony the MLK Gateway II ribbon cutting ceremony on April 25. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington

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STAFF

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REPORTERS

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DMV Native Caleb Williams Selected as First Overall Pick, Commanders Select Daniels and Other All-Americans, No Players from HBCUs

The DMV area had some wins when it came to the 2024 NFL Draft.

DMV native and USC star quarterback Caleb Williams was selected as the first overall pick for the Chicago Bears, an organization that has struggled to find a franchise quarterback for decades.

Williams is only the sixth Black quarterback to be taken first overall.

Heisman-winning Louisiana State University (LSU) quarterback Jayden Daniels went second overall as the Washington Commanders’ top pick to lead the team’s offense for coming years.

Daniels is an athlete with scrambling ability who draws comparisons to pre-injury Robert Griffin III. With the team coming off a 4-13 record, the second in a row with a last place performance in the ultra-competitive NFC East,

the front office is looking for a fresh start and to best utilize star receiver Terry McLaurin.

In the second round, the Commanders selected Illinois All-American defensive tackle Jer'Zhan Newton, Michigan All-American cornerback Mike Sainristil and Kansas State tight end Benjamin Sinnott. In the third round, they selected Second Team All-Big 12 offensive tackle Brandon Coleman and First Team All-AAC receiver Luke McCaffrey.

Among the team’s issues last year were allowing 65 sacks, tied for second worst in the NFL, and allowing the most passing yards (4,627) of any team in the league.

New coach Dan Quinn has been a defensive specialist throughout his career, and the new draft picks emphasize a considerable investment into the team’s defense and blocking. One unfortunate statistic from this year’s draft: no players from an HBCU were selected. WI

Students, Faculty and Alum Urge Morehouse to Rescind Biden Invite

President Joe Biden’s upcoming commencement address at Morehouse College has ignited controversy among students and alums.

On Tuesday, Morehouse students gathered in a campus auditorium to protest the college’s decision to invite Biden to deliver the commencement address next month.

The dissatisfaction extends beyond the student body, with alums and officials from Morehouse, Spelman, and Clark Atlanta University urging the college to rescind its invitation.

In a letter on Wednesday, concerned alums criticized Biden’s role in a recent foreign aid package, which included funding for Israel’s conflict with Hamas. The letter highlighted the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Biden’s leadership as contributing to the deaths of over 34,000 Palestinians. The alumni called on Morehouse to stand against injustice and not allow its platform to be

Police Departments

used to “launder consent for genocide.”

Faculty members from the three Atlanta institutions expressed similar concerns, questioning the decision to invite Biden to a historically Black college, especially given Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy as an advocate for social justice.

The concerned alumni invoke one of the college’s most famous graduates.

“In inviting President Biden to campus, the college affirms a cruel standard that complicity in genocide merits no sanction from the institution that produced one of the towering advocates for non-violence of the 20th century in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. If the college cannot affirm this noble tradition of justice by rescinding its invitation to President Biden, then the college should reconsider its attachment to Dr. King.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

Nationwide Grapple with Shrinking Force, While Small, Medium Agencies See Slightly Improved Retention

The Metropolitan Police Department in 2023 reached a half-century low in size, with officers leaving the force faster than they could be replaced. The shrinking force pushed the department to allocate millions towards overtime while grappling with rising gun violence and carjackings.

By the end of March 2023, the force had just over 3,350 sworn officers, marking a net loss of approximately 450 over three years. This prompted Mayor Muriel Bowser to set a goal for the department to reach 4,000 officers by 2031.

The decline in police officers is not unique to D.C.

Since the death of George Floyd in May 2020, police departments across the United States have witnessed a significant drop in rank-and-file officers. According to

Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a nonprofit policing think tank based in Washington, D.C., the past four years have been particularly challenging for American policing.

Wexler noted that while there has been some improvement, the profession still faces hurdles.

“I don’t think it’s all about money. I think it’s about the way people perceive their job and feel they are going to be supported,” he said.

PERF recently surveyed its members, which are chief executives of various law enforcement agencies, including local, state, and federal entities. The survey received responses from 214 agencies across 40 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

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

NFL RECAP: DMV EDITION

NonCitizen Voting Is Set for the District

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

The District has joined several jurisdictions throughout the country that permit noncitizens to vote in local elections.

The 2024 primary/general election cycle will be the first time that District residents who are not U.S. citizens are allowed to cast a ballot for offices such as D.C. Council member, advisory neighborhood commissioner and Board of Education member.

In 2026, noncitizens will be able to vote for D.C.’s mayor, Council chairman, attorney general, and other offices that will be up, and referendums and initiatives. They will also be able to recall and charter amendment measures.

However, noncitizens will not be permitted to vote for D.C. delegate or in the presidential race because those are federal offices.

Longtime District resident and Latina activist Monica Palacio supports non-citizen voting.

“I think it is fantastic that non-citizens will be able to vote in city elections,” Palacio, 55, said. “This is cutting edge. Even though the city is only 10% Latino, there are other groups such as Ethiopians, Haitians and Salvadoreans that make up this city. This city is very much multicultural, and people who are from other countries can experience true democracy through noncitizen voting.”

NONCITIZEN VOTING REQUIREMENTS

The District of Columbia Board of Elections reports that to register to vote in the city as a noncitizen, one must be at least 16 years old, the age residents are able pre-register to vote. District residents can vote in a primary if they are at least 17 years old and will be at least 18 years old by the next general election.

A District resident who is not a citizen may vote in a general or special election if they are at least 18 years old. Noncitizens must maintain residency in the District for at least 30 days prior to the election in which they intend to vote.

Additionally, noncitizens cannot claim voting residence or the

right to vote in any state, territory or country and they must be found legally competent to cast a ballot.

THE ROAD TO NONCITIZEN VOTING

Noncitizens earned the right to vote in local elections through the D.C. Council’s passage of the Local Resident Voting Rights Amendment Act of 2022. The legislation was introduced a few sessions before 2022 but never reached a final vote until then.

The Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn the local law, but the effort stalled in the U.S. Senate and the legislation became official. In March, a federal court dismissed a lawsuit filed by two District residents who were supported by the Immigration Reform Law Institute, which sought to have the law declared unconstitutional.

The court found the plaintiffs did not have standing to challenge the law. The opinion concludes: “At bottom, they [plaintiffs] are simply raising a generalized grievance which is insufficient to confer standing.”

NONCITIZEN VOTING ADVOCACY

One of the results of the noncitizen voting process was the election of Abel Amene as an advisory neighborhood commissioner in 4D02 in Ward 4.

Abel, an Ethiopian immigrant who goes by his first name because of his culture, has become the first noncitizen to hold public office in the District.

The elected noncitizen is a green card holder, making him a permanent resident. District government officials estimate there are more than 50,000 noncitizens living in the city.

D.C. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa said he has been working with a local advocacy group to encourage noncitizens to register to vote.

“As the son of Nigerian immigrants, I am glad to see the District implement this,” Owolewa, 34, said. “We have been talking to people and addressing their fears. It is important that people get involved in the process.”

WI

5As the son of Nigerian immigrants, Oye Owoleya, the shadow representative of the District, said he is happy D.C. is implementing noncitizen voting. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

AROUND THE REGION

MAY 2

1762 – James Durham, also known as James Derham, the first African American to formally practice medicine in the United States, is born in Philadelphia.

1844 – Elijah McCoy, an inventor and engineer best known for his 57 U.S. patents, most having to do with the lubrication of steam engines, is born in Ontario, Canada.

1920 – The Negro National League, the first financially successful all-Black baseball league, holds its first game.

MAY 3

1921 – Hall of Fame boxer Sugar Ray Robinson is born in Detroit.

1933 – Music legend James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," is born in Barnwell, South Carolina.

1948 – In the landmark Shelley vs. Kraemer case, the Supreme Court rules that courts cannot enforce racial covenants on real estate.

MAY 4

1884 – Civil rights pioneer Ida B. Wells refuses to give up her seat on a Tennessee train, sparking her fight for equal rights.

1961 – The Congress of Racial Equality (CORE) stages its first "freedom ride" to challenge racial segregation throughout the Deep South.

MAY 5

1865 – Community activist, author and pastor

MAY 2 - 8, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Adam Clayton Powell Sr. is born in Franklin Coun-

1905 – Robert S. Abbott begins publishing The Chicago Defender, the city's first Black newspaper. 1988 – Eugene Marino is installed as Archbishop of Atlanta, becoming the first African American archbishop in American history.

Prince Hall founds the first Black Masonic lodge, African Lodge No. 459 of Boston.

Physician, writer and Black nationalist Mar, one of the first three Black people admitted to Harvard Medical School, is born in Charles Town, Virginia, which is present-day Charles Town,

Hall of Fame baseball player Willie Mays is born in Westfield, Alabama.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs the Civil Rights Act of 1960, establishing federal inspection of local voter registration polls and penalties for obstructing voter registration.

The Smithsonian board of regents unanimously approve the establishment of the National Museum of African American History and Culture

MAY 7

1878 – Inventor Joseph Winters receives a patent for a wagon-mounted fire escape ladder.

1943 – The SS George Washington Carver launches at the Richmond Shipyard No. 1 in California.

MAY 8

1911 – Legendary blues guitarist and singer-songwriter Robert Johnson is born in Hazlehurst, Mississippi.

1915 – Henry McNeal Turner, the first Black chaplain in the United States Colored Troops, dies in Windsor, Ontario, at 81.

WI

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE

WILLIE MAYS

AROUND THE REGION

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

In April, President Joe Biden signed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act into law, which is an effective ban or forced sale of the popular social media app TikTok. The app’s parent company, ByteDance, has vowed to fight the imminent ban. What are your thoughts?

REMY MILLS / WASHINGTON, D.C.

SYMONE WADE / HOUSTON, TEXAS

They need to focus on gun violence in America!

Good. It wasn’t good for kids at all. I know that what’s on there is everywhere, but one less problem is a blessing.

BLAISE SHAREEF / NEWARK, N.J.

I’m fine with it. Folk are so evil, and many disturbing things are on there. Social media as a whole. I miss 1995.

AUTUMN JONES / ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

I’ll miss it. I learned so much from TikTok, from recipes to historical facts. A lot of truth was found on the app.

TIFFANY DENT / GREENVILLE, N.C.

It’s better than Google to me. I’ve been able to learn so much for my business and ideas for birthday parties. I have also seen so many of my friends make a living off their content, so I hope someone will create an American-based version of it.

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.

AROUND THE REGION

Original Member of The Blackbyrds Kevin Toney Remembered By Howard University Jazz Ensemble

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Seven Howard University students' lives were changed in 1973 when the legendary jazz trumpeter Donald Byrd anointed them The Blackbyrds, the jazz/R&B fusion group. Original members Keith Killgo, Kevin Toney, Joe Hall, Allan Barnes, Barney Perry and Perk Jacobs performed memorable hits worldwide but are always remembered as the pride of Howard University.

Toney died on March 18 at the age of 69 after a brief illness from cancer, and his alma mater paid tribute to his life and legacy during the Howard University Jazz Ensemble (HUJE)’s 50th-anniversary concert and awards, held in the bandroom of the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts Building.

Toney, a celebrated pianist, composer, arranger, bandleader, and mentor, was posthumously awarded the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award. The award, named after the Howard University alumnus, was created in 1966 to honor Golson, a multi-awardwinning musician and composer and a 1995 National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master.

Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival and a previous recipient of the Benny Golson Award, spoke about meeting Toney when she was 13.

5Many gathered to celebrate Kevin Toney receiving the Benny Golson Jazz Master Award posthumously including: Fred Irby, III, professor of music at Howard University; Sunny Sumter, president and CEO of the DC Jazz Festival; singer, songwriter and Kevin Toney’s daughter Dominique Toney; Keith Killgo, drummer and original member of The Blackbyrds; Phyllis Toney, the late Toney’s wife; and bassist and The Blackbyrds original member Joe Hall. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

“Kevin took me to my first professional jazz performance and gave me my first professional jazz gig when I was 14,” said Sumter, also a Howard alumnus. “He was an outstanding artist in the jazz genre, but he was really beyond categories.”

Toney’s wife Phyllis and daughter Dominique accepted the Golson plaque. Dominique, a singer and songwriter, acknowledged that receiving the Golson Award was an epic birthday gift for her Dad, who would have been 70 on April 23.

“This is where it all began. Kevin entered these doors with dreams and musical skills beyond his years,” said Dominique about being in the band room. “He expanded his music for the universe to compose for television and film, arranging and conducting orchestras.

MUSIC ARTISTS CONNECT WITH KEVIN TONEY’S ARTISTRY

During Toney's time with The Blackbyrds, the group was nominated for two Grammy Awards, received the Billboard magazine Award as the “No. 1 Pop Instrumental Group” in 1976 and was honored with an NAACP Image

5

Award for Best Jazz Group in 1977. Toney worked with many music artists, including Diana Ross, Shirley Caesar, Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Sonny Rollins, Frank Sinatra, Whitney Houston, Kenny Burrell, Bobbi Humphrey, Shania Twain, Isaac Hayes, Carl Anderson, Shirley Caesar, Oscar Brown Jr., Edwin Hawkins, Pink, Ray Parker Jr., and Andrew White. During the Golson presentation, Toney’s wife Phyllis said White gave the toast at their wedding.

Several unique connections to Toney were incorporated into HUJE’s 50th anniversary concert. The band played “Dolphin Dance,” composed by Herbie Hancock, which Phyllis said was her husband’s favorite song. Also performed by HUJE was “Blackbird” by Paul McCarthy, one of Phyllis’ clients. The song has recently received renewed interest because it is on “Cowboy Carter,” the latest album by Beyoncé.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY

JAZZ ENSEMBLE HONORS MORE JAZZ INFLUENCERS

In addition to Toney receiving a KEVIN TONEY Page 9

This photo of The Blackbyrds includes (Clockwise) Orville Saunders, Kevin Toney, Joe Hall, Wesley Jackson, and Keith Killgo. (Courtesy Photo/The Blackbyrds)

Homicides in Washington, DC, Drop Despite Ongoing Violence

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Despite persistent violence and the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) reporting 54 homicides in 2024 as of April 29, recent data reveals statistics are improving in the District. A new study from AH Datalytics reports homicide rates have reduced by more than 24% this year.

In the last 24 hours alone, MPD investigators have been dispatched to multiple violent incidents throughout the city. These include a shooting in the 3500 block of A Street SE, a stabbing involving a 17-year-old in the 2600 block of 13th Street NW, and another shooting in the 1500 block of Benning Road NE.

However, amidst this backdrop of ongoing violence, the latest statistics offer a glimmer of hope.

Jeff Asher, a spokesperson for AH

Datalytics, emphasized the widespread positive trends evident in the data. Notably, in cities like Washington, D.C., New Orleans, Las Vegas, Cleveland, Milwaukee, Detroit, Columbus, Nashville, and Philadelphia, murder rates have plummeted by more than 30%.

An updated report from MPD shows that through April 29, investigators have responded to 54 homicides, compared to 69 at the same time last year.

The decline in homicides reflects a broader reduction in overall crime rates.

“Nationally, you’re seeing a very similar situation to what you saw in the mid-to-late 90s. But it’s potentially even larger in terms of the percentages and numbers of the drops,” Asher told the Wall Street Journal.

WI

@StacyBrownMedia

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

Primary Election: June 4, 2024

Hours: 7:00 am – 8:00 pm

Early Voting: May 26 – June 2, 2024

Hours: 8:30 am – 7:00 pm

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

What Voters Need to Know:

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

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

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

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

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

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

dcboe.org/registertovote.

Benny Golson Award, HUJE honored three other recipients. They were posthumously Reuben Jackson, who was a jazz scholar, curator, poet, radio host, educator, and mentor; Larry Appelbaum, archivist, historian, mentor, and host of “The Sound of Surprise” on WPFW-FM in Washington, D.C.; and Camille Thurman, saxophonist, vocalist and educator.

The 50th anniversary of HUJE coincides with the forthcoming retirement of Fred Irby, III, the band's director, at the end of this 2023-2024 academic year. As a Howard Univer-

sity music professor, he coordinates instrumental music and is the trumpet instructor in the Department of Music.

Under Irby’s direction, HUJE has been featured in performances at the Kennedy Center Honors recognition for Lionel Hampton, Benny Carter, and Tony Bennett. When not working with Howard University students, Irby is principal trumpet for the Kennedy Center Opera House Musical Theater Orchestra.

Learn more about Kevin Toney’s career at kevintoney.com. Learn more about the Howard University Music Department at finearts.howard.edu. WI

5Recent data reveals homicide rate statistics are improving in the District. (Courtesy Photo)

KEVIN TONEY from Page 8

AROUND THE REGION

Informer)

D. C. Mayor Muriel Bowser celebrated Digital Empowerment Day in DC on April 24 by recognizing District agencies and partners that are using technology to create new opportunities for residents and businesses.

(Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

Ward 5 Trash Facility Ordered to Pay $100,000 for Polluting D.C. Waterways

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

After more than a decade of repeated environmental law violations, a trash transfer and demolition company in Ward 5 must pay $100,000 for polluting District waterways, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb announced April 25.

The court found Rodgers Brothers Custodial Services, Inc. responsible for five separate instances in which the company illegally discharged pollution directly into stormwater basins near its facility on Lawrence Avenue NE.

“If you participate in activities that pollute District waters, you will be held accountable,” said Assistant Attorney General Wesley Rosenfeld, who handled the case. “You will have to face the District of Columbia Office of the Attorney General and have to pay a civil penalty if you violated the law.”

Company president George Rodgers, Jr. will have to pay $50,000 of the penalty himself. The court ruled that he was personally responsible for two of the five incidents documented between 2016 to 2021.

Rodgers, Jr. did not respond to requests for comment. His company no longer operates at the site in Ward 5’s Langdon neighborhood—it shut down the site earlier this year and no longer seems to own the property, Rosenfeld said.

Rodgers Brothers did have another location in Capitol Heights, Md., but the Better Business Bureau website notes that the company as a whole is “believed to be out of business.”

A LONG HISTORY OF LEGAL TUSSLES

The Office of Attorney General’s (OAG) complaint against Rodgers Brothers, filed in 2021, documents a pattern of warnings, citations and fines for pollution problems going back to 2012. But the company’s history of conflict with the D.C. government began at least two decades before that.

In 1992, the District filed a complaint against Rodgers Brothers and a neighboring business, alleging that “the Lawrence Avenue property contained excess trash and garbage and that an ‘open dump’ was

being operated at the site.”

Five years later, the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs issued a $500 fine for improper use of the property. The company was “processing” waste materials when its paperwork only approved “temporary storage” of the items.

“[The inspector] saw lots of dust coming from the Rodgers Brothers’ site, smelled a noxious odor on the property [and] noticed materials on the site which could not be described as construction and demolition debris, including ‘batteries oozing a green liquid’ and ‘large piles of scrap tires,’” the Court of Appeal’s 2004 decision reads.

Fast forward nearly a decade: the D.C. Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE) issued Rodgers Brothers an $8,000 penalty in late 2013 for violating the District’s Water Pollution Control Act. Less than six months after that, a DOEE inspector witnessed “dark clouds of dust” coming off the site, according to the Attorney General’s 2021 complaint. D.C. orders the company to pay a $600 penalty for breaking the city’s air pollution law.

Two years later, inspectors saw company leaders “using a hose to rinse the roadway of sediment,” causing the site’s waste—including petroleum and demolition debris—to flow into the storm basins, and thus into Hickey Run stream and the Anacostia River. That 2016 incident was one of the five specific violations for which the court found Rodgers Brothers liable.

“On one of those days, the inspector went out during a rain event, and as it rained, he observed [debris] com-

ing off the facility and entering a storm sewer—and it was so clogged with sediment that essentially it started to flood Lawrence Avenue,” Rosenfeld said.

WARD 5 STILL WAITING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

About half of all industrially-zoned land in the District falls in Ward 5, and much of it cuts through historic Black residential neighborhoods. Less than a mile away from the Rodgers Brothers property, a small chemical facility in Ivy City literally shares a wall with a family home.

“Environmental racism is real, alive…and it’s a monster,” said Brentwood ANC Commissioner Darlene Oliver, speaking at Empower DC’s Environmental Justice Summit on April 27.

There are houses within 500 feet of the Rodgers Brothers Lawrence Avenue NE location, but the homes don’t sit directly next to or across the street from it.

Sharon Edwards, a longtime resident and advocate for environmental justice in Brentwood, said she wanted to see the OAG take on companies that sit right behind houses in her neighborhood.

“Hopefully [the Rodgers Brothers suit] is a start for Ward 5,” Edwards said. “But in the meantime, I'm trying to figure out why the attorney general's office hasn’t addressed things that I've been talking about for years.”

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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MARYLAND LEADERS VIEW TECH, DATA CENTERS AS KEYS TO STATE’S ECONOMIC FUTURE

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D), pushes for the importance of tech and data as keys to Maryland’s economic growth. However, the governor was reportedly “disappointed” by a 2023 decision by the Public Service Commission, to not grant an exemption to Quantum Loophole for using diesel generators.

Quantum Loophole, a Frederick-based data company with the goal of connecting western Maryland with northern Virginia’s data capabilities, is planning a site that would bring nearly $200 million in state taxes and over $40 million in local taxes. When finished the company plans to provide 1,700 jobs.

The company recently broke ground on a 600-acre nature reserve in Frederick to help offset their carbon footprint while also creating a resource for the public.

Environmentalists often cite the high energy and water consumption of data centers and their reliance on backup diesel or fossil fuel generators as reasons to oppose the data centers.

However, in the recently-adjourned legislative session, Moore supported multiple bills to expedite data center development and give the state a foothold in the growing industry.

“Projects that diversify our economy and drive growth are what we need in Maryland. We must support and partner with emerging industries as they look to expand into our communities,” Moore said in a statement to The Frederick News-Post in November 2023.

Former Republican gubernatorial candidate Kelly Schulz, who now heads the Maryland Tech Council, also weighed in on the importance of

the state’s tech innovations and investments.

“These industries continue to be promising engines for Maryland’s progress, especially as the attention generated by developing technologies such as artificial intelligence has brought significant investments and buzz for our state,” Schulz said. WI

NOAA, NASA SPEAK, RECRUIT AT DUVAL HIGH SCHOOL

On April 23, employees of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) visited DuVal High School to discuss their career paths and encourage them to consider careers with the agencies.

NOAA Captain Rebecca Waddington, a pilot who helps to track hurricanes and has the unofficial job title of “hurricane hunter,” said she was in awe of the flight simulation technology that the students had in their classroom.

Nipa Shah, NASA Goddard’s deputy director for Technology and Research Investments declared the DuVal students will be changemakers in the field of science and engineering.

“That is our future. It’s our future scientists. It’s our future engineers. They are going to be solving the problems of tomorrow, and we’re very excited to support it,” said Shah.

The visit came shortly after the school’s aerospace engineering and aviation technology program was awarded a Magna award by the American School Board Journal, in part for giv-

ing students the opportunity to intern with industry partners and gain key understanding before even applying for college. Their program was one of three grand MAGNA winners nationwide.

“If [students] like it, they get a huge head start over 99% of the other students in the country before they get to college,” said Rep. Glenn Ivey (DMd.)

We have previously covered NASA’s outreach efforts at DuVal High School; read more here. WI

SHERIFF, CONGRESSMAN SUPPORT LOCAL LITERACY EFFORTS

To celebrate World Book Day on April 23, Prince George’s County Sheriff John D.B. Carr (D) officially launched his “Men Who Read” campaign in a press conference at his headquarters in Upper Marlboro. The sheriff’s goal is finding 100 men to take the pledge and show the importance of reading to improve educational and life outcomes for boys and young men in the County.

“Statistically, our boys are not reading at the same level as our girls. Studies also shows that our girls are more likely to achieve greater educational outcomes than our boys,” said Carr. “We must break the stereotype of boys [feeling that] reading is not cool nor is it masculine enough. We must instill in our young boys that reading is knowledge and knowledge is power!”

Just after World Book Day, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D- Md.) presented a check to the Bladensburg library to

make books more accessible for surrounding communities, particularly those who can’t get to the library.

With $2.2 million in congressional funding, a mobile library will be created to directly deliver internet access, technology, books, and library services to underserved communities and neighborhoods that do not have an accessible permanent public library, such as Langley Park, Capitol Heights, Suitland, Langley Park, and Oxon Hill.

This program is expected to annually hold 150 outreach events, provide 1,560 service hours, facilitate 10,000+ WiFi sessions, offer over 1,800 career services consultations, and circulate upwards of 1,300 Online 2Go Chromebooks with built-in internet service.

The mobile library expands Prince George’s County Municipal Library System’s (PGCMLS) efforts to bridge the digital divide, with over 116,000 residents lacking home broadband access per the 2020 census.

“The Library is the ultimate connector in the local community,” said then-PGCMLS Board of Library Trustees President Toni A. Smith in a 2023 statement, who remains on the Board of Trustees. “Bringing the Library directly to the people who need services and internet access will have a positive, multi-generational impact on families, Prince George’s County, and the state.”

If you would like to get involved with Sheriff Carr’s “Men Who Read” Campaign, please contact the Office of the Sheriff at 301-780-7360 or email his office at KMJones@co.pg.md.us. WI

5 Joined by Councilmember Calvin Hawkins (right), Sheriff John D.B. Carr (speaking at microphone) announced his “Men Who Read” initiative and called on 100 men in the County to take a pledge that shows reading is both cool and important.

(Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Rep. Glenn Ivey presenting a check for Bladensburg Library alongside Prince George’s County Memorial Library System Interim COO for Public Services Megan Sutherland and CEO Dr. Mark Winston, ,Lauryn Williams, Employ Prince George’s President and CEO, Walter Simmons, and Quemar Rhoden.

( Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

National Harbor Emergency Juvenile Curfew Imposed Via Executive Order

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

After a series of violent incidents involving Prince George’s teens, local leaders are taking steps to promote public safety, and imposed a temporary curfew in the National Harbor, effective as of 5 p.m. on April 26.

In September 2023 a 16-year-old was murdered near DuVal High School. More recently on Friday, April 19, five teens were shot at an unofficial “Senior Skip Day” event in Greenbelt’s Schrom Hills Park. That same weekend, more than 100 young people gathered at National Harbor for a fight, before scattering once police arrived to break up the rumble.

“The safety and well-being of our residents, visitors, and businesses at National Harbor are of the utmost importance,” Alsobrooks said. “The implementation of a juvenile curfew is a necessary step to address the recent incidents of unruly behavior and ensure public safety..”

This temporary curfew requires anyone age 16 or younger without supervision to be off the National Harbor premises between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights. Parents of violators could face fines of $250 or more.

Signs were posted around the area, and police presence was clear throughout the shopping, dining and entertainment district. Prince George’s County Police Chief Malik Aziz spent Saturday patrolling the area and talking with shoppers and business owners alike about

what this curfew will mean.

"We're going to work together in the future to mitigate [and] incapacitate the type of things that happened here this past weekend,” said Aziz.

“We are here to have a truly community engagement campaign. We hope prevention prevails over enforcement."

Aziz cited a 36% increase in crime from 2022 to 2023, including a 141% rise in carjackings. At a hearing last week, he said that overall crime is down 13% this year, but violent crime is up 11% and that juveniles accounted for 50 of 65 arrests for carjackings in the County.

He also explained a worsening problem is ghost guns, which Prince George’s Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7) has introduced legislation to better regulate and enforce within county lines.

“We’re going to… look for new creative, innovative approaches to mitigate crime in Prince George’s County,” Aziz said in January.

A bill to allow curfew zones for retail, entertainment, and dining business owners was introduced by Prince George’s Councilmember Edward Burroughs III (D- District 8), which will likely be voted on next month.

Burroughs, who started in politics as a Board of Education member and also worked in State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy’s office to reduce youth recidivism, said that the Park and Planning Commission could better allocate funds to provide after school and summer activities in an effort to prevent crime.

Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- Dis-

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

trict 5) says that Burroughs’ bill is likely to pass before summer vacation.

“No one is happy about it, really,” Ivey told The Informer. “I just wish people would stay on top of their kids, their young people, and make sure they’re involved in really positive activities and know it is not the thing to drop your kids off somewhere at some commercial area and just let them run.”

The National Harbor said in a statement that they support both Alsobrooks’ and Burroughs’ efforts to bring a curfew.

"We believe this curfew will help to ensure that everyone at National Harbor can have a safe, memorable experience and enjoy the many amenities, restaurants, retail and other offerings at our property,” National Harbor explained.

For more information on the National Harbor Curfew, go to mypgc.us/ NationalHarborCurfew. WI

5 Prince George’s County Council Chair C. Anthony Muse announced an executive order alongside Jolene Ivey, District 5 representative, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz that requires youth ages 16 or younger to be supervised while at National Harbor between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Fridays and weekends. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Signage was posted at the National Harbor to notify of the recently-imposed juvenile curfew. Anyone 16 or younger must be supervised between 5 p.m. and 6 a.m. on Fridays and weekends. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

IMPROVING CREDIT SCORES INITIATIVE

Prince George’s County Council member Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8) has partnered with the Prince George’s Community Federal Credit Union (PGCFCU) and the Financial Empowerment Center at the Prince George’s Community College to launch a program to help residents boost their credit scores and secure a healthier financial future.

This credit-builder loan program allows District 8 residents to make $4 monthly deposits for a year and receive a $500 match at the end of the year. Past participants in a similar program have seen, on average, a 20-to 67-point jump in their credit scores after making consistent payments.

“It’s a fact that Black and Brown people generally have lower credit scores and less access to financial services,” said Burroughs. “This

briefs

program aims to break the cycle by educating citizens about how improving their credit score can be life-changing, and more importantly, allowing them to make that change.”

PGCFCU President and CEO

Diane Coleman Brown also weighed in on the importance of good credit saying it “is vital to achieving financial success.”

“I look forward to supporting program participants as they take this next step toward financial freedom,” she said.

The program is funded through the MGM Local Impact Grant Fund, a portion of gaming and tax revenue dedicated to the community around the casino.

“As the recipient of this MGM Local Impact Grant, the Financial Empowerment Center at Prince George’s Community College takes great pride in improving money management outcomes for county residents,” said Heath

Carelock, the center’s program director. “The 100% match not only changes financial behavior but also offers new participants confidence beyond the program timeline, whether with home-buying or pursuing new credit.”

Burroughs has been an advocate for financial literacy and helped to create a Financial Literacy Pilot Program for the county’s public school system as a school board member. Following the pilot, financial literacy became a graduation requirement this school year.

WI

BOWSER DISTRIBUTES FREE CHROMEBOOKS

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser donated free Chromebooks to reg-

help local entrepreneurs get their fair shot and make it easier to do business in D.C.”

Chromebooks recipients will also have access to in-person courses and certifications on computer-based skills and software offered through the D.C. Public Library.

“Access to technology is fundamental for businesses to compete in today’s economy,” said DSLBD Acting Director Rosemary Suggs Evans. “Through Digital Empowerment Day, we are taking a proactive approach to ensuring that our small businesses and entrepreneurs have the resources they need to thrive.”

WI

CAAB GETS WEALTH-BUILDING GRANT

The Capital Area Asset Builders (CAAB) announced on April 22 that it has received a flexible grant to support the work to advance individual and community wealth building in Montgomery County, Maryland.

istered business owners who are participants in the D.C. Department of Small and Local Business Development’s (DSLBD) Dream Pitch Program and Aspire to Entrepreneurial programs on April 24 as a part of “Digital Empowerment Day” in the city.

The 160 Chromebooks were provided by Human IT—a California-based organization dedicated to refurbishing donated technology for low-income individuals.

“By being intentional and strategic about closing opportunity gaps and investing in residents and businesses, especially local entrepreneurs, we have made D.C. a top city for tech,” said Bowser.

“We know how important an online presence is for business these days, so distributing these computers is one more way we can

The grant, awarded by Sharing Montgomery Fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation will enable CAAB to advance its mission for the benefit of low-and-moderate-income Black, Latinx, and immigrant individuals and families in the District’s metropolitan area.

“We are honored to receive this grant from the Sharing Montgomery Fund,” said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s CEO and executive director. “ We are proudly focusing on creating financial stability, economic mobility, and long-term prosperity opportunities for Black, Latinx, and Immigrant community members. This grant from the Sharing Montgomery Fund will assist us to advance this objective.”

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5Edwards Burroughs III represents District 8 on the Prince George’s County Council. (WI File Photo)

District Celebrates Small Business Week

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

National Small Business Week (April 29- May 4), not only promotes supporting entrepreneurs and their dreams, but honors their strength, resilience, innovations and benefits toward empowering the community through providing economic opportunities and overall resources.

“We know what it means when people invest in our neighborhoods – when they take a chance on our city, when they train and hire D.C. residents – and we want to do everything we can to make sure they succeed,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “Local businesses create jobs, they provide essential goods and services, and they help build vibrant neighborhoods across all eight wards.”

As part of the weeklong celebration, Bowser, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), and other local

agencies are offering programming to honor the District’s more than 70,000 small businesses and the entrepreneurs behind the brands.

"During Small Business Week, let us take a moment to acknowledge that behind every storefront lies the passion and determination of an entrepreneur with a dream, and every purchase we make from small businesses is a sign of appreciation for the diverse and thriving community that they help to build,” said Rosemary Suggs Evans, acting director of DSLBD, in a statement.

The mayor kicked off programming on Monday, April 29 with a ribbon cutting at Bandura Design, an interior design company on Rhode Island Avenue NE, and the “Power Up for Success: 2024 D.C. Small Business Summit,” is today until 3 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest. In addition, throughout the week Washingtonians can tap into informative sessions, discussions and celebratory receptions.

The mayor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget includes efforts to aid small businesses, such as $4.9 million to support the Main Streets Program to promote the revitalization of the District’s business corridors and $26 million to implement the Business and Entrepreneurship Support to Thrive (BEST) Act, which will work to simplify the business licensing process. In addition, there will be $1.5 million allotted for the D.C. Business Portal, to streamline the licensing process, $6.7 million for Clean Teams, to ensure the cleanliness and beauty of commercial corridors, and $7 million for retail grants.

“We at DSLBD understand the crucial role small businesses play in our city’s success,” said Suggs-Evans. “By providing them with the necessary resources and support, we are not only promoting economic development but also securing a brighter future for our communities.”

WI

SERVICE. CONVENIENCE. PERSONAL TOUCH.

From the convenience of making a deposit with your mobile device to the personal touch of a one-on-one discussion, we’re proud to offer a wide array of quality banking products and services to help you reach your goals. We take pride in knowing the communities and people we serve, and tailoring our solutions to meet their needs.

Personal Banking

Checking | Savings | Credit Cards | Lending

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bower, the Department of Small and Local Business Development, and District agencies are celebrating National Small Business Week with programming running April 29-May 4. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

ATF hosts Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit NATIONAL

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

For the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF), remembering victims of gun violence is not only about uplifting their memories, but putting an end to a deadly epidemic, plaguing thousands of American families across the nation. ATF’s Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit on April 23, hosted at the agency’s headquarters in Northeast, D.C., emphasized firearms’ harsh impact beyond lethal bullets, and promoted peace in communities nationwide.

“Survivors of gun violence, including those in law enforcement, came together to tell their stories and engage in important discussions about preventing gun violence, which continues to devastate families and communities across the country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. “I thank the women and men of ATF for the work they do every day to keep our communities safe and for convening this summit. And I’m especially grateful to today’s par-

ticipants who have lost loved ones to gun violence and who honor their memories by fighting for a better, safer future.”

According to Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, 43,000 Americans die annually due to gun violence, averaging to more than 116 people per day. During the summit, ATF unveiled “Faces of Gun Violence,” an exhibit housed at the agency’s headquarters that highlights victims as more than just numbers, but as people with families, stories and legacies.

“The ‘Faces of Gun Violence’ exhibit is a permanent reminder of what ATF comes to work to do every day — a reminder of why agents risk their lives and why everyone at ATF dedicates their careers to this mission: to honor the fallen and protect the living,” said ATF Director Steven Dettelbach.

“This exhibit both honors and tells the stories of the victims of firearms violence. And it reminds us to keep front and center the lives, the stories, and the courage of those who have been impacted by firearms violence.”

The exhibit also includes a digi-

tal kiosk that will memorialize the names, biographies and stories of individuals as submitted. The wall features the names and likeness of over 100 victims of gun violence across the nation ranging from all ages, races and genders, and will be updated annually.

“Behind me, we see a 15-yearold boy from Washington, D.C., who helped his football team win a championship. We see a mother and her three young daughters from Oregon, who spent their final evening together in excited anticipation of the eldest daughter’s first day of kindergarten. We see a 17-year-old honors student from Michigan, who tutored his classmates and loved his

three little brothers,” said Attorney General Merrick Garland. “Each victim in this exhibit was someone’s world: their beloved child; their role model; their revered elder; their best friend; their hero; the love of their life.”

As families reflected on their loss, Garland assured them that their deaths were not in vain.

“I know that the tragedy of gun violence in our country is so enduring and so enormous that it can often feel like there is nothing we can do. But that could not be further from the truth,” said Garland.

“In the effort to keep our country safe from gun violence, the Justice Department will never give in and never give up.”

His speech also noted new prosecutorial practices to convict repeat offenders and crack down on the trafficking of illegal firearms.

“Technology like crime gun intelligence is supercharging our ability to swiftly identify repeat shooters and take them off the streets,” Monaco reported. “With these tools, we trace guns and bullets from crime scenes; locate where and how people are buying illegal guns; and link seemingly unrelated crimes to take repeat shooters off the streets before they can strike again.”

According to Monaco, over 700 guns have been kept out of the hands of young people and 400 illegal gun

traffickers have been accountable due to the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act legislation from 2022 that was recently expanded.

“Just last week, the Justice Department finalized a rule that will require all those in the business of selling guns to obtain a federal license and run background checks — which we know keeps guns out of the hands of violent criminals and saves lives,” she continued, referencing enhancements signed into law by President Joe Biden.

The law closes what was known as the “gun loophole” which allowed people to purchase weapons at gun shows without screening outside of brick and mortar stores.

“Despite progress, we need to do more. We need to do more to keep guns out of the hands of violent domestic partners. We need to do more to support law enforcement as they work to interrupt and prevent domestic violence. And we need to do more to protect courageous survivors,” said Monaco. “My promise is this: we will not stop working to prevent gun violence and honor its victims and survivors. Because every single gun crime is one too many. Every single shooter who evades justice is one too many. And every single innocent life lost to gun violence is one too many.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5Attorney General Merrick Garland speaks to over 200 attendees at the Inaugural Gun Violence Survivors’ Summit hosted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). (Courtesy Photo/ ATF, Facebook)

Petition with Nearly 3,000 Signatures Urges President Biden to Pardon Former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

A petition is calling on President Joe Biden to grant a full pardon to former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who is facing 40 years in federal prison when she’s sentenced next month on fraud charges.

The petition has already netted more than 2,700 of the 3,000 signatures its organizers aimed for, with backing from notable figures like the National Congress of Black Women’s E. Faye Williams.

Petitioners claim the Department of Justice (DOJ) has sought to make an example of Mosby; a progressive prosecutor known for championing change in communities of color. According to the petition, rather than focusing on pressing issues like the Tulsa Race Massacre, DEI attacks, or hate

crimes, the DOJ’s pursuit of Mosby and other elected officials has been criticized as a distraction from more significant concerns.

A federal jury in February convicted Mosby, 44, on the federal charge of making a false mortgage application when she was Baltimore City State’s Attorney, relating to the purchase of a condominium in Long Boat Key, Florida. The jury acquitted her of making a false mortgage application to purchase a home in Kissimmee, Florida.

Prosecutors allege that Mosby made a false statement on an application for a $428,400 mortgage to purchase a condominium in Long Boat Key, and, as part of the application, she falsely stated that she had received a $5,000 gift from her husband for the property. The DOJ said Mosby made the false claim to secure a lower interest rate. They said her husband did not

give her the $5,000; instead, she transferred $5,000 to him, and he then moved the $5,000 back to her.

Mosby’s record as a prosecutor is lauded in the petition, which highlights her groundbreaking achievements. As the youngest chief prosecutor of any major U.S. city in 2014, Mosby introduced innovative programs offering alternatives to incarceration for nonviolent drug offenders and initiated one of the nation’s few Youth and Prevention departments.

However, prosecutors also won a perjury conviction against Mosby for withdrawing funds from her retirement account, an action her supporters argued that several other Baltimore City employees also took during the pandemic without facing prosecution. Further, Mosby’s supporters say the charges against her are unjust, particularly compared to the DOJ’s typical

Mosby

pursuit of cases involving much more significant sums.

The petition also highlights the role of federal prosecutor Leo Wise in targeting Mosby. The petitioners’ said Wise is known for his history of profiling and pursuing Black elected officials, and his involvement in Mosby’s case is suspect. The petitions also argue that Mosby’s confrontation with the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former President Trump over potential federal agent deployments to Baltimore following George Floyd’s murder is a catalyst for the subsequent federal investigation against her.

The petition invokes Article II, Section 2 of the United States Constitution, which empowers the president to grant pardons. Advocates argue that it’s time for Biden to rectify perceived injustices, particularly

those stemming from the previous administration’s DOJ. WI

Dreaming of homeownership?

5A petition is calling on President Joe Biden to grant a full pardon to former Baltimore State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby, who is facing 40 years in federal prison on fraud charges. Mosby is set to be sentenced next month. (WI File Photo)

AFL-CIO Report Exposes Deepening Racial Disparities in Workplace Safety

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 12.5 million workers across various unions, has released its 33rd annual report, “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” uncovering troubling racial disparities in workplace safety. The report’s findings, based on the most recent data available, underscore the urgent need for policymakers, regulatory bodies, and employers to confront the disproportionate rates of fatalities, injuries, and illnesses faced by workers of color.

According to the report, Black workers’ job fatality rates have surged to the highest levels seen in nearly 15 years. Meanwhile, Latino workers continue to endure

the most significant risk of death on the job compared to any other demographic group. In 2022, 734 Black workers lost their lives while on the job, a significant increase from the 543 deaths recorded in 2003. Similarly alarming trends were observed among Latino workers, with the number of deaths rising from 794 in 2003 to 1,248 in 2022. Shockingly, 60% of those killed were immigrants.

“These alarming disparities in workplace fatalities among workers of color are unacceptable, symptomatic of deeply ingrained racial inequity and the need to pay increased attention to the dangerous industries that treat workers as disposable,” remarked AFL-CIO

President Liz Shuler in a statement.

revelations are particularly stark when compared to the racial breakdown of the American work-

FREE GROCERIES FOR DC SENIORS!

force. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that as of 2021, white workers comprised 77% of the U.S. workforce, while Latino workers accounted for 18%, and Black employees represented 13%. The proportions don’t align with the rates of fatalities among workers of color.

“This report exposes an urgent crisis for workers of color and reaffirms what we’ve long known: When we talk about justice for workers, we must prioritize racial equity,” the authors emphasized.

The report identified specific hazards and industries where workers of color are most vulnerable. For Black workers, fatalities often result from transportation accidents, homicides, or exposure to harmful substances or environments. Meanwhile, Latino workers face significant risks in industries such as construction, agriculture, and manufacturing, where workplace hazards are prevalent.

Furthermore, the report highlights the systemic challenges workers of color face in accessing adequate protections and resources. Instances of employer retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions or injuries are rampant, creating a culture of fear and silence among workers. Weak penalties and enforcement mechanisms further exacerbate these issues, failing to hold non-compliant employers accountable for endanger-

ing their employees’ lives. Despite advancements in safety regulations and enforcement, systemic issues persist, threatening the well-being of workers across various industries.

Comparing records on safety and health, the report noted that the Biden and Trump administration’s records differ drastically.

The authors determined that the Biden administration’s job safety agencies have had to repair and rebuild after “four years of decimation rife with understaffing, repeal of worker safety laws, limits on public access to information and the inability to issue even the most basic of long-overdue protections.”

They concluded that the Biden administration improved transparency of information about: loved ones lost on the job to honor them and to prevent the tragedies for other families; bolstered enforcement initiatives to hold accountable the employers who violate the law and put workers in danger; strengthened policies to protect vulnerable workers with the greatest risks of dying on the job and facing retaliation; and issued milestone regulations to save workers’ lives and improve their livelihoods. They urged policymakers, employers, and stakeholders “to prioritize racial equity to improve workplace safety and health outcomes for all workers.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5The AFL-CIO, a coalition representing 12.5 million workers across various unions, has released its 33rd annual report: “Death on the Job: The Toll of Neglect,” which uncovers troubling racial disparities in workplace safety. (WI File Photo)

The

Events DC Presents 17th Annual Passport DC

Signature events include Around the World Embassy Tour, EU Open House, Flower Mart, Fiesta Asia, International City Food Festival

Events DC is thrilled to announce the return of Passport DC, a month-long journey around the world highlighting Washington, DC's thriving international diplomatic community and its lively and varied culture. In its 17th year, Passport DC is celebrated annually in May, which is International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington.

Passport DC will be a showcase of an outstanding array of cultural activities presented at embassy open houses, street festivals, performing arts venues, museums, and special receptions throughout the District. All events are free and open to the public.

“Passport DC is back, and I am thrilled to celebrate the diverse international communities that have become an integral part of the amazing culture of Washington, DC,” said Events DC President and CEO Angie M. Gates. “Throughout May, I encourage everyone to join us as we travel the world through a series of unforgettable signature events that underscore why our city is the culture capital of the world.”

Key components of Passport DC are its signature events:

• May 3-4: International City Food Festival (Produced by Events DC)

• May 3-4: All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart (Produced by All Hallows Guild at Washington National Cathedral)

• May 4: Around the World Embassy Tour (Produced by Events DC)

• May 11: European Union Open House (Produced by the European Union Delegation)

• May 18: Fiesta Asia (Produced by Asia Heritage Foundation)

• International Cultural Programing (Internationally themed programs offered by cultural organizations during the month of May)

“We (the embassies) look forward to Passport DC AWET every year,” said Joan Brammer, President of the Washington Educational and Cultural Attache Association. “It is the ONE day when we can open our doors to the city and share our culture with residents and visitors around the world. It’s exhilarating to travel the world without leaving DC—all in one day!”

Around the World Embassy Tour is one of several signature events produced during May’s International Cultural Awareness Month in Washington, DC. Non-European Union Embassies, representing six continents and islands in the Caribbean and the Pacific Ocean, open their doors to DC visitors and residents. These visitors then “travel the world” as they experience the food, art, dance, fashion, music, innovations and manufactured goods from different countries. Guests may also be treated to karate demonstrations, sari wrapping lessons, alpaca petting and the mechanics of video games and robots. Each embassy decides what unique aspect of its country it wants to present to the public.

55+ embassies are confirmed to

open their doors to the public on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A full list of embassies participating is at https://eventsdc.com/aroundworld-embassy-tour

International City Food Festival will be two days of celebrations complementing the first weekend of Passport DC, making culinary diplomacy accessible to all ages through a variety of fun and culturally rich events. Join Events DC at The Square on May 3 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. and May 4 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. where there will be a plethora of international performances, food, and crafts presented by vendors from around the world. The International City Food Festival offers an opportunity to journey across the globe and celebrate diverse cultures within the heart of Washington, DC. European Union Open House is organized by the Delegation of the European Union to the United States. Visitors will enjoy the authentic music, dance, food, film and art of the distinctive nations of the European Union! This event falls every year on the first Saturday after Europe Day on May 9. This date marks the signing of the Schuman Declaration on May 9, 1950, which established the European Coal and Steel Community, a multinational entity that would eventually become the European Union as we know it today.

All Hallows Guild’s Flower Mart is a program where people can shop for plants and gifts, eat fun festival food, enjoy children’s activities, ride the historic carousel and take in the beauty of the International Floral Exhibit. All Hallows Guild has hosted Flower Mart since 1939 and this is our 85th festival! Flower Mart is our largest annual fundraiser for the Washington National Cathedral's gardens and grounds. The 2024 theme is "In Bloom" as we celebrate the power of flowers!

Fiesta Asia is a street fair and a signature celebration that occurs every May in conjunction with Asian Heritage Month Commemorations. It offers outdoor craft exhibits, live performances, food and more. Since 2006, Fiesta Asia’s aim is to share, celebrate, and promote the diversity of Asian heritage and culture through the arts, traditions, education, cuisine, and way of life.

City Food Festival – May 3 & 4

Mart – May 3 & 4

the World Embassy Tour – May 4

EU Open House – May 11

Fiesta Asia – May 18

INTERNATIONAL

Rwanda President Paul Kagame and Kristalina Georgieva, managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Sunday, April 28, held discussions on ongoing fruitful collaboration between Rwanda and the IMF.

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Both leaders were attending the World Economic Forum (WEF) special meeting on global collaboration, growth and energy for development to address the most pressing issues on the global agenda, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Kagame participated in the opening plenary session on the “New Vision for Global Development” to discuss how to reignite the momentum of development and economic convergence.

Other panelists included President Tinubu of Nigeria, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim of Malaysia, Georgieva,, and the CEO of Lazard Group Peter Orszag.

Rwanda is the first African country to benefit from IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust, which is currently serving to support key climate change initiatives from the secured $319 million fund.

The forum attracted participants from 92 countries and more than 500 companies, institutions, and non-profit organizations for discussions on achieving a sustainable future.

Saudi Arabia hosted the WEF business conference on Sunday and Monday. Parallel to this, foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Jordan met on Monday in Riyadh with their U.S., German, British, French and Italian counterparts.

During his speech on Sunday, WEF President Borge Brende expressed his appreciation to the government of Saudi Arabia for hosting the special meeting, held under the theme "Global Collaboration, Growth and Energy for Development."

Vice-Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles has declared the University of the West Indies (UWI) is seeking to transform into a “global educational powerhouse” through expanded international partnerships and research initiatives, Barbados Today reported on Sunday, April 28.

Further, Beckles, the renowned Caribbean historian has also announced the process has begun to completely “decolonise” the university which began life in the former British West Indies, and deepen its role as a key part of the regional integration movement.

Beckles delivered a report titled “Future Focus: 75 years Regional Transformation to Global Leadership” to the UWI University Council, its highest decision-making body, highlighting the university’s progress and challenges over the past academic year as it celebrates its 75th anniversary.

“The University of the West Indies has been enormously successful,” he said. “This report argues that not only have we been a very successful institution over 75 years, but we are now in a position to serve our people even more fundamentally in terms of their transformation.”

The Vice-Chancellor credited strategic global partnerships, such as a recent agreement with Northwest University in Johannesburg, South Africa, as key to enhancing UWI’s international reputation and access to resources. He also noted the university has evolved from a regional academic body to a “multinational university powerhouse” with campuses and centers across the Caribbean, North America, China, and Africa.

Despite achievements, the noted scholar acknowledged that UWI continues to face financial hurdles like unfunded pension liabilities and budget cuts, though he said the university is implementing reforms to address these issues.

“We continue to monitor at all costs within our university that are impacting our balance sheet in negative ways,” he remarked.

WI

5UWI Vice Chancellor Sir Hilary Beckles. (Courtesy Photo)

5President Paul Kagame met with Kristalina Georgieva, the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), on Sunday, April 28 for a discussion on the fruitful collaboration between Rwanda and the IMF. (Courtesy Photo/ Village Urugwir)

Submitted

by

Maternal Health: Understanding Postpartum Depression

AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

Welcoming a baby into the world can be an exciting time in a parent’s life, filled with joy and anticipation. However, amidst the celebration, it's important to address one often overlooked aspect of maternal health: postpartum depression. Understanding this condition is crucial for the overall well-being of both mothers and newborns.

WHAT IS POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION?

Postpartum depression is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth and affects approximately 1 in 8 women.1 It typically surfaces within the first few weeks, but it can emerge anytime during the first year following childbirth. Postpartum depression goes beyond the "baby blues," which are common mood swings and mild depressive symptoms experienced by many new mothers within the first two to three days after giving birth.2 Postpartum depression requires professional intervention methods. Experiencing postpartum depression does not make you weak or unworthy of being a mother.

RECOGNIZING POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

A mother's mental health can strongly influence her ability to nurture and care for her child. Recognizing the signs of postpartum depression is critical to getting the help you need. Symptoms may include:2

• Severe mood swings

• Severe sadness or depression

• Restlessness

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Loss of appetite or increase in appetite

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide

DEALING WITH POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION

Acknowledging that you may have postpartum depression is the

first step toward healing and improving mental well-being. If you sense that postpartum depression is interrupting the excitement of motherhood, there are actions you can take to help you navigate through these emotions, such as:

• Communicating. Mothers should feel comfortable expressing their emotions without fear of judgment. Communicating your needs is not always easy, but doing so — open and honestly — can foster a sense of relief and prevent any isolating feelings that come with mental health challenges. Loved ones play a crucial role in providing a supportive environment.

• Seeking professional help. If your postpartum symptoms continue for more than two weeks or worsen over time, seeking professional help is essential. Make an appointment with your prenatal care provider to see if they can offer a treatment plan. Mental health professionals, therapists, or support groups specializing in postpartum care can provide the necessary guidance.

• Building a support system. Surround yourself with a strong support system. Friends, family, and partners can share responsibilities, allowing you to focus on recovery. Simple acts of kindness by them, such as preparing meals or helping with household chores, can lift some of your burden.

• Trying to practice self-care. Mothers need time for themselves to rest, rejuvenate, and engage in activities that bring joy. Taking regular breaks, getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet can help you feel better and improve your mental health.

Having a baby is challenging and many women experience postpartum depression. Understanding the symptoms and learning how to cope is the best thing you can do for yourself and your child.

Sources

1. “Depression During and After Pregnancy,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/reproductivehealth/features/maternal-depression/index.html

2. “Postpartum Depression,” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/postpartum-depression/ symptoms-causes/syc-20376617

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

Mental health is health

Living your best life means taking care of both your physical and mental health every day. Mental health is important because it impacts your thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. Prioritizing your mental health can help you be more successful at work, school, or in relationships, and it allows you to better adapt to changes in your life.

It can be overwhelming to deal with everything going on around you, and AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) is here to help you thrive. All AmeriHealth Caritas DC Medicaid and Alliance enrollees have access to a variety of behavioral health services, including:

• Behavioral health care providers

• 24/7 emotional support and mental health coaching via text

• Addiction and recovery support

Mental Health is Health

Everyone needs help sometimes, and emotional support is just a tap away!

As an AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollee, you have access to mental health coaching via text message through Headspace Care or MindRight To receive support now:

• Enrollees age 21 or older can download the Headspace Care app from the Google Play store or Apple App Store.

• Enrollees ages 13 – 20 can text 886-886 and use referral code “AmeriHealth” to access MindRight

We are here when you need us.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we encourage you to use the opportunity to focus on your own mental well-being. Visit www.amerihealthcaritasdc. com to learn more.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

TO LEARN MORE VISIT www.amerihealthcaritasdc.com/behavioralhealth.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911.

HEALTH

DC Walk 4 ReCovery: Keeping Hopes High On the Road to Renewal, Healing

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Spearheading a community effort to raise awareness and education across the District, Rhonda Johnson corralled recovery advocates on the National Mall for the annual DC Walk 4 ReCovery, celebrating the strength and resilience of those recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.

“The DC Walk 4 Recovery is very important because people need to understand addiction and mental health goes together. Nobody is taking the time to understand the ‘why’ behind a lot of the things that people are suffering from, [regarding] mental health, depression, the PTSD, and trauma,” said Johnson, an author and certified peer specialist consultant

for Now Hope 2 Reality.

She explained how drug and alcohol abuse often results from unaddressed trauma.

“So what [people] do is they self-medicate. They do drugs to escape reality. We have a lot of homelessness, domestic violence, [and other issues]. What the DC Walk 4 Recovery wants to do is to let people know, there's hope. There is help and there is treatment out here,” she told The Informer.

Falling on the heels of the Chief Medical Examiner’s report showing opioid deaths hitting a record high of 518 fatalities over 2023, community leaders are actively seeking a comprehensive approach to address the root causes of ad-

5 Residents took to the National Mall on April 27 for the DC Walk 4 ReCovery, an annual walk that aims to address concerns regarding recovery for substance use disorders, mental health and more, and educates on the side effects it poses on the community. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

diction while underscoring the intersection between addiction and mental health.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, common risk factors are often attributed to both mental disorders and substance use disorders (SUDs) including environmental factors such as trauma or stress, which can often cause genetic changes passed down through generations. These genetics may have a prevalent hand in the development of SUDs or a mental disorder.

Further, studies indicate that people suffering mental disorders such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), may use alcohol or drugs as a means to cope.

Ayo Handy-Kendi, known as the Breath Sekou (master teacher) and founder of Black Love Day, facilitated a meditation session for DC Walk 4 Recovery participants, emphasizing how breathing practices are crucial for mental health and recovery. Handy-Kendi knows firsthand the power of breath, using it to triumph over her own former battles with addiction.

“I am in my 32nd year of my recovery from cocaine, alcohol, and marijuana from the time I was 19. I'm 72 now. For the last 50 years, I've been in and out of meditation practices and they all started with the breath,” explained

Handy-Kendi, affectionately called “Mama Ayo.”

She said the breath is key to many practices and life itself.

“If you think of the consciousness of every single modality, the breath is there. So be it meditation, tai chi, yoga, martial arts, the foundation is the breath because the breath stills us, it calms the nerves and focuses the mind,” Handy-Kendi explained. “If you want to be peaceful and totally in the zone of connecting on a higher conscious level, our breathing does all of that. So part of my being not just a survivor in this world of recovery, but I became a thriver because I learned breath techniques at age 19.”

The breath expert and advocate attributes her success in SUD recovery and current standard of health in her older age to the lifelong practice of meditation. She shared that she has been fortunate to share with people around the world a system she created titled “optimum life pathology,” which allows people to “breathe deeply, fully, and consciously.”

“[When I was young], there was a lot of anger in me. I was depressed over the years and all of that stuck in my body. I used [drugs] to stimulate me, but I always came back to the breath every time. It made the total difference in who I am today,” Mama Ayo

"The DC Walk 4 ReCovery is very important because people need to understand addiction and mental health goes together.

said. “A lot of my [old] hang-out friends have high blood pressure, diabetes, and a lot of health issues like cancer or asthma, but because I kept working with my breathing throughout that time, I don’t have any of that. I have energy, I move, and I don't have the urge to use [drugs and alcohol]. So I encourage people if they want to release the trauma that’s stuck in our bodies, they’ve got to go deep. We have to breathe through it, to get to it.”

District resident Michael Turner felt compelled to join the Walk 4 Recovery event as a means to celebrate his journey to sobriety.

“I am a recovering addict myself. I have been clean for almost

5 The Breath Sekou Ayo Handy-Kendi performing breathing exercises on a participant during the DC Walk 4 ReCovery 2024 on the National Mall. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

DC WALK from Page 22

two years and I'm doing wonderful. I have a good job now, I'm not using drugs and am staying the course of my own recovery,” Turner told The Informer. “Staying connected to other people besides myself motivates me a lot. The primary purpose is to stop using. Once you realize what your primary purpose is, there’s God. God has saved me, from me.” Johnson, the founder and lead organizer for the 2024 DC Walk 4 ReCovery looks forward to her continued efforts to support com-

munity advocacy, helping those residents struggling to find their journey to sobriety.

In addition, Johnson’s work outside of the annual walk also seeks to inform and empower.

“I'm an author, and I have books that I publish. My latest book is ‘The Neuroplasticity Implicit Bias Theory Explained,’ and it explains why-- from the crack cocaine epidemic--- why we go through what we go through,” Johnson said. “I’m a survivor of the crack cocaine epidemic who understands. I can't give up now.”

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Anniversary of Illmatic

John Legend with the Wolf Trap Orchestra

June 4–6

Patti LaBelle Gladys Knight

June 8

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

Big Boi Danielle Ponder

June 15

Pilobolus re:CREATION

July 10 Ghostbusters in Concert National Symphony Orchestra

July 26

KIDZ BOP LIVE 2024

August 10

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis Cécile McLorin Salvant

August 15

Boyz II Men Bell Biv DeVoe

August 17 + 18 The Roots Digable Planets Arrested Development

August 31 An Evening with The Washington Ballet

September 5

5 Pastor Delonte Gholston of Peace Fellowship Church in Northeast, D.C. hugging participants after prayer during the D.C. Walk 4 ReCovery 2024 on the National Mall. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 Residents march on the National Mall for the DC Walk 4 Recovery on April 27. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

EARTH OUR

American Lung Association

Report: People of Color

Breathe Dirtier Air Nationwide

D.C. and

the Metro

Area See Small Improvements Compared to Last Year

By Stacy M. Brown and Kayla Benjamin WI Senior Writer and WI Climate & Environment Reporter

The American Lung Association’s 25th annual “State of the Air” report reveals significant disparities in air quality nationally, with people of color, low-income communities, children, older adults and individuals with underlying health conditions disproportionately affected.

The report, released April 24, uses three scores—one for ozone, as well as one each for daily and annual particle pollution. People of color were more than twice as likely to live in a county that failed all three compared to white people.

“Every day that there are unhealthy levels of ozone or particle pollution means that someone – a child, grandparent, uncle or mother – struggles to breathe,” Harold Wimmer, president and CEO of the American Lung Association (ALA), said in a press release. “We must do more to en-

sure everyone has clean air.”

D.C. and the wider Washington metro area did see improvement in this report compared to last year’s, said Laura Kate Bender, the ALA’s assistant vice president for nationwide healthy air. The District received a passing grade for ozone pollution for the first time—just barely squeaking by with a D.

The wider region, in which the ALA includes Baltimore and Arlington as well as parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, did not fare quite so well.

“The broader D.C. metro did the best it's ever done for ozone in the report—but it's still a failing grade,” Bender said.

In fact, despite the region’s progress on ozone, it was still in the bottom 20% of all the metro areas scored in the report, ranking 44thworst out of 228. Inhaling ozone can cause shortness of breath, trigger coughing and asthma attacks and may shorten life. The ALA press release said the lung irritant’s “effects have been likened to a sunburn of the lungs.”

(Pixabay/Pexels.com)

The D.C. area and the city itself both received C grades for particulate matter, the other dangerous pollutant measured in the report. Importantly, this year’s State of the Air uses data from 2020 through 2022—that means last year’s wildfire smoke days aren’t included. Further, the ALA data only breaks down air quality at the county level. That means it doesn’t capture the differences between individual census tracts or neighborhoods, and those differences can be substantial.

In the District, residents of Ward 7’s Fort Dupont and Marshall Heights experience the city’s highest rates of pollution-related premature deaths—four times as many as there were in Georgetown East and Woodley Park, in Wards 2 and 3, according to a 2021 study published in the journal GeoHealth.

“If you live closer to a polluting source, even within a city, your air quality is probably going to look pretty different from someone who’s farther than that polluting source,” Bender said. “These [scores] are capturing the big broad trends across areas.”

The report also recognized the nation’s cleanest cities. To make the cleanest list for all three measures, a city must experience no high ozone or particle pollution days and rank among the 25 cities with the lowest year-round particle pollution levels. The top five were Bangor, Maine; the Johnson City-Kingsport-Bristol, Tennessee and Virginia area;

Lincoln-Beatrice, Nebraska area; Urban Honolulu, Hawaii; and Wilmington, North Carolina.

IMPACT OF AIR POLLUTION: PEOPLE OF COLOR, CHILDREN, VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

Despite comprising 41.6% of the U.S. population, people of color represent 52% of those living in counties with at least one failing grade for air quality. In counties with the poorest air quality, where failing grades are given for all three measures of air pollution, 63% of the nearly 44 million residents are people of color, compared to 37% white.

Further, the report revealed that more than 29.2 million children under 18 and 20.6 million adults aged 65 and over live in counties with at least one failing grade for pollution. More than 9.7 million children and 6.7 million seniors reside in counties failing all three measures.

The impact of air pollution on vulnerable populations is significant. Over 1.9 million children and nearly 9.8 million adults with asthma live in counties with at least one failing grade for pollution. In comparison, more than 600,000 children and 3.1 million adults with asthma reside in counties failing all three measures.

Additionally, about 6.0 million

people with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) live in counties with at least one failing grade for pollution, including over 1.7 million in counties failing all three measures.

“We have seen impressive progress in cleaning up air pollution over the last 25 years, thanks in large part to the Clean Air Act. However, when we started this report, our team never imagined that 25 years in the future, more than 130 million people would still be breathing unhealthy air,” Wimmer, the American Lung Association’s president, said in the press release about the report.

The authors noted that these disparities in air quality exposure can be traced back to systemic racism in the U.S., including practices like redlining and institutionalized residential segregation. Historically, decision-makers have placed pollution sources, such as power plants and industrial facilities, in economically disadvantaged communities of color, contributing to high rates of emergency department visits for asthma and other diseases.

Bender said that individuals can take action to protect their own health and the health of their communities.

“I have asthma—I’ll use airnow. gov to decide if I want to go for a run outside, or if I want to work out indoors,” Bender said. “Everyone can take steps to protect their health from poor air quality.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

OUR EARTH

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Adopts New Tree Canopy Goals

By Asha Taylor WI Intern

Between 2014 and 2018, the District lost nearly 500 acres of tree canopy—about 400 football fields’ worth. That trend has continued in recent years, not just in D.C. but across the DMV, according to a recent report from the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG).

In response, the regional body voted earlier this month to adopt a new goal: maintaining tree canopy coverage of at least 50% across the metropolitan Washington region. The April 10 resolution notes that urban trees can cool down neighborhoods, improve air quality and pull emissions that cause climate change out of the air—all of which also helps reduce health inequalities and enable the DMV to meet climate goals.

“The 50% goal is a floor, not a ceiling,” said Brian M. LeCouteur, COG’s principal environmental planner. “What we are trying to do is wake everybody up and have them realize ‘hey, we are losing canopy really fast.’”

LeCouteur co-edited the report COG released the same day as the vote, titled “Conserving Trees and Forests in Metropolitan Washington.” The 103-page document details tree canopy loss data and aims to provide a roadmap for jurisdictions in growing and maintaining tree coverage.

The document includes three goals for achieving the broader regional target:

1. Smaller Scale Target Goal: Identify mature canopy coverage levels that are associated with 18 general classes of land use categories encountered in the COG region.

2. Intermediate Goal: Provide help for communities to identify tree canopy goals for watersheds, planning districts and census tracts of towns and smaller cities.

3. Overarching Goal: Ensure at least 50% tree canopy coverage for the entire region through 2050.

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments is an independent, non-profit organization that works with local leaders to address issues across the DMV. In February 2019, COG launched the Regional Tree Canopy Subcommittee (RTCS), which worked with local agencies to develop the “Conserving Trees” report.

Generally, RTCS creates the plan for the Washington area to protect, manage and expand its forested regions and is responsible for encouraging member jurisdictions to increase their tree canopy coverage.

WHAT’S IN THE NEW REPORT

In the latest report, COG officials documented the loss of tree canopy throughout the Metropolitan Washington area. Overall, the majority of the region is suffering from a large loss of tree canopy— going from 51.3% of land covered by trees in 2014 to 49.6% today. While the percentage change might seem small, it amounts to more than 4,000 acres of tree canopy lost every year.

Most of that loss stems from increasing urbanization and development. Other potential factors in tree canopy loss include forestry, shifting agriculture and commodity-driven forestation.

Currently, the District of Columbia has about 37% tree canopy coverage. The COG report explains that not all jurisdictions will have the same goals—the 50% target is for the region overall, but each locality will differ based on its unique challenges and opportunities for planting trees and maintaining them.

In “Conserving Trees and Forests in Metropolitan Washington,” MWCOG offers a 10-step plan for its members to create achievable tree canopy goals. The steps include:

• Identify Tree Canopy Baseline

• Identify Tree Canopy gain/ Loss Trends

• Estimate the Level of Services and Benefits Provided by Your Trees and Forests

• Identify Areas of Existing Tree Canopy That Are Currently Protected

• Forecasting PostDevelopment Canopy Levels

• Identify Potential Areas to Plant Trees

• Identify a Potential Canopy Goal

• Integrating Tree Canopy Goals

• Gaining Local Government Support of the Tree Canopy Goal:

• Public Engagement –Creating a Sense of Ownership in the Community

The newly adopted COG resolution urges member jurisdictions to use the report and other resources from the Regional Tree

Canopy Subcommittee.

“The next step in this is what’s called ‘a forest action plan,’ and that’s the next thing that our com-

mittee needs to work on,” said LeCouteur.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI

NOTICE OF VIRTUAL PUBLIC HEARING

Thursday, May 9, 2024 / 6:30 p.m.

Meeting will be held virtually via Microsoft Teams or Telephone MS Teams Meeting ID: 269 390 126 877, Passcode: hNCKMM or by phone (audio only): +1 202-753-6714, Conference ID: 728609923#

The Board of Directors (Board) of the District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority (DC Water) will conduct a virtual public hearing at the above stated date and time to receive comments on two Notice of Proposed Rulemakings published in the D.C. Register on the March 22, 2024.

An agenda and information on how to participate in the meeting remotely will be posted to the Board Calendar on DC Water’s website at dcwater.com

Each individual or representative of an organization who wishes to present testimony remotely or by telephone at the public hearing is requested to furnish his or her name, address, telephone number and name of the organization (if any) by calling (202) 787-2331 or emailing the request to Michelle Rhodd at Board.Secretary@dcwater.com no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Other persons wishing to present testimony may testify after those on the witness list. Persons making presentations are urged to address their statements to relevant issues.

Oral presentations by individuals will be limited to five (5) minutes. Oral presentations made by representatives of an organization will not be longer than ten (10) minutes. Statements should summarize extensive written materials so there will be time for all interested persons to be heard. Oral presentations will be heard and considered, but for accuracy of the record, all statements should be written and submitted to Board.Secretary@dcwater.com. The public hearing will end when all persons wishing to testify have been heard.

Written testimony or comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking may be submitted by mail to Michelle Rhodd, Secretary to the Board, District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority, 1358 Canal Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20003, or by email to Board.Secretary@dcwater.com

Such written testimony to be clearly marked “Written Testimony for Public Hearing, May 9, 2024” and received by 5:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

dcwater.com

district of columbia water and sewer authority

5Trees planted by The Chesapeake Bay Foundation. (Photo Courtesy of CBF)

EDUCATION

Capital One Arena Hosts D.C.’s First College Signing Day

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Capital One Arena hosted hundreds of students, teachers, city leaders and a special surprise guest, former First Lady Michelle Obama, on April 30 for the District’s first ever College Signing Day.

“We are proud of you, we are rooting for you. You entered high school during an uncertain time and now you are graduating and starting the next chapter in your life where you will get to play a big and pivotal role in what our futures look like,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, while donning University of the District of Columbia gear. “You will be making decisions that affect what Washington, D.C. looks like and opportunities for the next generation and opportunities for my generation.”

Much of her speech incentivized students to return to D.C. after receiving their degree in a specialized field.

“Bring your talents back to D.C., a place where people come to change the world,” Bowser emphasized.

“Know this about your hometown, we are the most important city in the United States.”

The crowd in attendance packed the first floor of the stadium and showed audible excitement as DJ Jealous played top hits for participants. The main goal was to show students they are not alone as they venture out into a new academic arena.

Other leaders like D.C. Public Schools Chancellor Lewis Ferbee and Monumental Sports CEO Ted Leonsis also shared words of encouragement.

Ferbee highlighted postgraduate resources for students through D.C.

Persists which the city cites as a transformative college success program.

“It’s so important to sign up for our alumni program with mentorship, coaching, financial support and emotional support,” Ferbee shared while repping his alma mater in a North Carolina Central hoodie.

He also invited those attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to share their success by applauding their hard work and acceptance letters.

Leonsis said: “I expect one student or many of the students here to own your own sports team, real estate company and build it,” after revealing that he was the first in his family to get a degree.

“You can do it by graduating college and coming back to D.C. when you graduate. We will provide the economic means so that you and your family can focus on nothing but doing well in college,” Leonsis continued.

While on stage, Bowser and Ferbee selected 10 raffle tickets for audience members who received an additional scholarship on site.

High schools like Banneker were beyond thankful to participate in the festivities hoping to set a longstanding tradition for more students in the District.

“I want to shout out all of my 134 seniors who have a 100% graduation and college acceptance rate,” said Anita Berger who serves as the prin-

Howard University Journalists Reflect on WHCA Honors

By Ashleigh Fields WI Contributing Writer

Three students from Howard University received high honors at the annual White House Corre-

spondents’ Dinner on April 27 at the Washington Hilton. President Joe Biden personally congratulated 30 White House Correspondents Association (WHCA) scholarship recipients, including Howard schol-

ars Trinity Webster-Bass, JD JeanJacques II and Kyle Fisher.

“Our student scholars represent the energy, curiosity and creativity of young content creators who have excelled in their studies and will chart their own paths in professional reporting,” said WHCA President Kelly O’Donnell. “As institutions everywhere face crises in public confidence, our student scholars bring a fresh perspective and a desire to better understand the world around them.”

The WHCA has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships this year. Each Howard student will receive a one-time award of $7,000 towards their tuition.

Webster-Bass, was chosen as the Harry S. McAlpin Jr. scholar, presented in honor of the first African American to attend a presidential press conference at the White House on behalf of the Atlanta Daily World.

cipal at Banneker. “Our students need to know that people recognize this achievement and realize how much we value their accomplishments.”

In addition to the celebration for graduating seniors, the day served as an inspiration to underclassmen who are preparing for their future and sparked a special announcement from Eric Waldo, CEO of D.C.’s College Acess Program (DC-CAP.)

“We are setting out a goal to announce by the year 2050 we want to eliminate the college achievement gap in D.C.,” Waldo stated. “We want everyone to graduate from college and we’re announcing that we are going to have an 80% graduation rate.”

However, the biggest surprise was a special salute from former First Lady Michelle Obama who ignited the assembly with words that mobilized students to pursue their passions.

"I know that it is easy to write yourself off even before your journey begins, and that's exactly why I wanted to come and talk to you all today,” she said lovingly.

Her speech promoted awareness about Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and tips for those who are the first in their family to pursue higher education.

“We need your vision. We need your energy. We need your ideas,” she proclaimed. “We need your perspectives to help us continue to build a more just and equal nation and world at this point.”

WI

“As a young aspiring journalist with a passion for audio reporting, I often find myself in a field where representation is lacking. It's rare to encounter individuals who look like me or share my voice while telling our stories,” said Webster-Bass, a junior broadcast journalism major, and Afro-American studies minor from Jacksonville, Florida. “Journalism isn't just a career path for me; it's a calling.”

Webster, who was recently initiated as a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, currently serves as President of the Ida B. Wells Society on campus and an investigative reporter for The Hilltop. This summer she will return to The Washington Post as an intern.

“That evening, I found myself in a room I never imagined I'd be in, yet I knew I belonged there. Witnessing my fellow scholars and other award recipients reinforced my commit-

ment to my work, reminding me that dedication pays off in the long run,” she explained. “The honor of receiving the Harry S. McAlpin Scholarship comes with significant weight and recognition, and I'm determined to uphold its legacy as a Black journalist dedicated to the task at hand.”

Her colleague, Jean-Jacques, who is positioned to become the editor-in-chief of Howard’s newspaper next year, said this honor helped him realize his full potential as a journalist who can impact society.

“It was so spectacular to talk with journalism professionals and professionals of other industries at the dinner,” Jean-Jacques told The Informer. “The night showed me that I really can be just like them and contribute to our country in the ways they do. It was truly a once in a

5Tyra Ware, JD Jean Jacques II, Kyle Fisher and Trinity Webster-Bass with WHCA Executive Director Steven Thomma. (Courtesy Photo)

5Hundreds of District of Columbia students gathered at Capital One Arena in Northwest on April 30 for a College Signing Day celebration. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

lifetime experience and I won’t ever forget it.”

Scholarship recipients participated in a luncheon the day before the dinner where they were paired with mentors from the White House press corps. Since the scholarship program’s existence in 1991, the relationships fostered, help propel young journalists into an exclusive and rigorous workforce covering government in the nation’s capital.

“WHCA mentors make a yearlong commitment to work with these students offering advice and encouragement,” said Eugene Daniels of Politico. “We all know what a difference that can make. None of us would be here without opportunity and support.”

Daniels was matched with Fisher who he will guide throughout the next 365 days. Fisher serves as sports editor of The Hilltop, is an NBCUniversal summer intern for the Paris Olympics and all-MEAC jumper for the University’s track team.

The student-athlete and storyteller

said the opportunity to meet celebrities and “pick the brains of so many incredible people who are passionate about journalism,” was an invaluable experience he will cherish forever.

“Meeting and speaking with the president of the United States was eye-opening because his passion about HBCUs and seeing people like me succeed was clearly great,” he said. “I hope to use the scholarship to continue my academic pursuits, and use the connections that I made through the award to enhance my involvement in the industry and promote good and ethical storytelling.”

His coach affirmed that Fisher was a great pick and will not fall short of any goal due to his continued tenacity on and off the track.

“Kyle has put in the tough work to get himself where he is academically as well as athletically. His academic work ethic is to be commended and to receive this type of honor is something everyone should strive for,” said former Olympian David Oliver who serves as the head coach of track and field at Howard. “We are

EDUCATION

extremely proud of Kyle garnering this recognition!”

Fisher, a junior strategic legal communications major from Duluth, Georgia said he is motivated to break

WE DEFEND THE RIGHTS OF D.C. SENIORS

barriers as a writer.

“It was humbling to be shouted out and given a standing ovation in a room of people who had accomplished so much,” Fish-

er concluded. “It let me see the scope of my work, and drew a bigger flame to my passion. I am proud and blessed to be a 2024 WHCA scholar.”

3 Kyle Fisher, Tyra Ware, Trinity Webster-Bass and JD Jean Jacques II proudly pose at the White House Correspondents Dinner.

(Courtesy Photo)

As Primary Elections Begin in the DMV, Voters are Encouraged to First Do Their Homework

The election cycle is now in full swing, with primary elections for Maryland, the District and Virginia scheduled, on Tuesdays, May 14, June 4, and June 18, respectively.

Anyone 18 or older should be registered to vote and besides voting on primary election day, there are several other ways to cast your ballot with either in-person early voting or mail-in voting. Deadlines vary depending on where you’re registered.

However, before you vote – and we certainly hope that you are committed to doing just that – we strongly encourage readers to be proactive and do your homework. That’s right, you have homework pending, particularly if you intend to make informed choices when you fill out your ballot.

In recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase in election advertisements on television, in print or online media and on the radio. Smiling faces of everyday people are now bombarding Smart TV screens, sharing personal testimonies about the candidate of their choice that include reasons why you too should get on board. The goal is to convince undecided voters to believe what they see and hear.

For other voters, it’s not advertisements on which they rely for information about the candidates or issues but the numbers as reported in polls. Some voters simply follow the crowd, so whoever’s leading becomes the person they support. Alternatively, some voters prefer to support the underdog and give their vote to him or her. However, because we’re not told who was polled, one never knows if they’re jumping on a bandwagon that will ultimately be in

their best interest or not.

Finally, there are voters who rely on public endorsements which come from their favorite people, especially celebrities or athletes, from well-respected media outlets, from high profile organizations and businesses – even from current or former politicians.

But there’s still a problem. In each of the methods we’ve mentioned above, there’s still little or no evidence of voters doing their homework. What do you know about the candidates? What are the essential elements of their campaign? If they’re running for reelection, how have they voted on issues that matter to you in the past? And finally, rhetoric aside, who do you trust and believe in the most?

Every American has “skin in the game.” And given the sacrifices made by men and women dating back to at least the Civil War, there’s just no excuse for not voting.

When Congress passed the 19th amendment on June 4, 1919, and ratified it on Aug. 18, 1920, women were finally granted the right to vote in America.

The 14th Amendment (1868) granted African Americans the right to citizenship. However, this did not always translate into the ability to vote.

The 15th amendment (1870) was intended to combat efforts by states to keep Blacks from voting through means that included poll taxes, literacy tests, fraud and intimidation.

In 1915, the Supreme Court struck down the “grandfather clause” – another way that states kept Blacks from voting which said you could not vote unless your grandfather had voted – an

impossibility for most of those whose ancestors were slaves.

During the 1950s and 1960s, thousands of brave men, women and children protested, marched, were beaten, arrested and even died while working toward voter equality.

In 1964, the 24th Amendment was ratified which prohibited the use of poll taxes. And in 1965, the Voting Rights Act directed the U.S. Attorney General to enforce the right to vote for African Americans.

Young adults, who could be drafted for war but not allowed to vote, were finally guaranteed the vote under the 26th amendment (1971) which established a nationally standardized minimum age of 18 for participation in state and local elections.

It’s easy to grumble and complain about the services available to those who live in your community. And who hasn’t found fault with their local commissioner, mayor, representative in Congress – even with the president? Maybe it’s the way schools in your district are funded that cause your blood pressure to rise.

Perhaps it’s the laws that govern police officers in your city or county. Grumble all you want but voting is the way we make our opinions known. Voting is the way we keep the train on the track or force it to veer left or right. Yes, there remain efforts to suppress the vote for people of color, returning citizens and a host of others. That’s when we need to say, as Fannie Lou Hammer once declared, “I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired.”

The primary elections are almost upon us. Do the right thing – VOTE! WI

I’m writing to give kudos for another marvelous issue of the Washington Informer. Shout out to all the writers, photographers, and staff who make it happen each and every week.

Louis Harris

Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

The story on the third-party ticket presidential candidate Dr. Melina Abdullah was interesting and a testament to your team’s commitment to covering diverse and important topics. It’s common knowledge they will have an uphill battle. Still, I commend them for their tenacity and dedication to the cause.

Andre Dixon Laurel, Md.

No HBCU Players Were Selected in Initial NFL Draft 2024, Why the NFL Has to do Better

Conference titles and a first-ever trip to the Celebration Bowl, and team standouts like Ian Wheeler have been preparing to take their skills to the next level.

“Playing at the next level is something that I have always thought about since the age of 10,” Wheeler, a three-time member of the MEAC Commissioner’s All-Academic team, told The Informer in January. “Just like I felt that I was confident that I could play at the Division I level, I feel like I have been given another chance to prove myself.”

At the time of the January interview, Wheeler had been invited to the February HBCU (historically Black college and university) Legacy Bowl in Yulman, Louisiana, which offers seniors from HBCUs who are draft eligible an opportunity to showcase their skills to NFL scouts.

However, during the initial NFL draft last week, no student-athletes from HBCUs were selected.

Despite the exclusion of HBCU seniors from the draft, at least 21 student-athletes from historically Black institutions have been invited by multiple teams to minicamp invites or as undrafted free agents, according to a report from HBCU Buzz.

As undrafted free agents, the athletes can negotiate with any team interested in them, and those invited to minicamps can train with teams and the respective athletic staff can assess their skills.

On April 28, Howard Football announced on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Wheeler signed to Chicago Bears. In addition, Connecticut's Taft School took to X to congratulate alum, Anim Dankwah, who went on to Howard for his undergraduate career, and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles.

While players like Wheeler and Dankwah are finally learning of their career opportunities, not officially including any HBCU player as part of the initial NFL draft does a disservice to historically Black institutions and professional football overall.

Representation matters. While the NFL is not lacking in African American players, as 53.5% of the athletes are Black, according to Statista.com, not including HBCUs as part of the professional league has a domino effect on HBCUs and the Black community.

As HBCUs such as Howard grow in popularity for high school athletes looking to continue playing on the collegiate level, recruiting players from those institutions to the NFL is the natural next step in gaining notoriety as sports powerhouses. When schools become sports powerhouses, they also get more money. The more funding institutions are able to get, the more opportunities available for students.

The United Negro College Fund’s (UNCF) 2021 “Social Mobility Outcomes for HBCU Alumni,” report reveals HBCUs account for 80% of Black judges, 50% of Black of doctors, and 50% of Black lawyers (according to research from The Network Journal, 2010). If HBCUs are that critical in shaping the next generation of Black leadership.

As HBCUs are so important to building Black leaders, and moreover setting up opportunities to further academic, career and economic opportunities in the African American community, it is critical that they are represented in the mainstream, and that includes as part of the NFL draft Despite instances such as Colin Kaepernick, becoming a free agent after his peaceful protest, kneeling during the singing of the National Anthem, the NFL prides itself on strides toward diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

According to the NFL’s website: “The NFL believes diversity and inclusion among our employees is critical to our success, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool.”

Recruiting from HBCUs shows a true commitment toward obtaining and retaining players from a diverse candidate pool, and not doing so, makes one question the NFL’s true dedication to DEI.

While it’s great that more than 21 players from HBCUs will now have the chance to showcase their skills on the professional level, the NFL should have been more intentional about ensuring students from historically Black institutions were clearly represented during the draft. That kind of representation is important not just for football and professional sports, but overall.

WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Breaking Earth's Stillness

Earth Day and the month of April are commemorated across the world as a time to celebrate our planet and focus on action to protect it. During this month I often remember the poem "Keeping Quiet" by Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, which urged the world "to count to twelve and all keep still, for once on the face of the earth":

"It would be an exotic moment without rush, without engines … Fishermen in the cold sea would not harm whales and the man gathering salt would look at his hurt hands.

Those who prepare green wars, wars with gas, wars with fire, victories with no survivors, would put on clean clothes and walk about with their brothers in the shade, doing nothing. What I want should not be confused

with total inactivity. Life is what it is about. I want no truck with death …

Perhaps a huge silence might interrupt this sadness of never understanding ourselves and of threatening ourselves with death.

Perhaps the earth could teach us …"

This month is a reminder that Earth's silence is being broken by the felling of thousand-year-old trees and other sounds of industry and environmental destruction leading to the

tinker of coins in corporate coffers. Earth's quiet is also broken by the sounds of children gasping for breath as asthma and other respiratory diseases from the pollution of the air and land around them ravage their bodies and staunch their learning. There are many other kinds of dangers making the Earth a treacherous playground rather than a safe one. Children are now threatened by toxic pollution from the airwaves and internet along with the air and water. We hear the bickering and horse-trading between politicians and special inter-

est groups who are often debating how big a tax break to give to the non-needy instead of investing in a cleaner, safer environment for the future. And Earth's stillness is shattered by the sounds of guns and war across our nation and world, killing more civilians than soldiers, including children.

As we conclude this month, I hope it can spur us to build an even more powerful moral movement to protect all children and young people against

EDELMAN Page 53

White House Plan Could Reduce or Eliminate Accumulated Interest for 30M Student Loan Borrowers

30 million student loan borrowers, including Black and Latino borrowers, up to $20,000 in interest forgiveness if they have:

• Paid on their loans for 20 years or longer.

Multiple recent announcements from the Biden administration offer new hope for the 43.2 million borrowers hoping to get relief from the onerous burden of a collective $1.727 trillion of student loan debt.

On April 16, the federal Education Department initiated a regulatory change that could give an estimated

The year of 1968 remains one of the most historic turning points in history. This single year was marked by historic achievements, assassinations and protests over a much-hated war.

It was a year which literally transformed the future of a nation. While young white students protested the Vietnam War, frus-

• Balances in repayment that are now larger than the original amount borrowed.

• Enrolled previously in income-driven repayment.

If approved as presented, forgiveness could commence this fall. Further, and unlike some other programs, no relief application would be required.

It is worth noting that according to the Education Data Initiative, 2023 marked the first-ever annual decline in student loan debt, which should be credited to the Biden administration's efforts over the past three years.

A related White House fact sheet underscored the significance the interest reduction plan could have on the nation's racial wealth gap.

"Four years after graduation, Black bachelor's degree borrowers, on average, owe more than they borrowed," said the White House. "These plans would not only help create more fi-

nancial stability for millions of working and middle-class families, they would also help address the disproportionate debt burden on communities of color and advance racial equity."

In a related briefing on the initiative, Education Secretary Miguel Cardona spoke directly to the nation's needs and the plan's benefits.

"We're delivering as much relief as possible for as many borrowers as possible as quickly as possible," Cardona said. "And what does that really mean for people?"

"It means breathing room," he said,

answering his own question. "It means freedom from feeling like your student loan bills compete with basic needs like grocery or health care…Student loan forgiveness isn't only about relief for today's borrowers. It's about social mobility, economic prosperity, and creating an America that lives up to its highest ideals."

In a related effort to inform communities of this latest White House initiative, Vice President Kamala Harris convened a roundtable discussion

trated Blacks protested racism and poverty at home. The assassination of Martin Luther King on the balcony of the Lorraine Hotel in Memphis unleashed a wave of violence, looting and arson in cities across the U.S. Two months later, on the night of the California primary, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy was leaving the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles when he was shot by a young Jordanian immigrant Sirhan Sirhan. Born in Jerusalem, Sirhan later said he assassinated Kennedy out of concern for the

Palestinian cause and felt betrayed by the senator's support for Israel during the Six-Day War in 1967. After Kennedy's victory in the California primary, he was in reach of securing the Democratic presidential nomination.

One has to wonder what would have happened to the direction of our nation if Sirhan was not motivated by the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Whether a person is a supporter of Israel or pro-Palestinian, the conflict between the two sides has a long and complex

history of impacting our political landscape. Universities have always been breeding grounds for political activism. Protests against the war in Gaza have now spread through American college campuses where students are now being arrested, suspended and setting up encampments in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

On Oct. 7, Hamas and several other Palestinian militant groups launched a surprise attack into southern Israel resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and over

200 hostages in Israel. Hamas said its attack was in response to the continued Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict will never be seen as a win-win scenario abroad or here in the U.S. The current protests may not ever reach the magnitude of the student protests of the 1960s against the Vietnam War or the 1980s against South African apartheid, but the level has risen to where

CROWELL Page 53

Charlene Crowell

Guest Columnist

David W. Marshall

Marian Wright Edelman

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Our Supreme Court: Hard to Believe

en, for Black people, for poor people, for liberals!

I listened to every word of the United States Supreme Court Hearing in the past few days. My mind went back to years ago when people seeking justice would say the words "We will take this to the Supreme Court" because we truly believed we would receive some measure of justice there. It'she last place we want to go today to think we're going to get justice for wom-

I couldn't believe what I was hearing from the male justices — not even the chief justice. As much as I hate to say it, there was no doubt they did not deserve to be called justices. There was not a word about preserving our Constitution. If it were not for the four women on the court — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson (who was brilliant), Justice Sonia Sotomayor (who was awesome), Justice Elena Kagan (also brilliant) and I will

give Justice Amy Coney Barrett her props (who gave a little bit of hope with her questions).

As for the men, they didn't assure us they were sitting on that bench to protect the American people. They made it clear they were there to be more interested in protecting the orange man by almost surely supporting his wellknown habit of figuring out every possible means to delay, delay and delay proceedings designed to keep him out of jail by pretending not to know his actions could not

possibly be immune from punishment. Orange man's attorney didn't even try to go back before the court once the people's attorney, Michael Dreeben, completed his appearance. At the same time, Attorney Dreeben was representing the people brilliantly, the orange man was sitting in a New York courtroom where David Pecker was testifying to reasons why the orange man should be convicted for breaking laws the rest of us are required to obey.

The orange man bragged at a

rally in Iowa that he could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot someone and not lose voters. What a pity for him to even say that, but worse to hear the discussion that seemed to be the attitude of the male justices as they tried to figure out every way possible to agree with him. It was shocking! I couldn't help but wonder what young people who heard that were thinking — especially the ones across the country protesting the

WILLIAMS Page 54

25 Years After Columbine, Gun Industry Greed and Lawmakers' Cowardice Still Prevail

survivors of Columbine with the common-sense solutions that we know work." — Angela Ferrell-Zabala, Moms Demand Action executive director

"When the Columbine High School shooting happened twenty-five years ago, it was an unimaginable tragedy. Now, as gun violence continues to traumatize students and devastate our schools, families, and communities, we cannot afford to become numb to this crisis. We’ll keep fighting to honor the victims and

Even before the slaughter of students and a teacher at Columbine High School stunned the nation, mayors like myself were taking action against the unchecked greed of gun manufacturers.

New Orleans, where I served as mayor, was the first to sue. In the months to follow, 30 more cities followed our lead.

That summer, the U.S. Conference of Mayors met in New Orleans and called on Congress to enact common-sense gun safety measures including raising the minimum age for purchasing and possessing a handgun from 18 to 21, requiring background checks at guns shows and limiting gun purchases to one a Whmonth per individual.

The same day we announced our demands, in a show of defiance against the gun industry, Louisiana Gov. Mike Foster made a show

of his cowardice and signed a law banning cities from suing gun companies.

Even though a small fraction of the hundreds of thousands of lives lost since Columbine were lost in school shootings, such incidents underscore the shame of our nation's inaction on gun violence.

The gun industries main lobbying arm for decades, the National Rifle Association, was well aware of the "horrible juxtaposition" of "kids fondling firearms" at its upcoming convention even as the teenage

victims of Columbine were laid to rest.

They held the convention anyway, turning the event into a massive slap in the face to the grieving survivors.

Over the years, as mass shootings grew more frequent and ever more deadly, the NRA's defiance and contempt grew as well. After each tragedy, the gun industry seized on baseless fears of a total gun ban to weaken gun regula-

Forcing Polluters to Clean Up Their Mess Means New Hope for Communities

power plant in her town.

In Waukegan, Illinois, about 40 miles north of Chicago, Dulce Ortiz is celebrating with her children.

Ortiz is a cofounder of the local environmental justice organization Clean Power Lake County. She has been organizing for years to get coal ash waste cleaned up from the site of the retired coal

The historic suite of power plant pollution standards announced last week by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) includes a rule that will finally force power plant owners to clean up their coal ash pollution.

This is good news for Dulce Ortiz's family and countless others, including the 30 million people who get their drinking water from the Great Lakes. Coal ash contains toxic pollutants like mercury, arsenic, and cancer-causing

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) that leach into groundwater. And there are more than 100 coal ash waste sites along the shores of the Great Lakes. That includes legacy sites from retired plants like the one in Waukegan, which left two coal ash ponds and another coal ash deposit.

Ortiz says, "My vision for my family and my community is a lakefront where I can take my children swimming in the waters of Lake Michigan without worrying about toxic pollution; where we

can go fishing without worrying about mercury and PCB contamination of the fish we catch; where I can go running along the shores of Lake Michigan without worrying about air pollution triggering my asthma. I want to see a clean energy future for Waukegan and all communities that have borne the burden of coal and industrial plant pollution for decades."

Waukegan has borne a particularly heavy burden. The predominantly Black and brown residents share their town with five of Il-

linois' 11 Superfund hazardous waste sites. That does not include the coal ash deposits.

Toxic waste from coal and industrial plants has been a plague for many American communities like Waukegan. One of my mentors, a legendary community organizer in Pittsburgh, once showed me an uncovered coal ash pit there. I asked him where all that waste went when there was a heavy rain. I still remember his response:

Marc H. Morial

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Contributing Writer

In recognition of music, culture, advocacy and the arts, the weekend is packed with events that spotlight the creativity and humanities of the DMV.

Celebrate the music of local artists at Georgetown’s Live Music at Clyde’s, or get into the rhythms of Americana music during the 19th Street Band Cinco De Grasso Party w/ Patty Reese & David Chappell.

After dancing into the week with Thursday’s Samba Dance Class, continue the celebration of Latin culture with Latin Restaurant Week taking place until May 17.

The Capital Rare Book Fair promises an unique deep-dive into literature, while the VisArts’ 12th Annual Rockville Arts Festival brings life to visual and expressive arts in its various mediums.

May the 4th be with “Star Wars” lovers for Saturday’s Star Wars Day Celebration, which takes place just before Sunday’s Race for Hope DC, one of the largest fundraisers in the country dedicated to brain tumor research.

To stay in the loop, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit.

THURSDAY, MAY 2

Samba Dance Class

8 p.m. - 9 p.m. | $20.00

Levine Music MD Campus: Polinger Performance Hall, 900 Wayne Ave 2nd floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910

Samba is one of Brazil’s most recognized dance styles, full of energy and charisma! Join this weekly in-person samba dance class, which builds up the fundamentals of technique and groove. This class will prepare students to perform samba with a live music ensemble.

All experience levels are welcome. Those interested can sign up for all of the sessions, or dropin rate is $20 per class, which can be paid at the door.

Live Music at Clyde’s of Georgetown

10 p.m. - 1 a.m. | Free Clyde’s of Georgetown, 3236 M St NW, Washington, D.C., 20007

At 10 p.m. every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, join Clyde’s of Georgetown to hear live music from local artists. Thursday's performer is classically trained vocalist Jonathan Quigley.

WI

FRIDAY, MAY 3

The Capital Rare Book Fair

5 - 8:30 p.m. | $50.000 University Club, 1135 16th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20036

The Capital Rare Book Fair will bring more than 35 antiquarian booksellers from across the country to the historic University Club from May 3- 5. Building on the success of last year’s Georgetown

5Beginning Friday, May 3, the historic University Club will host the Capital Rare Book Fair, an event that will showcase thousands of beautiful, notable, and rare books, maps, and historic documents from around the globe. (Courtesy Photo/Sydney Masters)

Rare Book Fair, this year’s event will showcase thousands of beautiful, notable, and rare books, maps, and historic documents from around the globe.

The weekend will kick off with an opening night preview party on Friday evening where guests will have first access to the diverse and coveted books while enjoying literary-themed cocktails, wine, and beer, canapes, and musical entertainment. On Saturday and Sunday, The Capital Rare Book Fair will feature respected speakers from around the United States and United Kingdom who are coming expressly to speak at the fair.

For tickets and more information visit: eventbrite.com.

The 19th Street Band Cinco De Grasso Party w/ Patty Reese & David Chappell

8 p.m. | $16.00+ Pearl Street Warehouse, 33 Pearl St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Celebrating a night of Americana music in D.C., Patty Reese and David Chappell will appear at The Wharf to play Blues, Soul, and Americana Roots Rock.

The 19th Street Band has entertained crowds at festivals such as DelFest, Charm City Bluegrass Festival, National Cherry Blossom Festival, The Washington Folk Festival, and more.

This event is 21+ only, with physical ID required for admis-

sion. No oversize bags or backpacks will be allowed into the venue. Seating will be first come first serve. WI

SATURDAY, MAY 4

VisArts’ 12th Annual Rockville Arts Festival

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. | Free Rockville Town Square, 36 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850

Spend the day with family and friends and pick up unique works of art, fashion accessories, home and garden décor, furniture, natural bath and body products, handcrafted candy and nuts, and more at the 12th annual Rockville Arts Festival.

Star Wars Day Celebration

3 - 4 p.m. | Free Edgewater Community Library, 25 Stepneys Ln, Edgewater, MD 21037

May the fourth be with you!

On May 4, celebrate all things “Star Wars" with games, trivia, and more at Edgewater Community Library. Costumes and props are welcome! An event for generations of Star Wars lovers and enthusiasts. WI

SUNDAY, MAY 5

Latin Restaurant Week

Midnight | Depending on specials and menu items

DMV Area, Northeast Washing-

ton, Washington, D.C.

Happy Cinco de Mayo! Starting May 3, treat your tastebuds to the diverse flavors of Latin America, all while supporting your local Latinx culinary businesses. During Latin Restaurant Weeks DMV, participating restaurants, food trucks, and culinary businesses offer mouth-watering specials from May 3 to May 17.

Race for Hope DC

9 a.m - 1 a.m. | $30.00+ Freedom Plaza, 1455 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Join thousands of runners and walkers supporting the brain tumor community by participating in the 26th Annual Race for Hope DC at Freedom Plaza in Washington, DC.

A 5K course in the nation's capital, the marathon is a fun and inspiring way to join forces in the fight against brain tumors by raising funds for research.

It is one of the largest fundraisers in the country benefiting the brain tumor community and the proceeds support the National Brain Tumor Society.

On Wednesday, May 1 at 3pm, registration fees will increase to $50 for all adult participants and timed runner registration will close. Youth participation will increase to $10. WI

Political Power and Hip-Hop Examined in New Documentary

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A new documentary, “Hip-Hop and the White House,” breaks down how occupants of the “People’s House” made decisions far beyond 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The film is a passion project of celebrated rapper Jay Wayne “Jeezy” Jenkins, executive producer and lead evaluator, who examines personal and professional development in hip-hop, in relation to who occupied the executive office.

Writer and director Jesse Washington makes the film engaging, in less than one hour. It hits significant points with commentary from key hip-hop artists, historians and political leaders. The documentary opens on January 20, 2009, on the evening of President Barack Obama’s inauguration. Jeezy and

Jay-Z were at LOVE nightclub celebrating the first Black American President.

“There was so much energy. You would have thought we had all won,” Jeezy reflected on that occasion. “It was electrifying!”

Starting with the 1970s, the film takes a decade-by-decade look at the intersection of hip-hop and politics.

The film rewinds to the 1970s, tracking the growth of hip-hop and shining a light on the Gerald Ford administration. KRSOne shared that Ford was clear he would not assist New York with its financial difficulties.

“He basically told New Your City to kick rocks,” said KRS-One.

Then, in the 1980s, when former President Ronald Reagan came into office, his inauguration festivities featured entertainment from The Breakers, a New York

City-based dance group, marking the first time that hip-hop was in the presence of a U.S. President. Reagan’s budget policy was about cutting basic needs and supporting

the rich, the people who put him into office

“People don’t realize the very next day something happened,” said KRS-One about the budget cuts. “Something is missing from your community.

Then “Hip-Hop and the White House” discusses the influx of crack cocaine, conflicts in Central America and the work between the United States and CIA connection. The film breaks down how the Reagan administration knew crack was imported into Black neighborhoods by Central America. The administration was not going to stop the drugs from coming in because the operation was funding America’s military conflicts.

Other key points in the film is President Bill Clinton called Sister Souljah out for a comment she made that he hadn’t quite understood. What Clinton did not expect was Sister Souljah’s clear,

fact-based feedback that put her in a prideful position with the Black community.

Another major moment is when Kanye West calls out President George W. Bush for racism on his administration’s handling of Hurricane Katrina. It was acknowledged in the movie that West said what the Black community was thinking.

Then there is the love the Black community and progressives embraced with Obama that was depicted in the film's opening. From Jeezy’s “My President,” the film underscores how the White House invited hip-hop artists to the understood the needs of the community.

Streaming on Hulu, “HipHop and the White House” peels back the layers to reveal a story of strength and resilience in the Black community and in hip-hop music. WI @bcscomm

5Rapper Jay Wayne “Jeezy” Jenkins is executive producer of the new documentary “Hip-Hop and the White House.” (WI File Photo/Abdullah Konte)

Ellington’s Music Interpreted In Three Solo Piano Performances

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Pianists Justin Kauflin, José André Montaño, and Matthew Whitaker showed the legacy of Duke Ellington’s music is in good hands, in their recent performance “Three Keys to Ellington,” on April 26 at the Kennedy Center.

The artists are a part of the VSA International Young Musicians Competition, a Jean Kennedy Smith Arts and Disability program of the Kennedy Center. The program focuses on identifying, amplifying, and celebrating the work of young musicians living with disabilities. For 23 years, the program has been headed by Betty Seigal.

“I met these young men when they were beginning their careers, " said Seigal. “ I‘ve always thought it would be cool to have these three jazz musicians on stage in the same evening and see where their energy would take them.”

BUILDING CAREERS WITH TOURING, GIGS, AND RECORDING

Energy defines Kauflin, 38, Whitaker, 23, and Montaño 19. The three guys were upbeat and funny in an exclusive interview with the Washington Informer before their Kennedy Center concert.

Each pianist performed a solo set of compositions by Ellington or music by other artists that captured the spirit of the celebrated artist. They all have specific feelings about the “Ellington 125” series that led to what they selected to play.

Whitaker, who lives in New Jersey and tours regularly, made his musical director debut last year for the award-winning “Billy Strayhorn: Something to Live For,” a musical about the life of the title character, a pianist, composer, and Ellington collaborator.

The artist summed up what cannot be forgotten about Ellington.

“He influences a lot of musicians, even those who are not into jazz,” Whitaker said. “I want people to know that Duke was not alone. Billy Strayhorn was also a huge part.”

Kauflin is a faculty member at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk, Virginia, where he teaches jazz ensemble and improv. He was

mentored by the late trumpeter, flugelhornist and NEA Jazz Master Clark Terry. Kauflin was featured in and composed the film score for the Oscar short-listed documentary, "Keep On Keepin' On,” (2014), which highlighted his

friendship with Terry.

The teaching artist and musician acknowledged that Ellington’s influence is everywhere.

“He’s omnipresent,” Kauflin said. “I was lucky enough to have spent time with a member of his

band, Clark Terry, who gave me good insight about his body of work. It’s not just jazz. He was a part of sacred music and even Broadway productions. He was like an impresario with the personality behind it.”

Montaño is based in D.C. and is in his final weeks before graduating from Duke Ellington School for the Arts. He recently celebrated his birthday with a sold-out crowd at the historic Blues Alley in Georgetown. Between juggling gigs, Montaño is working on his decision about where he will go to college.

The Duke Elllington student spoke about his high school’s namesake and the jazz legend’s approach to big band music.

“In terms of big band music, he definitely has influenced me and orchestra writing,” Montaño said. “I love how he used different voicings. He’s motivated me to direct my own big band in the future.” WI @bcscomm

3José André Montaño performed for the “Three Keys to Ellington” concert on April 26 as a part of the “Ellington 125” series at the Kennedy Center. He opened with the Duke Ellington composition “African Flower.”

The groundbreaking rock musical Photo of Paulo Pascoal by Francisco Martins

5Justin Kauflin performed for the “Three Keys to Ellington” concert on April 26 as a part of the Kennedy Center’s “Ellington 125” series. He performed “All Too Soon,” one of Ellington’s compositions. (Courtesy Photo/Yassine El Mansouri, Elman Studio)

5Matthew Whitaker performed at the “Three Keys to Ellington” concert on April 26 as part of the Kennedy Center’s “Ellington 125” series. One of the Ellington compositions he performed was “I Let a Song Go Out of My Heart.” In addition to playing the piano, Whitaker also performs with a Nord Wave 2 keyboard on top of it. (Courtesy Photo/Yassine El Mansouri, Elman Studio)

LIFESTYLE Howard Honors Gospel Music Legends

By Brenda C. Siler and Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writers

In a celebratory event featuring extraordinary music, Howard University celebrated two of its alumni, gospel legends Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark and Richard Smallwood, on April 24.

Howard’s Cramton Auditorium was filled with the soulful sounds of praise and worship during the commemoration, co-produced by the University’s School of Divinity and the Chadwick A. Boseman College of Fine Arts.

Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert, dean of the School of Divinity and Phylicia Rashad, dean of the School of Fine Arts, served as the co-hosts for the evening of tributes.

“Bisons have come home. Bisons have returned,” said Rashad,

a fellow alumna. “Howard University is the home of excellence. Tonight, we honor two of gospel music’s greatest.”

Rashad recalled listening to the Howard University Gospel Choir for the first time in Cramton Auditorium during her junior year at the university. At the time, Smallwood, a co-founder of the choir, was directing.

A widely celebrated vocalist, composer and arranger of choral music, Smallwood’s song “Total Praise” has become an anthem sung regularly at places of worship.

Clark and her four sisters, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Jacky ClarkChisholm, Karen Clark-Sheard, and Denise "Niecy" Clark-Bradford, formed the The Clark Sisters in 1973, and are credited with being the biggest-selling female gospel group. In 2024, the group received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

“Howard is the gift that keeps on giving.”

Twinkie Clark is a vocalist, pianist and master of the Hammond B3 organ. She has composed over 350 songs, primarily performed with her multi-award-winning family.

“Tonight we listen to music they created and that they have offered to the world,” said Rashad about Smallwood and Clark.

Music Director for the evening was Damien Sneed, another Howard University alumnus and currently associate professor in the Howard Department of Music, who helped deliver a wellpaced evening that included hits from the very beginning.

The evening opened with Smallwood’s “Total Praise” followed by Clark’s “You Brought the Sunshine.”

During the tribute, their songs were performed by the Howard University Gospel Choir, which included several alumni choir members such as gospel singer Y’Anna Crawley, a Washingtonian who won the second season of BET’s “Sunday Best.”

In addition, The Levites, a female vocal gospel quartet, seved as soloists and sang background for other performers.

Sneed engaged artists who performed blended arrangements of classical tunes combined with gospel music interpretations of the music for the evening.

One of those artists was Cyrus Chestnut, pianist and Howard University master instructor in jazz piano and improvisation.

He performed an instrumental medley of “Jesus is the Center of my Joy” by Smallwood and Bill and Gloria Gaither, followed Chestnut’s arrangement of “It is

Well” by Horatio Spafford. Lyric soprano Jacqueline Echols McCarley sang operatic interpretations of Smallwood’s “Come Before His Presence” and Clark’s “Praying Spirits.” She ended her segment with “Great is Thy Faithfulness,” which had even the other singers clinging to every note she sang.

Presenting Howard University Lifetime Achievement Awards to Smallwood and Clark was University Provost Anthony Wutoh. Words of praise and bouquets of flowers led to a finale featuring Clark’s niece Kierra Sheard Kelly singing her aunt’s composition “Praise the Lord.” That’s when Clark could no longer stay seated and had someone walk her to the Hammond B3 organ. In an exciting moment that wowed the audience, she took over as the other musicians had their eyes on Clark so they could keep up.

Following the finale, Gilbert announced further collaboration between Howard University’s School of Divinity, the College of Fine Arts, and the Department of Africana Studies with the development of a course in “Sacred Music from the Diaspora.” What we will also do is have many musicians here tonight serve as instructors,” Gilbert declared. “Pray for that and look forward to it.” WI @bcscomm

5Howard University celebrated two of its alumni, gospel legends Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark and Richard Smallwood, on April 24 in Cramton Auditorium. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5Howard University celebrated alumnus Richard Smallwood during a tribute concert in Cramton Auditorium on April 24. (WI File Photo/ Hamil R. Harris)

5Howard University celebrated alumna Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark of the renowned Clark Sisters during a tribute concert on Howard’s campus on April 24. (Courtesy Photo)

you open a new TD Signature Savings or TD Simple Savings account, deposit at least $10,000 within the first 20 days and maintain the required balance for 90 additional days from the 20th day after account opening 2

ENCAMPMENTS from Page 1

ularly Black children, in the United States,” Sanchez Gill continued.

Her toddler painted swirls in the red, green, black and white colors of the Palestinian flag and chatted with other demonstrators. They sat on the ground amidst the calm, music-filled gathering on H Street, next to the police-enforced barricade that prohibited entry to the tent camp in University Yard.

Less than eight hours later, near midnight on April 29, GW Police Department officers confronted a student who had jumped the barrier into the encampment, per a statement from the university. Student protesters, thinking the officers might have been making an arrest, responded by knocking down the barricades. More demonstrators, who had set up over a dozen tents outside the barricade, rushed into “U-Yard,” according to live coverage from the GW Hatchet.

Protesters later planted Palestinian flags atop the metal barricades, which they piled in the center of a camp that has now grown to include more than 100 tents.

STUDENTS’ DEMANDS: DIVEST, DISCLOSE, DROP CHARGES

The demonstration at George Washington University (GWU) reached the seven-day mark May 1. Students from the University of Maryland and Howard, Georgetown, American, George Mason and Gallaudet universities have joined their GWU peers at the encampment.

Similar campus protests have sprung up at colleges nationwide in the midst of the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The latest conflict began on October 7, 2023 when Hamas carried out a terror attack, killing more than 1,100 people in Israel and kidnapping over 250 hostages. In response, the Israeli military has killed tens of thousands of Gazans, displaced nearly two million people and caused a famine that experts say will likely worsen.

With an encampment that began April 25, students from around the DMV joined the national movement of campus protests opposing continued U.S. financial and mili-

tary support for Israel.

“I think this is the way to bring about change from our government,” said Lauren Harris, a GWU junior. “We’re in such close proximity to the White House, to Capitol Hill—to everywhere that our Congress people and the executive branch sit. That’s where you’re going to exercise change.”

The student coalition also has specific demands focused on their schools’ administrations. Protesters want the universities to divest from Israel and companies that support its government and military, disclose all endowments and investments, protect pro-Palestinian speech on campus and end academic program partnerships with Israel.

Additionally, the group demands that universities’ charges against participating students be dropped. GWU issued temporary suspensions to seven student organizers April 26, charging each with nine disciplinary violations, the GW Hatchet reported. At that point, the demonstration only included about a dozen students camping out overnight.

GWU administration declined to provide an update or answers to

8,” said Bowser, 51. “We wanted it to be an entryway that symbolizes the strength, resilience, creativity, and flavor of Anacostia, while bringing jobs, opportunity, and investment to the neighborhood. While we may be cutting the ribbon on Phase II of the MLK Gateway today, the years-long path that led us here has been dotted with victories along the corridor, driven by a combination of District investment and support from business and community partners.”

CONTENTS OF PHASE II

34,000 Palestinians have died in Israel’s retaliatory response to Hamas terror attacks on October 7. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

specific questions about any additional disciplinary action. An April 28 statement from the school emphasized that protesters had the option to occupy a different park until 7 p.m. daily instead, “to ensure the continuation of university business.”

Until their demands are met, organizers say, the U-Yard encampment isn’t going anywhere. Now that the barricades are down, life

perity Fund grant.

Grounded is scheduled to open in the fall. Danuelle Doswell and Mignon Hemsley are the co-founders of the business.

“We are happy to set up our store in Anacostia,” said Doswell. “At Grounded, we aspire to be more than just a store, we aim to be a sanctuary place, and a source of inspiration for all who seek to live harmoniously with nature.”

There are a number of spaces for underground parking.

has improved for the demonstrators somewhat—during the first days, students inside the encampment had to use buckets in a tent for a bathroom. If they left the enclosed lawn, they would be denied re-entry; if they used a restroom in a campus building, they would need to swipe an ID card, potentially identifying themselves to the

ENCAMPMENTS Page 44

The project was financed using a combination of $18.2 million in New Market Tax Credits and $15.4 million in Opportunity Zone equity. The project also received a $250,000 grant from the District’s Neighborhood Prosperity Fund.

MLK GATEWAY from Page 1

Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This is a project that demonstrates how the power of a communities’ vision and the collaboration between the public and private sectors can truly drive neighborhood impact.”

The Menkiti Group is a Blackowned real estate development company that spearheaded the building of MLK Gateway Phase I. Started in early 2020, Phase I includes Kitchen Savages, an upscale restaurant owned by Ward 8 resident Darrell Gaston;

Enlightened, a cybersecurity firm; Capital One Café, one of the first Capital One cafes in a lower income neighborhood; AmeriHealth, a community health firm and soon to be opened Caribbean eatery Sapodillas.

Bowser celebrated the completion of Phase II with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The building will include the new headquarters of the D.C. Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

“This intersection is often people’s first touchpoint when they come east of the river, a true gateway into Ward

In addition to DHCD’s new headquarters, there will be street-level retail and office space. Phase II will also include the new home of a Keller Williams Capital Properties (KWCP) office, which is the first and only office of a national real estate chain located east of the river.

KWCP will establish the East of the River Real Estate Academy, a training center for aspiring real estate entrepreneurs that is designed to open doors to new opportunities for residents. The project will also house Grounded, a Black women-owned, District-based plant subscription service, which was supported with a Neighborhood Pros-

PUTTING PHASE II TOGETHER

Nina Albert, the District’s deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development, weighed in on the importance of collaboration in launching Phase II.

The project symbolizes “when we work together as public and private partners to make strategic impacts in our neighborhoods, we have the power to unlock new opportunities for our residents and businesses to thrive,” Albert said. “Through the mayor’s investments in Ward 8, together we can ensure Anacostia’s continued growth and place as one of our city’s premier commercial and arts corridors.”

While the DHCD will move across the street from headquarters on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue to Phase II, Bowser administration officials say it reflects its policy to have District government agencies located east of the river. The D.C. Department of General Services moved recently into Ward 7 and a few weeks ago, and the D.C. Department of Health announced it will soon move into its new headquarters a few blocks south of Phase II.

LABOR OF LOVE

Menkiti said building Phase II “was not easy.”

“It was a challenging site,” he said. The entrepreneur explained there were issues with how the building would be shaped, the foundation on it and dealing with water lines and where they were located, among others.

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Student activists from around the DMV surround one of the tents at a George Washington University (GWU) encampment on April 25, calling for a cease-fire in Gaza, where over

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, developer Bo Menkiti, D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie, and Nina Albert, the deputy mayor for planning and economic development, hold the ribbon cutting scissors along with other stakeholders in the MLK Gateway II project on April 25, 2024(Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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review wi book

"The Swans of Harlem: Five Black Ballerinas, Fifty Years of Sisterhood, and the Reclamation of a Groundbreaking History"

By Karen Valby

c.2024, Pantheon

$29 / 304 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

Not one movement is wasted.

Every turn of wrist, every finger curl, every softly curved step is loaded with meaning. Though there are no words to accompany this dance, the story it tells comes through loudly. You can't take your eyes off the ballerina on the stage, or her elegance or, in the new book "The Swans of Harlem" by Karen Valby, her history-making presence.

In the 1950s, long before the Civil Rights Movement, little Black girls could certainly be found in ballet classes in America but their dreams were always squashed. They were pointed toward jazz or modern dance in short order, or were bluntly told that they'd never be ballerinas.

Dancer Arthur Mitchell didn't listen to that. "His work ethic was his superpower," says Valby, and when presented with an opportunity with The Harlem School of the Arts, he seized it. He would "build an internationally renowned school that would" show the world that ballet had nothing to do with skin color. He started looking for dancers.

Lydia Abarca was still a teenager when she met Mitchell, and she ultimately became his go-to dancer at the Dance Theatre of Harlem (DTH). Llanchie Stevenson would dance for Mitchell until she converted to Islam as an adult. Gayle-McKinney-Griffith left Julliard to dance for him. Twenty-seven-year-old Sheila Rohan was much older than most beginner ballerinas; she was also the mother of three kids but with the help of an older sister, she joined the DTH. Marcia Sells moved to New York City from Ohio to dance; Karlya Shelton came from Denver. Says Valby, it would've been so easy for any of them to go home when things got hard, to return to their families, and restart live anonymous lives. Instead, they stayed for the "next curtain rising" and to blaze a path

Not long ago, many sources insisted that Misty Copeland was "the first black ballerina." It was, says author Karen Valby, all "Misty Copeland, Misty Copeland, Misty Copeland …" Yes, it's true that Copeland was "the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre." She wasn't the first Black ballerina, though. Not by a long shot, and "The Swans of Harlem" sets the record straight. Valby begins by reminding readers what was at stake when her five ballerina subjects launched their careers, despite racism – but how they endured racial bias from beyond the curtains is just half the story. Valby touches lightly upon their private lives, and heavier on the trouble they had with their mercurial teacher who is, not-so-surprisingly, celebrated. So are many beloved male "danseurs," some of whom died during the AIDS epidemic.

For the record, Copeland, too, is lauded here. And that's pretty appealing, because readers who expect rivalry, clawsout, and divahood in a tale like this will happily find less than they might predict. Instead, you'll find a story that you'll be glad you know now, one you'll be satisfied to have read. So find "The Swans of Harlem." You want it, so don't wast a minute. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

MAY 2 - 8, 2024

ARIES Although it might run counter to your independent nature, you'll be craving a sense of camaraderie early in the week. Work with your colleagues to get an ambitious project across the finish line or spend time with an organization or club you feel connected to. The experience can be emotionally gratifying and lead to a successful result. Later, you'll get a burst of confidence and energy to pursue ambitious fitness goals. Paying special attention to the details will be key in delivering the result you've been envisioning. Lucky Numbers: 18, 31, 34

TAURUS All your hard work should pay off early in the week. If you've been putting your nose to the grindstone on a major project and feeling like you haven't been receiving well-deserved recognition, that's about to change. The more forward-thinking you can be now, the better the result. Your appetite for flirtation, sensual physical play, and magical date nights are elevated later in the week. You'll have the energy and desire to give just as much as you want to receive, so make your needs clear to your partner or a potential significant other and you'll get to experience major fireworks. Lucky Numbers: 7, 21, 52

GEMINI Early in the week, you're more than happy to follow through on work responsibilities, but you're itching for a shakeup. You're in need of an eye-opening experience. Putting in for vacation time and investing in a course to hone your skill set and ultimately advance your career are just two routes you could go. Later, you'll be dealing with messages that make you want to crawl under the covers. Taking time-outs for self-care can help you feel centered. Lucky Numbers: 3, 6, 20

CANCER A burst of creativity and social energy makes it easy to take a work project to the next level early in the week. If you've been feeling stuck, this momentum boosts your confidence. Share and celebrate your success with colleagues! Later, you'll be reflecting on how you can best balance your wants and needs with your partner's or a potential significant other's. This intense but balance-boosting transit is all about ensuring there's reciprocity in your closest bonds. If there isn't, you might need to have a tough conversation in order to move in a healthier direction. Lucky Numbers: 16, 27, 40

LEO At the start of the week, the spotlight shines on you in a lovely way, making you feel radiant and especially attractive. You'll want to get out of your comfort zone and enjoy quality time with best friends and your lover, or, if you're single, put yourself out there that could lead to meeting someone special. Later, the cosmos is fueling your efforts to step up your side hustle. You'll have an extra burst of confidence, energy, and drive on your side. Lucky Numbers: 21, 32, 42

VIRGO When the week begins, meditation, journaling, taking a sound bath, or enjoying your favorite self-care routine comes easily. You're perfectly content to spend time alone, reflecting on your emotional well-being. This quiet moment can have you feeling like you're glowing from the inside out. Later, it could feel easier to pursue an ambitious health routine. When it comes to sticking to your workout routine you've got extra oomph and focus. Lucky Numbers: 13, 19, 21

LIBRA As the week starts, you'll be itching to express yourself in a creative way to your partner or a potential lover. Letting go of any premeditated plans can make it easier to communicate how you really feel and strengthen your connection from a sweet place. Later, you have a more gung-ho approach to your mind-body practices. Whether you've been wanting to explore an alternative therapy you can make it happen with the extra drive you have now. Lucky Numbers: 2, 6, 33

SCORPIO At the start of the week, you could feel like it's time to set solid boundaries on the job. While pinpointing the best way to do this and getting it done might initially feel intimidating, your motivation is high and you know you're on the brink of physical and emotional burnout if you don't make changes now. Later, you can anticipate your calendar being packed. You'll want to hit them all, but prioritizing can keep you firing on all cylinders. Lucky Numbers: 9, 19, 25

SAGITTARIUS Heading out on a road trip or planning an adrenaline-pumping date could be all you've been dreaming of early in the week. Giving in to your desires can boost the chemistry with your love or lead you to someone exciting. Later, your list of everyday tasks might feel never-ending. The energy of the moment makes it easy to get overwhelmed by everything on your plate, but take a deep breath and then take it all one step at a time. Lucky Numbers: 10, 23, 51

CAPRICORN Early in the week, you'll be focused on how you can best address your personal needs and still fulfill your responsibilities on the job. The assumption that work must come first is no longer serving you, and you deserve a time-out to focus on routines that boost your well-being. Later, you'll feel driven to take a business trip or enroll in a course that will broaden your horizons. Moving beyond the daily grind can prove motivating and empowering. Lucky Numbers: 30, 34, 55

AQUARIUS If you feel like others haven't been recognizing your hard work you might find you're feeling a bit moody early in the week. You'd do well to toot your own horn and celebrate your accomplishments in a more vocal way. Others are sure to take note! Later, your appetite for a physical connection could be amplified. Take advantage of the moment by getting clear on your fantasies, and then open up to your partner. From there, the sky's the limit. Lucky Numbers: 16, 19, 43

PISCES Taking a new workout class in working toward a major fitness goal could be a smart move at the start of the week. You'll be feeling especially focused to boost your vitality and bring friends along for the ride. Their company has you feeling like you can hit that finish line! Later, you might feel like prioritizing rest and self-reflection. By hitting pause on your daily grind, you'll get to recharge and feel even stronger and more focused in the days and weeks ahead. Lucky Numbers: 17, 36, 43

SPORTS

D.C. High School Sports Roundup: Ultimate Frisbee, Baseball and Track and Field

By Ed Hill

WI Contributing Writer

As the weather warms up the competition is also heating up in local spring sports. From ultimate frisbee, to baseball and track and field, local athletes are wrapping up their seasons and competing to be crowned champions in their respective sports.

JACKSON-REED CAPTURES DCSAA ULTIMATE FRISBEE

TITLE

Admittedly, before covering the District of Columbia State Athletic Association’s (DCSAA) ultimate frisbee championship on Saturday, April 27, I didn’t know about

the sport. For those like me, who are unfamiliar with ultimate frisbee or have never been to a game, here’s the skinny: it is a non-contact team sport that is exciting, entertaining and competitive.

Played with a flying disc (commonly referred to as a frisbee), ultimate frisbee was developed in 1968 by Joel Silver in Maplewood, New Jersey, and combines elements of athleticism, skill, and strategy, making it a dynamic sport played in over 100 countries worldwide.

Ultimate frisbee was recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in August 2015,

meaning the sport is eligible to be included in the Olympics, although it will not be considered for the 2024 Paris or 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"Much of the exposure of the sport has to be through word of mouth," said Besser, a social studies teacher D.C.’s Jackson-Reed. "With it now being recognized by the International Olympics Committee, it is becoming more and more popular."

In an ultimate frisbee matchup, each team has seven players on the field. The objective is to score points by catching the frisbee in the opponent’s end zone. Players cannot run with the frisbee; they must establish a pivot foot. The frisbee is passed among teammates through throws. After catching the disc, players have 10 seconds to throw it. If the frisbee is dropped, intercepted, or goes out of bounds, possession changes.

The co-ed DCSAA tournament featured BASIS Charter School, DC International, Edmund Burke, The Field School, Sidwell Friends, Washington Latin, School Without Walls and the seven-time defending champion, Jackson-Reed. It should also be noted that School Without Walls, Jackson-Reed and DC International all have A and B teams.

School Without Walls, last year's runner-up, jumped out to the early 2-0 lead before the Jackson-Reed

3School Without Walls competed against victor Jackson-Reed in the ultimate frisbee 2024 DCSAA championship game.

(Courtesy Photo/Jackson-Reed)

Tigers regrouped and rebounded to tie the score at 2-2 early in the first half. From there, the two teams traded blows. The Walls Penguins effectively used a methodical attack that was predicated on patience and crisp passing to work down the field for scores. The Tigers conversely went deep for scores and finished with some spectacular catches in the scoring zone.

"We rely heavily on our defense to dictate the outcome," said Jackson-Reed Coach Aaron Besser. "Because of that and our depth, we are able to make it stressful by putting pressure on the passer to create tight windows for our opponents."

Jackson-Reed's Lizzy Himmelfarb was named the tournament MVP.

Jackson Reed will divide its team into boys and girls later as they prepare for the National Ultimate Tournament. The Tigers boys are ranked No. 3 in the country, and the girls come in at No. 9 in the nation.

JACKSON-REED DEFEATS WALLS IN BASEBALL GAME

It was another key matchup between the Tigers of Jackson Reed and School Without Walls. Both teams entered the game undefeated in District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association’s (DCIAA).

The Tigers went up early with a tworun second inning. With senior starter Quinn Lindblom serving up a mix of fastballs and curveballs, the Penguins were unable to get anything going.

"We knew that with our two senior

pitchers, we were in good shape. Walls always plays us tough, so we knew what was at stake coming in.”

Walls Head Coach Kip Smith said he has studied the Tigers, Penguins matchups.

"These games are always like this. The strategy coming in was that we knew they would be starting their number-one (pitcher), and we went to our number-two,” Smiths said. “We just wanted to keep it close. This gives us something to work for as we prepare for the playoffs."

BOYS AND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL TRACK AND FIELD

As is the case each year, the local high school track and field programs represented well at the famous Penn Relays, which were held at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, this past weekend.

Archbishop Carroll and Bullis’ boys and girls track and field athletes, and boys' teams from Bishop McNamara, St. John's and DeMatha all made their presence felt before a crowd of over 50,000 attendees.

But the talk for the second straight year was the performance of phenom Quincy Willson of Bullis. The 16-year-old sophomore got everyone's attention last year as a freshman as he turned in a 45.1 effort while running the anchor of the 4X400 meters relay to win the championship of America. Read more on washingtoninformer.com

WI

5Jackson-Reed High School came out victorious at the District of Columbia State Athletic Association’s (DCSAA) ultimate frisbee championship against School Without Walls. (Courtesy Photo/Jackson-Reed)

CAPTURE the moment

The Women's March held a protest outside of the Supreme Court on April 25, during oral arguments for former President Donald Trump’s claim of presidential immunity from prosecution on obstruction and conspiracy charges related to the 2020 election. (Shedrick Pelt @ sdotpdotmedia/The Washington Informer)

The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls held the 10th Anniversary FreeHer March and Rally on April 24. They marched about a mile from Metropolitan AME Church on M Street NW and held a rally at Freedom Plaza. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Maryland Head Football Coach Says Faith is Part of Team’s Growth

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Regardless of the outcome of the games the Maryland Terrapins play during football season on a given Saturday, Head Coach Mike Locksley said that he likes to be in the church with his players the following Sunday. That is why Locksley was ecstatic that Maryland’s Red and White game, as part of the annual Maryland Day event on April 27, included First

ENCAMPMENTS from Page 38

university.

“We're willing to go through it because it's about the people in Gaza,” one GWU junior, who asked to remain anonymous, said from inside the encampment the day before the barricades went down. “Whatever conditions we're facing is really nothing compared to just who we’re trying to bring attention to.”

SOLIDARITY— BEYOND THE BUZZWORD

Hundreds of other people from across the region have shown up to support the demonstration. Some have put up tents to camp out, but many others have just joined for a few hours, to show their support and participate in the many teach-ins, rallies, film screenings, lectures and cultural showcases going on each day around the encampment.

Donations of money, food and supplies have also come pouring in.

“The community's actually been really, really supportive, and it's been to the point where we have a lot more [food] than we actually do need,” said Azza, a GWU junior working to co-

Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Pastor John K. Jenkins and Zion Church’s Pastor Keith Battle as honorary coaches. He said it was wonderful to have two pillars in the community and faith leadership connect with the student-athletes on the field.

“I have been to both of their churches, and my dad was a member of First Baptist of Glenarden. And because of the location of Zion Church in Greenbelt, a bunch of our players go there,” said Locksley, who

ordinate the encampment’s supplies. “We end up giving it to a lot of homeless communities we have here.”

Azza, who declined to give her last name, has been at the encampment for more than three days. An Afro-Arab student with Saudi and Sudanese roots, Azza said she has family living in Palestine.

“For me, it's a more personal cause, as well as just the idea of right and wrong,” she said. “As a POC (person of color) you don't really have the luxury of deciding whether or not this issue is about me or this issue is not about me.”

On Sunday afternoon and Monday night, The Informer spoke with nine Black protesters—a mixture of parents, young professionals and students. All cited connections between Israel’s occupation and war in Gaza and other struggles for liberation and peace worldwide as key reasons to join the protest.

Demonstrators pointed out links between the devastation in Gaza and the exploitation, violence and legacies of colonization in Congo, Sudan, Ethiopia, Haiti and Hawai’i. Several protesters mentioned Palestinians’ vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement in 2020.

“Being a Black person in the United States—we're kind of a colony within a colony, right? And so we

grew up in the DMV.

He said that he was taking athletes to church long before he came to

understand what it means to be occupied, and we understand what it means to be stripped from our home, to have our land taken from us,” said Delaney Leonard, a Howard student. “It's really an interconnected struggle.”

Those linkages have drawn in organizers from many different justice fights—along with their varied expertise and resources.

For example, Demetria Bright, who leads the Ward 8-based nonprofit Play & Thrive DC, brought chalk, bubbles and snacks on April 28. She had partnered with the group DC/ DMV Families for Ceasefire to provide age-appropriate ways for children to engage with the protest. Her organization advocates for children’s safety in Wards 7 and 8, Bright said, and she wanted to show solidarity with the movement to protect Gazan children and parents, too.

“We promote play in marginalized communities, so we're always fighting for the right of children to exist safely within their community,” Bright said. “We came out here to support DC Families for Ceasefire by offering opportunities for children in this community to play, to express joy—which is an act of resistance.”

Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

College Park.

“My taking players started back with Grandma Adeline, who raised Vontae and Vernon Davis.”

Vontae Davis, who played in the NFL more than 10 years and made it to the Pro Bowl twice, was found dead of natural causes on April 1, according to the Davie County, Florida Police.

Locksley said after recruiting Vernon Davis to Maryland the first time he coached there, his grandmother told him, after he recruited Vontae Davis to Illinois, he had to keep up the practice of bringing students to church.

“I told her that I would, and I did,” said Locksey. “It became a thing when we had 35 to 49 players going to church, and the next thing you know, we are going to the Rose Bowl. I’m telling you we are talking the next day, and part of that next step is having a foundation behind faith.”

Before the game, Battle talked to members of the Terrapins Red Squad in the locker room.

“My main objective is to support the vision of Mike Locksley,” he said.

Battle explained Zion ministers come to campus on Friday nights to lead the campus community in Bible study and check-in on their welfare.

After the April 27 game, MJ Morris, a sophomore quarterback who transferred to Maryland from North Carolina State, asked Battle about attending services at Zion.

“He asked me ‘Where is your church?’ [And] several players said I'll see you at church tomorrow,” Battle told The Informer.

The Zion Church pastor said even though his Red Squad didn’t win, he was happy that none of the players got hurt and, as is thankful as players at Maryland they, “can be in a place where they can grow.”

As the White Squad’s guest coach, Jenkins, said, “I told the team that it was important for us to win, and they did.”

Jenkins emphasized that participating in such events is all about community connections.

“It's about fellowship and the community. It's a state school where students can get a good education,” Jenkins told The Informer. WI

5 Maryland’s Red and White game, as part of the annual Maryland Day event, included First Baptist Church of Glenarden’s Pastor John K. Jenkins and Zion Church’s Pastor Keith Battle as honorary coaches on Saturday, April 27. (Hamil Harris/The Washington Informer)

Sharon Malone, a leading OB/ GYN and women's health advocate, has written a book titled "Grown Woman Talk: Your Guide to Getting and Staying Healthy," a medical yet easy-to-read book that includes simplified versions of stories that tell us what really goes on in the bodies of women, in particular, African American women.

From a medical perspective, Dr. Malone shares a practical guide to aging and health for women who have felt ignored or marginalized by the medical profession.

When it comes to women's health, patients are routinely left feeling unheard, lectured during what should have been an opportunity for her to tell her doctor what is really going on, she is often ignored, shamed, and uninformed by the very medical community they turn to for guidance. As a practicing OB/GYN in the nation's capital for more than three decades, and currently as chief medical adviser of Alloy Women's Health, Dr. Malone has served women across the city from all walks of life and seen firsthand the negative effects of a healthcare system that has become ever-more impersonal, complex and difficult to navigate.

Dr. Malone believes that empowerment, more than anything, is what women need to take back

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Grown Woman Talk the religion corner

their well-being and become their own best health advocate. In "Grown Woman Talk" (Crown Hardcover), which went on sale on April 9, she offers tools to every woman who has ever felt marginalized or overwhelmed by their healthcare experience. Her teaching in this book will give readers the agency that can, quite literally, give them life.

Part medical handbook, part memoir and part sister-girl, cheerleader, "Grown Woman Talk" is filled with useful resources and real-life stories, which I personally find very intriguing. I'm reading her book to prepare for our interview. These stories are meant to break the silence that surrounds women's health, which in my humble opinion, her book not only highlights the current data around women's health issues, but it also places that data in a helpful context, offering readers informed insights to take into their next doctor's appointment.

As I read this book, my imagination is running wild! It felt as though I was in a series of seminars and workshops, with Dr. Sharon Malone teaching, bringing in people from her personal life and from her life as an OB/GYN when needed. Then she leads the lecture, but at times, she will even bring in medical statistics, other doctors, and hospitals. She keeps it moving, and it is extremely interesting!

Dr. Malone addresses the most

common conditions women older than 40 deal with — perimenopause, menopause, aging, chronic stress, cardiovascular disease, weight gain, sexual health — while arming patients with an essential understanding of the next phase in their health journey.

Dr. Malone will be my radio show guest this Friday, to talk with me about what she wants women to do in order to live better, age better, and get better medical treatment. "Grown Woman Talk" is designed to help women identify the power they have and how to use it to chart a path to improve their health outcomes and to thrive.

Continued early praise includes this statement by former first lady Michelle Obama, who said, "In Grown Woman Talk, Dr. Sharon Malone offers straightforward advice on how to structure your healthcare experience, manage your personal health, understand menopause, and so much more. For Dr. Sharon, this isn't just about how to live longer; it's about how to live healthier — and happier.”

Others championing the book are Linda Goler Blount, president and CEO of the Black Women's Health Imperative, and Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, executive director of the Birnbaum Women's Leadership Center at NYU School of Law. WI

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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

RELIGION

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Worship 10:30 am

zoom.us/;/2028828331

Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

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

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

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mary’s Episcopal Church Promised

Baptist Church

Dr. Kendrick E. Curry

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000358

Patricia Anne O’Hara Decedent

Julie A. Simantiras, Esq.

The Geller Law Group PLLC

4000 Legato Rd., Suite 1100 Fairfax, VA 22033

Attorney

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

George Andrew Williams & Kimberly Anne Phillips formerly Kimberly Anne Williams, whose addresses are 1721 Pintura Circle W. Palm Springs, CA 92264 & 2810 Davis Ave., Alexandria VA 22302, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Patricia Anne O’Hara who died on 1/4/2024 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

George Andrew Williams Kimberly Anne Phillips 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 000385

Barbara Delores Watkins Decedent

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

Paula Amy Davis, whose address is 4406 Rockdale Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Delores Watkins who died on March 14, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Paula Amy Davis Personal Representative

Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000369

William W. Spriggs aka William Winston Spriggs, Sr. Decedent

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

Kimberly Jeannine Spriggs Wicker, whose address is 5268 Heron Bay Blvd., Locust Grove, GA 30248, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William W. Spriggs aka William Winston Spriggs, Sr. who died on April 11, 2020 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Kimberly Jeannine Spriggs Wicker 5268 Heron Bay Blvd., Locust Grove, GA 30248 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 000393

Estate of Shana Lashawn Bynum

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 4/18/2024

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 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 000374

Adelaide W. Robinson aka Winfred Adelaide Robinson 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

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq., whose address is 9701 Apollo Dr., Suite 230, Largo, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Adelaide W. Robinson aka Winfred Adelaide Robinson who died on October 10, 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Kathy Brissette-Minus, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000368

Joel Onyechi Azikiwe Decedent

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

Ifeyinwa M. Azikiwe, whose address is 2808 Jasper St., SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joel Onyechi Azikiwe who died on August 5, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Ifeyinwa M. Azikiwe 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 000030

2/16/2021

Date of Death

Cynthia L. Green

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anitra W. Linzy whose address is 7976 Cross Creek Dr., Glen Burnie, MD, 21061 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Cynthia L. Green, deceased, by the Register of Wills/Orphans Court for Montgomery County, State of Maryland, on 1/5/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 2101 L Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20037 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. 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: 4/18/2024

Anitra W. Linzy Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001194

Haile Tesfamariam Decedent

Karen J. Malachi Malachi Legal Services, LLC 1101 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Tekie Sium, whose address is 2602 Hughes Road, Adelphi, MD 20783, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Haile Tesfamariam who died on May 20, 2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Tekie Sium 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 000790

Clifton L. Jackson Decedent

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

Johnnie L. Jackson, whose address is 3850 Q Street SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clifton L. Jackson who died on May 30, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Johnnie L. Jackson

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 000005

David Sitomer aka David Jonathan Sitomer Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Suzanna Sitomer, whose address is 2823 11th Avenue, Apartment F, Oakland, CA 94610, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Sitomer aka David Jonathan Sitomer who died on August 26, 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Suzanna Sitomer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000388

Frances J. Dillard Decedent

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

Arthur A. Dillard, whose address is 109 Rittenhouse St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances J. Dillard who died on 2/22/2024 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: April 18, 2024

Arthur A. Dillard

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 000410

William Lawrence Bush, Jr. Decedent

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

Mary J. Glenn, whose address is 472 Burns Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Lawrence Bush, Jr. who died on 11/11/2023 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Mary J. Glenn Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000402

Don Antonio Coleman Decedent

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

Deborah Louise Williams, whose address is 92 Elmira Street, SW, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Don Antonio Coleman who died on October 12, 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 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Deborah Louise Williams 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 411

Joanne Johnson Decedent

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

Edward Samuel Johnson Sr., whose address is 1728 Minnesota Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne Johnson who died on January 23, 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Edward Samuel Johnson Sr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000400

Diantha E. Moody Decedent

Attorney

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

Keva Bates, whose address is 4924 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Diantha E. Moody who died on 11/5/2020 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/18/2024. 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 10/18/2024, 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: 4/18/2024

Keva Bates 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 000392

Oliver O. Johnson aka Oliver Odell Johnson Decedent

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

Joan Rebecca Johnson, whose address is 23 Underwood Place, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Oliver O. Johnson aka Oliver Odell Johnson who died on February 25, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Joan Rebecca Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000394

Pedro Estevez Nunez aka Pedro Estevez Decedent

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

Dallibeth Estevez Checo, whose address is 2348 Mystic Shore Dr., Cedar Hill, TX 75104, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Pedro Estevez Nunez aka Pedro Estevez who died on July 9, 2012 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Dallibeth Estevez Checo 2348 Mystic Shore Dr. Cedar Hill, TX 75104 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 000395

Charles Henry Simms Decedent

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

Joyce Francine Simms and Lisa Bell, whose addresses are 613 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 & 7111 Sheffield Dr., Temple Hills, MD 20748, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Charles Henry Simms who died on October 27, 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Joyce Francine Simms

Lisa Bell

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 000152

Robert Daniel Jeter Decedent

Enrico A. McCleary II, Esq. 324 Main Street, PO Box 1256 Laurel, Maryland 20725

Attorney

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

Christina Teresa Jeter, whose address is 1841 Tobias Drive SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert Daniel Jeter who died on 10/27/2023 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Christina Teresa Jeter

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 000109

Doris M. Brooks Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. 1822 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Darrel S. Parker, Esq., whose address is 1822 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris M. Brooks who died on November 8, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 000015

Clifford Thomas Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Clifford Thomas whose address was 6222 North Dakota Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20011 created a revocable trust on October 24th, 2012, which remained in existence on the date of his death on December 2nd, 2020, and Meauvell E. Tate, whose address is 7413 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Meauvell E. Tate at 7413 9th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 10/25/2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 12/2/2021 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 10/25/2024, 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 4/25/2024

Meauvell E. Tate Signature of Trustee

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 000976

Fatima Hardcastle aka Fatima El Bal

Decedent

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

Zoubida Altayib, whose address is 631 Peace Chance Drive, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Fatima Hardcastle aka Fatima El Bal who died on March 31, 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Zoubida Altayib

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2024 NRT 16

Michael W. Fletcher Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Michael W. Fletcher whose address was 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012 created a revocable trust on March 17, 2023, which remained in existence on the date of his death on 11/22/2023, and Quindella Fletcher, whose address is 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Quindella Fletcher at 1800 Sudbury Road NW, Washington, DC 20012.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 10/25/2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1), 11/22/2024 (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 10/25/2024, 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 4/25/2024

Quindella Fletcher Signature of Trustee

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 000459

Estate of Emma L. Wilson aka Emma Louise Peterson Green Wilson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Kimberly G. Anderson for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives.

Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 4/25/2024

Aimee D. Griffin

5335 Wisconsin Avenue 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 000423

Rahul Chopra Decedent

Olesya Sidorkina, Esq. (Bar No. 1034094)

2001 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301

Attorney

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

Jay Chopra, whose address is 1632 1st Ave., Apt. #21150, New York, NY 10028, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rahul Chopra who died on March 11, 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Jay Chopra 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 000037

August 15, 2022

Date of Death

Juliet Wei Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Peter Wei whose address is 235 Route 209, Port Jervis, NY 12771 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Juliet Wei, deceased, by the Surrogates’s Court for Orange County, State of New York, on December 18, 2023. Service of process may be made upon Wei Wu 1301 Delaware Ave., SW N501, Washington, DC 20024 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1311 Delaware Ave., SW Unit S439, Washington, DC 20024. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

Peter Wei Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000396

Wygenia O. Ferguson Decedent

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

Cheryl English, whose address is 247 14th St. SE, Unit A Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wygenia O. Ferguson who died on March 3, 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 10/25/2024. 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 10/25/2024, 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: 4/25/2024

Cheryl English Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 FEP 000039

February 25, 2024 Date of Death

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Veronica L. Haney-Singleton whose address is 1402 Haney Branch Road, Summerville, SC 29486 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Frank Peace, Jr. aka F. J. Peace, deceased, by the Probate Court for Berkeley County, State of South Carolina, on March 7, 2024. Service of process may be made upon James H. Bennett 601 Allison Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1418 Van Buren Street, NW, Washington, DC 20018. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 05/02/2024

Veronica L. Haney-Singleton

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 890

Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson Decedent

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

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson, whose address is 1260 E. 26th Ave., Columbus OH 43211, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roberta L. Johnson aka Roberta Lee Johnson who died on May 4, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/3/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/3/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/3/2024

Lauren E. Shine-Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000429

Randell Herrion West Decedent

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

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

Linda Ann Covington, whose address is 6935 Emerson Street, Hyattsville, MD 20784, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Randell Herrion West who died on August 10, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/2/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

Linda Ann Covington Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000418

Cynthia Malvina Reid Bruton Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Vincent Cedric Bruton, whose address is 604 Halifax Place, Upper Marlboro, Maryland 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Malvina Reid Bruton who died on 3/7/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/2/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000434

Mary C. Stancil Decedent

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

Mildred E. Dunmore, whose address is 1707 Columbia Rd., NW #208, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary C. Stancil who died on 8/1/2004 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/2/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

Mildred E. Dunmore Personal Representative

Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 1123

Beatrice T. Coleman aka Beatrice Thelma Coleman Decedent

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

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

Lawrence D. Coleman and Mack Arnold Coleman, whose addresses are 811 Delafield St., NE, Washington DC 20017 and 1125 Heritage Place Apt. C, Waldorf, MD 20602, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Beatrice T. Coleman aka Beatrice Thelma Coleman who died on December 25, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/2/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 11/2/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 5/2/2024

Lawrence D. Coleman Mack Arnold Coleman Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

RIGHTS from Page 1

The Poor People’s Campaign is uniting with other people across the country to raise awareness about the struggles Americans face daily due to their financial circumstances. Supporters are invited to take a stance during the June 29 “Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington” encouraging a call to the polls and to vote.

“The number one reason poor people don’t vote according to our study is because no one talks to them. We have debate after debate for senate and president and the issues that affect poor and low wage persons do not come up,” Barber said during a press conference at the National Press Club in Northwest, D.C. on April 29. “The number of poor and low wage workers that could have voted in the last election but didn’t was over a million.”

He went on to highlight the Poor People’s Campaign’s push for: a nationwide minimum wage of $15 with an index for inflation, an end to voter suppression, and access to healthcare for all among other things.

“This [march] is an offensive move, we are calling people to come by the thousands. This is a mass mobilization of consciousness not based on poverty but on principle,” Barber proclaimed.

Essential legislation like the expanded monthly refundable child tax credit, the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) and other forms of viable aid are facing significant pushback in Congress. Many are waiting to see more federal funding released to those in dire need.

“The White House must treat poverty like the crisis it is if the administration is serious about saving our democracy,” Rosalyn Pelles, senior ardvisor to the Poor People’s Campaign shared in a statement. “We must come together today as a coalition of consciousness with partnering orga-

nizations representing millions across the country impacted by this crisis. Today we must speak with one voice as we raise demands for restoration of fundamental rights.”

Workers experiencing the harshest extent of homelessness and bruteness of poverty readily shared their stories with tears prompting those listening to act so that others don’t have to feel or experience the pain they’ve endured.

Multiple groups referenced as “anchor partners” attended and amplified pleas for equity and economic justice. Among them were the Christian Church Disciples of Christ, National Council of Churches, AFL-CIO and SEIU in addition to many more.

“I want for others what I want for myself. A living wage index by inflation that allows me to provide for my family. Healthcare for all. Safe and affordable housing, quality schools that do not depend on my zip code, the ability to vote without fear of intimidation or suppression” the Rev. Teresa “Terri” Hord Owens mentioned. “I want to ensure that there is a safety net so that no one suffers needlessly.”

She emphasized the major challenge in disenfranchising those

low-income Americans.

“We disrespect the humanity of over tens of millions of poor and low-income voters and workers when we say that they cannot share in the fruits of their own labor,” she continued.

Owens’ concerns and observations were echoed by other speakers citing statistics that show child poverty has more than doubled over the last year with over 5 million children forced to live without their needs being met.

“There is no greater form of oppression than when a country that has immense resources and wealth allows its people to suffer and die from a lack of resources,” said Fred Redmond, secretary-treasurer of AFL-CIO. “Poverty is a failure of the system, it exists because we allow it to exist.”

At the conclusion of the event, Barber’s powerful voice offered words promoting hope for a brighter future, emphasizing the need for people to stand together to fight poverty.

“When nobody talks to you, you have to make them talk to you and you have to organize your power,” said Barber. “This is a resurrection not an insurrection.”

WI

5 Bishop William J. Barber encourages people to attend the “Mass Poor People’s and Low-Wage Workers’ Assembly and Moral March on Washington” on June 29. (Ashleigh Fields/The Washington Informer)

5 According to the Poor People’s Campaign, over 800 people a day die from poverty. The group is inviting others to join them in efforts to raise awareness about the issue at a march for economic justice on June 29 in the nation’s capital. (Ashleigh Fields/The Washington Informer)

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EDELMAN from Page 30

interrelated poverty and violence and environmental degradation and to preserve the Earth we hold in trust for them. As they have done so many times before, young people are already leading the way forward. When Time magazine named then-16-year-old climate change activist Greta Thunberg their 2019 Person of the Year, the youngest person so far to receive that honor, it noted her representation of an entire new wave of young people who refuse to accept the world adults

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with community leaders on April 8 at Philadelphia's William Cramp Elementary School.

"If you've paid undergraduate loans for more than 20 years or graduate loans for more than 25 years, those loans will be completely forgiven, regardless of your income and even if you did not graduate," Harris said. "And forgiveness will be automatic for the vast majority of the 25 million people that we believe will benefit from this approach.

"And to see if you could be eligible, I would urge everyone to go to StudentAid.Gov. That's StudentAid. Gov," she urged.

MARSHALL from Page 30

they can impact the results of the 2024 U.S. presidential election — especially against the Biden campaign. Biden has a problem now with Arab-American voters which was part of his winning coalition in 2020. If they decide to stay home, it is still a "protest vote" which supports the prospects of a Trump election.

The president has been steadfast in his support for Israel, but has repeatedly denounced the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Biden's embrace of Israel is seen by some as a political liability. Others feel the president needs to be harder on Israel. Biden has received both pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian backlash in recent weeks. It exemplifies the no-win reality leaders often face in politics. The student-led protests on college campuses is not only about the long held dispute over an independent Palestinian state, it has now turned into a fight over the humanitarian crisis for Palestinian civilians living in Gaza. The biggest losers in this struggle are

have created for them: "She is a reminder that the people in charge now will not be in charge forever, and that the young people who are inheriting dysfunctional governments, broken economies and an increasingly unlivable planet know just how much the adults have failed them."

Children's Defense Fund Freedom School Scholars are part of that wave. They've engaged in civil action proclaiming that climate justice is racial justice, and they've partnered with Youth vs. Apocalypse, a diverse group of young climate justice activists work-

Consumer and civil rights advocates welcomed the new plan.

Wisdom Cole, the NAACP's director of Youth and College, said, "It is a proud moment to see our collective, years-long advocacy culminate in millions of Americans being unshackled from the chains of student debt."

The Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) also welcomed the administration addressing the long-standing problem of borrowers being overwhelmed by accumulating interest.

"For years, CRL has advocated for the elimination of accrued interest that prevents millions of low-income borrowers from repaying their loans and breaking free from a cycle of debt," said Mitria Spotser, CRL's vice presi-

the civilians, Israeli and Palestinian. Hamas, the de facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip has used Palestinian civilians as human shields in conflicts with Israel since 2007. Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza has resulted in the killing of more than 33,000 Palestinians and injuring more than 75,000 others. Some 1.7 million Palestinians, nearly 75% of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced and are vulnerable to hunger and disease.

For Israeli civilians, the October 7 Hamas massacre was labeled the bloodiest day in Israel's history and the deadliest for Jews since the Holocaust. Many of the 200 hostages still remain captive.

Any nation, including Israel, has the right to defend themselves. But at what point does the oppressed become the oppressor?

The human dignity of an innocent civilian should always be defended. This is true if the person is American, Israeli or Palestinian. When you take away the basic rights of human beings because of hatred, it simply perpetuates more hatred and mistrust. The

ing together to lift the voices of young people, especially youth of color and youth from low-income and working-class families, to fight for a livable climate and an equitable, sustainable, and just world. They join millions of other young leaders emerging around the world as the global youth climate movement boldly advocates for climate justice amidst this crisis and reframes the need for urgent action. All of them are breaking the stillness too, but by using their voices to speak out for change.

WI

dent and federal policy director.

"We applaud President Biden's genuine efforts to recognize the burden carried by those who owe more than they originally borrowed due to the interest accrued on their federal loans and thank the administration for incorporating CRL's recommendations into its interest relief proposal."

She said the changes ensure a higher education system that is fairer and more accessible to all.

"From day one of my administration, I promised to fight to ensure higher education is a ticket to the middle class, not a barrier to opportunity," said President Joe Biden. "I will never stop working to cancel student debt."

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depth of active hostility shown by Sirhan Sirhan in 1968 is still alive in 2024.

On May 19, President Biden will be giving the commencement speech at Morehouse College. The announcement was met with an immediate backlash from Morehouse students and faculty opposed to Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza. The alumni reportedly drafted a letter calling on the school to drop the president's commencement address. Needless to say, the president will be exposed to uncomfortable protests as he speaks at the alma mater of Martin Luther King Jr. a social justice advocate. The backlash to from Morehouse and other universities extends from the fight for human dignity. In this year of turmoil and given Joe Biden's no-win situation, the president should give the Morehouse social justice crowd a presidential social justice message. Meanwhile, acceptance of the new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire will help diffuse the protest at Morehouse and other universities nationwide.

WI

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia.

You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why… The Washington Informer is all about you! Name

WILLIAMS from Page 31

killing of thousands of innocent people in Gaza! Many of them are being punished for peaceful protests whether you agree with the reason for which they are protesting or not. It's not illegal!

While the orange man was sit-

MORIAL from Page 31

tions and push more and more powerful guns on the public.

But the same greed that built the gun lobby may have destroyed it.

After a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James exposed top executives' rampant financial misconduct, NRA members lost faith in the organization dropping out by more than a million and leaving its coppers depleted by more than 40%.

It remains to be seen whether the NRA's waning influence will allow the nation to enact the measures we need to prevent future columbines. Despite its opposition, Congress was able to pass the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act in 2022, the first major piece

JEALOUS from Page 31

"nowhere good."

In addition to addressing coal ash, the new EPA rules also include vital new standards for carbon and other toxic pollutants pumped into our air and water by coal- and gas-burning power plants. The impact of these rules in cutting carbon dioxide (CO2) from power plants — one of the top greenhouse gas contributors — will be to accelerate the decline of carbon emissions and our transition to clean energy. And, of course, these pollution standards mark a tremendous stride for public health that will save lives and

ting in the courtroom, Rachel Maddow says, "He sat there looking miserable — like a man who's old and tired and mad." That would be OK if he were at all sorry about the damage he's done to our country and people whose lives he's ruined.

I would pray that wherever he

of federal gun reform legislation in nearly 30 years.

A significant step forward, the act requires background checks on gun purchases for young adults, increased mental health funding, expanded prohibitions on gun ownership for domestic abusers and created incentives for states to pass "red flag" laws. But it does not address more significant gun safety measures such as universal background checks, a ban on the sale of assault weapons, and longer waiting periods for gun purchases.

As President Biden noted in his statement on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, the families who have lost loved ones to gun violence have only one message: Do something.

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prevent chronic illnesses. The rules will remove economic barriers for some America's communities that need it the most — in particular, the coal ash rule, as Ortiz points out:

"Allowing companies to pollute our communities without forcing them to clean up deters future investments in those same communities. We have aspirational plans in Waukegan for lakefront revitalization that have not been able to get off the ground due to the lingering contamination. This is devastating for communities like Waukegan that desperately need new investments and economic renewal."

The new suite of EPA rules is a critical moment in the fight for a clean energy future and the result of years of advocacy. These common-sense safeguards mark the beginning of our next chapter in the fight to transition to a 100% clean energy economy.

winds up, he would see the error of his ways and see there's a limit to what he's allowed to do — how many bad acts he can perform without understanding the meaning of "No one is above the law." I pray the men on the U.S. Supreme Court would recognize that, too. WI

As President Biden noted in

his

statement on the 25th anniversary of the Columbine massacre, the families who have lost loved ones to gun violence have only one message: Do something.

The new suite of EPA rules is a critical moment in the fight for a clean energy future and the result of years of advocacy. These common-sense safeguards mark the beginning of our next chapter in the fight to transition to a 100% clean energy economy. And, remarkably, they are the latest in a string of groundbreaking actions by the Biden-Harris administration announced throughout April, which is Earth Month. The Bureau of Land Management issued a new federal rule making conservation a priority on our majestic public lands. The Department of the Interior announced new protections for 13 million acres of land in the Western Arctica from oil drilling. That is just to name a couple. What a way to celebrate Earth Month!

Today, Dulce Ortiz's vision for her family and her community is closer to reality because of the EPA's new power sector rules. And that is a vision that so many of us share for our own families, our own kids, and our own communities. We all deserve a cleaner, healthier future. And the Biden-Harris administration just delivered in a way that is going to help get us there faster. WI

POWER OF THE BALLOT

Maryland Early Voting: May 2 - 9, 2024 MD Presidential Primary Election Day: May 14, 2024

7 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOUR VOTE 1 2 3 4

VERIFY your Registration Status and Your Poll Location Before Election Day by calling your local Board of Elections, 1-866-MYVOTE1 (1-866-6986831) or visit.vote.org.

VERIFY the proper identification needed to vote in advance. Be sure to TAKE PROPER ID TO VOTE. To check ID requirements for your state visit:vote.org

VERIFY that YOU will be in town on Election Day – If available in your community, vote early or absentee ballot. To verify the rules in your state, call 1-866-OURVOTE (1-866-687-8683).

5 6 7

STAND YOUR GROUNDif there is a problem at the polls you have a right to cast a provisional ballot if you are certain you are a registered voter

YOU HAVE A RIGHT to file a complaint if your rights have been violated. If you need assistance call 1-866-OUR-VOTE.

VOTE EARLY OR ON ELECTION DAY IN YOUR STATE. For more information go to unitycampaign.org

DON’T BE AFRAID TO REQUEST HELP from poll workers. Poll workers are there to help YOU.