The Washington Informer - November 7, 2024 by The Washington Informer

By Stacy M. Brown and Jada Ingleton WI Senior Writer and WI Digital Equity Fellow

America made history on Nov. 5, though not the kind many would have foreseen. Voters chose a convicted leader, who a jury has found guilty 34 times, a judge ruled committed massive business fraud, and another

The Election Season That Tested D.C.’s Political Establishment

District Voters Approve I-83, Ward 8 Reelects Trayon White, Black Women Victorious, Norton to Represent Again in the House

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As electoral college votes continued to roll in for both major-party presidential candidates, a beleaguered council member won reelection and District voters approved a polarizing ballot initiative.

That ballot measure, known as Initiative 83, allows independent voters in the District to participate in the primary election of their choice. It also implements ranked-choice voting, a system where voters, instead of voting for one candidate, rank candidates in order of preference until one candidate secures 50% of the vote.

Access Housing Serves

Veterans Yearlong, Curates

Special Veterans Day Celebrations

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

executive director of Access Housing Inc. DC

Southeast Veterans Services Center

5Jr. ROTC Cadets from Dunbar High School present the colors during an event at Access Housing in Ward 8 in November 2022. Organizations throughout the District are celebrating Veterans Day with events and programming this week and weekend. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

(Access Housing) in Ward 8, looks forward to honoring veterans each year, seeing it as a day to recognize people who sacrificed their lives for the good of the country and their fellow Americans.

This year, he planned a pre-Veterans

Angela Alsobrooks Declared Winner of Senate Race, First Black Woman to Represent the State in the Senate

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

On Election Day, Maryland voters took to their polling places, with many encountering lines to place ballots for the highly contested races. While the nation voted for the next president of the United States, in Maryland— a majority blue state— the Senate race was undoubtedly the marquee ticket of the cycle, with many observers noting this seat could determine whether the Senate is controlled by Democrats or Republicans.

At around 9:30 p.m., the Associated Press called the race for Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who defeated former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan.

At an event at the University of Maryland Hotel in SENATE Page 12

For Ward 7 resident Makia Green, Initiative 83 will be a game changer for organizers who often clash with elected officials about housing and food security, and police accountability, and other issues.

Gregory Crawford, the

Vol 60 No 4.

5LaJoy Johnson-Law will be the first mother to sit on the state board since Linda Moody clinched what was then the Ward 8 D.C. Board of Education seat in 1990. (WI File Photo)

5Howard University students pose with a KAMALA HARRIS 2024 flag at an Election Night watch event on Howard’s Yard on Tuesday, Nov. 5. The celebratory event brought live music, election coverage and an abundance of communal pride and anticipation for the 2024 presidential election results. (Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

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BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER; JAMES WRIGHT, WI STAFF WRITER; BRENDA C. SILER, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Legendary Producer Quincy Jones Dies at 91, Leaving a Monumental Legacy in Music and Culture

Quincy Jones, the record producer, arranger, and cultural trailblazer whose influence spanned more than seven decades, has died at 91. His publicist, Arnold Robinson, confirmed his death in a statement, noting that Jones died peacefully at his home in Los Angeles’ Bel Air neighborhood. The statement did not specify the cause.

Known for producing Michael Jackson’s landmark albums, "Thriller" and "Bad," Jones' career far exceeded even those iconic works. Jones transformed genres, introduced new styles, and championed Black artistry

in a largely segregated industry.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, which inducted him in 2013, called him a “Jack of All Trades” but noted that Jones “excelled at every role he took on.”

His contributions as a record producer, arranger, composer, and performer reflect a boundless curiosity that kept him at the cutting edge of music across generations. His presence shaped countless albums, film scores, and even social movements, making him a bridge between jazz, R&B, pop, and hip-hop and between Black and white audiences.

Jones began as a jazz trumpeter, arranging for bands like Count Basie’s and becoming a respected composer in his own right. His compositions for films, including “The Pawnbroker” and “The Color Purple,” displayed his

JONES Page 5

Arbery’s Convicted Killers Seek New Trial

The only African American who served on the jury that convicted three white men of killing Black male Ahmaud Arbery in 2021 has been challenged by the defense attorneys of the murderers to make the case that their clients deserve a new trial, the Miami Times reported on Oct. 30.

The court proceedings took place on Oct. 24.

The juror, identified in court only as No. 380, was questioned about whether he lied during jury selection about harboring no biases against the men, who in 2020 chased a running Arbery in pickup trucks through their neighborhood before one of them fatally shot the 25-year-old Black man in the street.

Attorneys also questioned the juror about a day he bought a hot dog at a rally promoting justice for Arbery near the Glynn County courthouse, where the murder trial was held, the Times reported.

The man insisted he took his food and left, and it

was unclear whether that happened before or during the trial. Regardless, he denied misleading the judge and attorneys about his ability to serve impartially during jury selection in October 2021.

“After court started, I felt sorry for both sides,” the juror said on the witness stand. “I wanted to help for the truth to come out, right from wrong.” Greg McMichael and his son Travis McMichael, armed themselves with guns and jumped in a pickup truck to chase Arbery, a 25-yearold Black man, after they saw him run past their house on Feb. 23, 2020, in a subdivision outside the port city of Brunswick. Their former neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan joined the pursuit in his own truck and recorded cellphone video of Travis McMichael firing shotgun blasts at close range into Arbery, who fell, fatally wounded, in the street.

Torrents Festival Returns to D.C. Looking at Technology Used in Creative Storytelling

The third edition of the arts and culture festival “Torrents: New Links to Black Futures” returns to Washington, D.C., Nov.14-17 at various locations around the city. CulturalDC's annual showcase will focus on how technology can be used to tell Black stories.

“Torrents’ is a vital platform for amplifying Black artists and creating space for forward-thinking cultural exchange,” said Kristi Maiselman, executive director and curator of CulturalDC.

The cultural festival will include a free panel discussion on Saturday, Nov. 16, from noon-3:30 p.m., followed by a networking mixer. This event will be held at Songbyrd Music House, 540 Penn Street NE, Washington, D.C. This session will focus on incorporating technology, music, film, and performances with discussion panels by filmmakers, artists and technologists

who share their experiences in Black storytelling.

The panels will be moderated by BPM’s Director of Emerging Media, Lisa Osborne. She is a veteran immersive and experimental media producer and has worked with the American Film Institute and Sundance Institute’s New Frontier programs.

“For decades, tech training, grants and other opportunities have been funneled into the hands of a few, essentially imprinting biases that exist in old or traditional media onto new storytelling tools,” said Osborne. “As AI and other new technologies become more embedded in our daily lives, it is important that access to these tools.”

Black Public Media (BPM), the Harlem-based national media arts nonprofit, is a presenter through its BPMplus Art & Tech Showcase.

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

5Quincy Jones (Courtesy Photo)

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D.C. Braces for Potential Unrest from Now Until Inauguration Day

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

With heightened and violent rhetoric from former President Donald Trump and his supporters, Washington, D.C., is on high alert and, Mayor Muriel Bowser and city officials said they are determined to prevent a recurrence of the violence seen during the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Authorities have outlined robust security measures planned from Election Day through Inauguration Day as the District prepares for all possible outcomes.

Assistant City Administrator Chris Rodriguez briefed the D.C. Council, sharing preparations for potential large-scale unrest, regardless of the election results. He emphasized that D.C. is preparing for large crowds on Inauguration Day, no matter the victor. Chief of Police Pamela Smith also sought to reassure District residents by declaring that the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) is fully prepared.

Smith clarified that while peaceful protest is supported, violence

JONES from Page 4

extraordinary range, mixing classical, jazz, funk, and Afro-Cuban influences. His television scores, such as those for “Sanford and Son” and “Ironside,” brought Black music to mainstream audiences, shaping a generation's auditory landscape.

The three Jackson albums Jones produced — “Off the Wall,” “Thriller” and “Bad” — stand among his most famous works. The albums broke sales records and redefined the global pop music industry, bridging racial divides and setting new standards for production.

However, Jones' career had already reached milestones before those Jackson records. He had become the first Black vice president at Mercury Records in 1964 and had garnered critical acclaim for his arrangement of Count Basie’s “I Can’t Stop Loving You.”

Over time, he received 28 Grammy Awards from 80 nominations, a record surpassed only by a few.

or property damage will not be tolerated.

“We will not tolerate any riots,” Smith exclaimed. “Offenders will be arrested and will be held accountable.”

As the twice-impeached and 34time criminally convicted Trump has continued to threaten bloodshed if he loses, authorities have geared up for possible disruptions.

Federal and local agencies are installing layers of fencing around key landmarks, including the White House, U.S. Capitol, and Vice President Kamala Harris’s residence.

New security perimeters and bike racks mark restricted areas, and street closures are scheduled for upcoming events, including Harris’ election night gathering at Howard University.

For weeks, officials have been cautioning businesses and residents, many of whom remain scarred by incidents during the 2020 civil rights protests. The D.C. police chief assured the public that no credible threats exist now, yet the extensive security measures underscore a “better safe

Born in Chicago on March 14, 1933, Quincy Delight Jones Jr. faced a childhood filled with challenges and resilience. According to his official biography, Jones was primarily raised by his father, a carpenter, after his mother was diagnosed with schizophrenic disorder. Moving to Seattle in his early teens, he honed his craft in a music scene as diverse as his musical inclinations. By 15, Jones had already earned a spot in Lionel Hampton’s band, launching a career that would take him across the globe and into the company of musical greats like Dizzy Gillespie and Ray Charles, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator.

Jones’ time as a jazz bandleader and arranger in the 1950s established his name in elite music circles, but his ambitions led him into film and television scoring, where he created iconic soundtracks. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Jones’s music could be heard in theaters and living rooms, with scores for films like “In Cold Blood” and “The Deadly Af-

than sorry” approach.

Private security firms are seeing increased demand as businesses, especially near the White House, shore up entrances and prepare contingency plans.

Eric J. Jones of the Apartment and Office Building Association noted that “it’s just fear” driving preparations, with businesses preferring to over prepare. As a result, some storefronts downtown have been boarded up despite officials’ reassurances that there’s no need.

Scott Michelman, the head of the ACLU’s D.C. branch, contacted local and federal law enforcement to encourage cooperation in defending free speech rights during protests. Michelman cited past demonstrations as reminders of the importance of preserving lawful protest, expressing hope that authorities will avoid heavy-handed tactics that could infringe on constitutional rights.

“Washington, D.C. is a special location for the public expression of views,” Michelman wrote. “The ACLU-D.C. believes we all share a strong interest in ensuring, during what might be a tense period, that people can exercise their constitutional right to express themselves here in the District.”

@StacyBrownMedia

fair” and contributions to Alex Haley's “Roots,” the celebrated mini-series. His soundtrack for “The Color Purple in 1985, adapted from Alice Walker’s novel, remains a cultural milestone.

In 1985, Jones united more than 40 of the world’s biggest music stars for the charity single “We Are the World,” raising awareness and funds for famine relief in Africa. The project’s success further cemented his reputation as a visionary capable of bridging divides for a greater cause.

His label, Qwest, produced a roster as diverse as his interests, featuring artists from George Benson to the experimental jazz saxophonist Sonny Simmons.

Through the 1990s and 2000s, Jones expanded his reach beyond music, producing television hits like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and the magazine Vibe. WI

AROUND THE REGION

facts

NOV. 7 - 13, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Long Beach Open, becoming the first African American a major professional golf tournament.

Journalist Andrew Hatcher is named associate press secretary to President John F. Kennedy, becoming the first Black press secretary.

1831 – Nat Turner, an enslaved African American who led a deadly rebellion of slaves and free Blacks in Southampton County, Virginia, is executed by hanging.

Inventor Daniel McCree patents the portable fire

NOV. 7

1837 – Elijah Lovejoy, abolitionist and newspaper editor, is killed by a pro-slavery mob in Alton, Illinois, out to destroy his press and abolitionist materials.

1967 – Carl Stokes is elected as mayor of Cleveland, becoming the the first Black elected mayor of a major U.S. city.

1989 – David Dinkins is elected as New York City's first Black mayor.

1989 – L. Douglas Wilder is elected as governor of Virginia, becoming the nation's first elected Black governor. 2020 – Kamala Harris is elected as vice president of the United States, becoming the first-ever woman, African American and Asian American to hold the position.

NOV. 8

1938 – Crystal Bird Fauset is elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, becoming the nation's first Black woman to serve as a state legislator.

NOV. 9

1731 – Benjamin Banneker, inventor, mathematician and one of the planners of what is now Washington, D.C., is born in Baltimore County, Maryland. 1868 – The first classes begin at the Howard University College of Medicine

1922 – Dorothy Dandridge, famed actress, singer and dancer, is born in Cleveland.

NOV. 10

1891 – Inventor Granville T. Woods patents electric railway system.

1957 – Black golfer Charlie Sifford wins the

, an African American slave best known for his participation with the Lewis and Clark Expedition, is born in Caroline County, Virginia.

Opera singer Mary Cardwell founds the National Negro Opera Company, the first African American opera company in the United States.

1977 – Ernest N. "Dutch" Morial becomes the first Black mayor of New Orleans.

NOV. 13

1894 – Inventor Albert C. Richardson patents the casket-lowering device.

1913 – Daniel Hale Williams becomes the first Black to be made a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. 1951 – Famed ballerina Janet Collins becomes the first Black dancer to appear with the Metropolitan Opera Company in New York.

1985 – Major League Baseball pitcher Dwight "Doc" Gooden unanimously wins the Cy Young Award, becoming at 20 the youngest-ever winner of the award.

DAVID DINKINS

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Songwriter, composer, and iconic producer Quincy Jones, who was behind some of the most influential records in American music, has died at 91. How will you remember Quincy’s legacy?

MARLENE JONES / LAS VEGAS, NEV.

TIM BAYARD / WILMINGTON, DEL.

The legend. May his soul rest. You did great young man. Your music will live on and on and on. Rest well.

My sincere condolences to the family of Quincy Jones. He had a profound impact on numerous musical and acting careers. A man of great integrity, God blessed him with an extraordinary gift that he generously shared with the world—quite a legacy. Quincy Jones is one of my heroes.

JOHN WATLEY / WASHINGTON, D.C.

MARCIA FISHER / BALTIMORE, MD.

May the “Flight of Angels” sing him to his final resting place.

Another icon in Black history that contributed great music to American culture.

FATAI IJELU / WASHINGTON, D.C.

The greatest producer of all time. His talent has shaped the world of music and acting. No one can fill his shoes. I want to say thank you, Mr. Jones, and may you rest peacefully with the Lord

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DoorDash Program Graduates Celebrate, Share Lessons

Leaders Laud Importance of Local Restaurateurs, Entrepreneurs

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Oluwatobi Osobukola-Abubu has been intentional in seeking information about D.C.’s restaurant industry, as she is enthusiastic and passionate about selling Nigerian street food through her District-based business Fritters and Roast.

Osobukola-Abubu’s persistence led to a conversation with fellow restaurant owners earlier this year about a program sponsored by the online food ordering service DoorDash. Launched in 2021, the program, DoorDash Accelerator for Local Restaurants: Live & Local Series, educates and mentors restaurateurs in their formative stages on diversifying revenue streams.

Osobukola-Abubu, 44, jumped at the chance to join the program, which exists in the District and Minneapolis, and became a member of the cohort that started last spring.

“The program targets immigrants who have businesses,” Osobukola-Abubu told The Informer. “I have been trying to get in on DoorDash to deliver food to my customers and participating in this program seems to be a way to get my foot in the company’s door.”

Osobukola-Abubu participated in a graduation program for the cohort on Oct. 28, held at the Provost in Northeast, D.C., a fellow restaurant in the cohort. In addition to Fritters and Roast and Provost, other graduates included:

said this year’s program was “a huge success.”

“The Accelerator for Local Restaurants: Live and Local Series connects entrepreneurs with the resources, network, and knowledge they need to grow their businesses and diversify revenue streams,” Davis said. “We’d like to thank Bridge for Billions, The Greater Washington Urban League and DMV Black Restaurant Week for coming together to support these incredible entrepreneurs, and we can’t wait to see how graduates will continue to change their communities for the better.”

D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), who chairs the Committee on Economic Development, said the graduation “is a testament to the community spirit that makes D.C. such a special place.”

America’s Best Wings-Falls Church, Buddy’s DC, Cookie Yay, Dogs on the Curb, FD Book Café, Fishscale Inc., Greedy Little Eats, Hedzole, Hill Prince, LaLaLover Catering, Lillian’s Southern Box Catering, Mama Bolz, Open Crumb, Plum Good LLC, Power Source Foods, LLC, Scratch Kitchen & Bistro, Sweet Almond, LLC, Sweet Sosumba Vegan Café, Tabla, The Ministry DC, The Peach Cobbler Factory and Trippy Tacos.

THE COHORT AND ITS IMPACT

Osobukola-Abubu’s cohort included a diverse array of local restaurant owners with nearly 70% of participants identifying as women and people of color. The graduates are the beneficiaries of five months of business development mentorship, training, workshops, and a $5,000 grant provided by DoorDash.

As part of this year’s partnership with Bridge for Billions—an international organization designed to support local entrepreneurs in the early stages of operation in a sustainable and inclusive way-- the Accelerator for Local Restaurants: Live and Local Series also granted graduates access to nearly $40,000 in perks from business tools such as Notion, Stripe, Hubspot and others by becoming a Bridge for Billions alumni.

Darrell Davis, head of the Eastern Public Engagement at DoorDash,

“The work of these local entrepreneurs are key to building a stronger city for us all to enjoy,” said McDuffie, 49, said. “I would like to thank DoorDash and their Accelerator for Local Restaurants program for fostering an environment that helps our local businesses thrive.”

Osobukola-Abubu said she will use the $5,000 grant to work on her hibiscus offerings and get the necessary licensing and certification needed to conduct business in the District.

“I need food manufacturing licenses and equipment and to get as many things as possible,” she said.

Chris Robles, owner of Trippy Tacos said he learned through the cohort what he needs to do to bring in more revenue for his business.

“I would have to say the most important thing is the networking,” Robles, 28, said. “I am able to learn from my colleagues and get ideas on how to grow my business from them.”

Like Robles, Princess Dixon, the owner of LaLaLover Catering, said the information she received during the program will help grow her business.

“As an entrepreneur, I want to reach the widest audience possible, and the DoorDash Accelerator provided me with a collaborative environment with the programming and hands-on mentorship needed to elevate my brand to the next level,” Dixon told The Informer. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5Oluwatobi Osobukola-Abubu is the owner of District-based Fritters and Roast, a Nigerian street food concern. (Courtesy Photo/Union Kitchen)

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U.S. Marshals Sweep D.C. Region in Major Crime Operation, Arresting 826 Fugitives

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, a multi-agency initiative targeting violent crime in Washington, D.C., and the National Capital Region. Conducted between April and September, the operation led to the arrest of 826 fugitives, including 63 individuals wanted for homicide, and resulted in the recovery and seizure of 54 firearms, 6.4 kilograms of narcotics, and over $1.1 million in U.S. currency.

“This successful operation reflects the collaborative approach the Justice Department has taken to turn the tide against violent crime,” stated Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “From April to September, the U.S. Marshals Service brought together more than 30 law enforcement agencies spanning the Washington, D.C. area to arrest 826 fugitives and seize significant quantities of firearms and narcotics. I am deeply grateful to every Deputy U.S. Marshal and law enforcement partner who took part in this operation.”

Operation Nazare Wave was spearheaded by the USMS Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) and included the participation of more than 30 local and federal agencies. The initiative not only focused on reducing violent crime within the National Capital Region (NCR) but extended its reach to 19 districts across the U.S. and internationally.

Fugitives who had fled the

D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (DMV) area were apprehended in various locations, while others wanted outside the DMV were tracked down in the region.

Among the significant arrests was that of Rakeem Gilgeours, who fled to Guyana following a July 4 shooting in Temple Hills, Maryland, that killed a 6-year-old boy and injured others. After Guyana deported him, Gilgeours was arrested in Miami on July 31.

Another notable arrest involved Emmanuel Sewell, a registered sex offender, who was wanted for the murder of his probation officer, David Martinez, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Sewell was captured on June 1 in West Virginia.

Additionally, on April 29, a 16-year-old suspect was arrested in Suitland, Maryland, for aggravated assault and attempted murder fol lowing a shooting at a Greenbelt Park.

“I wish to thank all of the dep uties, task force officers, and par ticipating agencies for their stead fast commitment and tremendous work,” said USMS Director Ron ald L. Davis. “This operation coin cided with Operation North Star FY2024 in 10 other metropolitan areas, demonstrating the commit ment of the United States Mar shals Service and the Department of Justice to work with local law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime.”

Agencies involved in Opera tion Nazare Wave included the Metropolitan Police Department of D.C., U.S. Attorney’s Office for D.C., Metro Transit Police, Homeland Security Investigations,

4 The U.S. Marshals Service announced the results of Operation Nazare Wave, a multi-agency initiative targeting violent crime in the D.C. area, leading to the arrest of 826 fugitives between April and

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Writer, actor, producer, director, and comedian John Leguizamo reads the Washington Informer. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

“We

Fannie Lou Hamer

Raymone Bain, Candice Adkins, Pierpont Mobley and his wife Jeannette, Secretary of the District of Columbia

Kimberly A. Bassett, and Ward 5 Councilmember Zachary Parker at a celebration for Pierpont Mobley, author of “Black Side of the White House: A Memoir For Generations To Come,” at International Square in Northwest on Nov. 2. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer

African Ancestry, Inc., Opens 'Door of Return' that Reconnects to Our African Roots

By Nichole Taylor WIN Africa Contributing Writer

African Ancestry, Inc. (AfricanAncestry.com), is a District-based, Black-owned company that pioneered genetic ancestry tracing for Black people everywhere to reconnect with their roots. Co-founded by D.C.-native Dr. Gina Paige and leading geneticist Dr. Rick Kittles, the company is fostering healthier Black identities with every single-lineage DNA test it dispenses.

Since AfricanAncestry.com launched in February 2003, it has evolved from assembling and mailing every test kit in the basement of Dr. Paige’s parents to a state-ofthe-art, all-digital platform that now processes ancestral results with unmatched accuracy in as little as four to six weeks. The company’s core value is to never sell or share its customers’ DNA for profit or otherwise and reportedly is the only consumer-based DNA company in the industry to do so.

“We haven’t had the same growth as others in the industry because we refuse to compromise our database or sell the genetic material of our family members to other companies including big pharma,” said Paige. “So, when you do not see a multitude of media ads from us for example, it is because we are keeping our ‘house’ safe and secure for people who look like us.”

According to Dr. Paige, the company owns the largest database of African lineages among its competitors, which is critical to comparing DNA to determine ancestry. It has at least eight times more African samples than any other ancestry company and is the leader in tracing paternal and maternal ancestries to Africa using its PatriClan® Test Kits and MatriClan® DNA Kits.

Dr. Kittles, a George Washington University graduate, runs the company’s science department where he safeguards its database and leads the DNA matching process. He also serves as Senior Vice President for Research at Morehouse School of Medicine.

Together, Paige and Kittles have helped more than a million Black people -- and their families -- discover their African roots; forged

5Robert Lambert, a participant of the African Ancestry Family Reunion trip to Bafoussam, Cameroon, reconnects with his roots while playing the Balafon in November 2023. (Courtesy Photo)

partnerships and alliances that reach across the African Diaspora and back; fostered leaders among its all-Black staff; and grown the company through two recessions and COVID-19.

“Our relationship with AfricanAncestry.com is social entrepreneurship at its best,” said Derrick A. Young, co-founder, and president of MahoganyBooks. “We’re two small D.C.-based businesses that have joined forces to address issues around identity and cultural awareness for people of color and to improve our communities.”

AFRICAN ANCESTRY FAMILY REUNION

Most recently, Paige, who is the main decision-maker and steers the direction of the company, has been busy expanding African Ancestry’s capacity to take more testers to more African countries as part of its popular African Ancestry Family Reunion™(AAFR) birthright journeys. The AAFRs are specially curated, all-inclusive experiences to the ancestral origins of its testers.

In 2021, AfricanAncestry.com formed an unprecedented alliance with the Republic of Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Tourism and Cultural Affairs to formalize a citizenship offering for customers whose African Ancestry results trace to the country.

“When President Julius Maada Bio signed my documents saying I’m officially Sierra Leonean, when I took my oath, and he gave me my

passport … it was a surreal feeling,” said Entrepreneur Prince Dynast Amir.

African Ancestry Family Reunions have also occurred during Ghana’s Year of Return in 2019, and other countries including Senegal and Cameroon.

“I was so moved and inspired by learning I share ancestry with the Mafa people of Cameroon today that I dedicated the first episode of a project documenting my self-love journey to my African roots,” said Kareema Bee, filmmaker, and content creator whose maternal family is from the D.C. area.

Upcoming AAFRs are planned for Cameroon this December and for the first time -- the Federal Republic of Nigeria in January 2025.

AAFR travelers will be fully immersed in cultural reclamation and healing events such as Door-of-NoReturn tributes; ethnic foods, arts centers, and markets; and special African renaming ceremonies and ancestral Reveals on African soil.

To complement its Nigeria itinerary, D.C.-based Nigerian Center is offering African Ancestry customers a variety of language classes, including Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa languages tailored to meet the needs and interests of members who have traced their ancestry to Nigeria.

When asked why she is so enthusiastic about her work, Paige responds: “Knowing where we are from is not a novelty for Black people. It is a necessity. It is an honor to make that happen for my people.” WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

College Park, loud cheers and applause could be heard shortly after the race was called.

With 64% of Maryland numbers reported, Alsobrooks led by nearly 10% and eclipsed 1 million.

“At times we struggle together, and we work to build a better future for all of our children,” said Alsobrooks shortly after her victory was declared. “And to those Marylanders whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I want you to know that I hear your voice, and I will be your senator, too.”

Early vote and vote by mail numbers represented nearly half of Maryland’s electorate, and results came in fairly quick.

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (DMd.), Maryland Sen. Nick Charles (D- District 25), Delegate Kent Roberson (D- District 25), Delegate Alethia McCaskill (D- District 44B), and numerous other legislators attended the Maryland Democratic Party’s election night watch party at the University of Maryland Hotel in College Park.

“Angela Alsobrooks and the people of Maryland have made history

tonight. Throughout this campaign, and during her time in public service, Angela has proven her commitment and passion for serving Marylanders time and again. And to win this election, Angela overcame a flood of super PAC spending and Republican attacks aimed at distracting voters, but Marylanders knew better,” said Van Hollen.

He emphasized why Alsobrooks is a good fit for the Senate, and that is he is looking forward to working alongside her in Congress’ upper chamber.

“In electing Angela to the United States Senate, our state has chosen a dedicated public servant who has shown that she will work every day to stand up for our interests and values. I could not be more proud to have stood alongside Angela from the earliest days of this fight, and I'm excited to have her as a partner in the Senate. We will work together to deliver for Maryland and our nation,” he said.

CONGRESSIONAL, DOWN BALLOT CANDIDATES ELECTED TO OFFICE

Prince George’s County Council Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) was elected to

serve as the County Council At Large, which will necessitate a special election in the council’s fifth district.

In addition, Maryland Democratic Reps. Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey were both reelected, while Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewki and State Senator Sarah Elfreth were elected to Maryland’s second and third congressional districts respectively.

“I am honored that the voters of Maryland's fifth district entrusted me to serve as their voice in the House of Representatives during the 119th Congress,” said Hoyer, who has represented Prince George’s and Southern Maryland in Congress since 1983. "Throughout my time in Congress,

one priority has outranked all others: delivering results for Marylanders. Last year, Team Maryland celebrated our successful effort to bring the new FBI consolidated headquarters to Prince George's County. From rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, to breaking ground on the new FBI headquarters, to investing further in health care, education, and other areas, much work remains to create new opportunities for Marylanders to get ahead.”

Hoyer also celebrated in Alsobrooks’ victory.

“For years, I've been proud to tackle that work with my dear friend Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Next Congress, I look forward to continuing that cooperation with her as she serves as Maryland's next senator,” he said.

At press, former Biden administration official April McClain Delaney narrowly trailed former Delegate Neil Parrott (R ) in Western Maryland’s sixth congressional district.

In the Prince George’s Board of Education races, Tiffini L. Andorful (District 1) and Robin Brown (District 5) both won with fairly large margins, while two other Board races were extremely close and yet to be called.

All three of the Appellate Court judges were retained, and the Circuit Court Judge slate were all successfully elected to the bench.

STATEWIDE, LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE RESULTS

The statewide ballot measure to

codify abortion into law passed overwhelmingly, with nearly 75% of voters approving. All of the ballot questions in Prince George’s, including one to require Council approval to exceed staffing limits in the operating budget, passed with over 80% support.

Charles County voters opposed a measure to create a County Executive, similar to most of the larger counties in the state, for the second time in a decade.

Ballot measures in Baltimore to allow the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor and create a cannabis reparations fund passed, while another measure to halve the size of the City Council failed.

Hip Hop Caucus CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. emphasized the importance of participating in local elections.

“Participation in local and state elections is just as critical as voting in national elections, because the outcomes of local and state elections most directly shape our day-to-day lives. Local elections determine how our public schools and transportation systems operate,” Yearwood explained. “They determine who become the district attorneys, sheriffs, and judges that set the direction of our criminal legal system. State and local officials are also the ones who make decisions about business regulations and zoning laws, which have long-term impacts on the economic well-being and the environmental sustainability of communities. By voting in state and local elections, and down the ballot, we can have direct influence over the issues that matter to us most.”

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and her daughter. Alsobrooks is now the first Black woman elected to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 104 year old Pauline Patton votes on the final day of early voting at the Sports and Learning Complex, one of Prince George’s most visited polling sites. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

SENATE from Page 1

Councilmember Fisher Introduces Resolution to Reduce Classroom Cell Phone Use

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Prince George’s County Councilmember Wanika Fisher (D- District 2) has introduced a non-binding resolution to reduce classroom usage of cell phones, with local education leaders supportive of the idea to improve focus on instruction. Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) have tried piloting various strategies to address cell phone usage. This bill passing committee not only works to stop students from using their phones in class, but is a step toward addressing classroom distractions.

“The Board of Education looks forward to collaborating closely with PGCPS administration [on a new policy,]” said Board of Education Chair Lolita Walker in a statement. “Our approach will also include public feedback from parents,

scholars, and community members to ensure we reflect the values and needs of our district, particularly because we recognize there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.”

County Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D- District 5) is in favor of action to reduce classroom cell phone usage, and emphasized the need for the legislation.

“I think parents understand it. I think even students might not agree with it, but they understand that when it comes to cell phone use in school, it’s just not helpful,” Ivey said. “You’re in school to learn. It’s really hard to learn when you’re distracted by TikTok and Instagram and when you’re texting your friends.”

PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II agrees with the sentiment behind Fisher’s bill, and considered possible support from state legislators for a Maryland-wide law.

“Social media and cell phones have really become a major disruption and I’m interested in seeing what those conversations look like at the state level,” House said. “And conversations between state and local leaders and parents are likely to heat up in the coming months, both as a way to hear feedback but also as a way to get parents on board with the idea that the policy appears likely to change in the future. Whether it’s at the state legislature, whether it’s at the state board level, whether it’s at the school district level… What I do know is that at each one of those levels, there are conversations happening right now.”

4 Prince George’s County Councilmember Wanika Fisher has introduced a non-binding resolution to limit cell phone usage in classrooms. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

HEALTH INSURANCE FEEL OUT OF

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

DR. LATANYA WHITE WINS MAJOR MINORITY BUSINESS ENTERPRISE AWARD

Dr. LaTanya White, award-winning researcher, TEDx speaker and founder of Concept Creative Group based in the District, was named one of the “50 Most Powerful MBEs, Advocates and Strategic Resource Partners” at the 2024 MEDWeekTM Legacy Awards Gala that took place on Oct. 26 in Miami, Florida.

Presented every five years, the prestigious recognition celebrates influential leaders in the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) community who have made significant contributions to economic empowerment, advocacy and strategic partnerships.

“It is truly an honor to be recognized among such an esteemed group of advocates and entrepreneurs, especially because I’m doing work that I was told was impossible,” said White. “At Concept Creative Group, we are redefining our economic legacies and turning them into engines of empowerment, and it’s driving the systemic change our communities deserve.”

In addition, the Concept Creative Group has been recognized as a Powerful Capital Readiness Provider as a part of the Capital Readiness Program (CRP). The CRP is funded by the Department of Treasury in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA).

The work that White does through Concept Creative Group centers on advancing equity by influencing policy, and through entrepreneurship education and strategic development for MBEs. Her efforts have had a transformative impact on over 10,000 socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs through initiatives like the Dynastic WealthTM framework, which emphasizes the importance of legacy-building and sustainable economic advance-

briefs

ment for underrepresented communities.

DOING BUSINESS WITH THE METROPOLITAN WASHINGTON AIRPORTS AUTHORITY

The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) will hold a special event where interested entrepreneurs can learn about doing business with the MWAA at the Anacostia Arts Center at 1231 Marion Barry Avenue SE in Ward 8 from 10 a.m.-Noon on Nov. 8.

The event is an excellent opportunity to network with Airports Authority personnel and officials. Topics such as the Small Local Business Enterprise program and how to participate in it; an overview of the MWAA’s procurement process; upcoming long-term airport improvement projects; and opportunities in concessions constructions at the airports.

MWAA representatives will be available to answer questions after presentations.

BOTTOMS APPOINTED FIRSTNET AUTHORITY BOARD CHAIR

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the appointment of 11 public safety, technology, and business leaders to the Board of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority) and the selection of former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms as the new chair of the board.

In addition to leading Georgia’s largest city from 2018-2022, Bottoms has served as a senior adviser to President Biden and presently is the CEO of KRLB LLC.

The board oversees activities to ensure that the FirstNet Authority and AT&T—its commercial partner—develop, build, and operate a nationwide public safety broadband network that will best equip first responders to save lives and protect local communities.

Raimondo appointed Bottoms as board chair for a two-year term.

“Ms. Bottoms is a visionary leader known for her impactful governance and focus on equity. Her strong stewardship and vision will greatly benefit the Board,” said Raimondo. “I am confident that under her leadership, the new board will continue to successfully deploy FirstNet across the country and effectively

serve our first responders.”

Congratulating and welcoming Bottoms, Alan Davidson, assistant secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information and NTIA administrator, emphasized the importance of the new board’s appointment in continuing and furthering FirstNet.

“These appointments reflect the diverse viewpoints and needs of FirstNet’s 6.1 million public safety users nationwide,” he said.

Six other members of the board who will have three-year terms are Sheriff Michael Adkinson of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida; Damon Darsey, a Ridgeland, Mississippi emergency medicine and EMS physician; Erik Gaull, president of the International Association of Emergency Managers Region III out of Cabin John, Maryland; Milwaukee Chief of Police Jeffrey Norman; Rasheid Scarlett, CEO of NetAesthetics of Coral Gables, Florida; and Anne Arundel, Maryland Fire Chief Trisha Wolford.

In addition, Raimondo reappointed four board members to serve a new three-year term: telecommunications attorney Alexander F. Navarro of San Juan Puerto Rico; Arthur D Little Partner Sean McDevitt of Braintree, Massachusetts; retired vice president of CenturyLink Communications Warren Mickens; and DraftKings board member Jocelyn Moore. WI

SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CLINIC

The DC Bar Pro Bono Small Business Brief Legal Clinic will be held in person on Nov. 14 from 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Georgetown Capital One Café, located at 3150 M Street NW.

This clinic is for aspiring or existing small business owners and entrepreneurs. Attendees will meet one-on-one with attorneys for brief advice on any legal matters their business may be facing.

Details can be found online on the pre-registration page at forms. office.com. For questions, required accommodations or language interpretation services, please contact npsb@dcbar.org.

RAY SELECTED FOR DIAL FELLOWSHIP

Congress Heights Community Training & Development Corporation (CHCTDC) announced recently that President Monica Ray has been selected as a 2024 DIAL Fellow by the Emerson Collective. CHCTDC is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to providing residents with tools, resources, and opportunities to shape their community's future.

The Emerson Collective’s prestigious fellowship honors remarkable leaders who demonstrate breakthrough achievements and an inspiring vision for social impact while transforming public narratives to drive lasting change.

Through this fellowship, Ray joins an elite group of 10 leaders from across the globe, united by a shared vision of a more just and equitable world. Over the next year, this cohort will leverage storytelling tools and communication resources to elevate their work and foster meaningful conversations around their missions.

“Being selected as a DIAL Fellow is an incredible honor and an opportunity to deepen our work at CHCTDC,” said Ray. “Through storytelling, we’ll amplify community voices, build bridges across differences, and inspire new partnerships.”

Through the DIAL Fellowship, Ray said she aims to address challenges faced by evolving communities, counteract displacement, and ensure equitable growth remains attainable. WI

5Dr. LaTanya White is the founder of the Concept Creative Group based in the District. (Courtesy Photo/MeetDrwhite.com)

5Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms is the new chair of FirstNet Authority, an agency that deals with first responders. (Courtesy Photo/Keisha Lance Bottoms/Facebook)

Maryland Business Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MARYLAND PAYS

IRS $5.4 MILLION IN BACK TAXES

State of Maryland made a $5.4 million payment to the IRS via Board of Public Works agreement on Oct. 30, the first audit of its kind in recent memory. The back taxes were owed due to: nine state agencies failing to properly withhold federal taxes, state police exceeding their contribution limits to deferred compensation plans, and a lack of backup withholding applied to some state vendors in 2020.

Maryland initially owed $16 million, but the IRS was willing to waive some penalties. A top official in the Comptroller’s Office warned that the state may have to pay additional interest.

“This amount is specifically because staff within the Office of the Comptroller and other state agencies worked tirelessly to pro-

vide and obtain documentation to the IRS to significantly reduce the amount the state owes,” said Deputy Comptroller for Law and Oversight Rachel Sessa. “Since this is the first examination and assessment of its kind, the IRS agreed to waive penalties.”

The IRS is offering state training and guidance to prevent further issues, which will begin in coming months.

“We are working to resolve the underpayment issue with the IRS. It occurred under the previous administration,” said Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D) during the Board of Public Works meeting .

“Governor Moore, Treasurer Davis, Lt. Gov. Miller, and I know we’re all committed to transparency in the business of government, and wanted to make sure that people understand what this is, where it came from, and how we are handling it.”

THEBUS UNION APPROVES STRIKE

Local 639, the union members who provide transportation services for TheBus in Prince George’s County, overwhelmingly approved a strike by a vote of 120-1 if a work agreement is not reached soon.

The union, particularly targeting RATP Dev– a wholly owned subsidiary of RATP Group, one of the world’s largest providers of transit– is demanding a contract that includes increased pension contributions and wages that are comparable to other professional bus workers in the Washington metropolitan area.

“Despite meeting more than a dozen times, RATP Dev has refused to offer these Teamsters the contract they deserve,” said Local 639 President William Davis. “These 155 Teamsters are the sole reason that TheBus runs efficiently and safely in PG County, which is the second largest county in Maryland. This group is committed to securing a strong contract and we are proud to support them in getting them every penny they are worth.”

TheBus' fixed route system consists of 26 routes, which run over 10,000 miles throughout Prince George’s County and 2,129,000 people used the service in 2023, nearly 10,000 riders per weekday.

“Day in and day out, we provide an essential service to residents and visitors throughout the county, and it’s time our employer offers us

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a contract that reflects our important work,” said Kathleen LaFortune, an employee of RATP Dev and shop steward at Local 639. “We do not want to strike, but our employer has left us no other choice. We are not afraid to stand shoulder to shoulder on the picket line and withhold our labor.”

5 Comptroller Brooke Lierman said state officials are working to resolve an underpayment issue, amounting to $5.4 million, with the IRS. (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

NATIONAL

ELECTION from Page 1

court determined had sexually assaulted a journalist to serve as the 47th president of the United States.

Voters chose a convicted leader whom a jury has found guilty 34 times, a man whom a judge ruled committed massive business fraud, while another court determined he has sexually assaulted a journalist to serve as the 47th president of the United States.

Latino and white women voters, who many note voted against their own interests and have borne the brunt of his attacks, were primarily responsible for this outcome. But plainly put, Donald Trump has ascended to the highest office in the land once more.

“This is all still so confusing to me, because it really felt like she started out strong.

When they called [that] Kamala had won New Hampshire (my home state), I was ecstatic, hoping the crowd and I would be cheering like that a lot more,” said Howard University alumna Mya Trujillo, who was among the thousands of heartbroken supporters who initially gathered at Howard University in hopes of celebrating the first Black and Southeast Asian woman to claim the presidency.

“Even when Trump started racking up more votes, but then Kamala won California, it felt like everyone’s hopes of her winning were slowly being woven together to make it happen.”

However, at 2:30 a.m. on Nov. 6, Trump declared victory to the country from a convention center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

“This is a movement like nobody’s ever seen before and, frankly, this was, I believe, the greatest political movement,” said Trump, the now president-elect, whose campaign was marred by divisive, racist and vulgar rhetoric.

While he was victorious, earning at least 276 electoral college votes compared to Harris’ 223, many of the vice president’s supporters are shocked about Trump’s victory and concerned about the future.

“This feels like 2016 all over again, but this time it feels so much worse. From reproductive rights to accountability for police brutality, so many things are at risk and I’m anxious to see what Trump will do this time around,” Trujillo said. “This is also concerning for future elections, because what if this outcome discourages more women and people of color from running? It just felt like a punch in the gut.”

MIXED REACTIONS AS VOTES ROLL IN FOR TRUMP

Leading up to Election Day, many political strategists, commentators and experts predicted it could take a while before a victor was declared. However, as the clock ticked toward midnight, it became clear: Trump had taken the race, and, to the surprise of many, it wasn’t even close.

“I have to say from basically start to finish this night has been clear,” election analyst Harry Enten said on CNN. “There hasn’t been any weird shifting directions. It’s basically been Trump since we got the first counties in. Very much unlike 2020 when there was whiplash as the vote count went on.”

The battleground states that socalled experts had insisted were in play weren’t close at all: Arizona, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio all went to Trump.

Riding Trump’s wave, the GOP regained control of the Senate, guaranteeing the rapid implementation of their sweeping conservative agenda, Project 2025. Democrats held out hope for the House, but with Trump facing little to no punishment for his alleged crimes, many wonder if it matters.

Many European leaders watched the results overnight.

A French official told NBC News that President Emmanuel Macron viewed the results with some sleep breaks in between. He was one of the

first to congratulate Trump, posting on X that he was “ready to work together as we did for four years.”

In Europe, the viability of NATO and other trans-Atlantic alliances hangs in the balance. Despite controversy over Labor Party officials openly backing Harris, Prime Minister Keir Starmer had little choice when he expressed optimism about the “special relationship” between the U.K. and U.S., saying, “I look forward to working with you in the years ahead.”

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, himself viewed as the kind of dictator Trump promises to become, appeared ecstatic, writing on X: “The biggest comeback in U.S. political history! A much-needed victory for the World!”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz took a more formal tone, emphasizing Germany’s commitment to working with the U.S. “promoting prosperity and freedom,” while European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the E.U.-U.S. relationship as “a true partnership.”

At Howard University, the mood was very different from the celebratory tone of Trump’s supporters and allies abroad.

When the campus first reopened around 6 p.m. Tuesday night, previously closed amid heightened security measures in anticipation of the vice president’s appearance, the view from Howard’s Yard was nothing short of celebratory and optimistic. The cele-

eryone being there together was a crucial piece to processing it all. People cheering and booing and dancing together made the news a little easier to handle, and it made me feel just a little stronger every time we’d get discouraging updates,” she told The Informer.

NEXT STEPS: FIGHTING ON

Democrats must now face the reality of their defeat.

After a final debate in which some questioned his cognitive skills, the party sidelined President Joe Biden yet failed to portray Trump as the volatile threat he posed. With his 2020 victory in hand, Biden had warned that he alone could defeat Trump. However, Democrats chose to force him out just over 100 days before the election.

bration at Harris’ alma mater was an all-inclusive salute to Black culture and legacies, amplified by motivational words from Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III and strolling from members of African American sororities and fraternities, also known as the Divine Nine. With Harris a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., her sorority sisters and fellow Divine Nine family members, as well as other passionate supporters, kept spirits alive much of the night.

But the energy shifted as key battleground states were called in Trump’s favor.

Students like sophomore biology major Shelby Hopson continued to hope for the best, but brace for the inevitable outcome.

“We are hopeful at the moment, though odds are not looking in our favor. However, as a whole, we are still together, dancing, having fun, because no matter the results, we still know who we are. We know what we represent as a country, and no matter what comes of this election, we will continue to fight for that representation and fight for our voices to be heard,” Thompson told The Informer.

While the evening didn’t end how she planned, Trujillo said being with others at Howard still offered her hope for the future.

“Even though she didn’t winespecially since she didn’t win- ev-

Although Harris raised unprecedented amounts of cash and had the backing of global celebrities, she and the Democratic National Committee faced criticism from Black Americans. There were also complaints that the campaign appeared to scapegoat Black men, with even former President Barack Obama publicly admonishing Black voters for not doing enough. Despite challenges, Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz garnered major support from Democrats and high profile celebrities such as Beyoncé and Oprah Winfrey, as well as Republicans such as Liz Cheney.

Throughout the campaign season and beyond, many Harris supporters warned of the dangers of a second Trump presidency. Now, some are preparing for what will happen now that he’s been elected.

“Now brace for another Trump inauguration—American carnage redux—and another fantastical claim about his crowd size,” said U.S. Guardian Editor Betsy Reed. “Brace for norms to be trampled, institutions to be undermined, opponents to be targeted for retribution. Brace for an Oval Office occupied by a malignant narcissist without guardrails this time. Brace for unhinged all-caps tweets that trigger news cycles and move markets. Brace for national anxiety off the charts and global tremors from China to Ukraine. Brace, also, for a new resistance and surge of anti-Trump energy.”

As many worry about next steps, others are emphasizing that now is a more important time than ever to unite to work to save democracy and fight to protect civil rights and freedoms. WI

5 An estimated 15,000 people gathered on Howard University’s campus on Nov. 5 to support alumna and Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris. (Skylar Nelson/The Washington Informer)

Biden-Harris Administration Advances Public Trust with New Findings on Federal Police Misconduct Database

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Biden-Harris administration has released a new analysis showcasing the effectiveness and scope of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database (NLEAD), a key tool established to enhance public trust by documenting federal police misconduct.

Created under President Biden’s Executive Order 14074, Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety, NLEAD allows federal agencies to access records of documented misconduct, enabling them to make informed decisions about hiring, promotions, and assignments.

The latest analysis reveals that all

90 federal agencies with law enforcement officers are now participating in NLEAD, contributing to a database that covers over 4,300 officers involved in more than 5,300 incidents of misconduct reported over the last seven years. With over 150,000 federal officers in service, administration officials said the database has already proved vital this year, allowing agencies to conduct thousands of checks that inform critical employment decisions. NLEAD’s use has led to numerous adverse employment outcomes, ensuring officers with misconduct histories are not placed in positions of authority that could compromise public trust.

At the same time, the administration said it has focused on extending transparency and accountability efforts to state and local law enforce-

ment, recognizing that most policing occurs at the community level. President Biden and Vice President Harris also have continued to urge Congress to pass the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to ensure comprehensive reform across the country.

In the interim, the administration noted on a call with reporters that it has been actively promoting the National Decertification Index (NDI), a registry for state and local police misconduct records currently in place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

To support the adoption of the NDI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has structured $471 million in discretionary grants that prioritize agencies actively utilizing the NDI.

In addition, the DOJ has made accreditation funding available for

agencies meeting federal standards, including mandatory NDI checks in officer background investigations. Further bolstering the efforts, the DOJ has provided $3 million to expand the NDI to cover misconduct types aligned with NLEAD’s standards. Since May 2023, the NDI has seen significant growth in user engagement, with the number of registered users up nearly 75%, records

expanded by 85%, and query volume increased by 85%.

Biden said that through NLEAD, the federal government has set a precedent for accountability while working to ensure safer, more trustworthy communities nationwide.

“Transparency and accountability are fundamental to public trust,” Biden stated. WI

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5 The Biden-Harris administration has released a new analysis showcasing the effectiveness of the National Law Enforcement Accountability Database, a tool created to enhance public trust by documenting federal police misconduct. (WI File Photo)

DOJ Targets Elder Fraud and Nursing Home Abuse in Sweeping Nationwide Actions

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has released its annual report to Congress on efforts to combat elder fraud, abuse, and neglect.

The report details over 300 enforcement actions against more than 700 defendants accused of targeting older adults. The department recovered nearly $700 million, disrupted major transnational schemes, and prosecuted cases involving substandard care at nursing homes and serious rights violations in veterans’ facilities.

One high-profile case included the convictions of two Pittsburgh-area nursing homes, Brighton Rehabilitation and Wellness Center and Mount Lebanon Rehabilitation and Wellness Center. A federal jury found both facilities guilty of falsifying records submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to avoid penalties for inadequate care.

Evidence presented at trial revealed that both facilities manipulated staffing records to appear

compliant with Medicare and Medicaid standards. Sentencing is scheduled for December following a comprehensive investigation by the FBI, Health and Human Services, IRS, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office.

In its report, the DOJ noted an investigation into New Jersey Veterans Memorial Homes at Menlo Park and Paramus found conditions that violated residents’ constitutional rights under the 14th Amendment. According to DOJ findings, inadequate infection control and medical care at these facilities exposed veterans to life-threatening conditions. The report noted that poor management compounded these deficiencies, contributing to high death rates among residents.

The DOJ’s report highlighted a broad initiative against elder fraud schemes affecting over 225,000 seniors. Fraud cases ranged from romance scams to government impersonation schemes, with DOJ efforts stopping $27 million in fraudulent transfers before they reached perpetrators. With assistance from financial institutions, the DOJ returned millions of dollars to victims and provided resources through its Na-

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tional Elder Fraud Hotline, which handled more than 50,000 calls from older adults seeking support and guidance.

Beyond prosecution, the DOJ emphasized prevention and awareness, hosting nearly 1,000 elder justice events, including the first Elder Justice Law Enforcement Summit. The summit gathered law enforcement from all 50 states to share best practices in addressing elder abuse and fraud. Public campaigns also raised awareness of common scams, providing seniors with valuable tools to protect themselves from fraud.

“By working together with federal, Tribal, state, and local law enforcement, we can make meaningful progress toward curbing and preventing elder abuse,” Attorney General Merrick Garland stated. “Because millions of older Americans suffer some form of elder mistreatment each year—and because many more abuses go unreported or unseen—everyone has a role to play in this work.”

The report additionally covered DOJ’s enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Four Texas counties agreed to improve the accessibility of their election websites, addressing barriers faced by older adults with disabilities. Officials said the commitment to accessibility was part of the DOJ’s broader mission to

ensure that elderly Americans can fully participate in their communities.

“The Office for Victims of Crime recently funded the first National Center for State and Tribal Elder Justice Coalitions, promoting statewide coordination to address and prevent elder abuse more effectively,” Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer remarked.

Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the critical reasons they are working to combat elder abuse and fraud.

“Given the financial, emotional, and physical toll suffered by older victims regardless of how they are victimized, the Department aggressively pursues all forms of fraud and abuse wherever they may arise.” WI

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5 The Department of Justice has released its annual report to Congress on efforts to combat elder fraud, abuse, and neglect. (Photo by Jsme MILA on Pexels.com)

DIRECTOR CHARON P.W. HINES

Dear Seniors,

As we welcome the cool breezes of November and adjust to the time change, we find ourselves in a season of reflection and care. The crisp air and shorter days remind us that winter is just around the corner, bringing the need to check in on one another more often. Whether it is family, friends, or neighbors, this time of year can often feel isolating. A simple call or visit can make all the difference, so let's continue to show up for each other as a community.

In this season of togetherness, November also gives us an opportunity to shine a light on three critical issues that impact the well-being of many seniors in our community: Alzheimer’s Disease, caregiving, and diabetes.

Alzheimer’s Awareness Month encourages us to focus on the importance of early detection and

Live Boldly -November 2024 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

intervention. Alzheimer’s touches millions of lives, and noticing signs like memory loss, problem-solving difficulties, or confusion early on can make a meaningful difference. While there is no cure, certain lifestyle choices – such as staying mentally and physically active, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining social connections – may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

At the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL), we are committed to supporting seniors living with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) through culturally competent, person-centered services. These include behavioral symptom management, consultations, and community-based programs designed to help individuals and their families. If you or someone you know needs resources or support, please reach out to my office at 202-724-5626.

National Family Caregivers Month also holds special significance for me. As someone who, alongside my sisters, has been a caregiver for my father, I know firsthand the patience, strength, and love that caregiving requires. It can be both challenging and deeply fulfilling, offering moments of joy and connection despite the difficulties.

The late First Lady Rosalynn Carter’s words have always resonated with me: “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her words are a powerful reminder that caregiving touches all of us at some point, drawing us closer as a community united by the care we provide for one another.

To all caregivers: I see you, I value you, and I thank you. Your work, though often unseen, is invaluable.

Remember that you are not alone, there is strength in sharing experiences, and support is available to help you along the way.

Finally, Diabetes Awareness Month gives us the chance to focus on how we can manage this chronic condition together. While diabetes requires close attention, it is possible to live a full and healthy life with the right care. Regular check-ups, a balanced diet, and staying active are essential. Even small activities, like a walk in the park or a hobby that keeps you moving, can positively impact your health and well-being.

Living with diabetes does not mean giving up on the things you love – it is about making thoughtful adjustments that support your health and longevity. Together, we can promote a culture of wellness, even as we manage chronic conditions.

Feast of Sharing

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, fellowship, and giving back to others. It’s also a special time to gather with friends, family, and community to show

how much we care for one another.

Join us for a holiday celebration featuring a Thanksgiving meal, live entertainment, free health screenings, community service exhibitors, free clothing distribution, exciting prizes, and much more. Let’s come together to share in the spirit of the season and make this Thanksgiving a memorable one for all. We look forward to celebrating with you!

National Family Caregivers Month also holds special significance for me. As someone who, alongside my sisters, has been a caregiver for my father, I know firsthand the patience, strength, and love that caregiving requires.

As we move through this season, I encourage all of us to take small actions that bring warmth and connection to others. A phone call, a visit, or a kind word can make someone’s day. If you would like to learn more about ways to stay connected or active, please contact my office at

202-724-5626 or visit us online at www.dacl.dc.gov.

Let’s continue building a caring and supportive community. Stay well, stay warm, live boldly!

In Service,

Charon P.W. Hines

the CELEBRATING 25 YEARS! Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW • Washington, DC

5 Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo

has hailed the reports from the National Bureau of Statistics, listing the state as the best in Internally Generated Revenue in Nigeria. (Courtesy Photo)

Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has hailed reports from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which listed the state among the best in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) in Nigeria, The Daily Post reported on Nov. 3.

Speaking during the public unveiling and commissioning of the Olumo Courts service apartments and associated facilities in Abeokuta on Saturday, Governor Abiodun noted that Ogun State’s internally generated revenue has surpassed that of several states, showcasing its economic resilience and growth, quoting the NBS report.

The governor said through various policies that his administration has been able to grow the economic base of the state to an enviable position where it no longer needs to rely too much on federal allocations.

“According to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics, Ogun State generated more revenue than five states in one zone and six in another in 2023. We are among the few states that can thrive without federal support,” he stated. In his opening remarks, Prince Rotimi Martins, a member of the Olumo Courts development team, described the project as the first smart city estate in the GRA, symbolizing growth and investment potential for the state.

He described Olumo Courts, located in Ibara, Abeokuta, as a significant project aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents.

Abiodun acknowledged the criticism his administration faced regarding the urban regeneration efforts in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Ibara. He emphasized that the successful establishment of Olumo Courts, championed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has strengthened his administration’s resolve to transform urban areas throughout the state.

The governor praised Obasanjo as a remarkable figure whose vision has paved the way for projects like Olumo Courts, which features 36 luxury smart apartments, equipped with modern amenities such as a swimming pool, tennis court, gym, and squash court. He called for Ogun State’s citizens to draw inspiration from this initiative.

Abiodun noted that Olumo Courts will not only enhance the architectural landscape, but also create job opportunities and attract investments, particularly from the diaspora. He explained that the project’s approval process took 17 months due to necessary redesigns to align with urban regeneration goals.

The governor highlighted that initiatives like Olumo Courts, along with the construction of over 4,000 housing units in the past five years, have bolstered the state’s economy and reiterated his commitment to supporting projects that enhance the state’s economic foundation.

“We initiated the Urban Renewal of Abeokuta, starting in Ibara GRA, despite facing substantial criticism. The achievements of Olumo Courts reaffirm that we are on the right track,” he remarked. WI

5 The warehouse membership company PriceSmart explained that ongoing challenges due to limited U.S. dollar availability in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T), have impacted its ability to convert T&T’s dollars to meet its obligations and support investments. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

and Tobago (T&T), have impacted its ability to convert T&T’s dollars to meet its obligations and support investments. Despite these constraints, PriceSmart– identified in 2015 by former Central Bank Governor Jwala Rambarran as the leading user of U.S. dollars in Trinidad and Tobago’s retail and distribution sectors– was able to reduce its T&T dollar holdings by U.S.$82.3 million.

PriceSmart, headquartered in San Diego, California, owns and operates membership shopping warehouse clubs in Latin America and the Caribbean. It has four warehouse clubs in Trinidad and Tobago.

“Periodically, we experience a lack of availability of U.S. dollars in certain markets (U.S. dollar illiquidity). This can and has impeded our ability to convert local currencies obtained through merchandise sales into U.S. dollars to settle the U.S. dollar liabilities associated with our imported products and to otherwise redeploy these funds in our company,” the company explained.

Pricesmart said this illiquidity also increases foreign exchange exposure to any devaluation of the local currency relative to the U.S. dollar

Abiodun

Knowing Your Local Health Care Options: ER vs. Urgent Care

Submitted by AmeriHealth

In moments of medical uncertainty, knowing your local healthcare options is very important. Two common options are the emergency room (ER) and urgent care. While both provide essential services, understanding their differences can help you make informed decisions about where to go for your healthcare needs.

EMERGENCY ROOMS

The ER is designed to handle life-threatening situations and severe injuries. ERs operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and are designed to provide immediate medical care for critical conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes, major trauma, and severe bleeding. You should go to the ER if you experience any of the following:

• Chest pain or pressure

• Difficulty breathing

• Poisoning

• Severe abdominal pain

• Sudden numbness or weakness

• Severe burns or injuries

• Head injuries

URGENT CARE CENTERS

Urgent care centers are ideal for non-life-threatening situations requiring immediate attention but not severe enough for the ER. Many offer extended hours and

#BestMe Urgent Care for a Healthier You

When unexpected health issues arise, having access to convenient medical care is crucial. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees have access to urgent care services that provide immediate attention without the long waits that emergency rooms often have. Whether it’s a minor injury, sudden illness, or after-hours care, you have multiple options for accessing urgent care:

load the RelyMD app or visit www. relymd.com.

• Urgent care at home. DispatchHealth is an AmeriHealth Caritas DC provider that offers enrollees urgent care at home. Enrollees can get care from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week. A representative will ask about your symptoms and give you a time frame for their arrival. To schedule an appointment, call 1-844-228-0154. You can also book online at www.dispatchhealth.com.

are equipped to handle many conditions, including minor injuries, infections, and other conditions. You should visit an urgent care center if you have any of the following:

• Minor cuts or bruises

• Sprains, strains, or minor fractures

• Nausea

• Rashes

• Fever or flu-like symptoms

• Minor burns or skin conditions

• Animal bites

• Vomiting

WHY KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS MATTERS

Understanding the difference between the ER and urgent care centers can save you time and money. ER visits are typically more expensive and are best for true emergencies. You can avoid long wait times and costly bills by choosing urgent care for non-life-threatening issues. Using urgent care for appropriate issues helps reduce the pressure on ERs, allowing medical staff to focus on critical cases. This can lead to faster treatment times for everyone. By understanding when to choose the ER and when to go to an urgent care center, you can make sure that you receive the right care at the right time while contributing to more efficient use of medical resources.

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

• Get transportation to urgent care clinics. AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees can schedule a ride to a nearby urgent care clinic at no cost. Once you know which urgent care clinic you would like to visit,

Visit the Emergencies and Urgent Care webpage at www. amerihealthcaritasdc.com and watch our video to learn more about emergency and urgent care services.

AmeriHealth Caritas DC makes accessing urgent care options simple and convenient for enrollees. Whether you choose to visit an urgent care center, use a telehealth service, or get urgent care at home, you can ensure that you or your loved ones receive timely and quality care whenever it is needed.

• Urgent care by phone or video chat. Get urgent care right from your phone with RelyMD. RelyMD is an AmeriHealth Caritas DC provider that offers access to urgent care 24 hours a day, seven days a week. A provider will review your medical history and contact you within minutes. You can downcall Transportation Services at 1-800-315-3485 to schedule a ride.

Caritas District of Columbia (DC)

HEALTH

PGCPS Announces $24 Million to Support Student Mental Health

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Prince George’s County Public School (PGCPS) announced over $24 million in grants to support student mental health during a ceremony on Oct. 25 at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School. These funds, from the Maryland Community Health Resources Commission and the Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports, will support 18 different nonprofits working to combat mental health challenges among youth, an issue that has received considerable concern since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mental health is important

because it affects how we handle stress, schoolwork and relationships,” said Wise High School senior Alonda Munoz. “Without good mental health, these challenges can lead to stress, anxiety and burnout, making it harder to focus, stay motivated or enjoy learning. When we take care of our mental health, we can focus better, feel more motivated and stay balanced, even when things get tough.”

There are 137 grants worth about $114 million going to schools across Maryland from the consortium, created under the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.

“These grants have collectively served more than 26,000 children

in just their first four months,” said Gloria Brown Burnett, deputy secretary in the state Department of Human Services and a former Prince George’s County director of social services.

She also serves on the consortium that delivers the funds to schools across Maryland.

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden Announces $110 Million in Awards for Women’s Health Research Push

D.C. Institute Receives $8.1 Million as Part of Funding

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

First Lady Dr. Jill Biden announced $110 million in awards from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to fund research and development in women’s health. The awards, distributed across 23 teams, will focus on creating innovative solutions for a wide range of women’s health issues, including chronic pain, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis.

The Children’s Research Institute of Washington, DC, will receive $8.1 million to develop a new method for assessing chronic pain in women. Research shows that women experience pain differently from men, often leading

to misdiagnosis or undertreatment. The institute’s project aims to create an objective measure of chronic pain by studying how a woman’s eyes respond to external stimulation, providing healthcare providers a more accurate way to assess and treat pain in women.

Aspira Women’s Health Inc., based in Shelton, Connecticut, has been awarded $10 million to create a non-invasive blood test to diagnose endometriosis. The condition affects approximately one in 10 women, but it can take years to diagnose, often requiring surgery.

Aspira’s project seeks to dramatically reduce the time it takes to diagnose endometriosis, giving women faster access to treatment options.

In Boston, Beth Israel Deacon-

ess Medical Center will receive $9.1 million to develop a non-invasive MRI technology aimed at improving the diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders that disproportionately affect women, such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Officials said the goal is to advance knowledge of these diseases and improve the options available to women who suffer from them.

Gravidas Diagnostics, located in Los Angeles, will receive $3 million to create a low-cost at-home test to detect early signs of preeclampsia, a leading cause of maternal mortality. The test aims to help doctors and pregnant women identify preeclampsia sooner, reducing pregnancy-related complications and improving maternal

“The consortium is currently funding services in more than 60% of Maryland’s public schools statewide. Over 400 staff have been hired by our grantee organizations to do this important work,” Brown Burnett continued.

Both PGCPS Superintendent Dr. Millard House II and Delegate

health outcomes.

The University of Iowa has been awarded $10 million to develop personalized nanoparticle treatments that use a woman’s immune system to fight late-stage and metastatic ovarian cancer. The approach could provide new options for women diagnosed with this aggressive form of cancer, which is often detected only after it has spread, making treatment more difficult.

Additionally, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill will receive $3 million to study why women are more susceptible to migraines than men. The project aims to develop new drugs that target the brain’s lymphatic system to reduce the severity and frequency of migraines in women.

The awards are part of ARPA-H’s Sprint for Women’s Health, which the First Lady launched in February 2024.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D- District 32) attended the ceremony and were thankful for what these funds will do to improve the County. House emphasized the importance of the funds in supporting and expanding mental health services.

“Thanks to their efforts, this program will offer year-round access to health support for students,” said House, who has made mental health a major priority since he started his position in 2023. “This funding will allow for us to expand mental health services across the district, providing a broader range of care to really meet the growing needs of our school.

Peña-Melnyk noted the importance of the funding for students and the community overall.

“This is a critical moment for our community in Prince George’s County,” said Peña-Melnyk, who chairs the House of Delegates’ Health and Government Operations Committee. “We’re so polarized. Everything that’s going on in the world, social media, these are not the times when we grew up. Our kids face a lot of issues and problems. So, today is about more than just new services of these 18 organizations. It is also about creating a future where every child can thrive academically, emotionally and mentally.”

5 Prince George’s County Public School (PGPCS) Superintendent Millard House II is passionate about working to address students’ mental health. PGCPS announced over $24 million in grants to support student mental health during a ceremony on Oct. 25 at Dr. Henry A. Wise High School. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Local Pharmacist Pilots Mental Health Virtual Platform to Address Disparities

Dr. Bryan Sackey Seeks to Tackle Disparities in D.C.’s Black, Brown Communities

By Eden Harris WI Contributing Writer

In the nation’s capital, Wards 7 and 8, where health inequities are widespread, a psychopharmacologist is piloting a mental health-coaching virtual platform called “Your Mind Our Business.” It flips the familiar phrase “mind your business” on its head to address a critical issue in Black and brown communities: mental health.

“When we think about the aspect of asking ‘how you are doing?’ You tend to say some form of ‘mind your business.’ This is playing on that whole term and saying, well, ‘your mind is my business.’ Your mind is all of our business,” said Dr. Bryan Sackey, the founder and CEO of Your Mind Is Our Business.

Sackey also added that in areas where there is an unequal distribution of mental health services, for many, it's hard to realize that they need help, a gap his service aims to fill.

“We sometimes don't know what we don't know, right? We don’t know that we are dealing with something, number one,” Sackey said. “Mental health is not one of those things where you see your leg broken and then you say, ‘Oh, okay, I need to go and get this fixed.’”

The virtual coaching service, which caters specifically to Black and brown communities, takes a more accessible approach, allowing individuals to seek help from the comfort of their own homes.

Sackey argues that the District, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, have access issues to health care as a whole. Reporting from the Washington Post shows half of D.C.’s Black residents lack access to care. Sackey said his platform will address this access issue, providing culturally competent services with providers who look like who they are serving.

“I'm not saying you have to go to a Black person if you're Black,” Sackey said. “But I am saying that sometimes having someone who looks like you can help you enter into a space and feel more comfortable and you can

navigate from there.”

The Howard University-trained doctor recently relocated back home to the District from Houston, Texas, to help fill gaps in mental health.

"D.C. deserves so much, right? We've been through so many phases in D.C., and sometimes the core community gets lost,” he told The Informer.

He explained he wants to partner with local organizations, secure grants and form partnerships to start seeing change in D.C., which was once called “Chocolate City.”

From 2000 through 2013, aggressive gentrification displaced Black and brown residents in the District, according to a 2019 study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition titled “Shifting Neighborhood Gentrification Cultural Displacement in American Cities.” The study also shows that pushing out these communities has, among other things, prevented them from benefiting from the availability of services that come with increased investment.

When it comes to mental health investment in the Black and brown community, Sackey emphasized he serves with authenticity and puts forth an image that is relatable.

“I always want to be authentic in how I present myself. I am just like you, a Black man in America trying to navigate this world. So I don’t put myself on some sort of pedestal or present [myself] in a way that I’m not accessible,” Sackey said, referencing how he shows up when providing mental health coaching services.

He wears a doctor-like white coat; underneath, he wears less formal attire, often wearing a fitted graphic shirt with an inspirational or contemplative message on it, sweatpants and colorful tennis shoes with a chain around his neck.

While he is aiding in tackling mental health inequalities in D.C. by dropping formalities in his relaxed clothing, he uses his lived experience of mental health challenges to help connect with his clients.

“I also try to be vulnerable and describe that within my life, regardless of what I do as a profession, I'm also a

human being, and I deal with anxiety and depression in various ways [and in] various forms,” he noted.

A 2022 report from the World Health Organization (WHO) on mental health titled ”World Mental Health Report, Transforming Mental Health for All” reveals that people with lived experience can be powerful advocates for people-centered and recovery-oriented mental health care, among other things.

“Everything around my life had some level of mental health impact, right? From my family, community, and so forth, I've seen, unfortunately, people who have died of suicide around me and so it was only a matter of time [before] God bestowed upon me like ‘this is your mission,’” he said.

Ashley Dixon, a registered nurse and client of Sackey, also believes this

is his assignment. She praised Sackey for his coaching services, saying when she met him, she was at a “very low place” in her life.

“He helped me love myself – and accept other things that maybe were

fractured in my life,” Dixon said. “He literally saved my life. I don’t know where I would be without him, and I can’t imagine my life without him. He will always be my coach for the rest of my life.” WI

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 06-2025

SECRET SHOPPER SERVICES

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of The Executive Director (OED) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide secret shopper services for this solicitation.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Wednesday, October 23, 2024, and can be found on Bonfire at: https://dchousing.bonfirehub.com/portal

Respondents will then need to log in and locate this RFP for all related documents. It is the Proposers responsibility to check the Bonfire site regularly to stay current on the documents that are available as this is the primary communication site for this RFP.

To access files Vendors are required to Register on the Bonfire platform. See the registration link below. https://vendor.bonfirehub.com/

DCHA will provide either a live or pre-recorded demonstration for any vendors unfamiliar with the platform.

RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, November 25, 2024, at 12:00 p.m.

Email Abdul Karim Farooqi, Procurement Specialist (OAS) at afarooqi@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

5 Dr. Bryan Sackey is pictured in an alley next to Ben’s Chili Bowl on Oct. 17 in Washington, D.C.( Eden Harris/The Washington Informer)

EARTH OUR

Biden-Harris Administration Unveils Unprecedented $93.7 Million Rail Grants for D.C., $2.4 Billion Nationwide Initiatives to Enhance Rail, Reduce Pollution

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), under the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), has announced an investment exceeding $93.7 million in rail grants for the District of Columbia. The financing is part of a broader $2.4 billion national investment through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, targeting 122 rail improvement projects across 41 states and Washington, D.C. Administration officials said the initiatives will enhance rail safety, reliability, and resilience while reducing disruptions, shipping costs, and pollution.

The funding, distributed through FRA’s Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, covers various enhancements: upgrading tracks, rehabilitating bridges, expanding port rail connections, and adding environmentally friendly locomotives. Significantly, CRISI is the sole federal program prioritizing support for short-line railroads, which are crucial to regional economies and supply chains, especially in rural areas.

“This marks the most significant investment in American rail in over 50 years,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg emphasized, underscoring the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to a stronger, safer transportation network.

He noted the initiatives are designed to reduce consumer costs, support job creation, and strengthen supply chains.

“Each project advances a future

where our supply chains are stronger, passenger rail more accessible, and freight movement safer and more efficient,” Buttigieg added.

FRA Administrator Amit Bose added that the historic scale of the investment would reverse decades of underfunding.

“Today’s CRISI grants will enhance rail safety, connect communities and ports, support workforce development, and provide the world-class rail our citizens deserve,” Bose said.

Highlighted projects include:

• Mechanical Craft Workforce Development Apprenticeship Training Program ($14.4 million): The Amtrak-led initiative will establish a 36-month mechanical apprenticeship, offering career paths for maintaining Amtrak’s equipment fleet. Scheduled in multiple states, the program addresses essential rail safety and performance workforce needs, aligning with CRISI’s workforce development focus.

• Short Line Data Infrastructure Advancement Project ($20.5 million): The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association is in charge of the project, which aims to improve data infrastructure for short-line railroads. Improvements in data accuracy and analysis on metrics like energy use and emissions will enable strategic freight system enhancements, supported by contributions from multiple short-line railroads.

• Shunt Enhancement Safety Project ($58.8 million): Amtrak

5 The Federal Railroad Administration, under the U.S. Department of Transportation has announced an investment exceeding $93.7 million in rail grants for the District of Columbia. (WI File Photo)

will install Onboard Shunt Enhancement (OSE) devices on 443 locomotives and 192 cab cars nationwide, a safety measure designed to prevent trains from losing critical safety signaling. The project involves support from numerous state transportation departments and reflects a commitment to rail safety.

Additionally, the USDOT and FRA have advanced rail safety under the Biden-Harris Administration by finalizing new regulations, conducting safety audits, expanding safety programs, and advocating for paid sick leave for Class I freight railroad workers.

“We are building a rail network that not only meets the needs of today but anticipates the demands of tomorrow,” Bose emphasized. “This funding represents a transformative step forward for our communities, our workforce, and the economy.”

RAIL IMPROVEMENTS AND THE ENVIRONMENT

Working to improve the rail will not only help with efficiency and safety, but will contribute to a healthier environment overall.

While transporting goods via the railway might work in providing jobs and boosting the economy, it can also adversely affect health for those working on, living near or regularly exposed to pollutants from trains.

“Health impacts from the air pollution associated with goods movements include respiratory illnesses,

increased premature death, risk of heart disease, cancer risk, adverse birth outcomes, effects on the immune system, multiple respiratory effects and neurotoxicity,” according to a PubMED Central study posted in the NIH National Library of Medicine.

The study, published in 2014, focuses on the San Bernardino Railyard in California, where, to this day, workers and neighbors are still fighting against environmental injustice. Various themes emerged from examining the railyard and community: “health as an unattainable value,” “air quality challenges,” "railyard pros and cons,” and “violence and unemployment ripple effect.”

Further, the study showed that primarily Latino (82.3%) and African American (9%) residents live within one-half mile of the railyard, contributing to further health disparities and challenges facing brown and Black communities.

Through their research, the study’s authors conclude work to improve the railyard and locomotives would not only reduce risk from air pollution, but help “address significant cooccurring community challenges.”

“A ‘Health in All Policies’ approach is warranted in addressing impacted communities in close proximity to the goods movement industry,” according to the study’s authors. “Our findings suggest that future efforts to reduce exposure to air pollution must take into consideration other major community challenges, including increased ac-

cess to health care and a reduction in community violence.”

The FRA funding will help in combating environmental injustice and promoting health for the employees of and people near the San Bernardino Railyard as well as in those in close proximity to transportation hubs across the nation.

“Today’s CRISI grants will enhance rail safety, better connect towns, cities, and ports, introduce more environmentally friendly locomotives, support the current rail workforce, and provide workforce development opportunities essential to the future of our industry and the national economy,” Bose concluded.

WI @StacyBrownMedia

OUR EARTH

D.C. Sues Fort Myer Construction for Decade-Long Pollution of Stormwater System

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced a lawsuit against Fort Myer Construction Company, one of the largest infrastructure construction firms in the region, for violating the District of Columbia’s Water Pollution Control Act (WPCA). The lawsuit alleges that Fort Myer has been contaminating the District’s stormwater system with harmful pollutants for nearly a decade, endangering public health and the environment.

“For years, Fort Myer Construction threatened District residents’ health and safety by polluting our waterways in blatant violation of environmental laws,” Schwalb said in a statement. “The company ignored repeated orders from D.C. agencies to clean up its facility and obtain proper permits, choosing instead to put its profits over the protection of D.C.’s critical natural resources. My office will continue to ensure that all businesses play by the rules, and that all Washingtonians have access to clean water.”

The complaint claims that starting in 2015, Fort Myer allowed petroleum-contaminated runoff from its Ward 5 facility to flow into the District’s stormwater system, polluting waterways such as the Springhouse Run, which flows through the National Arboretum into the Anacostia River. Over the years, the District’s Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE) conducted multiple inspections at Fort Myers’ site, resulting in numerous notices of infraction and orders to apply for a federal discharge permit. The lawsuit asserts that Fort Myer repeatedly failed to comply with these directives.

According to the suit, DOEE inspectors found at least 20 instances of illegal pollutant discharges from Fort Myer’s fa -

cility between 2015 and 2023. Despite being ordered to install water pollution control devices and obtain an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) permit, the company allegedly neglected to follow through, further jeopardizing local waterways.

Schwalb’s office is seeking financial penalties for Fort Myer’s violations as the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) said it continues efforts to protect the District’s natural resources. Over the past decade, OAG has secured nearly $120 million in environmental justice recoveries, with almost half of that amount obtained since Schwalb took office in 2023. This includes a $57 million settlement from Pepco for its contamination of the Anacostia River.

Fort Myer, a principal contractor in the District since its founding in 1972, issued a statement denying the allegations.

“Fort Myer Construction is proud to be an award-winning construction firm and leader in green infrastructure work,” said Josh Brown, the company’s marketing director. “No construction company in the District has built more green infrastructure projects protecting our environment and making our neighborhoods more resilient to extreme weather caused by climate change.”

However, the lawsuit tells a different story. After failing to secure the EPA permit for years due to inadequate documentation and stormwater monitoring reports, Fort Myer only received the permit earlier this year—nearly a decade after the initial warning.

Inspections as recent as 2022 revealed ongoing polluted discharges, including petroleum waste found in Springhouse Run, traced back to the Fort Myer’s facility.

“We will not hesitate to hold polluters accountable,” Schwalb stated. WI @StacyBrownMedia

COMMUNITY COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY, PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ENTER A SOLE SOURCE AWARD

KDT Global Services

The Community College Preparatory Academy has a need for KDT Global Services to provide recruitment, enrollment, engagement, outreach, and marketing support. This includes the provision of both onsite and virtual support to foster and formalize partnerships and conduct classroom visitation and observation. These services are crucial to support the school’s operations as this Contractor offers unique, critical support which is especially necessary as we adopt a new performance metrics framework. The estimated cost of these services is $70,000.

5 Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb has announced a lawsuit against Fort Myer Construction Company for violating the District of Columbia’s Water Pollution Control Act. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

EDUCATION

Students at KIPP D.C. College Preparatory Continue to Embrace Financial Literacy Coursework

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Earlier this year, the D.C. State Board of Education (SBOE) and Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) developed and adopted District high school financial literacy standards, thanks in part to the public testimony of KIPP DC College Preparatory students who’ve taken financial literacy courses since the pre-pandemic inception of the District’s first finance academy.

Months later, as District public and public charter schools implement the new financial literacy standards, more than 160 enrollees of what’s currently known as KIPP DC College Preparatory’s NAF Academy of Business continue to learn personal finance while working toward NAFTrack certification in either accounting, business management and entrepreneurship, or digital media and marketing.

KIPP DC College Preparatory student Keith Harris said his experiences early on in the NAF Academy of Business reinforced the importance of budgeting and saving money.

“I’m thinking about how to pay attention to money and grow my money in the long term,” said Keith, a senior at KIPP DC College Preparatory who’s been in the academy since 10th grade. “I am able to depend on myself financially and support my family.”

These days, Keith continues to incorporate personal finance principles in his life as he meets professionals who he said he can glean wisdom from to eventually become a tax preparer and owner of a private psychology practice.

“These professionals visit [our school] to give their perspective when dealing with accounting and con-

sulting,” said Keith, who’s exploring Berea College, Morehouse College and Brown University as postsecondary options. “The NAF program opens the doors for internships, business competitions, or just figuring out what you want to do in life. It’s more than classes. It’s an additional way of living.”

KIPP DC COLLEGE PREPARATORY EMBRACES STANDARDS THEY HAD A HAND IN SHAPING

The District’s new financial literacy standards, as outlined by OSSE, aim to: help students identify opportunities for financial support in higher education and career; consider the environmental factors of cars and other large purchases; compare and consider different types of insurance; create a budget based on different constraints and goals; and analyze the influence of generational wealth and inherited assets on personal savings and investments.

Regardless of certification track, NAF Academy of Business students at KIPP DC College Preparatory encounter these themes while on their way to receiving a certification that’s recognized by NAF partner companies. They also engage in work-based learning opportunities, on and off campus, that allow for professionalism skills and resume development, and expansion of their network.

In the years leading up to the adoption of the District’s financial literacy standards, KIPP DC College Preparatory has continued to develop its NAF Academy of Business with financial literacy at the foundation. That’s why for Monet Davis, the school’s NAF director, the current

set-up of the academy allows for students to gain hard skills that are in alignment with the new standards.

“OSSE’s pathway has allowed for creative expression,” said Davis, who’s in her second year as NAF director at KIPP DC College Preparatory. “We do try to expose our students to as much as possible. These courses are a strong place to develop and implement ideas. More is required of our students -- like trying their hardest, being involved and participating in work-based learning activities.”

STUDENTS EXPLAIN

THE BIGGER PICTURE

All students at KIPP College Preparatory are eligible to apply for the NAF Academy of Business during the winter of their freshman year.

From their sophomore year up until their high school graduation, students engage the principles of personal finance while taking two courses per year. They will most likely do so while participating in the First Generation Investors program with tutors from Georgetown University, where students complete capstone projects under the guidance of McDonough School of Business students.

Other work-based opportunities put students in direct contact with Earnst & Young, Navy Federal Credit Union and Verizon.

In the classroom, student accountants build rapport with each other as they learn to calculate return on sales and make a horizontal and vertical

and make a savings account for early retirement,” said Donyae’, who’s exploring Spelman College, Duke University and Boston University as her college options. “It’s been good seeing my peers learn the basics of finance and the stock trade as we go through the accounting cycle and get new things. I do want my own business in the future, so my previous knowledge will be useful.”

DR. JACQUE PATTERSON EXPLORES PAST AND FUTURE

As District schools embrace financial literacy standards inspired by KIPP DC College Preparatory, State Board of Education At-Large Representative Dr. Jacque Patterson is gearing up for a second term that he hopes to dedicate to revamping the list of competencies needed to graduate high school.

analysis. Meanwhile, business management coursework puts the onus on students to understand mission and vision statements and learn to identify the types of planning that take place during the business’ first five years of existence.

Casidee Tomlinson, a senior who’s enrolled in KIPP College Preparatory’s NAF Academy of Business, said that the accounting coursework gave her the vocabulary and know-how to participate in family discussions about finances. Those experiences, she said, often translate into the leadership roles she takes in the classroom.

“Being in that [accounting] class helps my family,” said Casidee, who’s looking at High Point University, Tennessee State University and Delaware State University as postsecondary options. “The best part is figuring out everything and feeling like I aced [an accounting problem.] I haven’t found the job I want yet, but I can go different ways.”

As Donyae’ Vaughn inches closer to high school graduation, she keeps with her memories of purchasing Netflix and Spotify stock while working with Georgetown University’s First Generation Investors program. She said that exposure to such opportunities sparked thoughts about how to best manage her funds and prepare for a future in either dentistry or forensic science.

“The program has changed my spending habits by showing me how to save my money earlier [in life]

For Patterson, his goal, as was the case for the financial literacy standards, centers on providing young people with a diverse academic experience that adequately prepares them for the real world.

“We’re interested in looking at what we want our students to graduate with, to not only make sure that they’re proficient, but prepared for life, jobs and college,” Patterson told The Informer.

In his role as KIPP DC College Preparatory’s chief community engagement and impact officer, Patterson saw school administrators integrate financial literacy into its course offerings before the pandemic. Years later, throughout much of the discussions about financial literacy that took place at the State Board, Patterson also watched as KIPP students spoke about how the coursework accentuated their off-campus entrepreneurial pursuits.

Patterson said that students’ SBOE testimony elevated the conversation about financial literacy, especially at a time when young people continue to bear the brunt of socioeconomic disparities afflicting the District.

“I’m looking forward to seeing a model that started with KIPP going citywide,” Patterson told The Informer. “It’s important for students to understand how credit works,and the meaning of a loan and accrued interest. It makes a difference in how they understand finances in all that they do, not just in their households but in starting business.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Elizabeth Ross, OSSE’s assistant superintendent of teaching and learning, with KIPP DC College Preparatory students Keith Harris, Donyae’ Vaughn and Casidee Tomlinson, as well as Monet Davis, NAF director at KIPP DC College Preparatory.

(Courtesy Photo/KIPP DC College Preparatory)

Colonial Williamsburg Restores America’s Oldest Black Schoolhouse, Uncovering a Legacy of Education and Resilience

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Colonial Williamsburg is nearing completion on the restoration of the Williamsburg Bray School, the oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children in America.

Founded in 1760 by the Associates of Dr. Bray, a British Anglican charity, the school was established to teach enslaved and free Black children to read, albeit through a curriculum that promoted religious submission to slavery. Yet, for the hundreds of students who passed through its doors, literacy opened possibilities far beyond their assigned roles.

The school’s dedication on Nov. 1 marked a milestone in the project’s meticulous restoration efforts, with public tours set to begin this spring. Located on the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg in partnership with William & Mary’s Bray School Lab, the Williamsburg Bray School stands as a testament to the oppression and resilience woven into early American history.

The Smithsonian’s Secretary Lonnie G. Bunch III, who served as the keynote speaker, emphasized the significance of the structure by saying that it has “extraordinary potential” to demonstrate how a small number of people’s dreams helped shape the values of many people.

Dendrochronology—a method of dating wood by its growth rings— helped identify the schoolhouse in 2020, confirming that it was built in the winter of 1759 or spring of 1760. Colonial Williamsburg’s team, under the direction of architectural preservation director Matt Webster, has now identified the 89th original structure in Williamsburg’s Historic Area.

More than 80 former students, now identified through Colonial Williamsburg’s research, attended the Bray School in the 1760s. Among them was Isaac Bee, who later emancipated himself. His enslaver placed ads in the Virginia Gazette warning that Bee “can read.” Aberdeen, Bristol, and Phoebe— ages 5, 7, and 3—were among other students taught by Ann Wager, the

school’s only teacher, who instructed over 300 Black children in reading, Christianity, and obedience.

Despite the pro-slavery curriculum, many students quietly resisted by sharing literacy with others in their communities.

“It’s a story of resilience and resistance,” Maureen Elgersman Lee, the Bray School Lab director, told the Associated Press. “The Bray School’s teachings may have been rooted in pro-slavery ideology, but education had a way of empowering these children.”

Lee and her team continue researching descendants, with several students tracing their ancestry to Black households such as the Jones and Ashby families.

Janice Canaday, a descendant of former students Elisha and Mary Jones, is now Colonial Williamsburg’s African American community engagement manager. Reflecting on her heritage, Canaday shared: “To know what your family has come through—that’s where your power is.”

The Bray School was an exception in a time when most colonies prohibited educating Black people. Though Virginia imposed anti-literacy laws later in the 1800s, Colonial Williamsburg has uncovered evidence suggesting Bray students went on to influence their communities. Jody Allen, director of the Lemon Project, noted that the students likely taught siblings and others what they learned, enabling literacy as an act of defiance.

Since its rediscovery, the Bray School has undergone extensive preservation efforts overseen by Colonial Williamsburg. The team restored historically accurate wooden sills and brickwork, maintaining nearly 75% of the original structure. Officials said the preserved building will anchor research on the intersections of race, religion, and education, shedding light on a part of America’s past often overlooked.

“This is an incredibly important opportunity both to understand the Bray School and to understand Williamsburg in the 18th century,” Webster stated.

The school, originally recommend-

ed by Benjamin Franklin as a site for Black education, also illuminates the lives of early Black educators in Virginia. William & Mary Professor Emeritus Terry Meyers said the Bray School likely fostered Virginia’s first Black teachers.

Colonial Williamsburg President Cliff Fleet also stressed the educational significance of the school’s story. William & Mary President Katherine Rowe noted that the restored building will serve as a “living testament to the resilience and strength of the Black students who defied their roles by embracing literacy.”

The research will continue as scholars, descendants, and visitors explore the Bray School’s historical role. Researchers hope to relocate the building to Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, preserving the space

where generations of Black children gained the knowledge that helped shape their futures.

“This project honors not just the children who learned here,

but their courage to transcend the limitations set before them,” said Bunch, “a resilience that endures in the story of our nation.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Colonial Williamsburg is nearing completion on the restoration of the Williamsburg Bray School, the oldest surviving schoolhouse for Black children in America. (Courtesy Photo/Colonia Williamsburg)

Leslie grew up around many types of voices in Puerto Rico. When she and her team engineered voice recognition technology, she was inspired to include different accents, ages, and abilities. Now, this technology processes over 50 million voice commands every day.

The Historic Nature of the 2024 U.S. Presidential Election

As polls closed on Nov. 5, America completed one of the most stressful presidential cycles in U.S. history. Despite the many heavy emotions ushered in with this election season, throughout it all, there’s been no denying the history of the moment.

In an interview with NBC News a few days before the election, Vaile Wright, with the American Psychological Association, said: “We are seeing the highest levels of election-related stress.”

Bryan Sexton, a psychologist and director of the Duke Center for the Advancement of Well-being Science in Durham, North Carolina explained why the election is so stressful for many.

“Our brains are basically threat detectors,” said Sexton. “If you’re feeling stressed, it simply means

you are paying attention.”

It is common for each presidential election to be deemed as “the most important in the history of the Republic.” However, without question, the presidential election of Nov. 5 has been the most important one since our founding in 1776.

Never has any candidate – Democratic or Republican – been as divisive and a threat to American Democracy as former President Donald J. Trump. He wins that part of the battle, hands down.

America has never had a president impeached twice, much less in one term.

Before Trump, when was the last time America had a nominee of either major party run as a convicted sex offender, indicted 34 times, facing an additional 54

Predictions of Doom and Gloom are Overrated Only if Voters See Beyond Themselves, Prioritize the Future

American Adults Must Learn Accept Defeat, Consider Children and Next Generation

The election is over and no matter the victor, Americans remain deeply divided. But that’s how a democracy works. Sometimes your side wins, other times you lose.

Beyond being the way America has survived since first forming this “more perfect union” almost 250 years ago, it’s the right thing to do. When children are playing games together, there comes a time when they must pick up their marbles and go home.

As adults, we emphasize the importance of being graceful in both victory and defeat. So, why don’t adults accept the same ideal? Despite what some may say, there’s no proof or evidence that elections were rigged, that illegal immigrants crossed the border into America to vote or that ballots were destroyed. We may not know who won the White House, yet but when we do, no matter

indictments? Never.

Until Vice President Kamala Harris, the first and only woman to have served in her current role, America never had a Black and Asian woman, with a father from Jamaica and mother and from India, as a presidential nominee.

No other White House occupant running for reelection, except Presidents Joe Biden and Lyndon B. Johnson, have excused themselves from the race to bring unity to a fractured Democratic Party.

The campaign will be remembered for a few brave Republicans,

like former Rep. Liz Cheney, who, recognizing Trump as a threat to democracy, endorsed the vice president.

It will also be remembered for those who were too cowardly to, like Cheney, bravely choose country over party.

The fight to save America’s Democracy, has been on us all. Of course such pressure might feel heavy, but it’s important. In the often repeated words of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: “The time is always right to do what is right.”

America has never had a president impeached twice, much less in one term.

I did not know there was a Luther Vandross documentary screening in theaters in D.C. Thanks for letting us know, Informer! My family and I will try to catch a screening and support the film and Luther’s legacy. We’re big fans and can’t wait!

Darlene Klatt Washington, D.C.

Just stopping by to say I loved the fashion and originality in the Bridge. Big fan and I look forward to continuing to support.

Janelle Reice Washington, D.C.

how close the outcome, someone will lose. Accepting the truth is what being a responsible adult is all about.

Sadly, there are a handful of Americans who never learned how to lose and who want ordinary people to take up arms and engage in allegedly justified conflict. They are the ones who have already filed countless lawsuits claiming election irregularities. Again, the facts say otherwise.

In a 1966 interview with Mike Wallace on “60 Minutes,” Dr. King said, “riots are the language of the unheard,” suggesting that this style of protesting represents a way for those who feel powerless and frustrated to make change. The insurrection on the Capitol nearly four years ago on January 6, 2021 showed the nation and world that this way is ineffective – at least in a democracy.

King’s reflections were further

developed in his final collection of essays, published in 1967 prior to his untimely death one year later in “Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?” King was convinced that true justice is about the equitable distribution and the right use of power – for example with love.

James Baldwin emphasized in his 1963 book of essays: “The Fire Next Time,” in which he said that to create a healthy nation, we need each other, color notwithstanding. His warning: if Americans fail to come together, destruction and fire will come.

But if America implodes, there will be no winners – only losers –especially our children who have yet to begin dreaming about tomorrow and who are years away from fulfilling their destinies. Come on America! Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Opportunity Agenda for Black America

attention and engagement.

We salute Vice President Kamala Harris for her leadership and innovative Economic Opportunity Agenda for America's future economic development. For underserved communities of color, this is good news. For Black Americans striving to gain economic sustainability, all opportunities to achieve financial freedom and equity should be given priority

The Harris agenda emphasizes the need to provide people "with the tools to achieve financial freedom, lower costs to better provide for themselves and their families and protect their rights." I believe increasing financial literacy on all new and evolving financial assets, including cryptocurrencies, is strategically important.

Too often, marginalized communities are consigned to the sidelines to witness the economic innovation and progress of others. Today, I be-

Guest Columnist

lieve Black America should take a deeper and more informed look at the emerging marketplace for cryptocurrency. I am not an expert on crypto, but I know that the communities I have worked for civil rights over the past 60 years deserve greater access to factual and honest information about the specific benefits that may come from attaining crypto digital assets.

I coined the term "Crypto Black" as a timely call to action to Black Americans — and to all Americans — to take seriously the need to do

What's Really at Stake in 2024? Everything

I was on a Black women's organizing call the other week when one of the leaders challenged each of us to reach out to 10 people to encourage them to vote. I don't know a soul in my close circle who does not vote, and I don't seek out folk who proudly say they are not voters. I do collide with a few from time to time, like when I was walking up the street one day when a brother,

recognizing me, wanted to argue that voting was a waste of time. I gave him five minutes (set my watch) and then moved on. Most people I know are politically aware, political activists, civic and social justice activists and more. Maybe my circle is too narrow, and I'm all right with it.

This column is not for those who "do the right thing," vote despite their skepticism about our extremely flawed country and our equally flawed political system. This column is for those who wonder about their votes and whether they make a difference. What's

Guest Columnist

Most things in politics are intentional, rarely occurring arbitrarily. What may appear to be coincidence sometimes is not coincidence. Political activities can be like a chess match with moves against your opponent and countermoves. Politics is strategic. It involves action plans designed to achieve the overall goal of winning elections and maintaining power. American pol-

itics involves individuals willing to share political power and economic empowerment versus those who prefer to keep it exclusively within select groups. The activities associated with running political campaigns and governance are sometimes abused with greed, deception and dishonesty.

In 2002, Kwame Kilpatrick became the 72nd mayor of Detroit, Michigan. At 32, he was the youngest person ever elected to lead the Motor City. Known as America's "first hip-hop mayor," his election represented a fresh beginning for many residents as he promised to

personal and collective research, study and make appropriate responses to the opportunities to gain greater financial literacy about the tools and potential benefits of acquiring cryptocurrency.

There are multiple collaborative roles that the government, private sector and civil society must all undertake together to advance the opportunity agenda in the crypto space.

First, we need to foster better financial literacy education about digital assets inside the Black community. Too many Black Americans have

fallen prey to major scams inside this space — and too few have been able to access the windfall of opportunities from innovation in cryptocurrency. How do we close this gap? Education. We need community workshops on cryptocurrency literacy, just as we have had in the past on financial literacy. Black Americans can — and should — be leaders in adopting this revolutionary technology, but we need to understand how it works and how to access its

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at stake? Every single election since I can remember — 1972 — we say that this is the "most important" election in our lifetimes. Tricky Dick Nixon had 61% of the popular vote and swept the Electoral College, winning every state except the District of Columbia and Massachusetts. Nixon steamrolled the liberal McGovern. Was it our most important election ever? One can both argue that and also wonder how our nation might have evolved under a McGovern presidency.

I recall hearing the "most important election ever" every four years, and

while it sometimes reads as an exaggeration, sometimes it is more real than we would like to admit. When the Supreme Court stole the 2000 election from then-Vice President Al Gore, that was a consequential election. Did Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton concede too soon in her race against Mr. Trump? To be debated, but many think so. 2020 was such a consequential election that the dark forces of Mr. Trump tried to overturn the government to steal the election. Now he says he will pardon them if elected in 2024.

So in many ways, this is a most con-

sequential election. What's at stake? Some think describing the 45th president as a "threat to democracy" is extreme and untrue. But Project 2025 would shift our system from one with checks and balances to one with imperial power. We have a robust civil service that a president who adheres to Project 2025 would shatter, in a system that would allow presidential appointments to replace civil servants. Black folks, especially Black women, would lose from this shift.

revitalize the majority-Black city. The hope and excitement surrounding the new mayor would eventually lead to public corruption, marking Kilpatrick's time in office as one of the most difficult periods in Detroit's political history. "Criminal activity was a way of life for him, and he constantly used the power of his office to look for new opportunities to make money illegally," said FBI Special Agent Robert Beeckman. Kilpatrick was sentenced to a 28-year prison term for his role in a wide-ranging racketeering conspiracy that included extortion, bribery and

fraud. Thirty-two others were also convicted of crimes in connection with the case, including Kilpatrick's contractor friend, Bobby Ferguson, who received a 21-year prison term.

Kilpatrick and Ferguson established a "pay-to-play" system in which Kilpatrick extorted city vendors, rigged bids and took bribes. He used funds from nonprofit civic organizations to line his pockets and those of his family. "His crimes were not the result of a momentary lapse in judgment," said a document prepared for the court by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern

District of Michigan. "He systematically exploited his office to enrich himself, his friends and his family." Kilpatrick and Ferguson obtained more than $500,000 from the state of Michigan and private donors for nonprofit organizations they controlled. The organizations were supposed to help the community. Instead, the "hip-hop mayor" spent large sums on luxury vacations, spa treatments and golf clubs. The U.S. attorney covering Detroit at the time, Barbara McQuade, said at a news con-

MALVEAUX

Julianne Malveaux

David W. Marshall Corruption vs. Human Decency

CHAVIS

The Real Victory!

be president of the United States as you read this or hear who the winner is on Nov. 5, 2024. The real victory should go to the best candidate.

My article won't tell you how political races across the country will turn out on Nov. 5 because I must turn it in the Friday before the big day. As I write, we are still waiting for the victory, but I will tell you how it should come out at the top of the ticket.

There can be no doubt that Vice President Kamala Harris should

Whatever you learn once the election is over, I am going to tell you why Harris should win the race for president because she was the only person who should have been a candidate.

Every person of color, every woman, every person of goodwill, every working person, every person with good sense (without regard to

party), every person who supports our democracy, every person who cares what their children's future will look like, every person who knows there was no comparison between the two candidates, every honest person, every non-racist person, every non-sexist person, every person who has knowledge of the race knows Harris should be called Madam President when it's over. Harris ran a flawless race. She offered a program to heal many of our problems in the coming days. She promised to already have her

Why We Should All Celebrate Head Start's Success

Did you know that Head Start programs are more than just preschool?

The program can be a lifeline for children from birth to age 5 and their families, helping them thrive through education, health and community support. It is also a place built on the strengths of children, families, staff and communities. Head Start programs support children's growth from birth to age 5

through services centered on early learning and development, health and family well-being. Head Start staff actively engage parents, recognizing family participation throughout the program as key to strong child outcomes. Head Start services are available at no cost to children from birth to age 5 in eligible families. Head Start preschool services work with children ages 3 to 5 and their families. Early Head Start services work with families that have children from birth to age 3, and many also serve expectant families. Many programs operate both Head Start pre-

school and Early Head Start services. Head Start and Early Head Start grant recipients provide services in every U.S. state and territory, farmworker camps, and more than 155 tribal communities. It's important to understand how our programs go beyond early learning to ensure every child and family is included, respected and empowered.

What Does 'Belonging' Look Like?

Inclusion and belonging aren't just buzzwords — they're the foundation of everything the Head Start program does. Staff members are committed to creating spaces where everyone, re-

"to-do list" when she walks into the Oval Office. Her opponent had already told us he would have his "hit list" of those he considered his enemies.

One would think that those who couldn't see and support the far superior candidate had on blinders.

Because of their own inability to discern the candidate best prepared, best educated, best experienced and most concerned about the people rather than herself, they missed who should be president today.

No matter how this race turns

out, every little girl can grow up knowing she has a shot at becoming president because of the leading women who dared to run: Rep. Shirley Chisholm, former first lady and Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Vice President Kamala Harris made us proud.

Trump has been going after things over his head all his life by lying, cheating and bullying people far smarter than he will ever

gardless of background, can succeed — whether it's recognizing each child's unique abilities and ideas, valuing parents as experts on their own children and as program volunteers and leaders, or linking families with needed services. Take, for example, how programs recruit and enroll families.

Instead of using a one-size-fits-all approach, programs tailor their outreach to meet the unique needs of each community. This might mean offering materials in multiple languages to ensure accessibility for all, building upon civil rights laws requiring translation when

necessary to facilitate understanding and participation. Programs are proactive in supporting families with disabilities, ensuring they have the necessary aids and services they need to participate in the program. The goal is to open doors and provide support for children and families furthest from opportunity and offer them a place to below:

A Classroom That Reflects Every Child's World Head Start classrooms aren't just places where children learn their ABCs

Three Areas Where Biden Must Now Act to Cement His Legacy on the Environment

Now in its final months, the Biden-Harris administration has a chance to cement its powerful legacy on the environment. Congress returns for its so-called lame-duck session on Nov. 12. The administration should pull out all the stops to work with Congress and use the powers of the presidency to get some more big things done.

First, the administration must continue its historic work to address the climate crisis and further push the United States economy away from the burning of fossil fuels. The Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the other major policy initiatives championed by this administration are some of the most effective tools we have ever had to combat climate change, create good American jobs and ensure the U.S. leads in the next economy. The investments in clean energy and manufacturing must continue. But

while that happens, we also need to stop bad policies that threaten reckless fossil fuel expansion — the opposite of the direction in which we need to move.

There are two critical actions the federal government can take right now to combat fossil fuel-driven climate change. One is stopping the buildout of massive liquefied natural gas export terminals like the proposed CP2 facility in Louisiana. Approving more fracked gas infrastructure will serve only to lock us into a fossil fuel future neither country

nor the world can afford. Increasing fracked gas extraction and processing for export is a bad choice all around. We do not need to be burning more fossil fuels for energy. Virtually every step of the cycle from extraction to export is fraught with risks to public health. From the fracking and the pipelines used to transport the gas to the liquefaction process and the harm to ecosystems from the new terminals and tanker traffic, it all creates dangerous pollution. And it is a raw deal for American consumers as well. According to an analysis by

Public Citizen, domestic consumers could face $14.3 billion in higher annual energy costs due to LNG exports. The Biden administration should reject LNG expansion and stop the CP2 project.

The other lame-duck session action the administration should take against fossil fuel expansion is working to defeat the bad permitting bill by Sens. Joe Manchin (I-W.Va.) and John Barrasso (R-Wyo.). Energy Permitting Reform Act of 2024 would

JEALOUS Page 54

Khari M. Garvin

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

GARVIN Page 54

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Rachelle Smith WI Intern

Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend, including a comedy show, sporting events, plus so much more.

To keep up with all the fun, 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, NOV. 7

Martin Lawrence, “Y’all Know What It Is!” Tour

8 p.m. | $105.00+

The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Avenue Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Comedy legend and DMV native Martin Lawrence is coming to his hometown the his first national arena tour since 2016: "Y'all Know What It Is!”

Heading to nearly 40 cities across the U.S. through April 2025, the tour features special guests, varying by city, who have been personally hand-picked by Lawrence and are some of the hottest comedians on the mic including: Adele Givens, B. Simone, Chico Bean, D.C. Youngfly, Deon Cole, Desi Banks, Jess Hilarious, Mojo Brookzz, Ms. Pat, Rickey Smiley and more.

Evening with an Artist Series:

The History of Ballet

6:30 p.m. | $20.00 Chamber Dance Project, 700 12th Street NW STE 700 Washington, DC 20005

Grab a glass of wine and join the Evening with an Artist Series, where Chamber Dance Project’s talented artists share an intimate look into their creative process,

SATURDAY, NOV. 9

from choreography to costume design. Enjoy an evening of behind-the-scenes insights and lively conversation.

FRIDAY, NOV. 8

Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse - Live In Concert

7:30 p.m. | $25.00+

The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20004

Building on the success of the sold-out global shows of the first Oscar®-winning Spider-Man™ animated Spider-Verse film, comes the highly anticipated sequel “Spider-Man™: Across the Spider-Verse,” set to captivate audiences in concert venues worldwide.

These films have garnered immense popularity, largely due to their groundbreaking soundtracks praised for innovative fusion of orchestral and electronic elements alongside scratch DJ techniques.

The upcoming spectacle will feature the movie showcased on a colossal HD screen, complemented by a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists performing the film's iconic score and soundtrack live. This lineup includes a full orchestra, a skilled scratch DJ on turntables, as well as percussion and electronic instrumentalists.

Washington Capitals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins

7 p.m. | $83.00+

Capital One Arena, 601 F Street Washington, D.C. 20004

Watch out, hockey fans, as the Washington Capital face off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Capital One Arena at 7 p.m.

HBCU First LOOK Film Festival 2024 Noon| $15.00+

Armour J. Blackburn University Center, 2397 6th Street NW Washington, D.C. 20059

Get ready for the annual initiative that focuses on diversity and inclusion opportunities that bring together students and alumni from historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) who are creators and leaders in the film, TV, and broadcast industries.

The HBCU First LOOK Film Festival is inspiring a new generation of minority talent in media by teaching HBCU students practical skills to improve their craft and creating places for them to showcase their work, and connecting executives to a pipeline of talent and career opportunities.

61st Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar

3 p.m. | Free Saint Elizabeth’s Church, 917 Montrose Road Rockville, MD 20852

Sponsored by the Royal Danish Embassy, the Annual Danish Christmas Bazaar is one of the largest and most sought after holiday events in the Washington, D.C. area.

At the bazaar, visitors can enjoy an authentic Danish luncheon

in Saint Elizabeth’s cafe, featuring delicious Danish sandwiches and desserts available from the carry out counter.

Enjoy a cooking demonstration to see how Danish aebleskiver (pancake puffs) are made and enjoy a taste of the freshly cooked delights.

In the Christmas booth, decor for the tree, table and walls will be available for purchase, including: handmade mobiles, Danish decorations, candles and candle holders, advent calendars, and wreaths.

There’s also a table for youth with LEGOs and free Danish children's books. Parental supervision required.

SUNDAY, NOV. 10

Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Commanders

1 p.m. | $195.00+

Northwest Stadium, 1600 Ring Road, MD 20785

Come out to Northwest Stadium to cheer on the Washington Commanders as they go against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who lead in the AFC North Division.

Howard County Veterans Day Parade

9:30 a.m. | Free Downtown Columbia, Merriweather Drive Columbia, MD 21044

The Howard County Veterans Day Parade in downtown Columbia will honor all branches of the U.S. Military, the National Guard, first responders and their families. Celebrate the county’s veterans and their families and honor their dedication and service to the country. WI

3Enjoy Spider - Man: Across The Spider-Verse accompanied by the musical talents of a diverse ensemble of musicians and instrumentalists on Nov. 8. (Courtesy Photo/ Ticketmaster)

6Comedian Martin Lawrence will be performing at the Theatre at MGM National Harbor on Nov. 7. (Courtesy Photo/ Ticketmaster)

Pamela Ferrell: The Woman Who Changed National Laws on Minority Hair Discrimination

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

National hair health expert Pamela Ferrell, 65, owner of Cornrows & Co., has fought injustice from youth, and as the country’s leader in hair discrimination cases, the entrepreneur, educator and advocate is continuing her freedom fight.

On Oct.16, her more than four decades of advocacy work resulted in Pennsylvania becoming the 34th state to sign a total exemption for hair braiders from costly conventional cosmetology licensure. Now, she is currently lobbying the D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser to have the nation’s capital follow suit.

“If you are threatened with jail, hefty fines, business closure, work termination or school suspension in regard to natural hair, what do you do,” Ferrell questioned. For 46 years she has been the voice and the educator of people across the country who find themselves in these exact predicaments.

Raised in Rhode Island, Ferrell moved to Washington, DC in 1977 after litigation against the police department for shooting at her.

Determined to succeed despite the traumatic event, she attended college while pursuing her dream of becoming a fashion designer. At 18 years old, while working at G Street Fabric store, her boss indicated that her braided beaded hairstyle did not align with the company’s vision.

“‘If you want to work here you have to remove your hairstyle. It is not appropriate for our clients,’” Ferrell recounted being told by her male supervisor.

She recalled how she felt at that moment.

“I went to the break room and cried. Then I gathered my things and left knowing that I would never return. I called a legal aid type of organization but I didn’t know how to exactly detail what had taken place, nor that it was discrimination,” Ferrell told The Informer.

BIRTH OF A HAIR ADVOCATE

Determined to make a change after her termination, in early 1978 Ferrell started her own hair braiding business in her apartment. Despite the fact that she was merely eight months out of high school, she quickly gained a large clientele.

As her grandparents had owned a soul food restaurant, entrepreneurship was not new or intimidating to Ferrell.

“I was so angry that I could be fired without cause for a hairstyle until I had to do something that I felt was important. I figured if I braided a lot of heads and put them out there, that would help make change,” she said.

In 1980, she opened her storefront salon with the support of her future husband, Taalib-Din Uqdah, 72, an activist known for starting the first open-air health food market in SE. However, her business faced immense pressure from DCRA (Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs), who demanded that she shut down the salon as she was not licensed in cosmetology.

Uqdah, did not mince words with DCRA, declaring: “we ain’t shutting nothing down, we are braiding hair, cosmetologists dye and straighten hair.”

During the 10-year legal battle that ensued, “Taalib-Din Abdul Uqdah v. District of Columbia,” the couple eventually hired an attorney.

“While ultimately, we did not win, we also did not lose. The judge summarily told DCRA, ‘you need to figure this out’.” Ferrell recounted.

Despite tremendous pressure, the couple never shut down services at their business.

As Ferrell’s hair braiding services grew, attracting clients from all over the country, including celebrities such as Diana Ross, so did the news of her 10-year battle with DCRA. Eventually, local and national news outlets picked up the story.

“We began receiving calls from hair braiders all over the country who were being threatened with closure or were afraid to open up salons so they kept braiding at home,” she explained.

During the same time period, the salon was inundated with calls from women, who like Ferrell, had their employment threatened or terminated for wearing natural hairstyles.

THE FIGHT FOR NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE CHANGE

In 1997, Isis Brantley, braider and hairstylist for Erykah Badu, was hand-

cuffed, strip searched, and jailed in Texas for operating a braiding salon without a license.

This incident, in association with the momentum gained through Ferrell’s work, illuminated the need for national legislation for the rights of braiders.

Ferrell and Uqdah, with the help of attorney Eric Steele, fought the injustice from a two-pronged approach.

Uqdah formed The American Hairbraider and Natural Haircare Association (AHNHCA), which advocated for women all over the country who had been fired or threatened with

termination to come forward. AHNHCA even covered their legal fees. In addition, through litigation on behalf of the women who came forward, Ferrell enacted policy changes affecting African American hair with organizations such as: Hyatt Hotels, Marriott, Avis, American Airlines, the Metropolitan Police Department, and the United States Army, Navy, and the Pentagon.

Uqdah fought on the legislative side, advocating for changes in law, while Ferrell served as a subject matter

FERRELL Page 34

5Cornrows & Co. provides treatment for alopecia and products crafted by Ferrell for all hair textures and curl patterns. (Courtesy Photo/Cornrows & Company)

LIFESTYLE

from Page 33

expert. In 1997, they played a pivotal role in groundbreaking California legislation,” Cornwell v. California Bd. of Barbering and Cosmetology,” which found “no rational relationship between the 1600 hours of training required by the California Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and the practice of African hair styling.”

This legislation stated that braiders in California could not be forced to attend cosmetology schools where braiding was not specifically taught.

In 1993, when former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt signed into law that braiders would have a separate cosmetology license, it was Ferrell who was elected to write the rules for that license. During that same year she was appointed to the District’s Barber and Cosmetology Board.

In 1997, Ferrell and Uqdah spearheaded Maryland’s fight that signed into law bill SB-501, granting total exemption for braiders from cos-

metology licensing requirements. During that same year their work led to Michigan law no longer requiring braiders to obtain a cosmetology license, instead they could voluntarily choose to obtain a cultivation license.

The couple was also instrumental in changing licensure requirements in Washington, D.C. (1993), Georgia (1998) and Kansas (2000).

To date, they have successfully enacted legislative changes in 44 states and the District of Columbia.

EMPOWERING

THROUGH NATURAL HAIR CARE, EDUCATION

Janet Davis, 61, Sgt 1st Class Army, Ret. credits Ferrell with teaching her to embrace her natural hair.

“Back in those days we were made to feel as if our hair wasn’t good enough, Pam got me over that mentality,” Davis told The Informer. Davis said that in 2014, flat twists

and other similar natural hairstyles were deemed against Army regulations.

“You could, however, wear a wig. If you step into a chemical environment you would have to take that wig off because when you put on headgear such as a gas mask it has to form a complete seal. Lifesaving headgear such as a gas mask will not seal over another cap. A wig is a cap,” she explained.

The Army sergeant knew just who to call on 10 years ago when she was working to promote change.

“I brought Pam in on the conversation. By then she had already helped change Navy and airline policies surrounding natural hair regulations,” Davis said.

Ferrell wrote a letter to the Secretary of the Army. She was subsequently invited to speak before a 24-man panel at the Pentagon. As opposed to arguing discrimination, Ferrell spoke on hair. WI

CRAWFORD’S PASSION AIDING VETERANS

Crawford is the son of the late Ward 7 D.C. Council member H.R. Crawford. The elder Crawford started Access Housing in 1985 in response to finding out that some homeless people during that time were veterans.

“I was raised in a household where my father was in the Air Force,” Crawford said. “He was a man who wanted to give back. He loved people.”

When the elder Crawford opened Access Housing, the son quit his District government job and went to work for his father. Crawford said sheepishly that he “didn’t sit in an office but was out cutting grass and boarding up abandoned buildings.”

He was able to truly learn about the veterans’ experiences.

“For one year, I lived at Access Housing with the veterans to see what it was like,” he said.

Living at the facility and taking on his father’s passion for helping people has fueled Crawford’s work at Access House.

“When someone walks through that door, I think to myself that could be a member of my family,” he said. “Everyone needs a reset. We help our veterans to reset.”

Crawford has served as the executive director of Access House since

DC RECAP from Page 1

“This is an opportunity for us to… really expand the electorate,” Green told The Informer, emphasizing the growing independent voting population. “We will make it possible for children of native Washingtonians to vote in primary elections that decide who has a say in D.C.’s morethan-$16 million budget… We will have the chance to vote out people who are actually unpopular.”

With the ballot initiative, which nearly 73% of voters approved, being subject to appropriations, Green said it’s imperative that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Council fund ranked-choice voting and open primaries in the next budget.

“We are in this moment with a great opportunity if our elected officials will support the will of the people,” Green told The Informer.

1999 and has become astute on the problems of African American veterans in the city.

“I tell Black veterans in D.C. that the benefits are there,” he said. “Many of our Black veterans don’t go to the offices to claim their benefits. They don’t go to government offices for their services. I know of one gentleman, who was in combat and was entitled to 100% benefits but told me he won’t claim them because ‘it is blood money.’”

Crawford said providing veterans with housing is a source of pride because low-income housing is a problem facing the District.

“Some veterans can’t afford housing in the city,” he said.

Access Housing presently houses 65 people and includes support services such as a barbershop, case management access and transportation through Uber and Lyft.

Residents can stay either for 90days or permanently, Crawford explained.

“We did some renovations and the rooms look nice,” he told The Informer. “We wanted to make sure that residents had private bathrooms.”

Crawford said that on Veterans Day staffers will be “all hands are on deck,” providing a special celebration for residents.

“We are going to have an awesome lunch and dinner onsite for the residents who are here,” he said. “We will also have transportation so that the residents will be able to attend the free activities throughout the city. While many Veterans Day activities tend to be somber, we will make it festive.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

and Democratic state committeeman, said that he voted against Initiative 83, not only in alignment with the D.C. Democratic Party and D.C. Black Caucus, but out of concern for the influx of out-of-state funds raised for the ballot initiative.

Those funds, Johnson said, support the destabilization of political institutions that native Black Washingtonians created. He went on to suggest that those who are concerned about low voter turnout help create an inclusive environment at the ANC level that creates spaces for a wide spectrum of opinions and viewpoints.

Whether those elected officials will do so has yet to be seen. Bowser and D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson recently spoke in opposition of Initiative 83. Mendelson expressed concern for long voting processes, and Bowser criticized the notion that anything less than 50% of the vote isn’t a healthy majority.

While several longtime District residents have shared similar thoughts, they’ve gone further in calling the Initiative 83 a death knell to the Democratic Party and overall Black D.C. native political power.

“We know that D.C. is majority Democratic,” said Bernita Carmichael, a Democratic state committeewoman and Ward 5 resident. “And now y’all want to break down the house that Kamala Harris [was going to] have in her backyard.”

Carmichael, a lifelong D.C. resident, described proponents of rankedchoice voting and open primaries as transients who are exploiting low voter turnout data to misinform District residents and destroy long-existing voting systems.

She said that strategy further advances transients’ political domination of native Washingtonian communities that first started with their infiltration of advisory neighborhood commissions.

“These people are not being neighborly. We've seen them at ANC meetings isolate the elderly population,” said Carmichael, a Riggs Park resident. “It's about engineering control, coming into a community to change people and using corporate structures to change a culture they don’t agree with. It's straight out of the Trump playbook.”

Paul Johnson, a Ward 4 resident

“There are many opportunities for constituencies to work together to make the District better rather than destroying or undermining the system and circumventing the will of the people,” Johnson said. “We get better quality leadership with a broad base. Given the outside funding and confusion on the measure, people aren't clear on what it entails.”

However, Tiffani Nichole Johnson, an advisory neighborhood commissioner who lives in Ward 4, said that the current city leadership doesn’t totally reflect the will of voters. She spoke in support of Initiative 83, what she called a tool that encourages electoral candidates to engage a wider net of voters.

“Certain individuals that have had things done a certain way to get reelected are worried about themselves and not the greater good of the city. That’s concerning,” Johnson said. “Everyone should have the same, equitable opportunity to vote at the same time for the candidate of their choice, and let the cards fall where they may. Ranked-choice voting allows for that versus our current system which lends itself to the same people getting reelected. It’s not based on the work they do and the caliber of their legislation.”

WARD 8 COUNCILMEMBER

TRAYON WHITE WINS REELECTION WITH CLOUD OVER HIS HEAD

On Nov. 5, as four of his council colleagues secured electoral victories, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) walked into The Players Lounge on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue with an entourage that included advisory neighborhood commission candidate Fria Moore.

More than an hour later, the top floor of The Players Lounge filled up DC RECAP Page 40

5 Gregory Crawford, the executive director of Access Housing, is dedicated to serving veterans yearlong and particularly appreciates honoring them for their service as part of the annual national holiday on Nov. 11. (WI FIle Photo/Roy Lewis)

LIFESTYLE

Empowerment Through Tech: Black Entrepreneurs Using Digital Resources to Thrive, Support Community

By Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow

Two things can be true at once: marginalized communities suffer the detriment of digital and economic inequity; and Black businesses have thrived post-pandemic using the benefits of digital integration to strengthen and drive the Black ecosystem.

Coupled with the pressures to achieve economic development and combat capital discrimination, Black business owners have shown resilience, accounting for $217.3 billion in sales this year alone, according to the U.S Small Business Administration Office of Advocacy.

Digital inequities disproportionately plague African Americans, with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development reporting roughly half of Black workers in 2020 had the proficient digital skills necessary in a tech-driven economy, compared with 77% of white workers). Despite the digital divide, Black businesses continue to thrive and grow, with entrepreneurs using technology to strengthen their businesses and empower Black communities overall.

“When you look at the power of being intentional in designing meaningful access to the internet, [it] can have a really beneficial impact on our communities,” said Angela Bennett, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) digital equity director. “[Entrepreneurs] utilize technology to help people sign up for grants and programs, research, to basically build their business and use the internet to market their business. Access to the internet is now access to their healthcare, their services. It has so many different impacts.”

Among other strategic developments, incorporating technology into business operations has allowed Blackowned companies to remain competitive in an evolving industry and increase revenue and consumer relationships beyond the average brickand-mortar. According to a 2022 survey from the Connected Commerce Council: 85% of Black-owned firms see digital tools as a major aspect of their operations; 83% noticed a “noticeable impact” when using digital

methods to scale their organization; and 80% consider digital tools crucial in driving revenue.

To ensure opportunities for continued innovation and economic growth, NTIA focuses on expanding broadband internet access and adoption nationwide. As the executive branch organization primarily responsible for advising the president on telecommunications and information policy matters, NTIA has launched initiatives like the Digital Equity Act programs in place to support a progressive future that benefits all communities.

“We really do approach our work from a public health lens. When you look at the domains within the social determinants of health, you look at healthcare, education, economic, neighborhood and built environment, as well as social cohesion. Looking at those five domains, we really see access to affordable, reliable high-speed internet is that super social determinant of health having an impact on each of those core areas,” Bennett told The Informer.

In addition to prioritizing representation and minority inclusion, the Digital Equity Act programs work to identify and eliminate the impact of interdependencies in the ecosystem that often exacerbate barriers for overlooked groups, such as incarcerated, elderly, or low-income individuals, amongst others.

Bennett emphasized the importance of promoting avenues for economic and communal prosperity within these intersections, citing digital exclusion elimination, connectivity and “meaningful” internet use as focal points driving the mission.

“Being able to access online training, remote opportunities to distance learning based upon that training, [individuals] are able to obtain a higher paying job, which increases their economic mobility, [and] there's a correlation between income and access to health care, right? So you start to see those different correlations,” she explained. “In communities [where] individuals have to move away for economic opportunities, having the internet not only enables them to stay in their community, but it also enables them to remain connected and have the support and access to the social

capital that they need to help themselves and their families thrive.”

BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS USING TECHNOLOGY TO DRIVE THE BLACK ECOSYSTEM

Aside from defying the status quo, Black business owners use technology to propel the ecosystem in various avenues like generational wealth, environmental justice, food security, and more.

Financial technology companies like digitally native neobank Kinly build generational wealth for the African American community, while other businesses like Re-Nuble – a climate tech company that transforms unrecoverable vegetative waste into sustainable products – make use of industrial resources to create jobs and eliminate waste stream and air pollution in predominantly Black and brown neighborhoods.

Both innovators solidify the advantage of transgenerational designs and diverse leadership on underserved communities.

“Right now, there are fewer Black homeowners in America than there were in the ’70s; there are fewer homeowners now than when Black people were in the Civil Rights Movement. Fintech gives us the ability — through lending, through credit, through financial education — to go and serve those customers that honestly banks have left on the side,” said Donald Hawkins, CEO of Kinly, when he appeared as a session panelist at the 2022 C3KC Conference in Kansas City, Missouri.

Since its launch in 2020, Kinly, which was acquired last year by Greenwood (a digital banking platform for Black and Latino individuals and businesses), has raised $20 million in funding to “improve the financial outcomes of Black America and allies through financial education, saving and wealth building,” according to a May 2023 press release. The joint integration of the two largest Black-centered digital finance companies underscores the value of collaboration in building wealth and uplifting the voices of excluded groups.

“We can see inflation increasing with revenue and salaries not increasing, so there’s a lot of very painful moments that we have ahead of us if we don’t act now,” Hawkins said. “Fintech is Revolutionizing Banking” session. “We’re already late, but we’ve got to do something.”

Similarly, Re-Nuble’s connection to digital integration stems from a localized approach meant to serve a national impact. Alongside effective sustainable growth practices, the social enterprise advocates for communities of color by creating equitable opportunities for workforce development through online training and recruitment devices that reduce redundancy and bias in job selection.

“When there's diverse leadership, it takes into consideration, what are the behaviors, the concerns and the challenges which continue to evolve beyond oneself? It's being able to take those really contextualized points and make it part of the business, so that you can provide products and services that address those beyond a certain demographic,” said Tinia Pina, founder and CEO of Re-Nuble. “You can also create opportunities that are driven by those very diverse concerns and employed by diverse people. I joke and say that our team looks like the [Unit-

ed Nations], and it's only helped us.”

While Pina also said these resources play an important role in exposure and awareness, she urges communities to recognize that climate mitigation and an equitable ecosystem can not be achieved with digital solutions alone. She advocates for remote and tangible efforts that could suppress environmental injustices and offer marginalized communities a just future despite systemic challenges and inequities.

“When I think of what happened in the most recent hurricane, some of these manufacturers really could have prevented some of the deaths by ensuring that they had contingency plans, and that's not going to be solved by software,” Pina told The Informer. “That's going to be solved by people being aware of the situation, diverse mindsets, and having as many concerns voiced, because everyone's going to struggle with it differently. Just being inclusive of how everything impacts everyone from the bottom up –it's certainly a two-fold, two-pronged solution.”

This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal. WI

5Tinia Pina is the founder and CEO of Re-Nuble, a climate tech company that sustains unrecoverable vegetative waste and utilizes technology to increase diverse professional development representation. (Courtesy Photo)

LIFESTYLE Arena Stage Presents ‘The Other Americans’ About Family Trauma and Its Heartaches

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

In its world-premiere, “The Other Americans,” currently at Arena Stage in Southwest, D.C. until Nov. 24, is a family drama about pursuing the American dream with all the stumbles and successes along the way, starring John Leguizamo, an Emmy Award-winning actor, writer, comedian, and producer, who also wrote the play.

Reuben Santiago-Hudson, an Emmy award-winning artists who has received other awards and nominations, directed this brilliant production, where unspoken family challenges escalate to troubling revelations.

Leguizamo has been working on “The Other Americans” for five years. It is based on an actual hate crime that occurred on Long Island in the 1990s.

“I wanted to bring it to the theater so people could understand what the American dream is for Latin people,” said Leguizamo, who has been a vocal advocate for more Latinos on stage and screen. “Hana Sharif, Arena Stage artistic director, championed me. She’s given me my first opportunity with my world premiere.”

UNPARALLELED ACTING ENSEMBLE

Leguizamo is Nelson, a Colombian-Puerto Rican owner of several laundromats. On the surface, he and his immediate and extended family appear to be doing well.

The family is waiting for the arrival of Nicky, the son, the victim of a hate crime who was just discharged from a mental health hospital. As family members wait for Nicky to arrive home, everyone has different ideas about how to help him settle back in.

Nelson’s anxiousness about his son is on top of his need to secure a loan to sustain his laundromat business. As the play unfolds, there are layers of complications with Nicky’s return and the family business.

To Leguizamo’s Nelson, his wife Patti is played by Luna Lauren Velez. Patti is a supportive wife and mother who wants her son back home. Velez is an American Latino Media Arts Award (ALMA) winner for her roles in “Oz,” “New York Undercover,” and “Dexter.”

Rebecca Jimenez plays their daughter, Toni, and Bradley James Tejada plays her fiancé, Eddie. They look forward to their wedding and plan to leave New York for a fresh

5Trey Santiago-Hudson (Nicky) and John Leguizamo (Nelson) are son and father in “The Other Americans,” a family drama at Arena Stage until Nov. 24. (Courtesy Photo/T. Charles Erickson Photography)

start. Toni loves her family but is ready for her future with Eddie. Tejada, as Eddie provides comic relief to avoid family drama.

Special praise goes to Trey Santiago-Hudson as Nicky, whose family members have been joyfully excited over his return. Trey plays Nicky perfectly, as getting comfortable back home does not come easily. He’s jittery and resistant to his family's ideas for his next steps, plus there’s tension as Nelson was not fully supportive

of his son being in a mental health treatment program in the first place.

This is Trey Santiago-Hudson’s first time being directed by his father, Reuben Santiago-Hudson. In addition to “The Other Americans,” the younger Santiago-Hudson is in the current season of “Shrinking” on Apple TV+.

The director and father was in the audience, watching every move by his exceptional cast.

“I'm just trying to make sure I do as much justice as possible to this work,” Reuben Santiago-Hudson said. “We are scheduled to take the play to The Public Theater in New York.”

AN AMBITIOUS ARENA STAGE SEASON

Sharif came to Arena Stage last year, but the 2024-25 season is officially her inaugural season. This is the first 10-play season at Arena Stage since the pandemic, and seven productions are world premieres.

“We are completely committed to expressing the full spectrum of the American spirit,” said Sharif about the current season. “I told John that with ‘The Other Americans,” he’s written the Next Great American tragedy.”

For ticket information and the 2024-25 Arena Stage season schedule, visit arenastage.org.

5Rebecca Jimenez (Toni) and Trey Santiago-Hudson (Nicky) are sister and brother in “The Other Americans,” a family drama at Arena Stage until Nov. 24. (Courtesy Photo/T. Charles Erickson Photography)

5John Leguizamo (Nelson) and Luna Lauren Velez (Patti) are husband and wife in “The Other Americans,” a family drama at Arena Stage until Nov. 24. (Courtesy Photo/T. Charles Erickson Photography)

as Moore ran up to the stage and announced that White won reelection with nearly 76% of the vote.

Moore, an ANC candidate in Single-Member District 8A04, also won her race, as did ANC 8A Chairwoman Jamila White and Commissioner Robin McKinney (8A06), both of whom were running for reelection on an all Black woman slate.

As a calm and focused White recounted to The Informer, his conversations with voters throughout the day confirmed what eventually came to fruition.

“People in Ward 8 support me 100%,” White said. “I have no worries.”

Next week, on Nov. 13, White is scheduled to appear, once again, before a federal court judge as he continues to fight a bribery charge. As Washington City Paper’s Tom Sherwood reported in October, he will do so without his private legal team.

In September, after his arrest and unveiling of his charges, White lost chairmanship of his council committee, which D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson absorbed into the council's Committee of the Whole and split into subcommittees.

The D.C. Council also formed an ad-hoc committee that will determine White’s political future within a matter of weeks.

Amid the legal and political pressure, White continued to attend council meetings, where he weighed in on a bevy of issues, including compensation of early childhood educators. Last week, he stood in opposition of D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto’s residential tranquility emergency bill.

Outside of the John A. Wilson Building, the Ward 8 council member has stood in solidarity with Justin Robinson, a violence interrupter who Metropolitan Police Department officers shot and killed during an encounter. He also counted among those who organized against &Pizza when the corporation lampooned the late Marion Barry in a promotional item that’s since been removed from stores.

Depending on what happens later this year, White’s third council term might be short lived. In December, White’s council colleagues, all of whom are members of an ad-hoc committee, will submit the findings of their investigation into the bribery allegations and White’s residency.

They will also make a determination of whether to expel White from the council.

White didn’t speak about his polit-

5Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White and

Southeast, D.C. on Nov. 5, after overwhelmingly winning his reelection

vote. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer) ical troubles, nor did he opt to answer questions about the specifics of his federal bribery charge. However, he said that his rapport with Ward 8 residents further legitimizes his presence in the John A. Wilson Building.

“I've done the work… so I let the chips fall where they may,” White said on the night of Nov. 5. “The power is in the people and I served the people for 23 years straight. They elected me to do a job to make sure we are fighting for equity and inclusion.”

Some people, like White’s write-in challenger Olivia Henderson, questioned whether the Ward 8 political establishment provided a platform for divergent voices, like hers and that of other Ward 8 D.C. Council write-in candidates -- Michael Brown and Khadijah Long.

“The council member is selfish, and [some] people in Ward 8 think it's okay,” Henderson said. “They make it seem like this guy is running unopposed. They acted as if I didn't exist.”

During her more-than-two-month candidacy, Henderson canvassed across Ward 8 with more than a dozen volunteers. She recounted challenges engaging voters in the newly incorporated part of Ward 8. She also reflected on unsuccessful attempts to help voters see the seriousness of her campaign.

For Henderson, the blame lies with Anacostia Coordinating Council (ACC) and Ward 8 Democrats, two institutions she said blackballed her throughout her council run.

“Anacostia Coordinating Committee didn't want to have a conversation. The Ward 8 Democrats didn't even

seat against a candidate endorsed by Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember-elect Wendell Felder.

In Ward 4, SBOE Representative Frazier O’Leary) lost his reelection bid to challenger Dr. T. Michelle Colson, a Ward 4 native and D.C. Public Schools alumna who currently serves as a dean at a public school.

The Nov. 5 general election not only proved victorious for Colson, but for LaJoy Johnson-Law, a mother who won the Ward 8 state board seat without any opposition. Once sworn into office, Johnson-Law will be the first mother to sit on the state board since Linda Moody clinched what was then the Ward 8 D.C. Board of Education seat in 1990.

Johnson-Law expressed her excitement about her electoral victory.

76%

give the write-in candidates a chance to attend a forum,” Henderson said. “Before my write-in candidacy, they would reach out. They can't even bring people together to talk about the importance of that council seat. It's about us partying.”

Phil Pannell, executive director of ACC, pointed out that the group co-hosted forums at Rehoboth Baptist Church on Alabama Avenue SE and Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center that featured Henderson and other Ward 8 D.C. Council write-in candidates.

Troy Donte Prestwood, president of the Ward 8 Democrats, didn’t mince words, confirming the organization's absolute support for Ward 8 Councilmember White.

“Any other move, including the embrace of write-in candidates, would've been against Ward 8’s interests,” Prestwood told The Informer. “There's a Republican candidate [Nate Derenge] that most residents feel isn't the right fit for Ward 8. Not having a viable Democratic nominee would've been political suicide.”

A NIGHT FOR BLACK WOMEN ON THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION

State Board of Education (SBOE) Representatives Dr. Jacque Patterson (At large) and Allister Chang (Ward 2) won reelected in uncontested races, while State Board President and Ward 7 Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson successfully defended her

D.C.’s first shadow senator of South Asian heritage.

Oye Owolewa also secured another term as a U.S. representative with a similar electoral outcome.

Meanwhile, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) overcame three challengers to, once again, secure reelection. She accumulated nearly 81% of the vote, compared to Kymone Freeman’s 6.64%, Myrtle Patricia Alexander’s 6.33%, and Michael A. Brown’s 6.2%.

Brown, an independent and former D.C. Council chairman, said he didn’t take for granted the gravity of his congressional ambitions. Earlier this year, he launched his election bid critical of what he described as Norton’s inability to quell Republican intrusion in local affairs.

“I’m just prayerful that this will open up more doors for Black mothers, and Black parents in general,” Johnson-Law told The Informer on the morning of Nov. 5. “I’m excited to get to know more parents, students, and schools, while being more inclusive of the early education centers. I don’t take anything for granted. Just working and wanting to earn people’s votes and support.”

Johnson-Law’s campaign followed more than a decade of grassroots organizing that she and other parents conducted to secure resources for children living and going to school east of the Anacostia River. That work, she said, started when she enrolled her daughter, Abria, who was born prematurely, in National Children’s Center on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue in Southeast.

Since launching her campaign, Johnson-Law has made the rounds at community events, where she’s spoken to parents, students and education leaders. She has even acknowledged, and at one point paid homage to, Moody.

As she follows in Moody’s footsteps, Johnson-Law said she’s prepared to work on behalf of Ward 8 families.

“Representing souls is a big deal and very serious,” she told The Informer. “We have to make sure we have representation. I have butterflies but am excited to continue serving.”

OPPONENTS

CRITICIZE POLITICAL ESTABLISHMENT AS DELEGATE NORTON SECURES ANOTHER TERM

With nearly 90% of the general election vote, Ankit Jain became

A key hallmark of Brown’s campaign strategy centered on conversations with voters.

“Nobody outcampaigned us in the streets… but we’re up against an icon,” Brown said on Nov. 5. “The usual organizations didn’t give us a chance to have more formal in-person debates so we could all be on stage in front of voters. I did most of the traditional things --- knocking on doors, meet and greets, talking to folks in their living rooms and those who wanted coffee.”

Freeman also launched his congressional campaign during the earlier part of the year, eventually opting to run in the general election as a D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate.

In his message to voters, Freeman often evoked President Joe Biden as an example of an elder who supported Vice President Kamala Harris as a political successor. Though he often recognized Norton for her decades of service, and even featured her in campaign material, Freeman remained critical of the veteran elected representative on what he called her inaction on the Palestinian genocide in Gaza.

While out and about on the campaign trail, Freeman also spoke about housing, healthcare and public safety, among other issues, all in criticism of the political system he said that veteran politicians maintain to the detriment of marginalized constituents.

“I’ve been dealing with bougie Black people who are determined to maintain the status quo, and respected elders who’ve now become gatekeepers,” Freeman said. “We still don’t have a pipeline for leadership and mentorship to succeed from the wisdom of our elders.”

Word Game

Valuable Headlines

The number code below assigns a value to every letter of the alphabet. Figure out the “value” of a headline in the newspaper. Then see if you can find another headline with a higher value.

Can you find the letters that spell the word SUBSCRIPTION on one page of the newspaper? Circle each letter then connect the letters in the order that spells S-U-B-S-C-R-I-P-T-I-O-N. Color in the design made by the lines.

Just for Laughs

Save a few days’ worth of your favorite comic strip. At your holiday gathering, have family members help you put on a show by acting out the comic strips for family and friends.

Find Happy

Look through the newspaper for words and pictures that show what is, in your opinion, an example of:

happy word

Before and After

Look at a photograph in the newspaper. Discuss with a partner what you think happened before the picture was taken. Write about what you think happened after?

Work with put the parts

Daliyah Marie at her local library. Recently theGeorgia Kindergarten challenges booksbefore kindergarten. Her story Carla Hayden, of Congress.

Daliyah visited in the world as “librarian has dreams

children young age.

Daliyah with Carla With hundreds

review wi book

"Groundbreaking

Magic: A Black Woman's Journey Through the Happiest Place on Earth" by Martha Blanding with Tim O'Day

c.2024, Disney Editions

$25.99

364 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Your dream job is still a job.

You still must be there on time, looking presentable and ready to go. You can love the work and dislike your coworkers, embrace the challenge but hate the drudge, enjoy the process but dread the politics. And in the new book, "Groundbreaking Magic" by Martha Blanding with Tim O'Day, you can relish your unique employment and still have to represent.

On the day she retired from a job she'd had for half a century, Martha Blanding took a tour of her workplace as she took stock of the years.

Her parents, who'd lived under Jim Crow in their younger days, wouldn't have believed the changes Blanding helped make.

Born in 1950, she'd watched Disney programming on television; living in South Central Los Angeles, she had been aware of the construction of Disneyland nearby. She visited the park for the first time when she was 7 years old.

Needing money for college in the early 1970s, Blanding applied for a job at Disneyland and was told that they had no employment available — even though she'd seen postings for job openings. Some weeks later, her roommate encouraged Blanding to reapply.

Reluctantly, she did. And that time, she was hired to work in the kitchen but before her first day on the job, Blanding was tapped as a tour guide and given training at "Disney University." Due to her stellar work ethic, she was later promoted to VIP guide; over the years, she moved up the ladder to series of positions that made use of her managerial and promotional skills.

As time passed and the civil rights movement made strides in America, so did Blanding at Disney. She became a gentle activist, so that other minority workers had opportunities to be Cast Members, office staff, and management.

Oftentimes, she said, "I was the only Black girl there" and "there was no hiding" it.

None, in fact; instead, she used it to everyone's advantage.

When you first start "Groundbreaking Magic," you know right away that you're in for a sweet, charming story from a hidden-until-now trailblazer.

You may or may not continue to feel that way.

In this biography, author Martha Blanding (with Tim O'Day) writes about creating equality in one small corner of an iconic business, and the story's told from a POV that's unique, engaging, and interesting. Fans of Disney will truly enjoy backstage peeks and insider info that takes readers through the decades and to various Disney locales.

What's not so interesting is that the authors seem to mention every-single-one they worked with, including everyday people who are long gone or that you'll probably never meet. That isn't initially the distraction it becomes later but as the abundance of names grows thicker, don't be surprised if your attention lags.

If you're business-minded, then, and want to read about a corporation changing with the times, you may eventually be disappointed in "Groundbreaking Magic." Read it for the personal parts though, especially if you're a Disney fan, and it's a dream story. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

NOV. 7 - 13, 2024

ARIES Although you usually love being in the spotlight and running the show, you'll be more content to enjoy a lower-key vibe of life as the week begins. This marks a period for rest and reflection, allowing you to meditate on your greatest desires and get clear on the best game plan for making them concrete. Processing emotions through journaling or therapy can be especially beneficial now. Lucky Numbers: 28, 36, 44

TAURUS As the week starts, the Universe turns up the volume on your need to get out of your comfort zone. You might want to take a risk like performing at an improv club or planning an impromptu trip. Either way, owning what makes you unique, and maybe even a bit quirky, can feel empowering and enlivening. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 29

GEMINI You'll be feeling fortunate, confident and centered in your deepest feelings for someone special at the beginning of the week. Opening up about your desires and fantasies can take your intimacy to the next level. Later, if you've been dreaming about starting a new chapter of your professional path, you have a sweet opportunity to make a move in that direction. Calling a meeting with higher-ups to discuss your long-term vision or chatting with a dear friend to map out your game plan for achieving a lifelong goal can be a powerful first step. Lucky Numbers: 12, 18, 32

CANCER You might find yourself feeling like you need to break out of your daily routine and experience something new and eye-opening as the week starts. It could be a wise time to sign up for a class related to your business or for pleasure. For instance, you could begin learning a foreign language to prepare for a work trip or a long-distance vacation. Lucky Numbers: 14, 30, 47

LEO When the week gets underway, you have an opportunity to add more joy to your daily health routine. If there's a workout class or treatment you've been wanting to try, this can be a wonderful moment to explore it. Lucky Numbers: 18, 27, 45

VIRGO You might want to prioritize one-on-one time with your significant other, your closest friend, or a business partner as the week begins. Not only will you enjoy downtime as a pair, but you can put your heads together to take on projects that seemed daunting as solo endeavors. This can help you get more comfortable with leaning on someone for their support, as well as being a source of support for them. Lucky Numbers: 10, 28, 54

LIBRA Spending time with loved ones is sure to be your priority in the beginning of the week. A jovial, harmonious tone lends itself to kicking back and laughing, no matter what you're doing together. Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 18

SCORPIO You can look forward to feeling extra self-expressive and ready for spontaneous, pleasurable fun early in the week. You could be inspired to pitch an artistic proposal on the job or hit the road for an impromptu trip. Either way, letting go of any need to have logical, detailed plans in place can benefit you during this fun-loving time. Later, the Universe encourages you to open up about your need to strike out on your own. Lucky Numbers: 12, 22, 39

SAGITTARIUS Focusing on activities related to beautifying your home and enjoying the company of your nearest and dearest relatives can have you feeling calm and joyful early in the week. You'll want to put energy toward domestic duties and pleasures even more than your professional or social commitments. Acknowledge that, and know that now is a perfect time to assert your personal needs and find balance. Later, the stage is set for happiness and fortune related to your business endeavors. Lucky Numbers: 4, 22, 33

CAPRICORN Though you're generally a pragmatist, you'll enjoy a burst of unrelenting optimism when the week begins. You can put this positivity toward whatever industrious plan you've had your eye on. If you're feeling like all your hard work is about to pay off, you're not wrong, and you'll do well to lean into that confidence! Later, your curiosity and appetite for learning will be soaring off the charts. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 36

AQUARIUS At the beginning of the week, you might feel like something's holding you back from opening up to your significant other or a loved one. It might serve you well to spend more time processing your emotions on your own. Lucky Numbers: 19, 48, 53

PISCES Early in the week, you'll get a burst of self-assuredness that you can apply to any ongoing or new undertaking. Whether you've been wanting to earn more recognition at work or put yourself out there to feel more satisfied romantically, believing in yourself now fuels your success. Later, you'll get your very own chance to set bold goals for the months ahead. Tune in to your intuition and pinpoint the intentions that truly speak to your soul and feel right in your gut. Lucky Numbers: 16, 25, 59

SPORTS

The Washington Commanders Have

A 7-2 Record For the First Time Since 1996

Takeaways from the Winning Game Against the New York Giants

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

After a historic Hail Mary win last week, the Nov. 3 game marked the Washington Commanders’ third straight win, defeating the New York Giants 27-22 in an intense NFC East division battle at MetLife Stadium.

Coming into Sunday’s game, the Giants were 2-6, standing as the last team in the NFC East division. After losing to the Commanders for the second time this season (21-18 in week two), the Giants are now 2-7 in the division continuing their streak in last place.

After Sunday’s win, Washington stands at a celebratory 7-2 record for the first time since 1996, leading the NFC East division.

“When you wanna win your division you gotta win those games so division opponents kinda mean more than just you know some-

body that’s not in our division,” Jayden Daniels continued. That’s something that we set out to do and you know we’re 2-0 and got a couple more to go,” said Daniels. Check out a couple of the contributing factors that led to the Commanders win over the Giants.

WASHINGTON EXCELLED THE RUN GAME WITHOUT BRIAN ROBINSON JR.

It is no secret that running back Brian Robinson Jr. is a key contributor to the Commanders success in the run game, and Sunday's game was the second time in four straight series that the Commanders have ruled out the rushing leader.

Robinson was first announced as questionable due to a hamstring injury. However, just hours before kickoff, Washington ruled out Robinson for the week nine

matchup against the Giants. This left the Commanders no choice but to rely on other players for offensive strides.

Teamwork really made the dream work against the Giants as the Commanders recorded 150 yards on 38 carries.

Running back Chris Rodriguez was raised from the practice squad amid Robinson’s hamstring injury. He led the Commanders run game against the Giants, finishing the day with 52 yards on 11 attempts. In the fourth quarter, Rodgriuez had a tremendous 17yard run, but that’s not all he did. Rodgriuez became a key contributor on Washington’s final drive by helping to run the clock with five carries.

“Didn’t know he was gonna go until really 90 minutes prior into the game,” Head Coach Dan Quinn continued. “When you get

into that spot and you demonstrate you're ready, it goes a long way to your teammates and there’s a lot of unseen work to be ready. You don’t get all the reps. Sometimes that comes in the after practice or the before practice to be ready, and I thought just a strong finish at the end of the game by him,” said Quinn.

Running back Austin Ekeler led Washington right behind Rodgriuez with 42 yards on 11 attempts. Ekeler even scored one out of three of Washington’s first-half touchdowns, a fourth-and-1 conversion set up by quarterback Jayden Daniels.

“Next man up,” as Daniels continues to share his thoughts on what he learned about the offense without Robinson. “BRob [Brian Robinson Jr.] out, you know JMC [Jeremy McNichols] and Chris Rodriguez came in and did their thing. It’s just ‘Next Man Up’ mentality,” Daniels continued. “Our coaching staff does a tremendous job of bringing confidence into the players. No matter if you're the starter or practice squad guy, you never know when your number might get called,” said Daniels.

The Commanders are hoping to have Robinson back out on the field next week against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, Washington has proved that they can build an efficient run game attack without him. It will be exciting to see how the run game will progress with various players stepping up to make strides moving forward.

COMMANDERS DEFENSE STAYED STRONG FROM START TO FINISH

The Commanders defense dominated until the clock struck zero in the fourth quarter against the Giants.

Although the Commanders defense is known for dominating more or less in certain matchups, they truly stood firm against New York’s offense, gaining momentum throughout the game.

Linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. bursted past Giants offensive lineman Chris Hubbard, sacking quarterback Daniel Jones and forcing a fumble. Even though that was not the original call presented, the ball rolled back to the Giants 31-yard line before it was recovered by Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner.

It was originally ruled as an incomplete pass until Washington’s Head Coach Dan Quinn threw a challenge flag as he was convinced that it was a fumble. Quinn’s challenge was successful, leaving the ball in the hands of the Commanders deep in Giants territory.

The defensive contributions provided by Fowler and Wagner set Washington up to score three plays later, recording a 21-7 lead in the first half.

The Washington Commanders will be back home at Northwest Stadium to face off against the AFC North Division leading Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday Nov. 10 at 1 p.m. WI

5Noah Brown celebrates last week’s Hail Mary touchdown at Northwest Stadium. This week, the Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants 27-22 on Nov. 3 at MetLife Stadium. (WI File Photo/Abdullah Konte)

CAPTURE the moment

Election Night Around the City

As polls closed and ballots were counted, people gathered for watch parties, celebrations and programming around the DMV region. In Southeast, D.C. people took to the Player’s Lounge to celebrate Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White’s victory. In Northwest, as people flocked to Howard University to cheer on Vice President Kamala Harris, The Washington Informer hosted a live election night event at Sankofa Video, Books & Cafe, speaking with correspondents who were reporting live from D.C., to Prince George’s County, Maryland and Houston, Texas, as well as interviewing leaders, educators, and politicians, who weighed in on the pivotal moment in U.S. history.

5 (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

3 (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

6 (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5 (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

3 Fria Moore and Ace celebrate with Councilmember Trayon White, after being reelected to represent the people of Ward 8 on the D.C. Council. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Efforts of Faith Toward the Final Stretch of the Election

By Shevry Lassiter WI Photo Editor

In a powerful display of faith and community spirit, various congregations across the District of Columbia came together to seek divine guidance and blessings for the upcoming 2024 election.

In the 1960’s during turbulent times when the civil rights movement was in full swing, churches played a significant role in advocating for social justice and equality. Many churches engaged in various forms of activism, including praying for social change, participating in voter registration drives, and advocating for the right to vote for all Americans. The spirit of activism and advocacy within many religious communities during that era underscores the deep intertwining of faith, social justice, and civic participation.

Most congregations of faith believe in the transformative power of prayer to bring about positive change and to seek guidance during times of uncertainty. In partnership with the Black Church Political Action Committee, churches have been encouraged to get “souls to the polls.” While the organi-

zation has not endorsed a specific candidate, it has created tools and resources for churches to engage their members to ensure every voice is heard.

On October 30, Greater Mt Calvary Holy Church held a virtual prayer service at Smoke & Mirrors in Southeast DC, with the Capitol as the backdrop. The focus of the prayer was to seek God's blessings, protection, and peace for the upcoming election, reflecting the congregation's commitment to faithbased activism. Marques Dyer, 30, an elder at the church said the church was praying “to ask God for His blessings, protection and peace to be all on and through this year’s election.”

At Howard University’s Rankin Chapel on Nov. 3, Rev. William Barber, leader of the Repairers of the Breach and the Poor People's Campaign, was among many preachers in the pulpit on Sunday who emphasized the intersection of faith and politics. Barber asked, “what does your voice say about your vote?” Barber encouraged individuals to reflect on the power of their voices and votes in shaping the future and policy landscape.

District of Columbia Mayor Mu-

riel Bowser along with the Interfaith Council hosted a diverse roster of local pastors, priests, imams, and Rabbi from all walks of faith on Nov. 4, at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest to petition God for his guidance during the 2024 election. The lower level of the sanctuary was filled with government officials including D.C. Police Chief Pamela A. Smith, D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, and Councilmember Brooke Pinto.

Mayor Bowser opened the service by proclaiming, “We come to recognize and celebrate faith and hope. There is a lot on the line this week. Congregations across all eight wards of Washington, DC and our country have seen us through some of our greatest challenges. We know that Shiloh moved here 100 years ago to this location So just in this location you’ve seen us through the civil rights movement, home rule movement, through our election of the first elected DC mayor and dozens of presidents. You’ve seen us through the riots of 1968 and the pandemic of just 4 years ago, and today, we stand in need of prayer.”

Prayers were led by Dr. Joseph W. Daniel, Jr., Pastor of Emory United Methodist Church, Rev. Ginger E. Gaines-Cirelli, Senior Pastor of Foundry United Methodist Church, Father Emilio Biosca Aguero, pastor of the Shrine of the Sacred Heart. Rabbi Susan N.

Shankman from the Washington Hebrew Congregation, and Imam Talib Shareef, President/Imam of Masjid Muhammad.

From reflections on democracy by former Mayor Sharon Pratt to challenging pre-election stress disorder by Rev. Howard-John Wesley, the various speakers highlighted the importance of civic engagement, voting, and the role of prayer in shaping our collective future. The call to action was clear: each voice and vote matter in shaping our shared destiny.

Pratt brought the audience to their feet when she said, “In spite of the frustrations I have about not having statehood, I still have faith in the fact that God Blessed America. I believe it, and I know, there were times when we thought when we got to 2024 we were going to have a rematch of 2020 with a good man, I might add. But you know the Lord works in mysterious ways, and just when we hadn’t expected it, there she was. Just when we thought boy, oh boy here we go again, there she was. And I believe the good Lord sent us our Esther. She’s not afraid, she’s got gumption, she’s got character, she is willing to do what has to be done, just like our Mayor with her yellow paint. She is willing to step inside that inner court and take on someone who thinks he should be king, and she’ll let’em know, if I perish I perish. But because God

[has] Blessed America, we will prevail.”

Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church gave A Message of Faith and Hope. He said he cannot be convinced that a “felonious adulterous liar is the only candidate God has supported to lead this nation.”

He said, “A new president will be elected. The president is not one who is ordained, she is one who is elected. We are part of the process.” Wesley used scripture references to show that “the will of the people does not always line up with the will of God.”

As Rev. Wesley emphasized, prayer is not only a belief in God's presence but a powerful act that invites divine intervention and instills hope in the face of challenges. Prayer serves as the foundation of unity and resilience in moments of division and uncertainty.

In conclusion, the prayer vigils brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and professions to unite in a common purpose—seeking divine guidance, hope, and inspiration for the nation's future. The spirit of solidarity and faith displayed during these gatherings highlights the enduring belief that prayer is not just a practice but a transformative force that can shape a collective destiny.

As Wesley said, “Prayer changes things, prayer is the foundation of hope.” WI

5D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser during a prayer service at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C. on Nov. 4 (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

5The Rev. Howard-John Wesley of Alfred Street Baptist Church, delivers a message during an interfaith prayer service at Shiloh Baptist Church on Nov. 4. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Many of us have experienced severe challenges; in this column, let's think about how deep we find ourselves in the troubles of this world. We lose our jobs, and suddenly everything is different now. Every waking moment you have, you're thinking about how happy you will be again once you get that job.

I remember when I was married, and my husband moved our family from the Bay Area of California down to the Los Angeles area. It was truly a hard time for us. He got a downgraded job as a security officer until he could get back to his real work. For me, it looked like I would never get another job! Interview after interview, still no callbacks. I felt stuck in the thickest of mud. At my previous job back in the Bay Area, I was a supervisor in the Nursing Administration Office of Children's Hospital Medical Center and had a great work history. They loved me there and gave me promotion after promotion, and I was featured in the hospital magazine as employee of the month. Yet now in my new current situation, having given interviews at so many companies, including several interviews at University of Southern California and Children's Hospital of Los

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Are You Stuck in the Mud? the religion corner

Angeles, with no job offers, was difficult.

Nothing came through for me, and that's when I heard from the Holy Spirit. One day, after weeks of praying and asking God for advice, I did what he said to do: I packed up my children and put what I could in the car and moved back to Washington, D.C., to make a brand-new start. It worked very well for me.

Like the lotus flower, my inner flower began to bloom! What is the lotus flower, you ask? Let me tell you a bit about it so you can see why my circumstances did not destroy me. Each and every day, I found myself getting stronger and stronger.

The lotus is a colorful blooming flower that has a life cycle unlike any other. With its roots based in mud, it submerges every night into murky river water, and, undeterred by its dirty environment, it miraculously re-blooms the next morning without residue on its petals.

The lotus continues to stun people with its ability to dip into the grime and revive itself unscathed, an incredible daily cycle of life, death, and a sudden immaculate rebirth that can only be described as spiritual. It is no wonder the lotus is associated with such celestial symbolism; the flower simply defies logic. It grows in several places in the world, including Asia, Aus-

tralia, North America, including Southern California, and all the way to Canada. It also grows in Africa.

The real question remains: how has the flower acquired such all-encompassing spiritual significance? The lotus flower's daily resurrection is certainly interesting and surely symbolic of revival (a perfect gift for anyone recovering from illness). The flower also has a fascinating will to live; a seed can withstand thousands of years without water, then germinate two centuries later — remarkable!

It blooms in the most unlikely of places; the mud of murky river water in Australia or Southern Asia becomes its sanctuary. Due to the waxy protective layer on its petals, its beauty is blithely unaffected when it re-blooms each morning. It continues to resurrect itself, coming back just as beautiful as it was last seen. With such refusal to accept defeat, it's almost impossible not to associate this flower with unwavering faith.

In conclusion, each of us grows to become our best after having experienced a muddy life. Those negative instances helped to shape you into the marvelous soul you have become today! Be like the pigs, waddle in the mud, and just know that you will come out smelling beautiful like the lotus flower blooms! 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

Zion Baptist Church

Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

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

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

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

Purpose

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised

Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001062

Eleanor Craft Decedent

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

Bridget Lawrence, whose address is 1209 50th PL, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eleanor Craft who died on 3/4/2024 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 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Bridget Lawrence Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 001214

Anne-Marie Caroline Renier Decedent

Rick Todd, Esq. 5850 Waterloo Road Suite 140 Columbia, MD 21045

Attorney

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

Carolyn Renier, whose address is 11627 S Monticello Dr., Farragut, TN 37934, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anne-Marie Caroline Renier who died on 2/18/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Carolyn Renier

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 1213

Patricia A. Davis Decedent

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

Warren M. Fountaine, whose address is 5005 Boydell Ave, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia A. Davis who died on September 6, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Warren M. Fountaine

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 000116

06-18-2023

Date of Death

Debbie Ann Spencer Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anna L. Spencer whose address is 4509 23rd Pkwy, Apt. 202, Temple Hills MD 20748 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Debbie Ann Spencer, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on April 30, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Matrina Matthews 1811 Erie Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

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: 10/31/2024

Anna L. Spencer 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 001207

LaShon Bryant-Jordan Decedent

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

Elijah J. Jordan, whose address is 15516 Kennette Square Way, Brandywine, MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LaShon Bryant-Jordan who died on August 26, 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 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Elijah J. Jordan 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 000117

11/11/2009 Date of Death

Lionel Rouse Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Donna June Rouse whose address is 6704 Weston Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lionel Rouse, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 10/17/2024.

Service of process may be made upon Alisha Bonner 401 M Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 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.

401 M Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. 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: 10/31/2024

Donna June Rouse 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 001203

Zannie Mae Shines Decedent

Andrew T. Richardson, III, Esq. 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Stephanie Shines-Wallace, whose address is 5805 Burgess Road, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Zannie Mae Shines who died on 12/7/2022 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 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Stephanie Shines-Wallace 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 1244

Booker Dalton Wade Decedent

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

Mary T. Wade, whose address is 5752 2nd Street, NE, #2, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Booker Dalton Wade who died on 6/28/24 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Mary T. Wade 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 001202

Hattie Mae Cook

Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. 1822 11th Street NW Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

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

Loretta F. Crook, whose address is 7911 Elmwood Lane, Clinton, MD 20735-1410, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hattie Mae Cook who died on June 14, 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 4/24/2025. 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 4/24/2025, 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: 10/24/2024

Loretta F. Crook

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 001223

Brenda Mae Williams-Collier aka Brenda W. Collier aka Brenda M. Collier Decedent

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

Brenae Collier-Price, whose address is 1611 T Street SE #1, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brenda Mae Williams-Collier aka Brenda W. Collier aka Brenda M. Collier who died on October 26, 2018 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Brenae Collier-Price 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 001279

Charlene Mcleod Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Algie T. Mcleod, whose address is 7203 Twinflower Place, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charlene Mcleod who died on March 5, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Algie T. Mcleod 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 001234

Neil Caldwell King Jr. aka Neil Caldwell King Decedent

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

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

Shailagh Jane Murray, whose address is 233 ½ Ninth Street SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Neil Caldwell King Jr. aka Neil Caldwell King who died on 9/17/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Shailagh Jane Murray

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

2024 ADM 001222

Jayvon Jones Decedent

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

Cassandra Jones and James Jones, whose addresses are 3901 53rd Street #405 Bladensburg MD 20710 & 3901 53rd Street #405, Bladensburg MD 20710, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Jayvon Jones who died on 2/21/2023 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Cassandra Jones

James Jones

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 1224

Roger Vernon Hart Decedent

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

Charles W. Davis, whose address is 703 Buchanan Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Roger Vernon Hart who died on August 15, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Charles W. Davis Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001000

Karla Powell-Barbosa Decedent

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

Brandon G. James, whose address is 514 60th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karla Powell-Barbosa who died on April 6, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Brandon G. James 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 001225

Rufus F. Blue aka Rufus Franklin Blue Decedent

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

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

Loris Ferguson-Blue, whose address is 423 Kennedy Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rufus F. Blue aka Rufus Franklin Blue who died on January 26, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Loris Ferguson-Blue 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 001248

Larry Renald Thomas Decedent

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

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

Dorothy M. Thomas, whose address is 1609 30th Street SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Larry Renald Thomas who died on September 5, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Dorothy M. Thomas 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 001229

Vivian Joyce Shaw Decedent

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

Kimberly Bailey, whose address is 6904 Simmons Lane, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vivian Joyce Shaw who died on March 19, 1984 without a Will and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Kimberly Bailey 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 001257

Mary Penelope Williams

Decedent

Ferguson Evans, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900 South Bldg. Washington, DC 20004

Attorney

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

Beulah B. Bracey, whose address is 9604 Spinnaker Street, Cheltenham, MD 20623, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Penelope Williams who died on August 20, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Beulah B. Bracey

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 001242

Ulysses Adam Richard Glen aka Tre Glen Decedent

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

Ulysses Glen, Jr., whose address is 2704 33rd Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ulysses Adam Richard Glen aka Tre Glen who died on December 9, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Ulysses Glen, Jr, 2704 33rd Street, SE Washington, DC 20020

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 001208

Sharon M. Kissel Decedent

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

Peter C. Kissel, whose address is 5604 Utah Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sharon M. Kissel who died on July 21, 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 5/7/2025. 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 5/7/2025, 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: 11/7/2024

Peter C. Kissel

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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CHAVIS from Page 30 benefits.

In his recent book, "Hijacking Bitcoin," Roger Ver — one of the founding fathers of cryptocurrency — shares how he and others sought to spread this technology to unlock financial freedom for people around the world but have had to grapple with scammers and self-interested individuals who flooded into the space. Ver bears many scars from this decade-plus fight. He and others who are advancing cryptocurrencies for the right reasons should find

MALVEAUX from Page 30

All women, but especially Black women, lose when reproductive rights are restricted. We also lose when draconian policies eviscerate public assistance in the name of "welfare reform" and make even basic health benefits contingent on work. We don't have the infrastructure to require work, but we do have the ability to punish those who do not have jobs.

The Department of Education is on the Project 2025 chopping block, and its elimination would widen the achievement gap. Project 2025 would eliminate Head Start, one of our most demonstrably successful government programs. It would eliminate Pell Grants, which help hundreds of thousands of students from low- and mod-

MARSHALL from Page 30

ference following the conviction that Kilpatrick ran the city of Detroit like a criminal enterprise. "One juror said she is a Detroiter and voted for Kwame Kilpatrick for mayor twice herself, but the evidence that she saw in this case made her stomach turn," McQuade said.

This has a different feeling when public corruption is at the hands of a Black mayor while those who suffered the most were Black residents. We know corruption has no color. It's carried out by those who are white, Black or brown. It has no party affiliation. It can come from those who are Democratic or Republican. But should Black mayors, council members and school board members be held to a higher standard since they serve Black communities?

My answer is yes. A local government intimately touches the lives of individuals and communities more than higher levels of government. The purpose of obtaining racial diversity in local governments is to have a government that proportionally reflects the racial makeup of the overall communi-

ways to work with Black business leaders in the U.S. Black Chamber, the National Urban League and many others.

Second, we need to ensure that the growing number of Black crypto CEOs and entrepreneurs have seats at the most important industry tables. While some in the Black community have been early adopters of cryptocurrency, we have not seen enough Black founders and CEOs at the head of the most important digital asset companies. There are many areas where a future President Harris could help promote Black leaders in

erate-income families attend college. It would eliminate race-specific programs and affirmative action by outlawing programs that consider DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) in selection and allocation. Indeed, Project 2025 digs into the details of curriculum, regulating the ways subject matter is taught, including history, enslavement and other subjects. Project 2025 would punish universities based on the way some subjects are taught. While Project 2025 purports to streamline government, instead it expands government by creating ideological regulators who would eliminate "left liberals" and "Marxists" from classrooms in elementary and secondary schools, and also in colleges and universities.

Contrasting the Project 2025/ Agenda 47/Republican platform is to understand the redundancies of these

ty. Racial diversity in seats of power allows marginalized and disenfranchised citizens to have a voice at the table of power. As a result, we expect a deeper level of sensitivity and understanding of the plight many economically oppressed residents face. While honoring their oath of office, we expect trusted servants of the people to have a more intimate understanding of the root causes and complexities challenging Black residents living in blighted and impoverished communities.

The expectation is for them to respond appropriately. In the case of former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, we saw how corruption and selectively holding back economic empowerment were not motivated by greed and racism but rather by greed and classism. Fair competition was taken away from Black businesses that played by the rules. Needed resources and help were taken away from communities when nonprofit funding was used for personal use. It shows a lack of human decency mixed with racial betrayal by someone once viewed as a rising star in Democratic politics. Few things in politics

this field. One idea for the next administration is to host regular conversations on crypto and ensure that Black crypto entrepreneurs have a leadership role.

Third, digital assets, if properly researched and attained, can help unlock innovative wealth advancement for millions of Black Americans. I am hopeful that our next president of the United States, Kamala Harris, will seize this moment with a bold vision and forward-looking public policies. "Crypto Black" will be good for Black America.

closely related documents. Mr. Trump says that Agenda 47 reflects his positions, and he tries to distance himself from Project 2025, although more than 100 of his allies, associates and former government appointees worked on it. If you read these documents carefully, you'll understand what's at stake. Law enforcement. The environment. Immigration. Elections. Consumer protection. Union rights. Wages. Vice President Kamala Harris has a distinctively different approach to policy and government than Mr. Trump. Are you willing to live in an oligarchy where one president has the unchecked authority to investigate, fire or prosecute? Are we willing to shrug off our freedoms for a narrow-minded, vituperative bigot? What's at stake? Our very freedoms. Staying home is not an option. VOTE!!!

happen arbitrarily. When any candidate running for office has dark motives behind their words and actions, it creates a feeling of distrust when the hidden motives are publicly revealed after they assume office. The distrust can turn citizens who are already doubtful and on the fence away from civic engagement and voting.

While President Joe Biden won the state of Michigan by 154,000 votes in 2020, future presidential elections in the battleground state are likely to be close as well. Therefore, in the chess match of presidential politics, it would not be surprising that Donald Trump planned his moves years ahead when he commuted Kilpatrick's sentence as one of his final acts as president. In June this year, Kilpatrick returned the favor and endorsed Trump in the 2024 presidential race. The Michigan Republican Party recently ran radio ads in Detroit using former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. The question remains: how many Black voters with loyalty to the charismatic Kilpatrick will choose a corrupt convicted felon to be the next president of our nation? WI

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be. Whatever the results are the day after Election Day, we will be convinced that we've seen a woman showing the world who deserved to win, who worked hardest. I pray it's obvious that Harris is the victor, while her opponent is still vowing that he wants to say and do whatever he wants about women, whether we like it or not. We can't say he didn't tell us that women should be punished for having control of our bodies and our lives. He wants to be our "protector" now as we look back at the vulgar things he has said and been convicted of doing to so many women.

— they are vibrant spaces where each child's culture, language and identity are celebrated. Teachers take the time to get to know each child's strengths, interests and challenges, crafting learning experiences that resonate with them personally.

In fact, Head Start staff members are trained to recognize and address implicit biases, so no child is unfairly limited by preconceived notions about their background. Through updated resources like the Multicultural Principles for Early Childhood Leaders, program staff members are equipped to create environments where diversity is not only acknowledged but embraced.

For children with disabilities, Head Start programs provide tailored support

JEALOUS from Page 31

gut bedrock environmental laws, endanger public health, open up federal lands and waters to further oil and gas leasing, and fast-track the review of proposed LNG export projects. It would be another big step in the wrong direction.

The second area in which the Biden-Harris administration needs to continue its historic leadership is in the protection of public lands. The administration's America the Beautiful initiative aims to protect and preserve at least 30% of our lands and waters by 2030. President Biden can go out with a bang by using the Antiquities Act to create several more national monuments. This administration's record in this area is stellar. The administration protected over 12.5 million acres of public lands just in 2023 alone.

Now President Biden has a chance to create a national monument at Sáttítla highlands in Northern Cal-

For those who didn't see and support the genius of Harris, I wonder if Trump even knows he was never fit to lead this nation. It was never more obvious who the superior candidate was for president. There were voters who didn't have the courage to support the very best candidate for the country they claim to love. I wonder if Trump was even capable of knowing some people voted for him only because they were intimidated by him while being embarrassed by his behavior. I wonder if he even knows he in no way came close to being the superior candidate in the race. That was always Kamala Harris. WI

such as visual aids and personalized learning tools that help them thrive alongside their peers. They ensure children get the aid and services they are entitled to under disability rights laws. Staff members make sure no one is left out by ensuring every child can fully participate, whether they have a formal diagnosis. Research has shown that inclusive classrooms lead to better outcomes for all.

Health Equity is a Critical Part of Belonging Health is a key part of a child's ability to learn and grow. Head Start programs make health services a central part of children's experiences. But here's the thing: not everyone has equal access to health care. That's why Head Start programs work hard to eliminate the barriers some families face. These barriers may include a lack of health insurance,

ifornia. The monument would protect over 206,000 acres of land that hosts unique ecosystems and has deep cultural importance to Indigenous tribes in the area. He should also create the Chuckwalla National Monument, which would protect roughly 660,000 acres of the California Desert south of Joshua Tree National Park. And, at long last, the president should designate the site of Black Wall Street in Tulsa, Okla., a national monument to recognize the Tulsa Race Massacre of 1921, one of our country's most horrific and largest incidents of racial violence.

The other action the administration should take to protect lands is to finalize protections, under the U.S. Forest Service, for America's remaining mature and old-growth forests. Mature trees are especially effective at removing carbon from the air and are one of Earth's most important natural defenses against the climate crisis.

Lastly, the Biden-Harris adminis-

I wonder if Trump was even capable of knowing some people voted for him only because they were intimidated by him while being embarrassed by his behavior.

language barriers or limited access to doctors.

Head Start health staff members partner with families to help them navigate these challenges, ensuring every child starts school healthy and ready to learn. Through nutrition programs, mental health services, preventive and follow-up care, and more, each Head Start program works to close health services gaps and promote equitable outcomes for children.

Partnering with Families for Lasting Change In Head Start programs, family is everything. Fundamental to the program is the belief that children thrive when families are fully engaged.