The Washington Informer - October 13, 2022

- A history lesson

Biden Pardons All Federal, D.C. Convictions for Simple Marijuana Possession

Thousands in the District and Across U.S. to Have Their Records Cleared

Reaction proved swift and mostly supportive to President Joe Biden’s October 6 announcement that he’s issuing full pardons for all federal offenses of simple marijuana possession.

Because D.C. does not have statehood rights, the pardon will apply to con victions under D.C. statute as well as federal convictions. The president vowed to encourage governors to take similar steps to pardon state simple marijuana possession charges.

“President Biden’s decision to pardon thousands of federal offenses is a second chance that countless have been waiting for,” said Dr. W. Franklyn Richardson,

Clock

Out for Candidates Vying for District’s

Two At-Large Council Seats

Appears to Be Front

James Wright WI Staff Writer

The race for two of the D.C. Council’s at-large seats in the Nov. 8 general election has generated increased interest and debate with three current councilmembers vying for the positions.

But many voters indicate that they remain uncertain of who they will chose when they go to the polls.

Elissa Silverman,” said Renee Bowser, a Ward 4 resident who

Students Launch Campaign for Higher

Youth Employment Wages

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This past summer, Marcus Williams and his brother Ger maine picked up trash, installed bird boxes and painted benches at Kingman Island near the shuttered RFK Stadium in Ward 7 as part of a job they secured through the Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program (MBSYEP).

For six weeks, the Williams brothers woke up early, made their daily commute and toiled in the sun for hours. While they considered the experience worthwhile and education al, they, and several of their peers, had qualms about their pay.

As 15-year-old youth, the two brothers were paid at a rate of $6.25 per hour with the ability to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Meanwhile, their peers between the ages

Kayla Benjamin and Stacy M. Brown WI Staff Writer, WI Senior Writer

5 Students from Howard University witness the power behind a new film about the life of Emmett Till. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer) See story on Page 30.

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Washington Informer

Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

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REPORTERS

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RICHARD ELLIOTT

County Executive Alsobrooks Extends Youth Curfew in Prince George’s

Citing successes in crime reduction, Prince George’s County Execu tive Angela Alsobrooks recently that the youth curfew will be extend ed until the end of the year.

According to police, carjackings dropped by 59%, shootings dropped 56%, overall crime dropped 20% and violent crime dropped by 38% during the curfew hours in the past 30 days. The month prior to the implementation of the curfew counted as one of the deadliest in Prince George’s history with 24 murders occurring in August.

Under the curfew, young people must be inside between the hours of 10 p.m. and 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and between 11:59 p.m. and 5 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Curfew violation is punishable by a written notice and warning for a first-time violation with penalties escalating to $50 for another offense, $100 for a next offense and $250 for subsequent offenses. Exceptions include youth with an adult, coming from a job, or other circumstances. Alsobrooks said there were only four curfew violations in the past month, all of which ended with a warning.

When this curfew was declared, members of activist groups such as the Prince George’s County Coa lition for Police Accountability and Concerned Citizens for Bail Reform along with the American Civil Liberties Union and the Public Defender’s Office opposed it.

During the press conference, Alsobrooks and Council Chairman Calvin Hawkins accused the State’s Attorney office and courts for failing to hold repeat offenders responsible, an opinion rejected by State’s Attorney Braveboy in a later press briefing where she specifically requested that Alsobrooks hold a stake holder’s meeting in advance of policy changes.

“Leadership is not about pointing fingers,” Braveboy said. “Leadership is about figuring out how we work with everyone to make the system better.” WI

Mayor Bowser Celebrates Official Completion of The Wharf

On October 12, Mayor Muriel Bowser, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) and teams from Hoffman Associates and Madison Marquette, celebrated the official completion of The Wharf. The second phase of the mile-long waterfront neighborhood on the Poto mac River will deliver near ly 3,000 additional jobs, more than 350 new homes and an additional 1.15 million square feet of mixed-use space including new restaurants, hotels, parks, a marina and office, residential and retail spaces. In 2017, Bowser cut the ribbon on the first phase of the project and returned in 2019 to kick off the beginning of the second phase. Others joining Bowser at the celebration included: Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton; Amer Hammour, exec utive chairman, Madison Marquette; Alan Fuerstman, founder/chairman/CEO, Montage International; and Monty Hoffman, founder/chairman, Hoffman & Asso ciates and managing director of The Wharf. WI

Mayor, City Council Proclamations Designate Till Trilogy Week in the District

Members of Congress, D.C. government officials, the family of the late Emmett Till and Mosaic Theater sup porters recently celebrated a special event. Mayor Mu riel Bowser awarded a proclamation to Mosaic and the City Council and Chairman Phil Mendelson formally named the second week of October (beginning Oct. 10 as “The Till Trilogy Week” in the District of Columbia. Ifa Bayeza, playwright of “The Till Trilogy,” received the proclamation on behalf of her landmark work.

Meanwhile, a citywide series of concerts, readings and panels will continue through November that will enable audiences to creatively engage with themes of justice and activism. WI

5 Playwright Ifa Bayeza holds a proclamation given by the DC City Council and Chairman Phil Mendelson designating the second week of October as The Till Trilogy Week. (Courtesy photo)

AROUND THE REGION

Deanwood Residents Share Frustrations on Long-standing Issues

Illegal Dumping and Vacant Houses Continue to Plague Community

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Dissatisfied with the way Dis trict government has responded to quality-of-life concerns that include illegal dumping and vacant housing and lots, residents of the Deanwood neighborhood in Ward 7 have com bined forces in efforts to secure an swers from city officials.

“This is our neighborhood,” said Charlene Pierce, a Deanwood res ident at a Oct. 7 community meet ing at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. “We love Deanwood. We want to make life better for ourselves and our neighbors. When we have complaints about something, we complain but we don’t get the same response that people who live in other wards do.”

Deanwood, located in North east bounded by Eastern Avenue to the northeast, Kenilworth Avenue to the northwest, Division Avenue on the southeast and Nannie Hel en Burroughs Avenue to the south, has a median price for a single-fam ily home at $395,000 according to Redfin.com. The average price of a one-bedroom apartment stands at $1,001, Apartments.com reported.

In contrast, the median listing of a house in the District hovers around $630,000 according to Realtor.com while the average rent for a one-bed room apartment stands at $2,335 ac cording to RentCafe.com. In 2018, Redfin listed Deanwood as one of the 10 hottest neighborhoods in the country.

Deanwood residents have repeat edly complained about the city’s lack of attention to the neighbor hood. Dorothy Douglas, an advisory neighborhood commissioner whose single-member district encompasses Deanwood, said District residents should receive the same level of ser vices no matter where they live.

“Our issues are the same as every one else’s,” Douglas said. “We should not let city officials use us. When projects are handed out, we get pen nies and crumbs while other neigh

borhoods get millions and billions of dollars. We should be treated the same as if we lived in Georgetown.”

The Washington Interfaith Net work (WIN), a citywide social service organization, has joined Deanwood residents in their quest for equity in receiving city services. The Rev. Ry ane Nickens, a WIN strategy team member, said Deanwood’s prolifera tion of vacant houses, vacant lots and abandoned cars and tires send a neg ative message to the rest of the city.

“It is as if we are the city’s trash can,” Nickens said. “We want to make Deanwood what it should be and not what they [people outside of Deanwood] want it to be until they occupy it. When people in this neighborhood have problems getting rid of trash, we need our government to respond to us the same way they respond to others.”

One community resident, Evelyn Davis, voiced similar concerns.

“I live near a house that has been vacant for almost 20 years,” she said of the shuttered dwelling located on the 4800 block of Jay Street, NE.

“Near me, there is a vacant lot that has rodents, trash and stolen cars on it. The person who owns the vacant lot needs to clean it up.”

Joyce Forrest said people have been struck by vehicles recently on her block. She also said cars can be found parked in alleys. Dwight Redd said trees near traffic signs remain ob structed by growing trees and plants.

The Reverend Freddie Davis, pas tor of Pilgrim Rest, said apartment dwellers across the street from the church use the church’s trash recepta cle because they don’t have one.

Saudia Jenkins, who works as a Ward 7 representative for the May or’s Office on Community Relations and Services, said residents should contact District government agencies when they’re having a problem with services. She advised residents to at tend their advisory neighborhood commission meetings where agency officials can often be found.

Jason Phillips, an account man

5 Illegal dumping is a huge concern for residents in Ward 7. (Courtesy photo)

ager with the former Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs, said his agency has become two en tities: the Department of Building and the Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection. He urged residents to continue to report prob lems until they’re either resolved or

adequately addressed. He said it’s not uncommon for vacant houses and lots to be owned by people who live in the neighborhood and added that sometimes residents have to play the role of “the bad man” and complain about issues.

Rev. Davis said Deanwood resi

dents will step up their advocacy for their neighborhood.

“We will seek to meet with our city officials on matters we are concerned about,” he said. “We are going to stay in Deanwood. We are not leaving.”

0CT. 13

1898 – Lawyer and judge Edith S. Sampson, the first Black U.S. delegate appointed to the United Nations, is born in Pittsburgh.

1902 – Harlem Renaissance-era writer and librarian Arna Bontemps is born in Alexandria, Louisiana.

1914 – Inventor Garrett A. Morgan receives patent for the gas mask.

1926 – Jesse L. Brown, the first African-American aviator in the U.S. Navy, is born in Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

1970 – Famed political activist Angela Davis is arrested in New York City and charged with unlawful flight to avoid persecution for her alleged role in a California courthouse shootout.

OCT. 14

1834 – Maryland-born Henry Blair patents the corn planter, becoming the second-ever African-American in ventor to receive a patent.

1919 – Famed Black activist Marcus Garvey is shot inside his Harlem office, wounded in his leg and scalp. He re covers, but his assailant, who claimed he was sent to shoot Garvey by the district attorney, died a day later after jump ing 30 feet from a jailhouse window.

1964 – Martin Luther King Jr. is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his nonviolent resistance to racial inequal ity in America.

OCT. 15

1883 – The Civil Rights Act of 1875 — which guaran teed African-Americans equal treatment in public accom

modations, public transportation and jury service — is ruled unconstitutional by the

Wyomia Tyus becomes the first person to win a gold medal in the 100-meter race in consecutive Olympic Games.

White abolitionist John Brown leads a raid on a federal armory in Harpers Ferry, Virginia, in an attempt to start an armed slave revolt. He is later tried, convicted and executed by hanging for his role.

African-American athletes Tommie Smith and John Carlos raise black-gloved fists during their medal ceremony at the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City.

1984 – Desmond Tutu is awarded the No bel Peace Prize for his ant-apartheid work in

The Million Man March, called by Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, is held on the National Mall in Washington,

Jupiter Hammon, the first African-Amer ican writer to be published in the present-day United States, is born in Long Island, New York.

1888 – Capital Savings Bank of Washington D.C. — one of the nation's first Black-owned banks — is opened.

1956 – Physician and astronaut Mae Jamison, the first African-American woman to travel in space, is born in Decatur, Alabama.

1969 – Clifton R. Wharton is elected president of Michigan State University, becoming the first Afri can-American president of a major U.S. university.

OCT. 18

1926 – Pioneering guitarist and rock 'n' roll icon Chuck Berry is born in St. Louis.

1948 – Poet and playwright Ntozake Shange, author of "For Colored Girls…," is born in Trenton, New Jer sey.

1951 – "Waiting to Exhale" author Terry McMillan is born in Port Huron, Michigan.

1968 – Athlete Bob Beamon sets the world record for the long jump — 29'2½" — a mark that would stand for decades.

OCT. 19

1936 – Johnnetta B. Cole, director of the Smithso nian National Museum of African Art and the first Af rican-American female president of Spelman College, is born in Jacksonville, Florida.

1944 – The U.S. Navy begins accepting Black women for military service.

1944 – Reggae music legend Peter Tosh is born in Grange Hill, Jamaica.

WI

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BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

AROUND

Quality

Home

Los Angeles Council

BIRDIE CHAPMAN /

HOUSTON, TEXAS

I am not surprised. I worked in this state, and it is wide spread! Power, majority race, and control bring it out! She and the others meant exactly what they said. They need to resign from the council! You are supposed to work for all the people, not just yours!

SONARISA JONES /

WASHINGTON, DC

Good riddance. Not punishment enough, though.

PHYLLIS SMITH /

CLEVELAND, OHIO

I’m not surprised — not at all. Nury Martinez is part of the newly formed “white Hispanic.” It was created to increase the rapidly decreasing white demographic. Congratulations to Martinez on her honorary white woman status!

RENEE ROBINSON /

GERMANTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA

It’s racism on both sides of the political divide. Sadly, the brown girl doesn’t recognize her roots.

CLAYTON CLEMMONS /

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA

Not surprised by this at all.

PROFESSIONAL INSTALLERS

The World According to Dominic

D. Kevin McNeir / WI Senior Editor

Technological Advances Can Be a Godsend or a Pain in the Butt

There’s an old adage that tells us you can count on two things in this world: death and taxes. But I would like to add one more ele ment to this saying: technological advances. Let me explain by re flecting on some of the changes in how we navigate the world and live our lives that I have experienced.

First, automobiles have become more sophisticated with internal systems that tell you if you’re too close to another vehicle, or if you’re about to hit a curb or a wall – even a pedestrian. So, you don’t need to learn how to look in your rear mir ror or pay attention as much as I did when I first learned to drive. I find that a bit disturbing. And while Harriett Tubman had to learn how to lead people from slavery to freedom by following the stars or feeling the moss which grew on trees, today we simply pull out our cell phones to tell us where we are or what directions we need to take to reach our desired destination. The problem, howev

er, remains, what happens when your cell phone or OnStar navi gator aren’t working or are out of power. Only a few of us know how to read a map – if you can find one, that is.

Speaking of cell phones, even my own children gasp when I re mind them that I grew up being required to memorize phone num bers and that we didn’t have an an swering machine. You had to write messages down. I was like a walk ing white pages – able to rattle off the numbers of some 30 or 40 family members and friends when ever my parents said, “What’s that phone number again?”

Today, our phones have the numbers in their memory banks. However, just say you lose your phone or for some reason, it doesn’t work. Do you still have that number stored somewhere else – perhaps, I hazard to say –written down in a phone book? What’s a phone book, some of you may be asking.

Revisiting the way we commu nicate with one another, I have to reiterate one of my least-favorite means of communication: texting. I do not like texts at all. But it isn’t because I can’t see their usefulness. After all, there are times when it’s more efficient to reply with a brief note or to send one when you’re unable to call the party in ques tion.

I detest texting because most people assume that you should re ply right away. They assume that you should and will answer them without hesitation or delay. I find that assumption to be insulting.

After all, do I look like I’m sitting in my rocking chair, doing noth ing, free as a bird, hoping to get a text so I can text the individual back?

I resent when people send a text and then send me a series of follow up messages that say some thing like this: “Are you there, are you there, are you there?” Yes, I’m

“there.” I’m just not available. I have to put on my reading glasses, then enter my security code, then read the note and then respond. Then, they text me back. So, I have to put on my reading glasses, then enter my security code, then read the note. And then they respond. And the vicious cycle continues.

I mean, when you send an email or leave a voice message, am I re quired to reply right away? I don’t think so. What gives a text greater importance? I fail to understand.

Finally, there’s the Smart TV. I have a curved, big screen col or television that I bought about five years ago for my mother. As she struggled with dementia, the larger screen, the more vivid colors and the enhanced sound system really helped her enjoy watching television. In fact, she was almost captivated.

But when I was a little boy, col or televisions were just becoming available to consumers. Our first color TV was a huge, ugly box that took up so much space in our liv ing room that you couldn’t miss it.

Not to be outdone, one day some friends of my parents called and invited us to stop by to see their new color television.

Over the river and through the woods we went across the westside of Detroit to see what wonderful new addition the Davis family had made in their home. To my surprise, they still had a black and white TV. But to add “color,” they had placed strips of crepe paper across the screen in various colors – creating, if you will, their own “color TV.”

My father laughed for so long, that his friends, Steve and Bernice Davis, asked him to leave. We didn’t leave but I sure wanted to. After all, we had a real color TV back home.

It’s funny how technological ad vances can both enhance our lives and be a pain in the behind.

I’m just saying! WI

Min. Louis Farrakhan Visits Grave of Marion Barry to Offer Thanks

D.R. Barnes WI Staff Writer

Nation of Islam Leader Minister Louis Farrakhan recently joined Cora Masters Barry at Congres sional Cemetery in Southeast for an intimate Sunday morning cer emony to honor her late husband, former D.C. Mayor Marion Barry.

Several dozen guests also at tended and were seated near the dark gray granite headstone which marked the graves of Barry and his son, Christopher Barry. The event was not held to recognize Barry’s birthday on March 9, nor the day he died on November 23, 2014. During Min. Farrakhan’s remarks, he said he came to honor Barry and his wife for them helping to make the historic Million Man March, held on October 16, 1995, possible.

Before Farrakhan spoke, Andy Shallal, owner of Busboys and Poets, addressed the attendees. A member of the Marion Barry Leg acy Foundation, Shallal reminisced about Barry’s iconic Summer Youth Employment Program that “continues to provide much-need ed paid jobs for youth in this city,” adding that his daughter counts as a beneficiary of the program.

“Marion Barry helped develop a thriving Black middle class,” Shal

lal continued. “He provided good paying jobs for people in govern ment and he expanded opportuni ties for contracts for Black-owned businesses.”

Barry’s “constant admonish ment,” Shallal said, led him to open the seventh location of Bus boys and Poets on Martin Luther King Avenue, S.E., in Ward 8.

“His insistence and encour agement to open at that location stand as a testament to the vibran cy of this Ward,” Shallal said.

Cora Barry appeared humbled by Min. Farrakhan’s request to visit Barry’s statue in front of the John H. Wilson Building on Pennsylva nia Avenue, N.W. Instead, the visit occurred at Barry’s grave on what she described as a day of “love, re spect and admiration.”

She reflected on her husband’s relationship with Min. Farrakhan, which deepened following Barry’s arrest and conviction for posses sion of cocaine. Barry served six months in prison and while there, Farrakhan spoke to him by phone and offered words of encourage ment.

Mrs. Barry played a tape record ing of a conversation Barry held with Min. Farrakhan while in pris on, in which he told him, “If you had to choose a place to be, you

5 The Honorable Minister Louis Farrakhan visited the gravesite of former D.C. Marion S. Barry Sr. on Sept. 18 at Congressional Cemetery and shared words of encouragement. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

struggle on the stairs?

Wanda Lockridge, Austin Cooper Jr., His Majesty Ambassador Dr Denis Atchade Assongba, president of the Benin Alliance, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White, Denise Rolark Barnes and Ada Anagho Bro, president, Roots to Glory Tours, at a movie theater in Northwest after enjoying "Woman King" and a short panel discussion on Oct. 8. (Photo courtesy/ DR Barnes)

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“I knew that I could talk for the rest of my life about what had happened to my baby. I could explain it in detail. I could describe what I saw laid out on that slab . . . and people still would not get the full impact . . . They had to see what

I had seen. The whole nation had to bear witness.”

– Mamie Till-Mobley

“Death of Innocence” [2003] on the murder of her son, Emmett Till

Who’s Reading the Informer?

His Majesty Ambassador Dr. Denis Atchade Assongba, president of the Benin Alli ance, reads the Washington Informer. (Shevry Lassiter/ The Washington Informer)

D.C. Council Reviews Bill Addressing Senior Hunger

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Hunger and food insecurity among senior citizens has emerged as an is sue in the District and D.C. Coun cilmember Anita Bonds has sponsored legislation to address the problem.

On Sept. 19, Bonds, along with Councilmembers Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Vincent C. Gray (D-Ward 7), introduced the Senior Nutrition and Well Being Equity Amendment Act of 2022.

The bill would amend the Dis trict of Columbia Act on the Aging Amendment of 1988 by mandating the Department of Aging and Com munity Living (DACL) to improve the implementation of nutrition and overall senior well-being program ming and to seek ways to improve the quality of life for seniors, according to a letter from Bonds to the secretary of council.

Bonds has sponsored her legislation as the National Foundation to End Senior Hunger reported the city has nearly 120,000 seniors who currently face food insecurity. The Foundation said D.C., at 20.1%, has the high est rate of seniors facing the threat of hunger in the nation. In addition, the District has one of the highest rates of seniors living in poverty when com pared with other states.

More than 15,000 seniors, about 15% of older District residents, now live in poverty while thousands more

struggle to cover housing and medical costs and to pay for food on a fixed in come, the Foundation reported.

Bonds’ bill also includes requiring DACL to distribute routine mailers and to establish an advisory task force that would provide recommendations to the department on how to better address the nutritional needs of se niors. Bonds noted that senior hunger increased during the pandemic large ly due to physical isolation. She said her bill would provide clarity to the DACL regarding senior hunger.

“In October 2021, a No Senior Hungry Omnibus bill was introduced that required several District agencies to implement various aspects of the

[District of Columbia Act on Aging]

legislation,” Bonds said. “However, because of its complexity and chal lenges in obtaining a fiscal impact, this new legislation aims to address the needs of the senior community relat ing to hunger and overall well-being by tasking the department to make improvements through collaborative and data-driven methods.”

Councilmember Christina Hen derson (I-At Large) said she recognizes the significance of Bonds’ bill.

“It is incredibly important that our seniors are taken care of,” Henderson said. “Seniors are affected by high in flation and high prices. This is why I have legislation raising the benefits for SNAP recipients in the city. We must do everything we can to help our se niors and that includes supporting aging in place.”

LaMonika Jones, an anti-hunger program analyst for the Food Research & Action Center, said food insecuri ty for District seniors exist for several reasons.

“Many seniors have problems with transportation, getting to full-service grocery stores,” Jones said. “A lot of se niors live in neighborhoods that don’t have access to nutritious food markets. Some seniors live in isolation from their neighbors. The Senior Nutrition Act would make sure seniors have the tools they need to go shopping, help with meal preparation and make sure that no one goes hungry.”

“In October 2021, a No Senior Hungry Omnibus bill was introduced that required several District agencies to implement various aspects of the [District of Columbia Act on Aging] legislation.”

has been introduced to improve the quality of life for the elderly in the District of Columbia. (WI File Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Maryland Gubernatorial Nominees Square Off

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Maryland’s gubernatorial nomi nees, Wes Moore (D) and Dan Cox (R) faced one another on Oct. 12 in their first general election debate, presented on Maryland Public Tele vision (MPT).

Both candidates met the qual ifying criteria including receiving 10% or more of the vote in a non partisan poll. Polling has shown that the major issues on the minds of voters include the economy and taxes, threats to democracy and crime.

The debate served to be the only one of this election cycle.

The campaign of Wes Moore de clined to appear in a FOX 5 debate

in late September, saying it did not want to give Cox a platform to am plify his far-right views including his presence on January 6 during the insurrection and his opposition to vaccines.

The first MPT debate of this cy cle, held during the primary elec tion race on June 6, featured eight of the 10 active candidates for governor. At least 117,000 viewers watched the MPT debate between Republican Governor Larry Ho gan and Democratic nominee Ben Jealous in 2018, and at least 99,000 viewers watched the 2014 general election debate between then-Lieu tenant Governor Anthony Brown and Republican nominee Larry Hogan.

Recent polling has Wes Moore

5 Democratic nominee for Maryland Governor, Wes Moore (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

with a 32 point lead, more than double Cox’s polling numbers. At last report, Moore also held a 10to-1 fundraising advantage.

Vote by mail ballots have already been sent to voters with early voting being held from Oct. 27 to Nov. 3. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 8. Following a recent court ruling, mailed ballots will be counted be fore Election Day. WI

210 Safety Coalition Celebrates a Victory

ARETHA

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Route 210, running from Indian Head north to Forest

Heights and into Washington D.C., holds a notorious reputation. Coun ty Executive Alsobrooks labeled 210 as “a death trap” in a 2019 press brief ing, and state transportation officials

estimate over 80 traffic fatalities in the hundreds of accidents that have occured on 210 since 2007.

The MD 210 Traffic Safety Com mittee has been working since 2017 with local elected officials, the Prince George’s County Police Depart ment, and the Maryland State Highway Admin istration to address safety concerns on Route 210 and through the efforts of the Committee and a host of sup port from a wide range of groups and individuals, three speed camer as and several im provements were

Both candidates met the qualifying criteria including receiving 10% or more of the vote in a nonpartisan poll. Polling has shown that the major issues on the minds of voters include the economy and taxes, threats to democracy and crime.

made on Route 210 in 2019.

Tamara Davis Brown, Reverend Dr. Robert L. Screen, Pastor Steph anie Bynum, all members of the Traffic Safety Committee, gathered this weekend with Senator Obie Patterson, Delegate Kris Valderrama, Council Chairman Calvin Hawkins, Deputy Chief Administrator Floyd Holt, and leaders from Fort Wash ington and Accokeek to cut the rib bon on the recently completed Inter change Project.

The newly-completed Interchange Project replaces an intersection of 210 at Kerby Hill Road and Living ston Road with an interchange and access ramps that improve safety, mobility and alleviate travel conges tion by controlling merging traffic onto MD 210, both northbound and southbound. The Maryland State Highway Administration re moved two traffic signals, one at Wilson Bridge Drive and the other

at the intersection of Kerby Hill and Livingston roads. SHA also installed new traffic signals on the overpass.

Other enhancements to improve safety and traffic management on 210 include aligning Kerby Hill Road, new outside shoulders and a new service road parallel to south bound MD 210 that will serve area residents and transit. SHA also will remove the median crossover south of Alcoa Drive and build a rightin/right-out turn movement con necting to the northbound MD 210 service road.

When Traffic Safety Committee member Tamara Davis Brown was asked what her future goals for the coalition are, she said “renewing the speed camera legislation, increasing the fine for excessive speeders and repeat offenders, increasing the number of cameras, and additional funding for more improvements”.

WI

5 Prince George’s County MD 210 traffic committee cut the ribbon for a new interchange project that is expect ed to improve safety and reduce roadway-related deaths. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

Prince George’s Goes Pink For Breast Cancer Awareness

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Prince George’s County Exec utive Angela Alsobrooks held a press conference on Oct. 7 outside of Cherry Blossom Intimates, a local business operated by Jasmine Jones and Dr. Regina Hamilton in Woodmore Town Center, to an nounce the launch of the Prince George’s Goes Pink Initiative in recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The initiative seeks to raise awareness of the dangers of breast cancer and of programs and re sources available for those impact ed by the disease.

After losing her grandmother to cancer, Jones has made it her life’s mission to bring a positive impact to women who face breast cancer. Jones, the CEO of Cher ry Blossom Intimates, noted that breast cancer will affect 13% of women in America during their lifetime. In addition, she asserted

that breast cancer remains more prevalent in Prince George’s than in the U.S. as a whole.

“Bringing something that brought survivor’s dignity, in my hometown, has been very import ant to me,” she said.

She recommended that Black women get mammograms by age 40 but noted that self-checks count equally as important for early detection of potential issues. Details on how to do a self-check can be found on the Cherry Blos soms Intimates website. Myya. Com provides telehealth and vir tual consultation to ensure that women across the country have access to resources and support, much of which is covered by in surance that’s handled in-house.

One example of greater support for breast cancer survivors includes their now being guaranteed life time coverage for some expenses under the Congressional Women’s Health and Patient Rights Act of 1998 which helps protect wom

en from excessively large medical bills.

When asked what lawmakers can do, she said they should ampli fy the message of the resources and programming in Prince George’s.

“Even some of our consumers are unaware of the resources and programs available,” she said. “We have helped over 13,000 custom ers at this point, nearly 4,000 of whom have been breast cancer sur

vivors. If you know of a survivor, please share our story with them and we’ll take it from there. We will love them as though they were our own family.”

Justin

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

For the past four years, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax said his accusers avoided inves tigations into their sordid claims – accusations that forced him, his wife and their children to live with the indignity of him being labeled a sex offender.

With an active FBI investiga tion into Old Dominion polit ical figures that has reportedly uncovered nefarious payouts by Fairfax’s rivals to the women, the one-time and would-be governor believes his name has finally been cleared.

“There are some real truth-tell ers who cut through the political sensationalism and what is the truth,” Fairfax said. “I would be the only African-American gov ernor in the United States today had it not been for what now ap pears to be false allegations.”

5 A gathering hosted by the County Executive to announce the Prince George’s County Goes Pink Initiative. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

bers of the U.S. House called on governors, lieutenant governors and legislators in 18 states to address in equitable funding for HBCUs in the land-grant university system. Estab lished throughout the 19th and 20th centuries under the Morrill Act, land grants facilitated the creation of col leges, including FAMU, that taught agriculture and mechanics.

within the next five years. It referenc es the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment and United States v. For dice, a 1992 court case that mandated affirmative action at eight racially-seg regated universities in Mississippi.

FAMU Students Sue Florida for Disparate Funding

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Three years ago, Nyabi Stevens fol lowed in her grandparents’ footsteps when she matriculated to Florida Ag ricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU) to pursue psychology and African-American studies.

The Tallahassee native has since maintained a full course load while tutoring elementary school students and joining the psychology club, the National Society of Collegiate Schol ars and the Association of Black Psy chologists.

As a testament to her HBCU pride and evolving Black consciousness, Stevens most recently became one of six plaintiffs in a class-action lawsuit against the state of Florida for an al leged failure to provide FAMU finan cial support equal to that of the state’s traditionally-white institutions.

Though she expressed excitement about her FAMU experience, Ste vens lamented seeing her campus relegated to one community in Talla hassee while Florida State University (FSU) continues to expand. She also recounted instances when one of her professors delayed class by 10 minutes to boot up a computer that had been in the classroom since the professor’s days as a FAMU student.

“We’ve been having to work with what we have. I’m not going against my school or anything but that’s what we’ve always had to do,” said Stevens, a Fort Lauderdale native.

“By being on this case, we’re work ing on getting our people more than the bare minimum,” Stevens added. “FAMU doesn’t get the amount of recognition that FSU receives. That’s because of the visuals and aesthetics that can be seen.”

In February, six Democratic mem

This call by Democrats came months after the state of Maryland allocated $577 million over a decade as part of a settlement in a federal lawsuit levied by HBCU alumni. Funding started in the new fiscal year with $16.8 million going to Bowie State University, $9 million going to Coppin State University, $24 million to Morgan State University and $9.7 million going to University of Mary land Eastern Shore.

In the FAMU lawsuit, other plaintiffs include Britney Denton, Deidrick Dansby, Fayerachel Peter son, Alexander Harris, and a FAMU student who used the pseudonym of John Doe.

These undergraduate and graduate students alleged that the state of Flor ida, the Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida, and Marshall M. Criser III, chancel lor of the State University System of Florida didn’t provide adequate fund ing and support to FAMU as required by the U.S. Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.

The lawsuit demands that the state of Florida establish parity in funding between HBCUs and tradi tionally-white institutions in Florida

The Board of Governors for the State University System of Florida didn’t respond to The Informer’s in quiry about the class-action lawsuit.

Bobby Brown, an attorney rep resenting the six plaintiffs, said dis parate funding has taken place for several decades. Tactics, as outlined in the lawsuit, include duplication of FAMU academic programs at tradi tionally-white institutions, denial of funding for capital enhancements and a failure to assist in student retention.

These count as part of what Brown described as a concoction that’s de jure segregation, or purposeful segregation by the government. He said Florida’s failure to provide equal funding and support to HBCUs has created an atmosphere where students have be come emboldened to fight against racial injustice.

“Imagine what they can do with more, especially when it’s due to them from the state,” Brown said. “It makes you stand up and do something about it. The students are part of a movement. This generation won’t al low things they feel are out of bounds without putting up a fight. They’re the type of clients we want to right this wrong that has happened for too long.”

WI @SamPKCollins

OF

5 Britney Denton, one of six FAMU students who filed a class-action lawsuit against the state of Florida. (Courtesy photo)

Harris Touts Plan to Support Black-owned Businesses

D.C. Community Praises Biden Administration’s Efforts

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Vice President Kamala Harris’s speech promoting the Biden-Harris Administration’s program to support community banks and financial in stitutions has resonated with Black business leaders in the District. Har ris spoke during the Freedman’s Bank Forum at the U.S. Treasury Depart ment on Oct. 4.

The Forum included a series of panels of government officials, non profit leaders and entrepreneurs who promote the viability of small and minority-owned businesses.

The bank, founded in D.C. in 1865, would be guided by the mis sion to help Blacks become finan cially secure. But as Harris noted, it folded after nine years due to an economic downturn and “because of the organized assault on the project of Reconstruction.” She said 60,000 people lost their savings because of its closure.

Harris made her comments in light of a shaky economy with surging costs impacting consumers. While a Feb. 22 article on census.gov pointed to an 8% hike in Black-owned busi nesses from 2018 to 2019, Harris ac knowledged that people of color still haven’t had the chance to economi cally prosper.

“Black entrepreneurs are three times more likely to report they did not apply for a loan for fear of being turned away by a bank—often, an ecdotally, because they heard about that experience from friends and rela tives,” Harris said.

Harris said to counter the dis criminatory practices, she, as a U.S. senator, supported a $12 billion in vestment program in community lenders, financial institutions which mainly do business in minority com munities. She said the administration has distributed more than $8 billion of that investment program.

The vice president also spoke about the value of public-private partner ships in promoting business equity.

“We must do more to combine the expertise and the experience of the

private sector with the reach and the scale that only the government can provide,” she said.

Harris talked about the Economic Opportunity Coalition which con sists of over 20 private sector orga nizations including tech companies, philanthropies and some of the larg est consumer banks and investment firms. She said the coalition has com mitted more than $1 billion to com munity banks that serve minority communities.

Anwar Saleem, the executive di rector of H Street Main Street, Inc., said he’s encouraged by the vice pres ident’s speech and its focus.

“The speech was right on point,” Saleem said. “It is a matter of equity. We need programs that are geared to ward small businesses. Small business tends to pay taxes more often than corporations. Many corporations write off their taxes.”

Saleem said Biden’s plan may ben efit the District because some vacant

October is Estate Planning Awareness Month

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

October is indeed Estate Planning Awareness month. It is the month that we underscore the importance and the impact of completing an estate plan. Our firm spends each day of each week in the month extoling the value of making a plan that will propel the next and the next generation to greater financial strength

Yet, I will not lose this opportunity to reiterate the import. I am always excited when we build relationships across generations that are committed to not take for granted the goals and objectives to build. It is a blessing to be a part of the reck oning and stabilization of heir property that has meant a great deal to ancestors.

As Black people we must acknowledge the institutional racism that has and continues to oppress our economic reality to perpetuate the racial wealth gap. We must continue to attack the systems of racism that exist, be they covert or over and fight for equity.

In addition, we must be thoughtful about the opportunities and strategies that we can implement to build our net worth while transferring that gain from generation to generation. As an estate planning attorney individuals and families share the intimate details of their financial strategies.

Statistics show that only 30% of Black families have an estate plan. The other 70% are dependent upon the state, commonwealth or the district to determine who gets what we leave behind while paying them to make those decisions.

Estate planning provides the opportunity to consider the options and opportunities to invest in your life and your loved ones financially. The opportunity to create an estate plan is the opportunity to build a vision for our loved ones that is supportive of your values and the care and consideration of the people that you leave behind.

As an attorney that manages the administration of many estates that have not been planned, it has been distressing that many families end up expending great resources and devolve into litigation that destroys many families. The financial loss is significant, but it does not compare to the emotion loss when a family because as is torn apart a result of the distribution of assets.

Estate planning is an opportunity to give a lasting gift to those who you have loved during your lifetime or those who serve in a class that you would like to bless. Oseola McCarty is a personal shero who lived her life serving. She did not make a great deal of money as a laundress but was thoughtful about leaving a legacy beyond herself. She did not have any biological children, but she had a commitment to leave a legacy to a community of children. With the guidance of an estate planning attorney and a financial advisor she was able to leave a significant inheritance ($150,000) to the University of Southern Mississippi for “colored children who couldn’t afford college”. (She also was a blessing to her family and her church.) Her legacy is based upon her willingness to think beyond her life and to create a legacy for those she didn’t even know.

We have an opportunity to change lives if we plan. Do not let another October pass by without making the commitment to build a legacy for the future. Do not allow a governmental formula to determine who will be the recipient of your precious possessions. Be assured that you can make a better decision for the people you love. Invest in your loved ones with your vision for the greater legacy. We will be glad to stand with you on this journey.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.,

The Griffin Firm, PLLC

http://yourestateplanningattorney.com (855) 574-8481

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015

4041 Powder Mill Drive Suite 215 Beltsville MD 20705

100 International Drive 23rd Floor Baltimore MD 21202

4601 N. Fairfax Dr., Suite 1200 Arlington, VA 22203

buildings could be occupied by en trepreneurs of color. The capital sup ported by the Biden administration could also benefit those who want to start businesses, Saleem said.

“You have a lot of creativity in Wards 7 and 8 but they don’t have the capital to build their dream busi nesses,” he said.

Al Swailes, owner of A & A Premi um Paint Distributor in Northeast,

had long advocated for D.C. govern ment to allocate more contracts to Black businesses. He said the Biden Administration’s programs “are help ful” and community banks represent a good place for novice entrepreneurs to seek capital as opposed to more traditional lenders.

“Community banks will help Black businesses get off their feet quicker than a traditional bank,” he

said. “With commercial lenders, you have to show them how you will pay back the loan. Plus, commercial lend ers will determine whether they give you money based on your personal credit and not business credit. You often have to pay firms such as Dun & Bradstreet hundreds of dollars for your business credit and not many Black businesses can do that.”WI

5 Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the U.S. Treasury Department build ing on Oct. 4. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

NATIONAL

FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks Leading Assault against Digital Redlining Remains Committed to Ensuring Access to Black and Brown Communities

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The digital divide and digital redlining, zone casting and overall access to the internet for Black and brown communities top the agenda of Federal Communications Com missioner Geoffrey Starks.

With three Democrats and two

Republicans, the Federal Com munications Commission (FCC) counts as an independent govern ment agency overseen by Congress. Its chief responsibility begins with implementing and enforcing the na tion’s laws and regulations surround ing communications. In addition, the body regulates interstate and international communications by

radio, television, wire, satellite and cable.

Starks, who will soon mark five years at the FCC, believes commu nications technology has the poten tial to be one of the world’s most potent forces in promoting equality and opportunity.

“To unlock that potential, howev er, all Americans must have access,” Starks said during an appearance on

the National Newspaper Publish ers Association’s live morning news broadcast, Let It Be Known.

“What we regulate is the infra structure of the internet – the pipe line,” he said, noting further that the FCC protects consumers and pro motes universal service.

“We’ve been talking about the dig ital divide for over 30 years,” Starks said. “It’s no longer just the digital

Actress, Director LisaRaye McCoy Talks Breast Cancer and BET Film, ‘The Pink Fight’

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In 2022, the American Can cer Society (ACS) estimates that health professionals will diag nose more than 287,850 new cases of invasive breast cancer and 51,400 new cases of ductal carcinoma in situ/stage 0 breast cancer in women in the U.S.

And while there’s been an overall 43% decline in breast cancer deaths over the last three decades – due to gains in aware ness, early diagnosis and treat ment – a persistent mortality gap remains between Black and white women.

Succinctly, African-American women have a 31% breast can cer mortality rate.

In response, BET HER an

nounced, earlier this year, four original 20-minute dramas to premiere during Minority Mental Health Month (July) and Breast Cancer Awareness Month (Octo ber).

The short films celebrate the stories of Black women – written, directed and produced by Black women – that bring awareness to issues directly affecting the Black community.

Actresses Meagan Good, Natu ri Naughton, Tichina Arnold and LisaRaye McCoy serve as invited directors.

boxer diagnosed with breast can cer.

The film follows Tomeka, played by boxing champion Claressa Shields, as she and her wife fight for survival after a devastating breast cancer diag nosis.

“Breast cancer has attacked my family. Some have survived and some have not,” McCoy said. “I was an ambassador for Susan B. Komen and ran my first 5K race with them. I didn’t want to be one of those public figures who cut the ribbon and be off. There was a joy that I got when I crossed the finish line that I wouldn’t have got ten if I didn’t par ticipate. You have

For McCoy, who slayed in films like “The Player’s Club,” “The Wood” and “Twice Bitten,” her behind-the-camera directorial skills shined on Oct. 6 with the premiere of “The Pink Fight,” a captivating film about a female LISARAYE

divide – these are issues of equity, fundamental issues of fairness about who’s connected and who’s not.”

Starks said he’s focused on the data that shows a disproportionately high number of Black and brown indi viduals who remain disconnected on the affordability issue.

“The good news is that Congress has heeded that call and we now have over $14 billion [to help] those with low income, those on SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and public housing,” he said. “So, if you are [in those catego ries], we will help you get connected to the internet free. We’ve got to do better and ensure our brothers and sisters are connected. This helps with job opportunities, telemedicine and telehealth. There are so many reasons we have to do so, and I’m passionate about this.”

Earlier this year, the FCC launched a task force to target digital discrimination and “digital redlin ing.”

Commissioners noted that every one, regardless of where they live and who they are, needs access to com plete high-speed broadband services for 21st-century success.

“Where broadband networks get built shouldn’t be determined by the income, race, ethnicity, or religion of the communities they will serve,” of ficials noted in a release.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requires the FCC to create rules and policies to address digital discrimination and redlining to promote equal access.

“The task force was part of the Infrastructure Law,” Starks said. “I’ve seen digital discrimination first hand in my travels. So we’re taking a hard look to ensure digital equity throughout the country. That’s the chief goal.”

Starks also addressed ZoneCast ing, the FCC rule that allows stations to broadcast geo-targeted content for five minutes or less each hour.

“ZoneCasting is a new technology that’s before me as a commissioner. It’s the ability to use boosting to ad vertise better locally,” Starks said.

“I have been honored to hear from the National Association of Black Owned Broadcasters and so many of their colleagues who have made clear that this makes sense for small Black and brown radio stations. I’m work ing with my colleagues to make sure they know and recognize the value of increasing the ability of small Black and brown radio stations to have hy per-local advertising,” he said.

5 FCC Commissioner Geoffrey Starks is one of three Democrats in the Congress-controlled agency. (FCC official photo)

FAIRFAX from Page 13 said Journalist Lauren Burke who worked on Fairfax’s campaign.

Black males being falsely accused. Once people find out that it’s not true, it’s extremely difficult to get the politicians and the journalists to admit they were wrong,” he said.

In 2019, during the Virgin ia gubernatorial campaign, two women alleged that Fairfax sex ually assaulted them. The allega tions suspiciously arrived when racist photos of then-Gov. Ralph Northam, seeking reelection in the race against Fairfax, surfaced.

Old photos showed Northam in blackface or wearing Ku Klux Klan garb.

“Within three minutes, Terry McAuliffe called for me to resign as lieutenant governor,” Fairfax noted. “Talk about due process. There was a retroactive fabrica tion and so many people connect ed to this.

The scandals involving Northam and Fairfax paved the way for McAuliffe to run for gov ernor who lost to Glenn Youn gkin in the 2021 race.

“Terry ran again and so many involved need to be held account able. This smear campaign has been going on for nearly four years,” Fairfax said. “It’s really cruel what’s been done.”

Fairfax has maintained his in nocence and repeatedly called for a criminal investigation.

He filed a defamation lawsuit against CBS News for the net work’s interviews with his accus ers, Vanessa Tyson and Meredith Wilson.

Though a judge ultimately threw out the suit, Fairfax noted numerous inconsistencies. For ex ample, he has alleged that McAu liffe and Richmond, Virginia Mayor Levar Stoney were chiefly responsible for orchestrating his demise.

Reportedly, investigators are homing in on Stoney and McAu liffe, both rivals of Fairfax.

“Had Fairfax ascended to gover nor in 2019, replacing Northam, he would have been the prohib itive favorite for the nomination in 2021, cutting out McAuliffe and Stoney,” political writers for The Intercept determined.

“One of the things liars tend to do is change or modify their stories and Justin never changed,”

“The other thing you don’t see is someone in trouble asking for police involvement. That never happens.”

“Anyone sitting with the FBI with no attorney present stands out. It also stands out that the people making the allegations disappear when prosecutors get involved. Then the FBI gets in volved and one of the attorneys for the accuser gets angry. If your client is the victim of a crime, you should want law enforce ment involved,” Burke said.

Now Burke, who championed and stood by Fairfax from the beginning, finally has company.

Sophia Nelson, a journalist and former House Republican Con gressional Committee counsel, wrote an editorial this month apologizing to Fairfax.

Nelson acknowledged Fairfax as a “young, well-educated Black man with a lovely wife and beau tiful children, all by his late 30s.”

“A former federal prosecu tor with a spotless personal and ethical record and a great future ahead. Until the bottom fell out,” Nelson wrote. “He became a tar get for the #MeToo movement. But evidence recently emerged that Fairfax might have been the victim of a coordinated smear campaign.”

“Thankfully, I was among the journalists who reviewed the new information and I was stunned by what I learned. As a Black woman who was a victim of sexual assault as a young girl, I had immediate empathy for the women who ac cused Fairfax. After all, we should believe women when they share their stories. Right? Of course, but looking back now at how hard I was on Fairfax, I think I was wrong. I think we all were.”

Fairfax said he’s grateful to Nelson, Roland Martin and the Black Press for not rushing to judgment.

“I’m very grateful to Sophia and I thanked her for her cour age, integrity and willingness to tell the truth, which has been missing for three and a half years,” Fairfax said. “This will come down in history as one of the greatest scandals in politics in the history of Virginia and our nation.” WI

The Future Depends on Us

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

dcpluginfo.com for more information.

Stay

Laying the groundwork for a brighter and cleaner tomorrow

walk the walk.”

In “The Pink Fight,” McCoy did just that, helping to bring to the screen the rollercoaster of emotions that come with a breast cancer diagnosis.

“I am absolutely proud to have taken this opportunity,” said the actress who described herself as very strict behind the camera.

“My reputation is that I don’t take no stuff,” McCoy said while admitting that she tends to be a bit of a jokester.

“I began to realize that I had value coming from in front of the screen – I know how it is to have to muster emotions that may not be there be cause you may not have experienced this in your life,” she said.

“I will say that my lead actress, Clarissa Shields, is a powerhouse. She’s a professional boxer and the only male or female boxer to

hold four major world champion ships,” she said. “Clarissa wanted to get her feet wet as an actress and she was a little nervous about the emotional part but that’s the part she did best.”

McCoy said she hopes the film will inspire Black women and those who support them not to take any potential health prob lems for granted.

“As strong as people want to portray Black women, we are still girls,” McCoy insisted.

“We’re still daddy’s girls and momma’s babies. A lot of time we get afraid to go to the doctor and when you don’t have good insur ance and you feel they’re not go ing to pay for this and you don’t have symptoms, then you say, ‘I’m ok.’”

That’s where self-examination counts as crucial, McCoy stated.

“I was paranoid,” she declared.

WI

FARRAKHAN

would not choose where you are, but according to the Quran, hell is a form of purification.”

Min. Farrakhan told Barry, “You have been through so much over the last two years and to end up in carcerated, if only for six months, it will work for you; it will give you time to think. It is preparing you to serve greater on your emergence from hell.”

For this reason, Mrs. Barry said her husband would not sever his relationship with Min. Farrakhan, despite calls from so many for him to do so.

She recalled Barry telling a group of supporters, “When I was arrested, he [Min. Farrakhan] called; he offered ministry and love. When I was in court, he came and they turned him away. He appealed it and sat in my trial. When I went to jail, he called, vis

ited and offered his support for my family and me. And when I came out, he embraced my family and me and lifted us. And, you want me to turn my back on my brother who loved me through everything

She recalled Barry telling a group of supporters, “When I was arrested, he [Min. Farrakhan] called; he offered ministry and love. When I was in court, he came and they turned him away.

and for you, who wished me noth ing but bad things?” Cora recalled Barry saying.

She then turned to Farrakhan and said, “We love you more than you love us.”

Farrakhan, 89, said he makes it a custom to visit the graves of the ones who served the people of a country.

‘I came here today to honor a man who helped give us the great est day in our history of struggle in America – the Million Man March,” he said. “He [Barry] opened every door, turned every key and he and his wife made it possible for us to bring a million people, maybe two million, to Washington, DC.”

Min. Farrakhan added, “We were displeased with our govern ment but we didn’t come to trou ble government; we came to trou ble God because he is the master of it all.” WI

Greater Washington Region

Walk

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a Prompt for Black Women to Take Control of their Health

Submitted by Amerigroup Maryland

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and efforts have been launched across the state to spread information about the disease as well as to encourage action, such as screenings for early detection and saving lives. Breast cancer awareness is especially im portant for Black women because Black women are twice as likely to be diagnosed with aggressive forms of breast cancer. They are also 30 percent more likely to die from tumors due to lower rates of surgery and chemotherapy. Additionally, Black women are less likely than other groups of women to use healthcare services, despite an equal or greater need.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month should be a prompt for Black women to take action and change these disparities, but many women do not know where to start. What they may not know is that they can access mammograms and breast exams at little or no cost, regardless of if they have health insurance. Free screening events tend to pop up more often during Breast Can cer Awareness Month, and there screening opportunities through out the year that have been made available through government programs and nonprofits. There are mobile mammography units that travel to communities, and public health clinics that are avail able across the entire state to pro vide various types of cancer and preventative screenings – as well as follow-up appointments. Also, organizations such as Susan G. Komen and the American Cancer Society can assist with finding re sources that are accessible and af fordable. Amerigroup also makes it simple to find these clinics, pro viders and support organizations. Simply visit Amerigroup’s Com munity Resource Link and search

for ‘breast cancer screening’: https:// amerigroup.findhelp.com/.

Amerigroup also wants people to know that even though screen ing opportunities can be found on a one-off basis, and people can self-re fer themselves to get screenings such as mammograms, it is always best to work with a primary care doctor who can make referrals for the right type of screening and can coordinate the ap propriate follow-up care when need ed. A primary care doctor can take the guessing out of where to go to get screened and what type of screening is appropriate. They build relationships with their patients and try to identify and address unique needs. They are familiar with organizations and re sources that can help if their patients are worried about being able to afford cancer treatment and follow-up care. Also, primary care providers can help address comprehensive health con cerns – as opposed to screening centers that may only focus on one condition and may not have access to compre hensive medical records.

For all of these reasons, Ameri group urges people to become estab lished with a primary care provider if they aren’t already. Amerigroup can also help member with finding pro viders, scheduling appointments and getting to appointments if needed. To further encourage action, Ameri group offers Healthy Rewards, such as $50 when eligible members com plete a breast cancer screening. Those who need help can:

• Visit https://www.myameri group.com/md/home.html

• Call Amerigroup Member Ser vices at 1-800-600-4441 (TTY 711)

• Find a healthcare provider in Amerigroup’s network: https://www. myamerigroup.com/md/care/find-adoctor.html

• Review Amerigroup benefits and rewards: https://www.myamer igroup.com/md/benefits/medic aid-healthchoice-benefits.html

• Download Amerigroup’s Mo

bile App to help manage your health: https://www.myamerigroup.com/ md/care/health-and-wellness/use ful-apps.html

It is never too soon to take action. In 2022 alone, it is estimated that nearly 300,000 women will be diag nosed with invasive breast cancer. A large percentage of these new diagno sis will be among Black women, and too many will end in mortality, partly because Black women are less likely to access primary care resources. It’s not worth the risk to wait. Act today or help a loved one take action. Lean on a primary care doctor for help or turn to Amerigroup for help access ing resources and supports.

Where

now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Rwanda and IMF Agree on $310M Deal on Climate Financing

Rwanda has secured a $310 million loan from the International Mon etary Fund (IMF)’s Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) to tackle climate change. The development was announced October 7 by IMF’s Mission Chief Haimanot Teferra as she concluded her week-long work ing visit to Rwanda. According to the IMF, the loan will be accompanied by a new policy coordination instrument aimed at supporting the government to build on the progress in macroeco nomic, fiscal and financial reforms to deliver more inclusive, resilient and sustainable growth.

“The RSF-supported reforms will help authorities to advance measures to integrate climate-related considerations in the design of macroeconomic policies and frameworks, enhance climate-related risk management for financial institutions, and strengthen the disaster risk reduction and management framework,” Teferra said.

While Rwanda has a well-advanced climate strategy, she indicated that it needs to further strengthen its institutions to deliver and monitor the ambitious climate objectives and to mobilize additional resources.

“Lower availability of concessional resources and increased needs for social protection will put pressure on the fiscal balance and limit policy space to confront development needs and address climate change,” said Teferra.

According to the Minister of Finance and Economic Planning Uzziel Ndagijimana, some resources for Rwanda climate action plan have already been mobilized and so far, the remaining gap stands at about $7 billion.

“This IMF support is a catalytic fund which is expected to trigger more financing from other institutions including the private sector. We are working well with our development partners in this area but also on private financing such as green bonds,” the minister said. WI

caribbean now

Mental Health Training for Jamaica’s School Professionals

More than 500 school professionals in Jamaica’s 177 secondary institutions are to undergo mental health training over the next three months, under the government’s School Mental Health Literacy Program. The $10-million initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Health and Wellness, in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Youth, will al low the trained educators, school nurses and guidance counsellors to administer “mental health first aid” to the country’s 21,000 grade-nine students who are being targeted.

This is in an effort to create a curriculum on how to appropriately respond to students’ mental health challenges and conditions, thus raising awareness in schools to improve students’ attitude, confidence and knowledge as well as to re duce the stigma surrounding the common issue.

“School is a fertile soil for developing good habits as well as for bad habits to be promulgated. So, it is natural that we have to start there,” said Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton, while addressing the launch of the program at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Hanover on October 6.

Dr. Tufton said that although mental health spans all spheres of society, special focus must be given to the youth, adding that if mental health is left untreated, society will continue to deteriorate in terms of antisocial behavior and how people treat themselves and others.

“This Government’s School Mental Health Literacy Program is to out line very specific types of intervention and mainstream those interventions. We can’t afford any more to intervene only based on circumstances and events, as opposed to developing an intervention,” he said.

WI

5 Minister of Health and Wellness, Dr. Christopher Tufton (second right), is joined by government senator, Dr. Sa phire Longmore (left); Director of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Judith Leiba Thomas (right); and Acting Assistant Chief Education Officer at the Ministry Of Education and Youth, Kennedy Hayes Davidson, in displaying the Mental Health & High School Curriculum Guide, during the launch of the School Mental Health Literacy Program at Grand Palladium Jamaica Resort & Spa in Hanover on Oct. 6. (Photo courtesy Okoye Henry)

INTERIM DIRECTOR JESSICA SMITH

October 2022 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living

portunity to choose how we want to age and take steps to live health ier lives.

I learned firsthand that some seniors like to keep active by danc ing and I had the honor of watch ing them participate in TERRIF IC Inc.’s “Dancing with the Senior Stars” event. Others like to keep active by participating in trivia games like our 5th Annual Brain Games (shout out to Ward 3 Wiz ards for becoming the 1st place winners!). And there are some who attend outdoor workouts at well ness centers like our Hayes Senior Wellness Center in Ward 6. So, it doesn’t really matter how you stay active, just as long as you stay ac tive!

having to wait on someone else. With programs like Connector Card, we’re making good on our values – transforming lives at every age and ability, allowing all older adults across the District to live boldly in the way they choose. To learn more about our Connector Card program visit connectorcard. com or call 202-420-7534.

DACL’s nutrition services also ensure seniors have the support they need to live healthy lives. DACL sponsors over 40 dining

sites across the city that offer daily lunches and wellness programming.

To find a dining site near you, visit dacl@dc.gov or call 202-724-5626.

And if you or someone you know is homebound and unable to get out to access nutrition services, you can call us at 202-724-5626 to get an assessment for our home delivered meals program.

As we embark on the new fiscal year, the team at DACL will con tinue to keep our core values at the forefront of our minds, ensuring

that the programs and services we create are designed with you and for you. If you have ideas and suggestions, please be sure to share them with us. You can send us an email at dacl@ dc.gov or call us at 202-7245626. We’re looking forward to seeing you and learning more from you this fall season.

With Gratitude, Jessica

Dear Seniors,

Just last month, we celebrated Healthy Aging and all the ways seniors like you show us just what healthy aging truly means. One of the things I’ve learned is that our city doesn’t need just one month of out the year to celebrate health and wellness. All year around, older residents across the District show us how to live healthy and active lives. We get to see this on display ev erywhere – at the grocery store, at our senior wellness centers, at the gym, in our schools, and in our parks. And the best part about it is that healthy aging looks different for everyone! That’s what makes the District so unique. All of us, no matter our age or ability, have the op

At DACL, we want to make it easier for seniors to stay connected and engaged to the activities and services that promote longevity, independence, dignity, and choice. We know that one of the barriers to having all of these things is transportation. Without access to reliable transportation, we know that it can be harder to live an independent life based on choice. But we’re making is easier for se niors to have more choice in how they get around the city through one of our newest programs, Con nector Card.

Connector Card is a cost-shar ing transportation program that allows older adults to utilize a mul titude of transportation at little to no cost. And what I personally love about Connector Card is that our seniors have been able to expe rience our city in ways they haven’t before. Like booking a rideshare or cab to head down to the National Mall to sightsee or heading from Ward 8 to Ward 3 to visit longtime friends. And, of course, having a ride to the grocery store without

HEALTH

CDC: High Rates of Adult Obesity More Than Doubles

Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

Nineteen states and two territories have at least 35% of residents with adult obesity – more than doubling the number of states with a high obe sity prevalence since 2018 – according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The 2021 Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps also highlight the need to ad dress disparities in obesity across states

and racial and ethnic populations, through increased access to obesity prevention and treatment, said the agency.

Combined data from 2019–2021 show the number of states and terri tories with an obesity prevalence of 35 percent or higher varies widely across race and ethnicity:

American Indian or Alaska Native adults: 31 states

• Asian adults: 0 states

• Black adults: 36 states and the District of Columbia

• Hispanic adults: 27 states and Guam

• White adults: 10 states

The 19 states and two territories are: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mis sissippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Okla homa, South Carolina, South Dako

and Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

State-based adult obesity prevalence by race, ethnicity, and location is based on self-reported height and weight data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

“This report illustrates the urgent need for making obesity prevention and treatment accessible to all Amer icans in every state and every commu nity,” CDC acting principal deputy director Debra Houry said.

“When we provide stigma-free sup port to adults living with obesity, we can help save lives and reduce severe

Adults with obesity are at increased risk for many other serious health con ditions such as heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, some cancers, severe outcomes from COVID-19, and poor

Additionally, many people with obesity report being stigmatized be

cess to prevention and treatment as supporting adults with obesity “will take a sustained, comprehensive effort from all parts of society to reduce dis parities and improve the health of our communities.”

The agency added obesity is a dis ease for which treatment options exist, including proven weight management programs, medications, and bariatric surgery.

However, there is inequitable access to proven obesity treatment in the United States.

“There are key actions and resourc es that can help slow and ultimately reverse the obesity epidemic,” Kar en Hacker, MD, MPH, director of CDC’s National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Pro motion said.

The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s® is full of flowers, each carried by someone committed to ending this disease. Because like flowers, our participants don’t stop when something’s in their way. They keep raising funds and awareness for a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. It’s time to add your flower to the fight.

The CDC said these findings high light the importance of equitable ac

“These include supporting healthy individual lifestyle changes and en suring that all people have access to healthy foods, evidence-based health care services, obesity treatment pro grams, and safe places for physical activity.” WI

Black Women Rates Remain Stagnant Amid a Decrease in Breast Cancer Mortality

ACS Researchers Report the Latest in Breast

Cancer Statistics

Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

While breast cancer death rates dropped by 43% from 1989 to 2020, Black women continue to be 40% more likely to die from the disease despite lower incidence,

according to the latest edition of American Cancer Society’s (ACS) Breast Cancer Statistics, 2022.

Breast cancer is the most com monly diagnosed cancer among U.S. women after skin cancer.

5 The CDC is calling for obesity prevention. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Ward 8 Lands First Urgent Care Center

Bowser Cuts Ribbon for Cedar Hill in Anacostia

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Member

A celebratory spirit punctuated the day in Ward 8 as government leaders and residents recently recog nized the opening of Cedar Hill Ur gent Care – the first urgent care facil ity located in historic Anacostia – also the first to provide such services East of the River.

Mayor Muriel Bowser, joined by Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White and Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Robin McKinney (8A06) conducted a ribbon-cutting ceremony in honor of the Cedar Hill Urgent Care center, which opened on October 10. It’s located on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue in Southeast.

The full-service Cedar Hill Urgent Care center provides a wide range of health amenities including ma ternity and prenatal care, x-rays and blood work, asthma complications, colds and flu, minor sprains, falls and broken bones and other unexpected health issues. The facility, which will remain open seven days a week, has been predicted to provide care for an estimated 9,000 residents annually.

“[The] move closer to improving healthcare is not just about building a hospital but a system of healthcare

and a healthier community,” Bowser said. “Part of that is opening an ur gent care center so residents can get the right care in the right place at the right time. It also means we’re work ing hard every single day to deliver on having health care closer to [the resi dents in this community].”

Cedar Hill counts as a facility which falls under the city’s planned investments that will boost economic development and infrastructure that provide more equitable shopping, dining, arts and culture and business experiences for those who live East of the River. Seven staff members have already been hired, five of whom live in the Ward 8 community.

Similar to the dearth of nutritious food choices faced by those in South east, health care services, particularly urgent care needs, remain inadequate in both wards 7 and 8 – two of the city’s most economically challenged communities.

Councilmember White said it’s imperative that resources and services for residents match those available in other parts of the District.

“We live in a city where the divide between the haves and the have nots is increasingly getting wider – this is an effort on behalf of the government to close that gap,” White said. “There

are a lot of residents [here] who feel undervalued and it’s our responsibil ity to make sure they know we care. Our residents have long awaited the same access to amenities as the rest of the city and today is the day.”

Bowser and government officials plan to continue to identify a loca tion that would house a second Ce dar Hill Urgent Care center in the near future, focusing on placement in Ward 7.

“We will continue to build healthy and strong communities in all eight wards and we know what we have to do to continue to grow in Ward 8,” Bowser said. WI

5 Mayor Muriel Bowser delivers remarks during the opening of the Cedar Hill Urgent Care Center in Southeast on Oct. 7. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

Project Purpose DC Hosts Studio Sessions for Youth

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

For several days, young people of various ages have converged on a music studio in the D.C. suburbs to fine tune their musical skills and embrace a homegrown artform that has gained global prominence in the last three years.

Under the tutelage of millennial and Gen-X music industry titans, these youngsters play drums, con gas, cowbells and timbales. Some even take the microphone and sing covers of Beyoncé’s “Run the World (Girls)” and other popular tunes.

All the while, adults watch with glee as elementary- and middleschool-aged children become more comfortable with the instruments.

At times, they join their younger counterparts in the fun, turning the studio into a go-go function.

Timothy Evans, 12, said he wants to bring his friends to the Coffee Shoppe Studio in Temple Hills, Maryland, where he discov ered his love for the drumbeat.

“It’s a deep noise [like the way] people tell me my voice is deep,” Timothy said. “I see myself play ing the drums or the guitar. I would come back [to the studio] to practice more [because] it was fun. Young people need some more to do in their lives to keep themselves occupied.”

Southeast-based non-profit Project Purpose DC, in collabo ration with Aaron “Charlie Black” Bennett and Eddie “Eddie Kane” Hunter, recently hosted the free studio sessions as part of an effort to expose young people to artistic and career opportunities.

Project Purpose DC co-founder Presto, a local producer and vio lence interrupter, said this partic ular offering has attracted the at tention of D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Linda K. Harllee Harper, D.C.’s director of Gun Violence Preven tion. It counts among a bevy of resources Presto and his colleague BDR have offered to bridge a workforce development gap that has prevented residents east of the

Anacostia River from participating in the local economy.

Since Project Purpose DC’s launch in March, Presto and BDR have tapped into their network to help young people hone their musical talents. In addition to Bennett and Hunter, the duo have brought JusPaul, a well-known singer and percussionist and a member of the Oy Boyz, a music group JusPaul and BDR launched in collaboration with other artists.

“You can use music to get through to young people,” Pres to said. “We got [Charlie] Black and The Coffee Shoppe to start the music connection program to provide a safe space on school nights. We have sessions with people from multiple hoods [like] Congress Heights, Marshall Heights and Barry Farms. We

want to get [more] traction and positive momentum.”

Weeks ago, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Also brooks enacted a curfew to curb violent crime. She has since re ported positive results, including the apprehension of young people during incidents and efforts to connect them and their families to community resources.

All the while, The Coffee Shoppe conducts these studio sessions with the curfew in mind, making sure to wrap up activities so that young people can make it home on time.

For Bennett, a music teacher who managed go-go bands and hip-hop acts in the District for nearly 30 years, working with Project Purpose DC has helped fulfill a goal he’s wanted to ac

complish for years. In the 1990s, Bennett launched Mad Mob En tertainment, one of the District’s first hip-hop record labels. Since then, The Coffee Shoppe has had a presence in Southeast and even as far as Fredericksburg, Virginia.

At a time when many people pon der how best to address youth-re lated crime, Bennett described the formula in simple terms.

“Young people need opportuni ties for something different than what they’re used to,” Bennett said. “We introduced the kids to go-go and they picked it up. That’s one way to reach them. I think some of them really want to pur sue hip-hop but they might not feel like there are enough avenues. Mad Mob Entertainment wants to provide that and I do that through the Coffee Shoppe.” WI

5 (L-R) BDR and Presto, founders of Project Purpose DC, host studio sessions at The Coffee Shoppe in Temple Hills, Maryland for young people (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

CANCER from Page 22

It is the second leading cause of cancer death among women, after lung cancer, but the leading cause of cancer death among Black and Hispanic women.

In 2022, approximately 287,850 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer, and 43,250 will die from the disease.

Black women have lower breast cancer incidence than White women (127.8 vs. 133.7 per 100,000) but 40% higher breast cancer mortality (27.6 vs. 19.7 per 100,000).

Among women under 50, mor tality is two-fold higher (12.1 vs. 6.5 per 100,000). This racial dis parity has persisted unabated since 2011, said the ACS.

“We found that despite contin ued progress in reducing the risk of death from breast cancer, there is an alarming persistent gap for Black women, who have a 40% higher risk of dying from breast cancer than White women despite lower incidence,” said Rebecca Sie gel, senior scientific director, sur veillance research at the American Cancer Society and senior author of the report.

“This is not new, and it is not ex plained by more aggressive cancer. We have been reporting this same disparity year after year for a de cade. It is time for health systems to take a hard look at how they are caring differently for Black wom en.”

Other key findings from the re port include: Breast cancer death rates are declining in every racial/ ethnic group except American In dian and Alaska Native women.

And Black women have the low est 5-year relative survival rate of any racial/ethnic group for every breast cancer subtype and stage (except stage I).

Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, contrib uting author of the study, said the slow decline in breast cancer mortality during the most recent period partly reflects stagnant screening uptake and timely and high-quality treatment.

“Coordinated and concerted ef forts by policy makers and health care systems and providers are needed to provide optimal breast cancer care to all populations, in cluding expansion of Medicaid in the non-expansion Southern and Midwest states, where Black women are disproportionately represented,” Dr. Jemal said. “Also, increased investment is needed for improved early detection methods and treatments.”

Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said lawmak ers can do more to address the unequal burden of breast cancer among Black women, including increasing funding for the Nation al Breast and Cervical Cancer Ear ly Detection Program.

“Taking this step is critical to closing this persistent gap and moving us closer to ending cancer as we know it for everyone.”

WI

IS A HABIT

BREAK THE HABIT!

In Memoriam

Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark

PUBLISHER

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is pub lished weekly on each Thursday. Periodi cals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and ad vertising deadline is Monday prior to pub lication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Inform er, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after pub lication. Make checks payable to:

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Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor

Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

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Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

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Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation Angel Johnson, Admin. Asst.

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Editor), Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

A message from Chuck Bishop Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments

Wells Fargo has an incredible opportunity to make an impact on the lives of millions of customers every single day. We’re in the business of empowering customers to achieve their dreams. And as we do that work, we’re deeply focused on ensuring that the door to opportunity is open to all on an equitable basis.

am honored to lead the Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments team. Our group leads the Home Lending team’s strategy to increase opportunities for low-to-moderate income and multi-cultural homeowners and buyers. I believe deeply in this work and appreciate, every day, the opportunity our team has to make an impact on the lives of our customers and the communities we serve. Owning a home, after all, is one of the most important pathways to intergenerational wealth creation. The steps we take as individuals, as a company, and as an industry can play an important role in making homeownership – and all the benefits it entails – more equitable.

Throughout this supplement, leaders from across Wells Fargo share commentary about the work we’re doing to help our customers achieve their goals and promote racial equity in all of the work we do. That means more than just helping today’s customers thrive – it’s also about doing what we can to pave the way for wealth creation across generations.

Whether it’s buying a home or estab lishing a trust, the actions we take to day to support our customers can have impacts that resonate through the years for future generations. Taken together, these steps can make a real contribution to reducing the racial wealth gap and advancing equity across the financial system.

Large financial institutions like Wells Fargo are uniquely positioned to move the needle on issues of financial inclu sion. I believe that we’re making great progress – and that we can do even more when we work together. We’re committed to doing all we can to make an impact both through our own actions and through our efforts to drive collab oration across the industry in pursuit a shared belief in building a financial sys tem that works for all. g

Throughout this supplement, leaders from across Wells Fargo share commentary about the work we’re doing to help our customers achieve their goals and promote racial equity in all of the work we do.

Reaching Back to Retool Ourselves for Financial Success

By Dr. Shantella Y. Sherman WI Special Editions Editor

One of the crown jewels of his torical insight can be found in the commonsense approaches African Americans made towards financial growth and stability against ag gressive contrary forces following Emancipation. In addition to es tablishing entire towns and cities across the country, these newly en franchised Americans established financial institutions, including banks that promoted self-determi nation and independence.

Today, many African Americans lack a clear understanding of the nation’s financial systems, institu tions, and policies – and even less clarity about how their own mon ey operates within them. n 2018, just one-third of Americans could correctly answer at least four out of five financial literacy questions on concepts such as mortgages, interest rates, inflation, and risk, according to a 2018 study by the Financial Industry Regulatory Au thority (FINRA). The disparity is greatest among African Americans. According to the 2022 TIAA In stitute-GFLEC Personal Finance Index, African Americans answered an average of 37 percent of the study’s financial literacy questions correctly, whereas white Americans answered an average of 55 percent of questions correctly.

So, what happened in the last century that seems to have erased such economic strength?

Remember, whether it was a few pennies at a time earned by washer

North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company founders, John Merrick, Charles Clinton Spaulding, Dr Aaron. M. Moore. (Courtesy of NC Mutual )

women or the salaries of hard-work ing Pullman Porters, money held by African Americans found its way into savings clubs, investment opportunities, benevolent societies, and the actuaries that generated wealth for successive generations. Said plainly: African Americans took time to learn how the nation’s financial systems worked and then made those systems work for them.

One great example was The North Carolina Mutual Life Insur ance Company, founded in 1898. Its goal of uplifting Black families by insuring policyholders against accidents and death, also included providing expert financial literacy programs for Black communities. The success of this mutual enter prise was a tremendous source of pride for African Americans in Durham and across the country.

Its Mutual Thrift Club Policy targeted children as a monetary benefit as well as a financial literacy plan. An ad from their 1940 cam paign reads: “Most children need

PROTECTING YOUR FINANCIAL INTERESTS THE STUDENT LOAN OMBUDSMAN HELPS DISTRICT RESIDENTS:

NEED HELP WITH STUDENT LOANS? CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OF INSURANCE, SECURITIES & BANKING

The Bowser Administration is committed to providing information about student loans to District borrowers and their parents as they prepare for college. The Student Loan Ombudsman ensures that student loan servicers comply with the law and treat borrowers fairly. The Ombudsman educates District residents about their student loan and repayment plan options.

CONTACT DISB STUDENT LOAN OMBUDSMAN TODAY!

The Ombudsman conducts outreach events and offers one-on-one office appointments to address your student loan concerns.

202.727.8000 | DCLoanHelp@dc.gov disb.complaints@dc.gov DISB.dc.gov/studentloanhelp

DC Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking, 1050 First Street NE, Suite 801 Washington, DC 20002

available resources

college funding

Public Service Loan Forgiveness

Student loan consolidation

Student loan repayment options

student loan default

and report scams

complaints with student loan servicers

lessons in THRIFT and practical knowledge about the advantage of a systematic long-range SAVINGS PLAN. If you have young sons or daughters, give serious consider ation to starting them off RIGHT with Life Insurance… ‘What gift has Providence bestowed on man that is so dear to him as his chil

dren?’ – Cicero”

Like North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company, The Washing ton Informer is dedicated to pro viding the tools Black communities need to move forward successfully in an increasingly challenging fi nancial environment. We believe that the greatest lessons and assets

have roots in the past, so we are reaching back to retool our read ers with basic information about economics and finances. We invite you to use this supplement as a quick reference to financial terms, policies, and resources.

Read, Learn, Grow.

Shantella Sherman (Photo by India Kea)

WORDS FROM THE EDITOR

Financial Health is Foundational in Work with HBCUs

Brandi McLean believes that people need financial skills to survive. That’s why she’s made it her mission to ed ucate people about it. McLean, an accountant in Virginia, participated in the nonprofit Society for Financial Ed ucation & Professional Development’s (SFE&PD) Student Ambassador Pro gram, which trains college students to teach their peers about personal finance. Thirty-four historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) participate in the program, including Bowie State University, McLean’s alma mater and the first HBCU established in Maryland in 1865.

“If I could describe the program in one word, it would be ‘necessary,’” McLean said. “Personal finance is not discussed in everyday school, and stu dents need it to adapt as adults.”

The Wells Fargo Foundation is the largest funder of the Student Ambas sador Program, providing more than $1 million in grants since 2017. This is one way Wells Fargo is working with HBCUs to empower Black students, who disproportionately face greater financial challenges that impact finan cial growth and wealth creation.

Too many college students graduate without the financial skills needed to navigate complex financial decisions and climb the economic ladder, and this issue disproportionally impacts African American, Black, and other students of color. HBCUs are known for helping generations of Black peo ple achieve academic and professional

success, making them ideal collabora tors in tackling these issues.

Student ambassadors lead financial workshops on campus and at commu nity outreach events to help their peers build financial capabilities in money and credit management, student loans, budgeting, savings, planning for life af ter college, and more. Business school professors and SFE&PD represen tatives mentor ambassadors to create their own lesson plans and interactive activities.

As a creative example, McLean and fellow ambassadors at Bowie State performed a skit about the terms and conditions of a loan. At anoth er school, ambassadors taught their peers about budgeting by relating it to a spring break trip. Ambassadors also integrate resources from Hands on Banking®, Wells Fargo’s free, non commercial online learning program offering money management lessons and resources in English and Spanish, into their sessions.

You can read more about the Stu dent Ambassador Program in this Wells Fargo Stories article: https://stories. wf.com/financial-health-is-foundation al-to-everything-we-do-with-hbcus/

In a complementary effort, the Wells Fargo Foundation collaborated with the HBCU Community Devel opment Action Coalition to develop and launch Our Money Matters, a $5.6 million comprehensive financial wellness initiative. Our Money Matters is developing, supporting, and scaling access to financial education and sound financial practices for students at HB CUs and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs), as well as customers of minori ty depository institutions (MDIs).

The initiative aims to equip more than 35,000 students and communi

Bonnie Wallace Head of Financial Health Philanthropy, Wells Fargo Foundation; and Dewey Norwood

HBCU relationship manager for Wells Fargo Diverse Segments, Representa tion & Inclusion

Dewey Norwood

Bonnie Wallace

Thinking of buying a home?

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Wells Fargo Aims to Close Generational Wealth Gap Among Minorities

By Angela Swinson Lee

Whether you’re eyeing the latest model car or an outfit that is beyond your budget, experts say it’s important to think about how decisions will im pact the next generation.

Cecil Burrowes, Senior Vice Pres ident of Diverse Customer Segment Mass Market Strategy with Wells Fargo, spoke with the Washington Informer about building generational wealth and how financial decisions made today can have an impact on generations to come. He added that protecting assets can contribute to reducing the racial wealth gap.

“Understanding that when we talk about generational wealth, wealth meets a myriad of qualifications. When we mention wealth, people disqualify themselves. Wealth can be your check-to-check living. Wealth can be the savings you have in your piggy bank,” Burrowes said adding that people need to eliminate fear when having conversations about wealth. “We think it’s something

that doesn’t necessarily speak to us.”

Burrowes said, he wants people to re alize that a portion of their income and assets can take care of daily expenses, but they can also make their disposable income work for them.

“Individuals making ends meet still have disposable income and have to fig ure out how it moves to the next level,” he said. “What is the thing that you can get to work for you and your legacy?”

“The challenge is that when we lose a generation, each new generation starts at zero,” he said. “Without the proper education and the awareness of tools that are available to individuals to over come that, we keep falling in that con sistent trap over and over again.”

Burrowes said Wells Fargo is focused on ensuring everyone has access to all of the available resources.

“I think we have to be intentional. With intentional focus, we can ulti mately help more customers from a wealth transfer perspective,” he said.

In addition to educating families on transferring wealth, earlier this year, Wells Fargo committed $210 million

Supporting Wealth Creation Through Sustainable Homeownership

EWUNIKE N. BRADY VP, Home Lending African American Segment Strategy Leader

Sustainable homeownership rep resents one of the most important pathways to wealth creation – not just today, but also for generations that follow. But systemic inequities in the United States have prevented too many minority families from achiev ing their homeownership and wealth building goals for too long.

As the one of the nation’s leading originators of home loans, we have an opportunity to develop solutions to close the gap – both through our own work and the actions we take to lead the industry in a collective focus on closing the racial homeownership gap.

The hurdles that stand in the way of homeownership have been present for decades. Amid renewed focus on racial justice nationwide, housing stakeholders are doing more to uti lize solutions that reach beyond the

baseline framework of the housing finance system.

Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) represent an “outside the box” approach to advancing equity in homeownership. Under Federal law, lenders are permitted to deploy SPCPs to expand access to credit for

to advancing racial equity in home ownership. The initiative includes the creation of a Special Purpose Credit Program to help refinance the mort gages of minority homeowners with a Wells Fargo Mortgage. The purpose is to lower mortgage rates and reduce costs of refinancing, according to a press release from the bank.

In an effort to broaden community outreach, Wells Fargo will also expand its partnerships with the National Urban League and Unidos US. The

company will provide homebuying readiness and counseling, and work to eliminate systemic obstacles that prevent many Black and Hispanic cus tomers from becoming homeowners.

The company will also use $60 million to fund partnerships to im plement plans to address the root causes of homeownership gaps through the “Wealth Opportunities Restored through Homeownership” (WORTH) grants. The program is ex pected to support 40,000 homeowners of color in eight markets through 2025.

“Homeownership is a key pillar of the American dream. It represents a means of intergenerational wealth,” Burrowes said.

Wells Fargo has long been a leader in the housing finance industry. Be tween 2017 and 2021, Wells Fargo has helped more than 425,000 Black and Hispanic families achieve their home ownership goals with $110 billion in fi nancing, according to the press release.

But with that, Burrowes said the company wants to ensure homeowner ship is sustainable, and that customers

have the tools and resources they need to transfer their wealth.

It’s important to have a plan in place so you can ensure what you’ve built during your lifetime can be passed to the next generation. Planning is a key to ensuring that you’re able to make a proper handoff when the time comes.

When making the plan, Burrowes said, the first step is having conver sations with other family members. Those can be difficult conversations, but they are important in the planning process. Once those conversations have occurred, depending on your needs, you can use self-service tools, or contact an estate attorney to help de fine how to move forward.

Most importantly, consumers need to complete the process. Many people start the planning but fail to complete it for a number of reasons, Burrowes said, adding that some hesitate with the price of final planning.

“There is a cost associated with plan ning, but it far outweighs the probate costs,” he said.

g

groups who may have been under served in the mortgage market, im pacting their ability to build wealth through homeownership. SPCPs ar en’t new, but they’re being used with greater frequency as lenders work to create more equitable access to home ownership.

At Wells Fargo, we’re excited to add to our longstanding commitment to minority homeownership through the launch of our own SPCP. Wells Fargo announced a new initiative to advance racial equity in homeowner ship this spring. The initiative centers on the launch of a new SPCP to help eligible minority homeowners whose mortgages are serviced by Wells Fargo lower their interest rates and reduce their monthly mortgage payments without extending their current loan term.

The program has launched for eligible Wells Fargo customers with Veterans Administration and Federal Housing Administration loans. We plan to launch an SPCP for select customers with Government-Spon sored Enterprise (GSE) loans later this year, and a program for purchase loans is in development.

We’re excited about the new pro gram, which adds to products like the Dream. Plan. Home.SM mortgage (available nationwide) and closing

cost credit (available in 18 markets)— two existing Wells Fargo offerings aimed at helping low-to-moderate income borrowers. We’re also enthu siastic about working across the sec tor to foster collaboration in pursuit of a shared belief in homeownership.

Wells Fargo plays a leadership role in Project REACh – a govern ment-led working group dedicated to promoting economic access and affordable homeownership. We are a strong supporter of the SPCP “tool kit” developed by the National Fair Housing Alliance and Mortgage Bankers Association to help other lenders navigate the complex process of launching their own SPCPs.

We also work extensively with non profit organizations, and our head of Home Lending, Kristy Fercho, is the 2022 chair of the Mortgage Bank ers Association. During her time as chair, Kristy launched the Home for All Pledge, which represents the in dustry’s long-term commitment on a sustained and holistic approach to address racial inequities in housing.

Advancing racial equity in home ownership is essential to meaning fully tackling the racial wealth gap. Exciting work is underway in pursuit of this goal across the housing finance sector, and Wells Fargo is proud to do our part to lead the way. g

CONTINUED FROM PAGE FS4

ty members with financial capability skills, personalized tools for managing finances and student loans, and access to support services like career closets and emergency financial assistance. Since it began in 2021, Our Mon ey Matters has engaged 17 HBCUs/ MSIs, with thousands of students and community residents using the resources on its platform.

For over 11 years, Wells Fargo has invested more than $32 million in scholarships and programing to HB CUs via UNCF, the Thurgood Mar shall College Fund (TMCF), and the Jackie Robinson Foundation. Wells Fargo funds programs like TMCF’s Leadership Institute, which develops students’ leadership skills, and UN CF’s Empower Me Tour, which helps students prepare for college and their careers. Additionally, Wells Fargo’s virtual learning program, the Beyond College Webinar Series – covers a wide variety of topics for HBCU students from personal finance to professional development.

Through our work with nonprofit partners who bring a deep under standing of HBCUs, we aim to help equip the next generation with the financial knowledge, tools, access, and opportunities to close the racial wealth gap. g

5Cecil Burrowes, Wells Fargo Senior Vice President of Diverse Customer Segment Mass Market Strategy

Coppin State Announces Strategic Partnership with Charles Schwab Foundation and Schwab Advisor Services

WI Staff Report

Coppin State University has received a multi-year grant from Schwab Advisor Services, in part nership with the Charles Schwab Foundation to develop programs in financial planning and wealth man agement, that will lead to meaning ful impact in the lives of Coppin students in Wealth Management, the Registered Investment Advisor (RIA) Industry, and the surrounding community.

The considerable grant to Cop pin State University, a historically Black public anchor institution in West Baltimore, Maryland, will es tablish registered financial programs for Certified Financial Analysts or Certified Financial Planners. The programs will provide faculty de velopment and curriculum that will produce education pathways for students to explore careers in wealth management, establish a communi ty-focused center, as well as create a Minority Registered Investment Ad visor Mentorship Program.

“The future of financial services is wholly dependent on young pro fessionals entering the space and re flecting the diversity of tomorrow’s investors. We are grateful to join Coppin State University in its mis sion to help students explore careers in financial services, particularly the RIA industry, which is all about people serving people and their lo cal communities,” said Bernie Clark, head of Schwab Advisor Services.

“We are excited to develop this partnership with the Charles Schwab Foundation, and deeply appreci ate their belief in our mission and vision to become a major player in the financial education and services landscape. As two, well-respected institutions, we look forward to a

long-term partnership with Charles Schwab as we collaborate to diver sify and improve the wealth gap in underrepresented communities,” said Coppin State University Presi dent, Anthony L. Jenkins.

“We are thrilled to be able to launch this very significant program that will introduce various aspects of finance to our students and to the community, which will ultimately increase the diversity in the indus try. The launching of this program is timely as it coincides with excite ment around the College of Busi ness move to its new building which is currently under construction at the heart of campus,” said Dean of the College of Business, Dr. Sadie Gregory.

The grant will also provide Cop pin an opportunity to host an annu al Closing the Wealth Gap summit on the campus and scholarships to Coppin students.

“This is the largest gift that the University has received, to date,” said Vice President for Institutional Ad vancement, Joshua Humbert. “We couldn’t be happier to work with the Charles Schwab Foundation in this partnership. We’ll be able to help our students get a bit of an edge in being prepared for careers in the fi nance industry while addressing the wealth gap that exists in our society and provide real-time solutions,”

The partnership will bring more diversity to the financial services industry where, currently, 76.3 percent of finance professionals are white, and 68.8 percent are men. This partnership will aid Coppin State University in grooming the next generation of students and community members, as they mas ter the financial landscape and nur ture community, financial health, and insight. g

Center for Financial Inclusion has designed a suite of services that puts you in the driver's seat to build a secure financial future. Our Center is a pathway for you to take control of your wealth building by redefining and powering up

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BASIC 8 Economic Terms to Remember

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

FINANCIAL WELL-BEING

ability to

INTEREST RATES

The interest rate is the amount a lender charges a borrower and is a percentage of the principal—the amount loaned. The interest rate on a loan is typically noted on an annual basis known as the annual percentage rate (APR).

EMERGENCY FUND

A cash reserve that’s specifically set aside for unplanned expenses or financial emergencies. Some common examples include car repairs, home repairs, medical bills, or a loss of income.

DISPOSABLE INCOME

Disposable income, also known as disposable personal income (DPI), is the amount of money that an individual or household has to spend or save after income taxes have been deducted. At the mac ro level, disposable personal income is closely monitored as one of the key economic indicators used to gauge the overall state of the economy.

BUDGET

A plan that outlines what money you expect to earn or receive (your income) and how you will save it or spend it (your expenses) for a given period of time; also called a spending plan.

CREDIT CARD

An open-ended loan that allows you to borrow money up to a cer tain limit and carry over an unpaid balance from month to month. There is no fixed time to repay the loan as long as you make the min imum payment due each month. You pay interest on any outstanding credit card loan balance.

CREDIT REPORT

A summary of your credit activity and current credit situation such as loan paying history and the status of your credit accounts. Lenders use these reports to help them decide if they will loan you money and what interest rates they will offer you. Other businesses might use your credit reports to determine whether to offer you insurance; rent a house or apartment to you; or provide you with cable TV, Internet, utility, or cell phone service. If you agree to let an employer look at your credit report, it may also be used to make employment decisions about you.

DEBT CONSOLIDATION

Consolidation means that your various debts, whether they are credit card bills or loan payments, are rolled into a new loan with one monthly payment. If you have multiple credit card accounts or loans, consolidation may be a way to simplify or lower payments. But a debt consolidation loan does not erase your debt. You might also end up paying more by consolidating debt into another type of loan.

By Maceo Clark Manager of Community Lending, EagleBank

Interest rates are getting the best of us these days, it seems. The mortgage scenario of a year ago is a total budget blowout now. Homebuyers could use some ideas on how turn the tables on mortgage rates where possible.

While nobody will be partying like it’s 2021, I have a few ideas. I have been around a while, and these almost seem like blasts from the past given the low rates of the past few years. But discount points, adjustable rate mortgages, and now the coming increase in conforming loan limits are all po tential paths to lower a mortgage payment. (I also have a credit re porting insight at the end of the article for current renters.)

DISCOUNT POINTS

Paying a lender to lower the rate? Sounds painful. However, it could make sense now that mort gage rates are higher. A point is simply one per cent (1%) of the loan amount. On a $400,000 loan, for example, paying one dis count point to buy down the in terest rate would cost $4,000.

Four thousand dollars is not nothing. So, why do it?

Because it can lower the inter est rate by .375% to .5%, saving hundreds per year. On that same $400,000 loan, the discount point will be recouped in 2.5 years. Meanwhile, the lower payment is happening right now (and as long as one has the loan). Even better, sellers and builders can help pay closing costs, including discount points. Be sure to talk to a realtor about sellers concessions before hand.

ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE (ARM)

ARMs typically have lower in terest rates than fixed-rate loans,

Taking a Bite Out of Interest Rates

providing a more affordable option upfront. With the lower initial rate, one may be able to afford more house than with a fixed-rate loan.

The rate is fixed only for the initial term. Before entering into an ARM, a borrower should feel confident they can either meet the obligation, refinance, or sell the home before any reset. ARM rates adjust after the initial period agreed upon – generally 3, 5, 7, or 10 years. ARMs also have different caps, or limits, on the periodic rate changes. Knowing the adjustment caps can make a difference since most ARMs that are offered have caps of either 1, 2, or 5%. (Imag ine your interest rate going up by 5% next month!)

CONFORMING LOAN LIMIT

Increased buying power is roll ing out this fall. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conforming loans generally have lower interest rates and are less difficult to qualify for, as opposed to jumbo loans for higher loan amounts. Kudos to Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for keeping pace with home prices in high-cost areas.

The 2023 conforming loan limit was recently revealed at $715,000 for one-unit properties in the Washington, DC Area. A potential game-changer for some, mortgages at the increased limits are available now at some lenders, including EagleBank. Super-conforming loan limits will adjust, too, allow ing even more borrowers to fit into non-jumbo categories.

Keeping an eye on the news for 2023 loan limits can help in plan ning for home purchase, especially for those who do not seek to go through jumbo loan underwriting.

IN CONCLUSION

Taking the sting out of mort gage rates is not a given. Not ev eryone will be able to buy down a rate or feel comfortable entering

into an adjustable rate mortgage. Neither will everyone will be able to stretch their buying power with new limits on conforming loans. The DMV is a high-cost area to begin with. If someone is in a posi tion to buy a home, chipping away at the rate is not a bad idea and may be accomplished by talking options with a lender.

FINALLY, FOR RENTERS

For years, rental payments have not been included in the major cred it bureaus’ scoring model. This is a problem. A lack of credit, or poor credit, can disqualify a borrower from obtaining a home loan or other type of loan. Landlords do not have to re

Community Banking

port rental history, which is a shame. However, it is possible through vari ous subscription services.

Renters are hereby encouraged to check with their property man agers to see if their building is enrolled in any of the reporting services. If not, individual rent-re porting services (for a fee) will also get some bureaus to reflect positive rental payments.

Maceo Clark (NMLS# 807001) has extensive experience in the mort gage industry as a community lender and loan originator. Maceo who can be reached at MClark@EagleBank Corp.com or 301-850-2655.

As a community bank, EagleBank offers knowledge of Home Buyer re

sources, as well as refinance services. Contact us at HomeLoans@Eagle BankCorp.com.

This is not a commitment to lend. To be eligible, buyer must meet min imum down payment, underwriting and program guidelines. All loan applications are subject to credit and property approval. Property taxes, flood and/or property hazard insur ance may be required. This informa tion is for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as guidelines or guarantees to improve your credit or financial situation or eligibility to secure a home loan. EagleBank is an Equal Housing Lender. Eagle BankCorp.com/mortgages (NMLS# 440513) g

Mortgage bankers build community.

use

Maceo

Building stronger communities

Chase Offers Tips To Avoid Overspending During The Holidays

By Angela Swinson Lee Special to The Washington Informer

The time is not only approach ing to make a list and check it twice, but tis the season to practice discipline with your spending and write down your goals. In addition, to decking the halls, it’s important to check the four walls this hol iday season,

said Presley Nelson, a branch manag er at Chase.

“The four walls are home, trans portation, utilities, and food. Those are the things you want to make sure are in order and once they are in or der you know what extra money you have,” Nelson said.

The key to avoid overspending during this holiday season is to have discipline.

“Discipline is a way to not spend all of your money, especially in your savings. A lot of times we use our emergency fund and that’s only sup posed to be for emergencies. If your car breaks down or you have to fix something in the house, that’s an emergency.”

One way to practice discipline is write out your budget to see where you can save extra money. Once you have that number Chase offers a dig ital tool called, Autosave. Autosave allows you to create an automatic savings goal. Which can be especially helpful for holiday spending.

Nelson also said that avoiding un necessary spending requires a mental ity shift. “You have to own that you don’t want to overspend. It’s a choice we can make a choice to go to work, we can choose to spend,” Nelson said. We can choose to do everything and anything. Once you stay within your guidelines you won’t overspend. That goes into creating barriers.”

With a budget builder, spending is itemized so consumers can see what they’re spending money on.

Nelson said another way to control spending is by using a check ledger.

“This is going to sound very old school, but the check ledger is your friend. A lot of times we depend on the mobile app and online banking, but if you have a pending transaction you may think you have more money in your account than you do. This is how people can easily go into over draft.”

Nelson also cautions about credit card usage during the holidays.

“Sometimes people think it’s free money. It’s not. You get a limit, but you have to make sure you don’t go over that limit,” Nelson said, adding that credit card balances should be paid off monthly. “Be responsible with your credit cards. The holiday season is credit card season, and if you’re going to get a credit card be responsible. if you’re not able to pay the balance in full every month, the balance starts to build up and you’ll end up in debt. If you’re not able to cover your statement balance don’t use credit cards.”

Nelson advises consumers to delay instant gratification and really think about purchase.

“We have to be mindful of our spending,” Nelson said as he gave the following scenario.

Tirzah Farley, a 26-year-old Gal laudet University student who re cently took a financial health work shop, said budgeting is the key to staying on track this holiday season.

“A budget builder is the best way to save knowing people typically spend more around this time period. Budgeting is one of the important skills to have in our daily life,” Farley responded through email.

“If you go get breakfast from Star bucks every day, that’s about $5 or $6 for a cup of coffee. A breakfast sand wich is another $5. You have spent $12, and you haven’t even eaten lunch. Lunch is $15. You’re at $27 a day. That’s $135 a week. You can ac tually go to a grocery store, meal prep for $50, have lunch for two weeks and put the rest of the money in sav ings,” Nelson said. g

One way to practice discipline is write out your budget to see where you can save extra money. Once you have that number Chase offers a digital tool called, Autosave.

5 Tirzah Farley, a 26-year-old Gallaudet University student 4 Presley Nelson, a branch manager at Chase.

Buying a Home May Not be as Out of Reach as You Think, Even in This Market. Here’s How You Can Achieve Homeownership

Submitted by JPMorgan Chase & Co

Buying a home is one of the most important purchases you will make in your lifetime, and the pressure is mounting for those looking to buy right now, with home prices fluctuat ing and mortgage rates at their high est levels in over a decade.

While existing home sales have fallen month-over-month since the beginning of the year, prices still hit a record high above $400,000 in May, according to the National Associa tion of Realtors, as low levels of hous ing inventory and supply chain con straints have created an affordability squeeze for homebuyers. Mortgage rates have nearly doubled in the last six months – from 3% in 2021 to close to 6% in 2022 – making it increasingly challenging for many Americans to purchase a home, espe cially for those with limited income.

So, how do you know when you’re ready to buy a home? More impor tantly, how much home can you af ford? We sat down with Justin Cot ton, Senior Home Lending Advisor at Chase, to answer those questions and discuss what the current state of the market means for you and your family’s homebuying dreams.

Q: What are the main factors mortgage lenders look at when evaluating an application?

Justin Cotton: Your credit score and debt-to-income ratio are major factors in the application process.

Your credit score is set based upon how you’ve used credit, or not used credit. For example, do you pay bills on time? Higher credit scores can help you qualify for the lowest inter est rates. A score at 700 or above is generally considered good.

Additionally, lenders look at your debt-to-income ratio. This is a simple equation of how much debt you have relative to how much money you make. Borrowers with a higher debtto-income ratio are considered more risky while a lower debt-to-income ratio may allow you to qualify for the best rates on your home loan.

Q: What are some tips for improv ing your credit score?

Justin Cotton: Starting with review ing your credit report to understand what might be working against you. You can also pay down your revolving credit and dispute any inaccuracies.

Additionally, there are services like Chase Credit Journey to help mon itor and improve your credit score. Credit Journey monitors all of your accounts and alerts you to changes in your credit report that may impact your score. You’ll get an alert any time Chase sees new activity, includ ing charges, account openings and credit inquiries. Chase will also notify you if there are changes in your credit usage, credit limits or balances. You don’t have to be a Chase customer to take advantage of Credit Journey.

Q: What are some factors that can affect the cost of a mortgage?

Justin Cotton: There are two basic types of mortgage interest rates: fixed and adjustable. While adjustable rates are initially low, they can change over the course of a loan, so your mortgage payments may fluctuate. Loan term indicates how long you have to pay off the loan. Many homebuyers tend to opt for a 15-year or 30-year mortgage, though other terms are available. A longer loan term generally means you’ll have lower monthly payments, but you’ll pay more in interest over the life of the loan. A shorter loan term may come with higher monthly payments, but you’ll likely pay much less in interest over time.

Potential homebuyers should con tact a home lending professional to understand and review the options available to them.

Q: What are the costs of homeownership beyond the monthly mortgage payment?

Justin Cotton: People often think of the down payment and monthly mortgage, but buying and owning a home carries additional costs. Closing costs, for example, can

amount to up to 3% or more of the final purchase price. Other factors that could add on to your monthly payments are property taxes, home owner’s insurance, and homeowner’s association (HOA) fees. To get an idea of what this may look like for you, use an affordability calculator.

While there is no way for a buy er to completely avoid paying these fees, there are ways to save on them. Some banks offer financial assistance

3 Justin Cotton Senior Home Lending Advisor at Chase

for homebuyers. As an example, Chase’s Homebuyer Grant offers up to $5,000 that can be used toward a down payment or closing costs in eli gible neighborhoods across the coun try. There may also be homeowners’ or down payment assistance offered in your city or state. Contact a Home Lending Advisor to learn about re sources you may be eligible for. For a deeper dive into this topic, Chase’s Beginner to Buyer podcast – episode three, “How Much Can I Afford?” is a great resource for pro spective homebuyers to get answers to all their homebuying questions.

g

Combating the racial wealth divide

JPMorgan Chase is building on our investments in Washington, D.C. and around the country to help close the racial wealth gap and build a more equitable future.

As part of our commitment, we are taking actions to help improve financial health and access to banking in Black, Latino and Hispanic communities. Learn more

By Wendy Zelond

Winter is on the way. Just as the cold and flu season can challenge our immune systems, it can also be the time of year that creates the greatest financial strain on budgets and financ

As we increase our use of natural gas this winter—from the furnaces that heat our homes to other appliance usages—the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that multiple factors have led to national natural gas price increases.* These include storms, fluctuations in imports/exports vol umes, changes in natural gas invento ry levels and other sudden changes in demand.

These factors have caused wide spread price fluctuations which could directly impact your gas bill and over all finances.

Understanding how gas prices are set is helpful when managing your monthly budget.

for the Heating Season

THE COMPLEXITY OF NATURAL GAS PRICING

Many factors influence gas prices, but the most common are supply and demand, the price and availability of other fuels, weather variations and import/export volume. Like many energy sources, natural gas is generally subject to supply-and-demand forc es. Market prices are higher this year based on the economic recovery from COVID-19, increased natural gas demand from last winter and slower than anticipated production.

Washington Gas does not profit from the sale of gas. This means that our customers pay the same price that we do for the purchase of natural gas.

While these forces will affect this winter’s energy costs and may feel outside of your control, you do have powerful options to help manage your budget during the heating season.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: A SMART FINANCIAL STRATEGY

When you winterize your furnace, complete an online home energy as

sessment or upgrade to high-efficiency appliances with rebates, you are mak ing your home more energy efficient. From replacing water heaters to add ing weather stripping, small changes go a long way toward lowering your energy bills. Learn more at https://wg smartsavings.com/.

BUDGET PLANS: DISTRIBUTE HEATING COSTS

With the Washington Gas Budget Plan, you pay the same amount ev ery month. Because home and water heating can be the highest utility costs, a predictable monthly utility bill can help manage expenses with less stress. Enroll at https://www.washingtongas. com/budgetplan.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE AND INSTALLMENT PLANS: RELIEF FOR CHALLENGING TIMES

You may qualify for energy assis tance programs that help offset costs and provide relief for utility bills. If you are an energy assistance recip

ient, the Installment Plan may be right for you and help manage your bills through 12-month or 24-month payment plans. These programs are available throughout our service ter ritory in Maryland, DC and Virginia and can help you through uncertain times. Visit https://www.washington gascares.com/ and https://www.wash

As we adjust to the changing weather, Washington Gas is here to help. Here’s to your good health and a bright financial future! WI

*https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/ detail.php?id=53579

Wendy Zelond is a finance executive with over 20 years of experience in the energy, airline and public accounting sec tors. She is currently the senior vice pres ident of finance for the utilities segment of AltaGas, which includes Washington Gas, SEMCO and ENSTAR. She is a certified public accountant and holds an MBA from the University of St. Thomas in Houston.

Throughout her career, Wendy’s pas sion for people has inspired her to devel op teams and spaces where everyone can flourish. Her love for team building and encouraging others led to her first book, We Talk, We Lead: A Reflection of One Women’s Stories to Inspire and Empower Others. She is proud to sponsor employ ee resource groups and mentor others for success. Her experience has shaped her leadership approach, along with insights from her teams, continuous self-improve ment and challenging her comfort zones.

HELP YOU.

WE CARE ABOUT YOU.

The sooner you reach out to us, the sooner we can explore your options and

a solution for you. By working together, we can help you choose the right payment solution that fits your budget, eliminates some stress and gives you

of mind going forward.

YOU HAVE OPTIONS FOR PAYING YOUR ENERGY BILL.

P INSTALLMENT PLAN

P BUDGET PLANNING

P AUTOMATED-PAYMENT PLAN (APPL)

PREPARE FOR THE WINTER HEATING SEASON

Reduce Energy Use and Manage Your Energy Bill

Nearly half of your energy budget is spent on heating and cooling, and rising natural gas prices may increase your winter gas utility bills. Simple changes can help decrease energy costs. Stay safe, warm and energy-smart as temperatures drop!

Do you need help with your energy bill?

• You may qualify for energy assistance programs to offset costs and provide relief for utility bills. These programs are here to help and are available throughout our service territories in Maryland, DC and Virginia. Learn more about available assistance at washingtongascares.com.

• Enroll in the Budget Plan: spread your cost of winter heating over the entire year.

Simple everyday ENERGY SAVINGS TIPS go a long way:

TIP 1: Keep your water heater below 120°F using the warm or low setting.

TIP 2: Wash full loads of laundry and dishes, as opposed to numerous smaller loads.

TIP 3: Use cold water for laundry and specially formulated cold water detergents.

TIP 4: Caulk and weather-strip around doors and windows.

TIP 5: Change or clean furnace and air filters once a month.

TIP 6: Consider installing high-efficiency appliances when possible.

TIP 7: Look for the ENERGY STAR® energy-efficient product label when shopping for new appliances.

TIP 8: Consider purchasing a programmable thermostat that automatically lowers and increases the temperature based on when you’re home.

For more information, visit washingtongas.com or call 844-WASHGAS (927-4427).

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

The more you talk openly about money in your household, the easi er it will be to talk to your children about their financial futures. For tunately, there are plenty of great resources available to support you in making your family financially steady. Here are a few incentives for you.

Tiffany James, 27, started trad ing two and a half years ago and turned her initial $10,000 invest ment into $2 million. Today, she burns to pass this knowledge on. She’s the founder of Modern Blk Girl, which started as a room on the app Clubhouse to become an online community with 100,000 followers. As part of Modern Blk Girl, James is reintroducing Teen University, a 30-day course de signed to teach 14- to 19-year-olds about investing. Financial literacy rates in America are low, but they are lowest among members of Gen Z. According to a 2021 study by

Resources to Support Teen Financial Literacy

TIAA, on average 50 percent of Americans couldn’t an swer more than 50 percent of TIAA’s financial literacy quiz. For Gen Z this jumps to two-thirds, even though Gen Z is more likely than any other generation to have exposure to financial literacy classes. g

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES INCLUDE:

The Jumpstart Coalition for Financial Literacy is a free clearinghouse of publications, games, teaching plans, and other resources designed to teach financial responsi bility.

SaveAndInvest.org is a project of the FINRA Investor Education Foundation. It offers free, unbiased resources dedicated to improving people’s financial health.

Moneytopia is a free immersive game helping teens learn more about managing their money while having fun online. There is also a page of short video guides for teaching your teen more about topics including the power of compound interest and how much apartment living will cost.

FamZoo is an award-winning app acting as a private family banking system. It’s designed to help parents teach kids to earn, save, spend, and donate money wisely in a safe, friendly environment.

6 Tiffany James, founder of Modern Blk Girl. (Courtesy photo)

Get Approved For Your Mortgage Or Refi Fast (Here’s How)

Submitted by HomeFree-USA

According to Freddie Mac, 3.4 million African American renters are in a position to buy a home.

So, why aren’t we, in larger num bers, with homeownership as one of the foundational steps to build ing wealth?

Because African Americans still face major obstacles. According to the Consumer Financial Protec tion Bureau, we are consistently denied conventional home and refinance loans at higher rates than our white counterparts.

For example, out of 108 mort gage applications filed by African Americans last year, one of Mary land’s largest banks approved only 20 (19%) and denied 69 (64%).

Another 19 (18%) “fell out” of the process; although clients ultimate ly got approved, they walked away from the loan, frustrated by the long, arduous process.

The numbers show the deck is stacked against Blacks even more than others. The good news? There is a way to beat these odds, with the right partner by your side in the process.

Work with a partner such as HomeFree-USA to get approved, fast.

Over 25+ years in the housing industry, helping people of color get the financing they deserve, this is what we’ve observed: All too of ten, applicants are just a few sim ple changes away from being cred it-ready for the mortgage process.

With the right guidance, you can prepare for success and get the information you need to navigate the mortgage or refinance process quickly and easily.

By way of example, 96% of homebuyers who go through HomeFree-USA’s programs get approved on their FIRST applica tion.

You want to choose a partner who can help you build a mean ingful relationship with your lend

5 Having the right partner can help make closing on a home bring joy and happiness

er and make the process—and your life!—easier.

Here’s how to choose the right partner:

• DO seek an experienced credit counseling agency that can connect you with down payment assistance and credit preparation programs, with a proven track record of success. Ask about their process and approval rates.

• DON’T expect a “quick fix,” or confuse credit repair with credit counseling. Avoid companies that charge you high fees to “fix” your credit. (Most of these firms leave you no better prepared for the home buying process.)

• DO look for advisors willing to speak candidly with you, ask questions and give impartial ad vice you can’t get from a lender. The best advisors will explore is sues affecting your readiness, an alyze your situation, and provide solutions to improve your stand ing, which will require simple ac tions on your part.

• DO seek a counseling agency first, before talking to a lender. They can help identify issues that may cause your application to be denied before it happens—with out impacting your credit score.

• DON’T go to a lender, loan officer, or broker before consulting with a counseling partner. Finan

cial institutions are obligated to run a loan application if you ask for one, which can impact your credit.

• DO find nonprofit partners who have trusted relationships with multiple lenders and will work directly with the lender on your behalf.

You want to create a better fu ture. You’re eager to put in the work. You just need the right part ner to cut through a process that’s stacked against you.

Where to find the best credit counseling partners

Bridging the gap between finan cial strength and homeownership for people of color across Amer ica, HomeFree-USA is just one of many organizations that help aspiring homeowners prepare for a mortgage application, get ap proved, and get access to resources they might not otherwise know about.

We have a nationwide network of trusted agencies dedicated to closing

the homeownership gap for people of color and other marginalized com munities. You can also check out the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a compre hensive list of local, recommended intermediaries ready to help.

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5 Having the right partner can help make closing on a home bring joy and happi ness

Recent & Recommended Books on Economics

Collective Courage: A History of African American Cooperative Economic Thought and Practice

Jessica Gordon Nembhard

In Collective Courage, Jessica Gordon Nembhard chronicles African American co operative business ownership and its place in the movements for Black civil rights and economic equality. Not since W. E. B. DuBois Economic Co-operation Among Negro Americans in 1907 has there been a full-length, nationwide study of African American cooperatives. Collective Courage extends that story into the twenty-first century and includes the experiences of DuBois, A. Philip Randolph, the Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, Nannie Helen Burroughs, Fannie Lou Hamer, Ella Jo Baker, and the Black Panther Party. Adding the cooperative movement to Black history results in a retelling of the African American experience, with an increased un derstanding of African American collective economic agency and grassroots economic organizing.

Do I Look Like an ATM?: A Parent’s Guide to Raising Financially Responsible African American Children

Sabrina Lamb

Youth financial education is an urgent issue, and author Sabrina Lamb believes that African American parents first must reeducate themselves about finances to make sure the next generation does not fall into the spending trap that can be a family legacy. The lack of a healthy financial education has generational impact, causing families to be financially vulnerable, squander financial resources, and fail at wealth accumulation.

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

With step-by-step advice and exercises for parents and young people, Do I Look Like an ATM? sets out to establish new financial behavior so children will avoid the personal economic problems that have plagued the culture. The book guides parents through self-examination of their financial habits. By performing the exercises in this book and having candid discussions, parents can, together with their children, become en gaged citizens in the world of money.

The Hidden Cost of Being African American: How Wealth Perpetuates Inequality

Thomas M. Shapiro

Over the past three decades, racial prejudice in America has declined significantly and many Af rican American families have seen a steady rise in employment and annual income. But alongside these encouraging signs, Thomas Shapiro argues in The Hidden Cost of Being African American, fundamental accounts, stocks, bonds, home equity, and other investments. Shapiro reveals how the lack of these family assets along with continuing racial discrimination in crucial areas like home ownership dramatically impact the everyday lives of many black families, reversing gains earned in schools and on jobs, and perpetuating the cycle of poverty in which far too many find themselves trapped.

Economics in One Lesson: The Short est and Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics

Henry Hazlitt

With over a million copies sold, Economics in One Lesson is an essential guide to the basics of economic theory. A fundamental influence on modern libertarianism, Hazlitt defends capital ism and the free market from economic myths that persist to this day. Economic commenta tors across the political spectrum have credited Hazlitt with foreseeing the collapse of the global economy which occurred more than 50 years after the initial publica tion of Economics in One Lesson. Hazlitt’s focus on non-governmental solutions, strong — and strongly reasoned — anti-deficit position, and general emphasis on free markets, economic liberty of individuals, and the dangers of government intervention make Economics in One Lesson every bit as relevant and valuable today as it has been since publication.

Economic Literacy: Basic Economics with an Attitude

Frederick S. Weaver

Economic Literacy: Basic Economics with An Attitude explains the logic, language, and world view of economic theory while maintaining the engaging and accessible style that has made earlier editions so successful. While covering the funda mentals of the discipline, the author also includes a wide range of new material focusing on the struc ture, causes and results of the ‘Great Recession’. From microeconomics and macroeconomics to the composition of international and domestic econo mies, Economic Literacy also makes the key distinction between econom ics as an academic discipline and the economy as a practical reality. Using this approach, readers will be enabled to understand both current affairs and professional economics literature, making this book uniquely beneficial for students both practically and theoretically. g

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Visit us at bankofamerica.com/about.

Tips for Expanding Teen Financial Literacy

Don’t lecture. Instead, use stories and share your experi ences. As much as you think appropriate, share your fam ily’s situation, including your budget, savings, insurance, and investments. Take money out of the closet.

Make concepts and examples relevant to their lives.

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

Walk the talk. Kids watch what you say and do. Often the unspoken messages are the most powerful of all.

Encourage questions.

Nothing should be off the table.

Having a savings or investing account, an allowance, or making them an authorized user on a credit card all are ways to help your teen learn by doing.

Among African American youth, girls tend to outpace boys in understanding finances, and later in life, tend to manage finances better. Be careful with implicit and ex plicit biases when talking to boys. Help your sons become as financially strong as any of his female counterparts by giving him the same skills and knowledge to succeed.

Discuss your values.

So much of money man agement has to do with our personal priorities, so show your teen how they can connect the two. Fancy car or college fund? Expensive vacation or helping an aging parent? Include your teen in these important decisions.

Don’t be afraid to say, ‘I don’t know.’ Seek out the answer together!

Financial Literacy a Key to Stability for Returning Citizens

By Lee Ross WI Staff Writer

According to Fortune, twothirds of Americans cannot pass a financial literacy test. For those in juvenile detention cen ters or prisons, being unable to budget, understand how debt works, and learn the importance of balancing finances, could not only impair their plans for the future, but also encourage be haviors that could return them to prison.

The Federal Bureau of Prisons reported in 2018 that out of the 18-65-year-olds incarcerated in federal prisons, many entered prisons at formidable stages of their development and subse quently missed the benefit of learning money management.

In addition to education pro grams that promote literacy and help incarcerated individuals earn GEDs, education advocates are increasingly calling for the advancement of financial litera cy courses in prisons.

Why?

Simply put: financial literacy promotes self-sufficiency and re duces recidivism.

“Many young people enter the system as juveniles and have lit tle to no understanding of how the world around them operates, financially. When a young per son’s education is stunted by a stay in prison, they are more in clined to seek extra-legal means of caring for themselves upon their release,” Darryl Markham, former Lorton prison peer coun selor and founder of Finance Forward told the Informer. “We have to include financial literacy to prisoners so that upon release, returning citizens can thrive as productive, financially aware citizens.”

Markham spent more than twenty years in prison – convict ed at 18 – after having dropped out of school in the 10th grade. While he claimed excellent grades and a clear grasp on most coursework, his arrest halted ac cess to formal learning and ways to make money legally.

“I was wilding out as a youth, but I was never dumb. I under

stood money and how to make it – supply, demand, inflation, and competition – but all in a very illegal way,” he said laugh ing. “But because we were slam ming down thousands of dollars in cash on a countertop to buy cars and designer clothes, I nev er understood banking, saving, investing, or safeguarding mon ey in a legal way. I did not un derstand credit cards and leasing apartments… these are the skills necessary for incarcerated people to learn while inside so they do not go back to bad habits.”

To combat this problem, in places like Pennsylvania, correc tions opened a dialogue in 2016 with the Pennsylvania State Agency Financial Exchange (PA $AFE). PA $AFE, a group of 20+ state agencies work togeth er to provide financial education for consumers. Corrections be gan working with the organiza tion to provide financial educa tion as part of a re-entry strategy.

“We have found that inmates too often do not have funda mental knowledge, skills, or experience to face the complex financial realities of life. Upon re-entry into society, too often they repeat poor financial deci sions that helped put them on the path to incarceration,” said John Wetzel, Pennsylvania secre tary of corrections, and Robin L. Wiessmann, Pennsylvania secre tary of banking and securities.

Although the program is in its early stages, both inmates and Corrections report positive feed back.

The program will be mea sured against four attainable outcomes: to see if those that received financial education in prison have a lower recidivism rate than those that did not, to see if past-offenders that are back in society and had financial literacy training are more suc cessfully employed than those that did not, to see if the released offenders are more motivated to use financial tools such as a bank account and are more willing to engage in entrepreneurship; and to see how satisfied the staff and inmates are with the overall pro gram results. g

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Helping you get home

Emmett and Trayvon – Two Names That Blacks Must Never Forget

With the film “Till” now hitting theaters across America and with the series of plays, “The Till Trilogy” now on stage at the Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Northeast, conversations have been sparked about the life and death of young Emmett Till.

However, with both the play and the film providing new ways to examine and reflect upon the teen’s horrific murder and the impact it had on his family and the nation, this moment provides a golden opportunity to educate and empower the next generation.

As many recall, white racists in Mississippi abducted, tortured and lynched 14-yearold Emmett during the summer of 1955 when the Chicago teenager, while visiting his family, made the unfortunate error of breaking with cultural mores long-established in the segregated south.

The brutality of his murder and the fact that his killers were acquitted drew attention to the long history of the violent persecution of Blacks in the U.S. But for Blacks it was nothing new.

Generations later, parents still have “the talk” with their young boys and girls, even though they may have replaced the name “Emmett” with others, like “Trayvon.”

Members of the Jewish community continue to pass on the story of the Holocaust as a means of teaching their children about the struggles they have endured and how injus tice inflicted upon any one of them must be addressed by every one of them.

We, too, must do the same. We are all Emmett Till, whether we chose to acknowledge it or not. But simply saying his name is insufficient.

Still, we’re encouraged as youth across the District, after seeing either the play, the film, or both, have expressed their determination to take up the torch in our long quest for justice and equality. In fact, some of them already have.

WI

Civil Rights Opens the Door for The Washington Informer

The Washington Informer turns 58 on October 16.

Fifty-eight years ago, the local Black Press consisted of the Afro-American, of course, along with the Capital Spotlight, the New Observer and the Washington Sun.

In a city that was still very segregated, the door remained partially closed to Black journalists at the Washington Post, the Washington Star and the Daily News. But the news was all about civil rights, equality and equity and local Black publishers felt the responsibility to focus their attention on voting rights, civil rights, fair housing, school desegregation and police brutality.

Informer Publisher Calvin W. Rolark Sr. came to D.C. in the late 1950s. He served in the U.S. Army and fought alongside his brother in the Korean War. He faced racism and discrimination there but it was nothing like what he grew up with in his hometown of Texarkana, Texas, where the lynching of Black men was commonplace and not against the law.

Up North, especially in Washington, D.C., the expectation that things would be dif ferent was met with the reality that racism existed here, too. It was omnipresent because it was simply the American way.

In a city with a significant Black population, one of Rolark’s earliest headlines an nounced D.C. Government Run by Suburban White Folks. When Rolark joined the Black United Front, it was there that he encountered like-minded change agents, in cluding Marion Barry, Channing Phillips, Stokely Carmichael, Willie Hardy and many others.

Their struggle for self-determination or self-governance demanded the Informer’s at tention, just as the current fight for statehood remains front and center coverage by the Informer.

For the past 58 years, The Washington Informer has sought to be the watchdog that gives voice to those calling for an end to discrimination and supporting movements demanding equitable civil and human rights. The struggle is far from over. The Informer staff is committed to speaking the truth to power and covering the stories that matter to our readers today.

Reign of Terror

I can’t believe it’s been 20 years since the D.C. Sniper terrorization. Rest in peace to all of the victims who senselessly lost their lives. Coming off of the 9/11 attacks, it was such a scary time in the nation’s capital. Thanks to all who serve and protect.

Marilyn L. Chambers Washington, D.C.

Readers' Mailbox

TO THE EDITOR

4 More Years!

I appreciate all of the hard work and thoughtful policies from the Biden admin istration. So far, Joe and Kamala have kept their word and every promise they made on the campaign trail: Black woman Supreme Court justice, student debt relief, and re cently the pardon of all federal offenses for simple marijuana possession. Biden-Harris has my vote in 2024!

Ivey Headen Washington, D.C.

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsax ton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Columnist

New Steps Toward Ending Hunger

Marian Wright Edelman

"In every country in the world and in every state in this country, no matter what else divides us, if a parent cannot feed a child, there's nothing else that matters for that parent. If you look at your child and you can't feed your child, what the hell else matters?"

In his remarks at the Sept. 28 White House Conference on Hunger, Nu trition, and Health, President Biden

summed up the heart of the matter for any family that has ever struggled to put food on the table. This event was the first time the White House had con vened a conference on hunger in more than 50 years. The first one, held in December 1969, led to the beginning of a series of expansions of the federal food safety net programs that so many tens of millions depend on today. But there is a critical need to do more right now. The 2022 conference emphasized once again that hunger, along with dis parities in access to healthy food and in

Guest Columnist

health outcomes linked to nutrition, is preventable — and we have the ability to do something about it.

The Children's Defense Fund joined other organizations urging the White House to hold this conference, signing a letter earlier this year that read in part: "We can end hunger in America, and a public commitment to a White House Conference, with ending hunger as a key priority, is an essential step in ac complishing this goal. … The 1969 Conference led to an expansion of the

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the National School Lunch Program, as well as the establishment of the Special Supple mental Nutrition Program for Wom en, Infants, and Children (WIC). The Conference created the meaningful and necessary conversations to address hunger and food insecurity in America at the time. Now, more than half a cen tury later, conversations on how we will finally put an end to hunger in America are long overdue."

The White House responded, and in this new conference reinforced its goal of ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and physical activity by 2030. As they put it: "Millions of Americans are afflicted with food in security and diet-related diseases — in cluding heart disease, obesity, and Type 2 diabetes — which are some of the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S. The toll of hunger and these diseases is not distributed equally, dis

This November, Unite to Defend the Black Vote

know how many people were nervous enough to avoid voting that year.

Right before our last national elec tions in 2020, thousands of Black vot ers in Detroit got a call from someone posing as a woman named “Tamika Taylor.” She warned them that if they voted, the government would collect their personal information and come after them for credit card debt, out standing warrants, even forced vaccina tions. The calls were a voter suppression scam, and the two white guys behind it were prosecuted. But we'll never

Dirty tricks like this make me sick. And as we get closer to this year's mid terms, civil rights leaders are warning that we're likely to see more of them.

The Far Right is waging a war on Black voters, and disinformation is among its favorite weapons. Another one is pass ing laws to make it harder for Black citizens to vote. The Brennan Center at NYU keeps track of these efforts.

The legal scholars there report that since 2020, lawmakers in 49 states have introduced more than 400 bills that would make it harder to vote. This

Guest Columnists

midterm election is the first nation wide election since that massive voter suppression campaign started, and we have one way to fight it: massive voter mobilization.

Getting our friends and neighbors to vote so we can have a say in issues that affect our daily lives is a calling for all of us. I am fortunate to lead an organi zation that will make Black male vot ers the focus of our Get Out the Vote efforts this year. Our initiative, Defend the Black Vote, will reach out to Black men in 15 states who are registered but skipped two out of the three past elec tions. Our focus will be men because

they still don't vote in the high percent ages Black women do. Our message will be simple: Vote this November. Vote because your vote is your voice and your power. Vote because of every thing that is on the line in these elec tions: jobs, reproductive rights, mass incarceration, who sits on our courts, education for our kids, health care, pol lution in the environment where our families live.

Vote because we need to Ban the Box. Vote because Black Lives Mat ter. Vote because you have a dream of entrepreneurship. Vote because your mental health, and your family's mental

Brett Giroir, M.D., and Regina Hartfield

Congress Must Act to Help Americans with Sickle Cell Disease

Few public policy issues are as per sonal to Americans as health care pol icy. To many, it is literally an issue of life or death. That’s why pending leg islation addressing Sickle Cell Disease is so vital to millions of Americans who have a friend, colleague, or loved one living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an in herited blood disorder that primarily impacts Black Americans, followed by Latino Americans and to a lesser extent, white Americans. Today, we are urging Congress to take long over

due action to transform the future for the 100,000 Americans living with this debilitating disease. This is not a matter of science or technology – it is only a matter of national “will.”

Congress designated September as National Sickle Cell Awareness Month to focus attention on the need for research and treatment of this rare genetic blood disorder afflicting 1 in 365 Black newborns. For years, Con gress and the administration have failed to adequately address SCD. More than twice as many Americans

suffer from SCD than cystic fibrosis, and about five times as many suffer from SCD as those with hemophil ia. Research suggests that more than tens of thousands of Americans have Sickle Cell Disease, though there are reasons to think the number is actual ly much higher. Yet the government’s investment in SCD lags far behind these and other diseases.

SCD causes a host of serious health problems, ranging from acute epi sodes of pain to lung problems and stroke. Today, the average life expec

tancy for people with the most severe form of SCD is 30 years shorter than those without SCD. While outcomes for individuals with SCD are worse than their peers, the available evidence demonstrates that poor outcomes are very often not the result of the disease but attribut able to challenges in our health care system exacerbated by anemic federal policy. Some federal policies are out dated and need to be modernized, others need to be better resourced, and in some cases, the federal govern

health, matters. Vote because the white supremacists don't want you to, and are doing everything they can to stop you, and that tells you how important it is.

I know that some folks don't vote because they believe their vote doesn't matter. History shows that it does. The best example I can think of is what happened in Georgia in 2020, the first year we ran our Defend the Black Vote campaign. We motivated over 200,000 additional Black men in Georgia to vote that year — a year when the presi dential election in the state was decided

ment lacks needed policies for Med icaid and public health. As a result, individuals’ access to care varies sig nificantly based on the state in which they live.

Soberingly, the failure of policy imagination can be seen in the gaps in outcomes for patients served by federal and state programs. Accord ing to the federal government, eight in 10 adults and children with SCD on Medicaid do not receive a dai

Ben Jealous

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

E. Faye Williams

The Real Deal

Before I jump into the main sub ject of this week's article, I would like to remind you that political campaigns are a costly endeavor. Real support for your chosen can didate(s) is best demonstrated with a campaign contribution. Personal experience leads me to offer that a contribution in any amount is greatly appreciated and that you can also support candidates in states in which you cannot vote. Our futures

depend on fragile differences which can only be controlled with the election of candidates whose pol icies reflect our chosen outcomes. Time is getting short, and elections offer us no dress rehearsals.

In the coming 2022 midterm elections, the average voter-eligible American is inclined to vote in stinctively on the basis of hearing a word or phrase that appeals to a deeply held value or belief system instead of researching or consid ering the "cause and effect" con sequence of their vote. This is not

Guest Columnist

surprising and political operatives continually search for and experi ment with methods to use this fact to their advantage.

So much of the Republican agen da for the 2022 midterm elections is rooted in contradiction, obfus cation and double-speak that the infrequent voter or single-issue voter may be swayed to vote for a candidate whose policies appear to be benign and harmless. I'm sure that, somewhere at some time, a Republican will deserve receiving a vote, but I find myself in agree

ment with Liz Cheney in opposing pro-Trump, Stop the Steal, or sym pathizers of the Jan. 6 insurrection — most Republicans in general. For years, respected political/ social analysts have theorized that Americans have notoriously short memories regarding political events. I agree with this theory and point to the statements of Trump and Bannon in the early weeks af ter the 2016 presidential election. They each said that a primary goal of a Trump administration would be the "deconstruction of the ad

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Some Politicians Confuse Freedom with Irresponsibility

ministrative state," or institutions and institutional norms. Trump, Bannon and their fellow travelers have proceeded toward the realiza tion of that end with all deliberate speed.

That goal explains the Real Deal of Republican politics today. In words, deeds and lack of intelli gent responses, both ultra-MAGA and conventional Republicans have surrendered to the act of al tering the principal norms, mores

As extreme weather caused floods in Kentucky, collapse of the water sys tem in Jackson, Mississippi, and the savage destruction of central Florida — to say nothing of fires and drought and a growing water shortage in the West — we ought to agree on two simple realities: America faces a grow ing challenge from both catastrophic climate change and a growing infra structure deficit that is putting lives and communities at risk.

All should agree that we must act aggressively and at scale to address the climate challenge and rebuild our de crepit and aged infrastructure. We can invest now — or we will pay far more on the backside of calamity.

Yet that's not how it works. Flori da's Gov. Ron DeSantis and his state's two senators, Mark Rubio and Rick Scott, all Republicans, now call fer vently for federal aid and resources to help clean up the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Ian. With mil lions still without electricity or safe water, and many still endangered by floods, fallen bridges, downed electric

lines and collapsed bridges, recovery will take years and cost tens of billions of dollars. The politicians are all in for getting federal dollars and resources to help in the wake of catastrophe. De Santis regularly scorns federal spending in general and Joe Biden in particular, but when asked after Ian hit if he'd meet with Biden, he said, sensibly, "We need all the help we can get."

Yet, Gov. DeSantis, who has presi dential ambitions, goes out of his way to dismiss warnings about extreme weather from catastrophic climate change. He said during his gubernato rial campaign that he doesn't want to

be labeled "a global warming person."

When asked last December how he plans to address climate change, De Santis replied that "people when they start talking about things like global warming, they typically use that as a pretext to do a bunch of left-wing things. … We're not doing any leftwing stuff." Last year, he signed a bill that blocked Florida cities and towns from transitioning to 100% clean energy. He also championed a reso lution prohibiting Florida's pension fund from considering the impact of climate change in its investment deci sions.

The Lever, a reader-supported in vestigative news outlet, reports that about three months before Florida was clobbered by Ian, eight of the state's Republican lawmakers pres sured federal regulators to halt a pro posal requiring businesses to more thoroughly disclose the risks they face from climate change. Those lawmak ers have raked in more than $1 mil lion of campaign cash from oil and gas industry donors.

Similarly, all of Florida's politicians voted against the bipartisan infra

Marc H. Morial

Alabama's Defense of Racially Gerrymandered Districts Defies Logic, Decency

tion would violate a provision of the Constitution intended to give Black Americans fair representation.

mantling the protections of the Voting Rights Act in the process.

In its zeal to defend the racially dis criminatory Congressional districts state legislators created to dilute the political participation of their Black constituents, Alabama is making a mockery of the Constitution.

The solicitor general of Alabama stood before the U.S. Supreme Court and put forth the argument that drawing congressional districts that give Black Americans fair representa

Specifically, Alabama contends that the Voting Rights Act, which prohib its racial discrimination in voting, is in violation of the 14th Amendment, which was adopted to prevent racial discrimination under the law.

It's hard to believe anyone with even a basic understanding of history, much less constitutional law, could voice this fallacy with a straight face. Even worse, some of the Justices ap pear willing to accept it, further dis

In a pointed series of responses to Alabama Solicitor General Edmund LaCour, newly invested Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson demolished his absurd claim "that it is unconstitutional to consider race when addressing racial discrimination" as legal commentator Peter Shamshiri wrote, and provided a sorely needed history lesson.

"The entire point of the [14th] Amendment was to secure rights of the freed former slaves," she said. "The legislator who introduced that

amendment said that 'unless the Con stitution should restrain them, those states will all, I fear, keep up this dis crimination and crush to death the hated freedmen.' That's that's not a race-neutral or race-blind idea in terms of the remedy.

"When there was a concern that the Civil Rights Act [of 1866] wouldn't have a constitutional foundation, that's when the 14th Amendment came into play. It was drafted to give a foundational, a constitutional founda tion for a piece of legislation that was designed to make people who had less

opportunity and less rights equal to white citizens. With that as the fram ing in the background, I'm trying to understand your position, that Sec tion 2, which by its plain text is doing that same thing, is saying you need to identify people in this community who have less opportunity and less ability to participate and ensure that's remedied — it's a race-conscious ef fort, as you have indicated. I'm trying to understand why that violates the 14th Amendment, given the history

LIFESTYLE

Provocative New Film, ‘Till,’ Elicits Myriad of Emotions from Howard University Students

D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor

The murder of 14-year-old Em mett Till in the summer of 1955 caused a ripple of anger, fear and in credulity that swept the nation and which continues to reverberate today.

And while older African Amer icans have often cited the event as a teachable moment in efforts to advise their children of the dangers they might face at the hands of white racists, a new film, “Till,” de livers a fresh look for today’s youth eager to understand the unsettling

details surrounding Emmett’s death and its lasting impact.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, United Art ists, in collaboration with 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County and Maryland and local college/universi ty chapters of the NAACP, donated 122 tickets for high school and col lege students to see an early screen ing of the film.

The youth gathered at the Land mark E Street Cinema in North west, where they would be greeted by Julius Ware II, a member of the 100 Black Men and a standout stu dent and senior from Howard Uni

versity, Channing Hill, 21.

The movie tells the true story of Mamie Till-Mobley’s relentless pur suit of justice for her teenaged son who was lynched while visiting his cousins in Mississippi. His mother, Mamie Till-Mobley, decided to share the photos of her son’s mutilated body, forcing America to witness the plight of Blacks which they routinely faced at the hands of racist bigots.

Till-Mobley pushed through her grief and mobilized an entire gen eration of disenfranchised Black Americans to seek justice when vi olently wronged, with an outcome that our community has never for gotten.

The film, directed by Chinonye Chukwu and produced by co-writ er Keith Beauchamp serves as a tour de force – moving viewers in an tee ter-tottering of emotions.

Beauchamp said he felt he had a mission to fulfill.

"I want people to recognize that it's not just a movie, it's a move ment. It is a movement to reconcile the history of our past. We are still fighting for justice for Emmett Till. This is only a component, a tool to make sure that happens," Beau champ said.

But it would be the reflections of the youth from Howard University that this writer find even more com pelling.

“Seeing the film with my fellow students allowed us to witness it together in a safe space where we could laugh and cry,” said the Dal las native who recently received an NAACP Image Award for her lead ership as a student activist.

“The tragedy is that young Black boys are still being lynched,” she said. “Tamir Rice, Trayvon Martin are just a few of the names but the cycle continues. And still, there’s been no justice for Emmett Till and

so many others. We have to stand up and demand an end to this. And we will,”

“It’s a great film and it brought to life Emmett’s humanity – the life he led before his murder and his mother’s strength as she advocated for justice for her son,” said Treeom Griffith, 21, a senior at Howard.

“It made me cry out and realize that the things I have experienced in my life haven’t begun to prepare me to how cruel the world can be,” said Ivy Rogito, 19, a sophomore from Minneapolis. “I know about the George Floyd situation because of my hometown and that has mo tivated me to become more of an activist. But this film showed me the power of a mother’s grief and love. I thank her for being willing to share her pain in order to change the world.”

“I remember being in high school and a teacher saying that the Em mett Till story was ancient history,” said Loren Spivery, 19, a sopho more from Cleveland, “Boy, was he wrong. And to think that the wom en who claimed that Emmett had raped her was lying. That lie cost him his life. And she never had to pay for it.”

“This was one of the hardest films I’ve ever seen and I was stuck in my seat,” said Kayla Santiago, 19, from New York. “I felt so connected to Mamie Till and she reminded me that when something bad happens to one Black person, it happens to all of us. We need to remember that always.”

5 Students share their feelings with the Inforomer after viewing "Till". (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Two Talented Actresses Tackle a Titillating Role in ‘Tina’ the Musical

Howard Univ. Grad Zurin Villanueva and Naomi Rodgers Share the Duties

D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Editor

The new theater season has al ready begun with plenty of options throughout the DMV if you’re one of those who enjoy seeing a good performance on stage.

And because this writer’s par ticularly fond of shows that have singing, dancing and music, the delightfully-entertaining produc tion, “Tina – the Tina Turner Musical,” counts as one that you simply do not want to miss.

The Broadway at the National production, which opened Oct. 4 continues through Oct. 23 at the National Theatre in Northwest. And while it’s recommended for anyone 14 years old or older, you may want to grab a bite to eat be fore showtime. The musical, with an intermission, runs just over 2 ½ hours. But it’s worth it!

“Tina” serves as the inspiring journey of a woman who broke barriers and became the Queen of Rock n’ Roll. The musical, written by Pulitzer Prize-winning play wright Katori Hall and directed by

Phyllida Lloyd, features Turner’s much-loved songs – from “Proud Mary” to “What’s Love Got to Do With It.”

Most impressive about this mu sical, for which Adrienne Warren won her first Tony Award for Best Performance in a Leading Role in a Musical in 2021, remain the two actors who share the lead as Tina Turner in this touring production: Naomi Rodgers and Zurin Villan ueva.

The two women alternate days and performances after it became apparent that the demanding role required the services of two actors. Both said they remember the chal lenges they faced in building up their reserves, particularly physi cally, as they began rehearsals.

“We started with the creative team who told us to get used to what it would take to do a show like this,” said Rodgers, a proud graduate of Howard University. “We started with choreography – no music, no scripts – and we worked on our stamina. We want

LIFESTYLE

The Black Coalition Against COVID Urges You To Get Your New BiValent COVID Vaccine Booster NOW!

Gigi El-Bayoumi M.D. Melissa Clarke M.D. Yolandra Hancock M.D. Reed Tuckson M.D.

Unfortunately, the COVID Pandemic is not yet over. It’s not yet over for the nation and it definitely isn’t over for Black folks. Many may not realize it, but more than 400 people a day are dying of COVID, any many more are, or will, experi ence the health and financial consequences of Long COVID.

Studies show us that the immune protection from prior vaccinations, and prior infection, decrease over time. It’s important that you increase your protection now with the new vaccine that protects from previous and current strains that are still with us.

After billions of doses of COVID vaccine have been administered all over the world, without signifi cant side effects, we now know that the vaccine is safe for children and adults. As for vaccine effective ness, it is estimated that almost 20 million lives were saved worldwide in the first year alone! A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association indicates that the vaccination campaign averted 58% of deaths that might have otherwise occurred during their study period. The COVID vac cines have been proven safe and effective at preventing death and severe illness.

Our risk of exposure is disproportionally higher than for others. We must protect ourselves and each other. The holidays are around the corner. Please ensure that all of our seniors are protected this year by assisting them in getting their boosters, and you getting yours. so the entire family is protected for the holidays. If you contracted COVID more than three months ago or received a previous booster or primary COVID vaccine more than two months ago, and are 12 or older, the time is NOW to get the bivalent vaccine dose.

The bivalent booster is FREE and you can get the shot at local pharmacies, some physician offic es and hospitals, and at DC Health’s Covid Service Centers. The Ward 8 location is 3640 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, and the Ward 7 location is 3929 Minnesota Avenue NE. For more information go to coronavirus.dc.gov. Let’s work together to reverse this troubling trend of dying in higher numbers than any other racial group by taking action to pro tect ourselves. Black lives matter and one way of showing it is by getting your booster!

photo)

THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL

ed to tell the story truthfully be cause it is a beautiful story. But taking it on tour required us to dig deep without technical assistance.”

“Tina Turner had a relation ship with her audience. Her music wakes people up. And to be able to sing those songs with everyone in the audience singing with you, it’s just great. There’s an energy that ripples throughout the theater,” said Rodgers who grew up sing ing in church and said she’s always ready to go on stage and take on the role of storyteller.

Villanueva said being cast for the role provided her introduction into the many challenges Turner experi enced as her career moved forward.

“Since joining the tour, I have been inducted into the details of Tina’s work – her diction, her songs, her move ments,” she said. “I didn’t grow up on her music and so I had to go back and study her. I’m really enjoying looking into the eyes of people in the audience –the call and response thing we do with them. It’s unlike anything I have ever experienced.”

“An older woman rushed to the stage one night like she was at a real concert and reached out to

touch my hand – like I was a real rock star. That was so cool,” Vil lanueva said.

Rodgers said she most enjoys the comradery that has evolved within the cast.

“As much as I appreciate those who come to see us perform, my cast members are really the audi ence that I focus on the most,” she said. “We’ve put in so much work and time and energy. I remember the first time we did the entire show in rehearsal and the applause that we received from the crew and others – that was a feeling that I will never forget – the love and support we received.”

Villanueva remembered the first time she knew she wanted to be come a thespian.

“I was about 7 and we had a neighbor who had a role on Ses ame Street,” she said. “After seeing them perform, while I didn’t ex actly know what an actor actually did, I was hooked. The green-eyed monster had me. It just felt right. And I’ve never looked back.”

Visit www.broadwayatthenation al.com for more information. WI

@mcneirdk

Where Beauty Lives

‘Guys and Dolls’ Still Holds Up With Entertaining and Sharp Performances Love Is the Key to This Musical

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

It’s hard to believe that “Guys and Dolls” premiered on Broad way in 1950. This current revival of the funny upbeat musical stays with a theme of couples in love trying to work through complex circumstances. This enduring, charming musical kept the audi ence mouthing words to and ap plauding familiar songs performed by a bonified experienced Broad way cast. The production opens the fourth season of the Kenne dy Center’s “Broadway Center Stage” bringing full productions of Broadway hits to Washington, DC. This production is in town until October 16.

“A new generation is ready to fall in love with Nathan, Sky, the long-suffering “well-known fian cée” Adelaide and the missionary Sarah Brown,” said “Guys and Dolls” director Marc Bruni in the program guide. “Unlike their female protagonist counterparts in other shows of the same peri od, they end up getting what they want very much on their own terms.”

The four lead cast members are” James Monroe Iglehart, plays Na than Detroit and received a Tony Award for lead actor in “Aladdin.” Nathan is a guy who runs floating

crap games and avoids marriage to Miss Adelaide, his fiancée of 14 years. She is played by Jessie Muel ler, Tony winner for lead actress in “Beautiful: The Carole King Musi cal.” In their relationship, Nathan is unreliable, something native Washingtonians call “triflin.’” The always-dedicated Adelaide figures out ways to cope with her disap pointments in situations that are very funny.

Rounding out the lead roles are Steven Pasquale as out-of-townbased gambler Sky Masterson. Most recently he starred oppo site Kerry Washington in Kenny Leon’s acclaimed production of “American Son.” Playing Sarah Brown, a missionary worker is Phillipa Soo. She was nominat ed for a Tony Award and won a Grammy for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in “Hamilton.” Sky and Sarah play a delightful “cat and mouse” game that goes through a range of emo tions. The couple is married in real life.

Avoiding the police and finding the current floating crap game is one storyline in “Guys and Dolls.” The other is can love be found and survive with so many layered twists and turns. It all takes place in 1950s New York. To set the

D.C. Civil Rights App Launched by High School Students

James Wright WI Staff Writer

Two Washington, D.C.-area high school students have created an inter active app that highlights the history of civil rights in the District.

“After the murder of George Floyd in May 2020 because of police brutal ity, we become interested in the Black Lives Matter movement and wanted to take action as allies of the move ment,” said Eliza Dorton, a co-found er of the D.C. Civil Rights App along with her younger sister Lily, on the Oct. 7 edition of WIN-TV, the Wash ington Informer’s Internet news show.

“We stumbled upon this by acci dent,” Eliza said. “We found that there are various hidden landmarks that have been whitewashed by the white male culture.”

The Dorton sisters attend the Holton-Arms School in Bethesda, Md. They said Holton-Arms main tains an open, tolerant atmosphere in regards to the racial history of America and they wanted to focus on places where Blacks have challenged segrega tion and injustice.

“Washington, D.C. and our coun try have been shaped by the dedica tion and hope of Black Americans,”

the sisters said in a statement earlier published in the Informer. “Black Americans were leading the fight for equal rights. As kids living in the D.C. area, we wanted to create a tour re flecting the truth about civil rights in Washington, D.C. so that everyone, including young people, can learn more about this important history.”

Lily said that in addition to con sulting a Black scholar at Suffolk University, they talked to Rohulamin Quander of Quander Quality who provided insight and a different per spective from what they had known and heard about African-American history in the city.

“It was important to consult mem bers of the Black community,” Eliza said.

Eliza said she learned enslaved Afri can Americans built the U.S. Capitol and White House and that Lafayette Square at one time served as a slave market. She added it made more sense to create the app than a social media account.

“An app is the best way to get in formation across but we also have a website,” Eliza said.

The app showcases an interactive map that assists users navigating their way through 17 locations with visuals,

audio recordings and synopses telling the stories of each landmark and the people connected to them. The app, available to download through both Apple App Store and Google Play,

includes stories about the Mary Mc Leod Bethune Council House, the U Street neighborhood in Northwest, the Frederick Douglass House, the Capitol and Black Lives Matter Plaza.

Lily said in the future, the app will feature sites in Virginia, particular ly Alexandria, Maryland and other states. WI

5 Eliza and Lily Dorton have started an app highlighting D.C. civil rights sites. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

of the books below

She was the second oldest of four girls. Her love of her sisters helped her to become one of America’s most beloved children’s book authors.

Louisa’s family did not have much money. To help out, Louisa started taking on as many jobs as a young girl could find. She read for an elderly man and his sister. Louisa and her sister Anna taught young children and mended and washed laundry.

In 1852, Louisa’s first poem was published in a magazine, and she made her first money from writing.

As a child, Louisa and her family moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where her father, Amos Alcott, set up a school based upon his beliefs about education.

Use the code to find out the name of Louisa’s first published poem.

Responsibility

Though poor themselves, Louisa’s family always tried to help people who were worse off than they were. Look through the newspaper to find a person or people you could help.

Do

In 1855, her first book, Flower Fables was published.

In 1862, Louisa went to Washington, D.C. to serve as a Civil War nurse. Like many other nurses, Louisa contracted typhoid fever. Although she got better, mercury in the medicine caused her suffering for the rest of her life. In Washington, Louisa continued to write and she published two more books.

Her publisher, Thomas Niles, asked that she write “a girl’s story.” Having spent her life with three interesting sisters, Louisa wrote Little Women based on her own experiences.

The novel, published in 1868, was an instant success. It has now been a favorite book for generations.

Women in the News

When Louisa May Alcott was alive, not many jobs were available to women. Look through the newspaper and make a list of all of the jobs a woman with the right experience and training could get today.

Standards Link: Career: Understand general preparation for entering the workforce.

Louisa Alcott loved to read Modern day came up with creating poetry newspape creativity

Here is an he made by from the newspaper crossing out except for in his poem:

• Grab a newspaper.

• Grab a marker.

• Find an article.

• Cross out behind the • Pretty soon poem.

Standards

Complete the letters in the vertical and should only be Some spaces

Louisa worked hard to help women get the right to vote. She wrote articles about equality for women and went door-to-door

Mass.,

A Woman

Admire

LIFESTYLE

PARDON from Page 1

chairman of the Conference of Na tional Black Churches (CNBC) in a statement.

“Generations of Black Americans –often young men – were confined to years behind bars on simple possession charges. It wasn’t enough that their futures were ripped from them; they faced endless barriers to rebuilding their lives upon their release,” Richard son said.

Although Black and white Ameri cans used marijuana at roughly com parable rates, Blacks accounted for 39% of all marijuana possession ar rests in 2020 despite being only 12% of the population, according to Pew Research analysis of 2020 data.

“The criminalization of marijuana has been a glaring racial justice issue in this nation, with Black communi ties bearing the brunt of this burden,” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio) said in a state ment.

“The action by President Biden to remedy the failed approach to mari juana is a crucial step to righting the injustices of our past,” she said.

BIDEN’S ANNOUNCE MENT BEARS MAJOR LOCAL IMPACTS

The racial disparities that character ize marijuana arrests nationally remain particularly stark in the District. From 2012, when MPD began publicly reporting marijuana arrests until the city legalized marijuana possession in 2015, D.C. police arrested just under 6,000 people for possession alone. More than 5,100 of those ar rests—85% -- were Black people.

However, it’s still unclear just how many people in the District actually have convictions for simple posses sion. Biden administration officials estimated the pardon would apply to “thousands” of people convicted under the D.C. statute in addition to around 6,000 people nationwide con victed under federal law.

In a statement, D.C. Democratic Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton praised the president’s actions but ar gued that the pardons made D.C.’s need for statehood glaringly obvious. Though the White House holds the authority to grant clemency for D.C. crimes, presidents have used it rarely in recent decades. Unlike states, the District does not have power to grant clemency to its own citizens.

“D.C. should not have to rely on

the president to exercise mercy and mitigate the harms of unjust policies,” Norton said. “I applaud the president’s pardons but his administration has ac tively worked to block the District of Columbia from spending local funds on commercializing recreational mar ijuana, which is a shocking violation of D.C. home rule by a Democratic administration.”

Biden announced along with the pardons that his administration plans to review marijuana’s categorization under federal drug law. If marijuana becomes reclassified so that it’s no longer a Schedule I drug, the District would gain control over the decision to fully legalize and commercialize it; the rider that prevents D.C. from do ing so only applies to Schedule I drugs.

PARDONS FOR POSSESSION JUST ONE PIECE OF THE PUZZLE

More than 70% of D.C. residents support legalization, according to poll ing released by the I-71 Committee in September. Nationally, opinions on the issue remain more divided but even leaders opposed to full legaliza tion praised Biden’s pardon.

Kevin Sabet, president and CEO of Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM), said in a statement that the pardon was vital for promoting crimi nal justice reform and for proving the Big Tobacco-backed industry doesn’t require legalization to change marijua na laws.

“No one deserves to be in jail for a joint. But we should also not be sell ing highly-potent THC products, nor should we promote and encourage use among young people,” Sabet, who served as a senior policy advisor in President Barack Obama’s drug policy office, insisted.

“President Biden continues to op pose the legalization of marijuana and we are grateful to the administra tion for this,” Sabet said. “We are also heartened by the president’s public statement accompanying the pardon, which noted that we need important ‘limitations’ on trafficking, marketing and underage sales.”

According to a Pew Research sur vey, many Black adults support legaliz ing marijuana, at least for medical use (85%).

The survey found that most favor reforms to the criminal justice system, such as expunging marijuana-related offenses from the criminal records of

individuals convicted of such crimes and releasing people from prison who are being held only for marijuana-re lated charges (74% each).

Currently, no one remains in jail for simple marijuana possession un der federal law, Biden officials said. A spokesperson for D.C. Courts said that though he couldn’t confirm it for certain, he didn’t think anyone was currently incarcerated for simple pos session under D.C. law either.

For local advocates, this remains a key sticking point.

“When people hear ‘pardon’ they think people are getting out of jail,” said Adam Eidinger, co-founder of

the organization D.C. Marijuana Justice, which spearheaded the 2015 ballot initiative decriminalizing pos session.

He said he found the move en couraging but saw it as “just a small step” towards pardoning all marijua na crimes and taking the drug off the Schedule I list. Eidinger empha sized that limiting the pardons only to simple possession meant leaving thousands behind bars for growing or distributing cannabis – activities now legal in many states.

Roach Brown, a long-time com munity advocate for returning citi zens, also said he saw Biden’s pardon

as a small step in the right direction. But he sees pardons as insufficient to restoring justice.

“They've been arresting Black peo ple in Black communities for years for simple possession. For having mari juana, or smelling like marijuana. For just being in a neighborhood where it’s been sold,” Brown said.

“And these guys who get locked up because they got caught on the play ground with a joint—they couldn’t apply for a Pell Grant [to go to col lege]. They lost certain rights and benefits and employment opportuni ties. Is there any compensation for the damage?” he asked. WI

reviewwi book

horoscopes

ARIES Opening your heart to friends and loved ones comes even more naturally than usual at the start of the week. You'll also feel stirred to broaden your horizons. Later, this could be a rather emotional time in which you feel like you need to take a time-out from the daily grind to tune in to what your soul needs. The cosmos could make it tough to pinpoint exactly where you go from here, but making the time to listen to and then trust your intuition can be a significant first step. Lucky Numbers: 19, 31, 43

TAURUS You'll get the green light to confidently bring your creative impulses to your work when the week begins. You'll enjoy sharing your vision with colleagues and friends who can weigh in with helpful commentary that could bring you even closer to a financial win. Lucky Numbers: 9, 20, 49

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

The laughter was loud and long. You didn't think it was funny, though. Sure, you acted like it was all a big prank but you did it to save face and hide the pain of being the butt of the joke. Nothing humorous about that but one day, you'll see. As in the new book, "The Essential Dick Gregory," edited by Christian Greg ory, one day, they won't laugh at you. They'll laugh with you.

That's how young Richard Claxton Gregory learned that he was fun ny: he was small, skinny, fatherless and poor — all reasons for other kids to make fun of him. One day, he says, he realized that if he came at them with jokes before they could pounce on him, he could turn the tables and control the situation.

He sharpened that talent, inside the classroom and out, using his hardworking mother as a beacon. After thinking about all the love his fa ther was missing, Gregory decided that he had little respect for the man.

As a young man, Gregory showed a willingness for activism but he was always more interested in comedy: he'd tried entrepreneurship with comedy club that didn't make money and besides, he hated the physical distance from his family that it demanded. He gave that dream up but by then, a different dream, a comedy career, began to take off.

Despite participating in protests as a teen, Gregory's first official ac tion for civil rights happened in early 1963, when he delivered food to poor Mississippians whose supplies were cut off. Not long afterward, he joined Dr. King at a demonstration in Birmingham; he grieved Medgar Evers a month later. His wife, Lillian, got involved, too, and was jailed at a voter registration event the fall of 1963.

By 1967, income from Gregory's speaking engagements eclipsed his comedy, and he began eyeing politics as an additional way to make a difference. He advocated for better health for the Black community, but he endangered his own health through hunger strikes as protest.

And in 1983, he began talking about the real possibility of a Black president …

Because it's based on many volumes, transcripts and interviews, "The Essential Dick Gregory" is a nice surprise: it's tight, spare and moves quickly without being bogged down by fluff and extras that aren't need ed. Editor Christian Gregory (yes, he's Dick Gregory's son) did a fine job in sharing the nuggets that readers will want to know.

Don't be surprised, though, if you get the feeling that Gregory is sit ting nearby, telling his story himself in a relaxed voice that belies the concerns that you can tell he obviously had. You'll be glad to see that his comedy surfaces now and then here — it's still relevant and still funny — but that's not the biggest appeal of this book. Well-placed interviews and editor's comments add insight that audiences 50 years ago didn't get.

That makes "The Essential Dick Gregory" an overall different picture of Gregory for older fans and a fresh introduction for new ones who long for it. WI

GEMINI Love, peace and joy are yours for the taking early in the week. You'll feel more attractive and magnetic and might even want to experiment with a new look or wardrobe update. Expressing what's in your heart to loved ones might be the best way to channel this buoyant, sweet energy. Lucky Num bers: 10, 13, 24

CANCER At the start of the week, you'll feel like it's time to make significant changes to the way you're tackling your regular to-dos and/or caring for your physical, emotional and mental well-being. You could also feel like it's necessary to prioritize higher learning and steer toward eye-opening experiences. Lucky Numbers: 6, 38, 50

LEO You'll crave connection with friends and colleagues as the week gets underway. Prioritize that DMing marathon with your best friend or host a happy hour with coworkers. Later, you could be fed up with the fact that you feel like you've had to put your creative, artistic impulses and playful, sparkly, outgoing energy on the back burner in order to hit your professional goals. Lucky Numbers: 22, 29, 32

VIRGO Getting into a creative flow and then sharing your vision with colleagues comes naturally as the week starts. Feeling motivated and inspired by social, aesthetic-minded activities that bring you plea sure, whether that's brainstorming with coworkers or setting up a new organizational system on the job, can set you up for financial rewards now. Later, it might be time to deal with any family drama that's been simmering in the background. Key will be making sure to strike a balance between your personal and professional endeavors. Lucky Numbers: 1, 28, 37

LIBRA You feel like you have the wind in your sails to make your fantasies a reality in the beginning of the week. Even if you're simply planning ahead for future travel or researching online classes that could help you hone your skill set, you'll be heartened by the opportunity to tune in to your heart and play and dream. Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 25

SCORPIO You'll be craving heartfelt, pleasurable experiences as the week starts. Speak your truth and you can make the most of the loving energy. Later, if you feel like it's time to switch up your approach to work, make a play for more responsibility on the job, or rethink your long-term game plan for achieving financial success, you'll get a nudge in the right direction. Lucky Numbers: 26, 41, 46

SAGITTARIUS You'll be meditating on how you want to be seen in the world and perfecting long-term goals that are inextricably intertwined with your identity when the week gets underway. This could undoubtedly be an emotional time during which you might be resentful if it feels like your core needs have been neglected for a time. Conflicts with loved ones might crop up, but your chief purpose can serve as your guiding light. Lucky Numbers: 8, 23, 30

CAPRICORN When the week starts, you might feel utterly burned out, emotionally, mentally and even physically. Taking time for yourself away from your typical daily grind is necessary to rest and rejuve nate your body and your soul. What's more, allowing yourself this downtime can set you up for even greater success once you're back on your A game. Lucky Numbers: 11, 32, 34

AQUARIUS At the start of the week, you could be driven to rethink the circles of friends or colleagues to whom you've been dedicating much of your time. Zero in on your values, which can help steer you toward the commitments worthy of your time and energy and also serve to bolster your moneymaking potential. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 26

PISCES When the week starts, the cosmos sets a pleasant, sweet tone that can bring you joy from bonds with loved ones. Spending time connecting over the phone or on a walk can prove restorative for your relationships. Lucky Numbers: 1, 17, 23

"The Essential

CAPTURE

Ward 7 resident and entrepreneur, Donna Henry, celebrated the release of her children’s book series celebrating the culture, history and contributions of the city’s mayors. The book launch was held at the Point restaurant in Southwest on Oct. 6. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5

and

Donna Henry, speaks about the DC Black history book series launched on Oct. 6 at the Point in Southwest. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Nyla-Sky Dormu, talks about why she believes the DC History Book series by Donna Henry should be in DCPS. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 (L-R) Marleigh Teede, Pat Lawson Muse, Donna Henry, Brandon Shackelford, Nyla-Sky Dormu, Zuri Dormu and MPD Chief Robert Contee III, after press conference launching Donna Henry’s children’s books. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

4 Donna Henry hands signed copies of her book to Charlotte Ducksworth. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Keeping (the) House: It Demands Planning

Jamila Bey

LaShaun Hicks* (name has been changed) used to spend summers at the family home in Southeast when she was a child growing up during the Reagan Administration. The girl from “Up North” would come to spend time with her cousins, aunts, uncle and grandparents in the sprawling five bedroom home with a front porch and a backyard so huge, her Big Mama planted “enough food that we only went to the gro cery store for meat and pantry items.”

From family celebrations including a wedding or two and reunions that would gath er more than 200 Hicks rel atives from each time zone, the grandparents’ home was a haven. “I knew no matter what,” Hicks sighs, “I could always go to Big Mama and Granddaddy’s house.” That isn’t what happened for Hicks. The house, which was deeded to the matriarch of the fam ily who had no will, fell into disrepair after her death. And when a buyer approached, the family decision-makers felt they had no choice.

Hicks is now in her 40’s and has moved part-time to DC. She rents an apartment when she’s in town. “You know how it goes,” she explains, “Gran daddy died. My grandmother did own the house, but by the time my mother and her sib lings got it together to pay the taxes, hire a lawyer and figure out what they wanted to do, somebody was offering to buy the house.”

Hicks’ mother, five aunts and an uncle were split on most decisions including those about paying late property and estate tax, hiring a probate at torney and how to deal with repairs that would easily come to about the same amount as

what they could earn selling the house.

“It kills me!” Hicks shakes her head. “They owned that house free and clear. But nobody had a will, and now that house is worth probably five or six times what we sold it for.” Hicks says it’s not just about the reunions that now hap pen in hotels- if at all. “That was their legacy. And now other people get to have that for their family.”

Atlanta-based attorney, Chantel Mullen, has seen and heard similar stories to Hicks’ “countless” times, she explained. Pointing out that most conversations about Black homeownership tend to focus on what it takes to get folks into hous es, Mullen suggests there needs to be more robust conversation about how to help people remain in the homes they purchase.

In her book, My Legacy Person al Planning Portfolio: Leaving a Legacy Instead of Leaving A Mess she outlines the things families need to do to insure their biggest

asset doesn’t wind up being their biggest financial regret.

“It can’t be a one-time conver sation!” stresses Mullen. “Start the conversation early. You have to talk to people and say, ‘You know, I'm not always gonna be here. Here's what I want. Here's what I've planned.”

Unfortunately, it’s not always the person who owns the home who has to be the one to bring up the topic. While most families won't have seven potential deci sion-makers to get on the same page, it is important to bring up the question with parents about what provisions they’ve made con cerning a family home.

But the bottom line, according to Mullen is that everyone needs three things to make sure that fam ilies can keep the homes in their “For one, you should have a will.” Mullens says, “Don’t have people grieving and guessing! Tell them who is to inherit the property and how it should be

split if necessary.”

A will, according to Mullen, is only one concern. Says the COVID-19 pandemic showed families why having a power of at torney and a healthcare power of attorney can be just as important as the last testament.

While it’s sometimes hard to consider, Mullen says making sure to have someone who can make medical decisions is another re quirement for a plan. “A health care power of attorney is that person able to make healthcare decisions for you. Do you want extraordinary life saving measures? Do you want to be intubated? Do you want or do you not want to be resuscitated? Those are all things you could and should tell people, because if you don't, people will come to the table from their own place.”

LaShaun Hicks says she knows she’s not alone when it comes to the regret of not understanding how she and her relatives could

have planned more effectively and maybe saved their family home. “A few of us,” she says, “probably could have worked something out.”

Chantel Mullen agreed.“You always have something that's valuable to somebody whether you place value on it or not.”

5 D.C. Ward 8 Neighborhood. Photo by Denise Rolark-Barnes

Sunday, Oct. 16, beginning at 10 a.m. is Women's Day at All Na tions Baptist Church in Washing ton. D.C. We invite you all to join us to hear a historic and blessed message by our guest speaker Dor othy Butler Gilliam, who stands alone on the pages of history as the first African American woman to work for The Washington Post as a reporter.

The church's main entrance is located at 2001 Rhode Island Av enue NE, and we invite all of the readers to come out and hear Gil liam's story! During the service, five other women will be honored for their many years of work in the community, including our pub lisher right here at The Washing ton Informer.

The Hilltop News reported, "Denise Rolark Barnes, the ed itor in chief of The Washington Informer, has made her mark on the Black journalism world. Story telling has played a part in her life since she was a child, and as she continues to work as a publish er, she wants to spread a message around Black positivity in news."

"She has also made her pres ence in the National Newspaper Publishers Association as a chair woman. That is a super important opportunity to be able to connect nationally and internationally," The Hilltop reported.

During her college years at Howard University, she wrote for The Hilltop from 1974-1975. She graduated with a bachelor's degree in communication in 1976. Barnes went on to pursue her Juris Doctor degree at Howard, and during her time, served as the editor of the

the religion corner

Dorothy Butler Gilliam, Guest Speaker for Women's Day

Howard University School of Law school newspaper, The Barrister. She started when she was a soph omore and continued as its editor until she graduated in 1979." We invite you to come out to give a salute to Denise Rolark Barnes for her many years of service.

Other honorees includes Judge Wanda Keyes Heard, who retired in recent years from her role as the first female chief judge for the city of Baltimore. She served those citi zens with honor, and she has a cou ple stories you won't want to miss. We also have Saymendy Lloyd, who has been honored in the D.C. Hall of Fame for her good works in our community. Each year, her nonprofit donates thousands of toys to the children of incarcerated parents. We will honor Anita Shel ton, someone who has worked in the District of Columbia for many years heading up DC Women in Politics. She hosted forums for women running for office at all levels and continues to do so to day. Another honoree is Dr. Gail Nunlee-Bland, an endocrinologist and Type 2 diabetes doctor who heads up the department at How ard University Hospital.

We will have a special appear ance by Brown Ballerinas, under the leadership of Paula Brown, who once herself was a prima ballerina. She was one of the dancers in the weekly television series "Fame" under Debbie Allen. Finally, our mu sical guest is Rev. Dr. Niketa D. Wilson, an anointed singer, preacher and woman of God who will bless the congrega tion in song.

As the Women's Day chair, it has been my pleasure to serve the church, our pastor and

the planning committee. Tune in this Friday at 6 p.m. to my show on Radio One's Spirit 1340 WYCB to hear our guest speak er Ms. Dorothy Butler Gilliam, along with our pastor, the Rev. Dr. James Coleman. They will be my guests on my show to invite listeners out to the service.

In closing, we are honored to have these historic women hon ored, and find a portion of this Scripture, Proverbs 31:10-16, very fitting:

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. WI

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr.

Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson

Pastors

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday

Service/Bible Study: Tuesday,

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church

Dr. Henry Y. White

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Rev. Louis B. Jones II

Pastor

700 Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849

Service and Times

Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM

5th Sundays: 9:30 AM

3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion

Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Dr. Paul H. Saddler

of Christ)

12th Street, NW - Washington, DC

202-265-4494

265

and

Worship Service: 11:00 AM

every Sunday: 11:00

School: 10:00

Study Tuesday: 12 Noon

Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30

Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful”

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette

Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

4915 Wheeler Road

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

301-894-6464

Service and Times

Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

Services and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM

Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE Washington D.C. 20020

Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 www.acamec.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM

Sunday Church School 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30 AM

2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM

Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM

Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM

Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D.

Senior Pastor

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

800 Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002

202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

Service and Times

Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:45 AM

Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM

Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor

610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

(202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services:

1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM

Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday

The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast

Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM

Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM

Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM

Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org

Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews

St. Mark's Baptist Church

624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wed. Noon Day prayer service

Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM

Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Virgil K.

- Washington, DC

12thscc.org /

Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr.

Pastor

Third Street N.W.

DC. 20001

(202) 842-3411

(202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Church School : 9:00 AM

Morning Worship: 10:10

Study Tuesday: 6: 00

Service Tuesday: 7:00

3rd Sunday 10:10

Pastor

Reverend John W. Davis

Mount

Shabbath Commandment Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr.

Pastor

7801 Livingston Road

Oxon Hill, MD 20745

301-534-5471

Service and Times

Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM

Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship

Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.”

Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org

Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr.

Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW Washington D.C 20011

Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times

9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study

Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday

Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851

P: (202) 726-5940

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun.

Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM

Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

All Nations Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. Washington, DC 20002

Phone (202) 832-9591

Service and Times

Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM

Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM

Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM

Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM

Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com

All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert

Imterim Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

2324 Ontario Road, NW

Washington, DC 20009

(202) 232-1730

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM

Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002

202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE

Washington, DC 20003

Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM

Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

8213 Manson Street

Landover, MD 20785

Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

Service and Times

Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM

Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Historic St. Mary’s

Church

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged.

The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev

Florida Avenue Baptist Church Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001

Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday

Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM

Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM

Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020

Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM

Worship Service: 11:00 AM

New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM

Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study

Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM

Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell

712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM

The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday

Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Bible Study: 7:30 PM

Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM

A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor

3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM

Prayer Service Bible Study

7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738

Service and Times

Worship Service: 7:30 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Worship Service: 10:30 AM

Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM

Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM.

Wednesday 12 Noon

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

Rev.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Ashaley Sade Williams© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS ", corp.sole Dba.: " ASHALEY SADE

WILLIAMS© ", [ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS-DAVIS, ASHALEY WIL LIAMS-DAVIS, WILLIAMS ASHALEY, ASHALEY DAVIS, SADE DAVIS, SADE WILLIAMS-DAVIS, DAVIS ASHALEY, WILLIAMS-DAVIS ASHALEY, ASHALEY WILLIAMS DAVIS, DAVIS WILLIAMS, ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS DAVIS, SADE WILLIAMS DAVIS, SADE-DAVIS ASHALEY SADE, ASHALEY S WILLIAMS WILLIAMS-DAVIS SADE ASHALEY, ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS DAVIS EL, ASHALEY SADE DAVIS EL ASHALEY DAVIS EL ASHALEY DAVIS EL], © and all derivatives having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Aniyunwiya Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Con ventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Aniyunwiya Moorish American. am that I am: " Ashaley Sade Williams © ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ori ashelay sade davis el © ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES\]199719059607 " ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS DAVIS EL© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " " ori ashelay sade davis el © ", nom deguerre: " Ashaley Sade Williams© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " ASHALEY SADE WILLIAMS DAVIS EL© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001036

Estate of Helen Jones

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

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

Date of first publication: 9/29/2022

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. DC Bar #1015955

5335 Wisconsin Ave. NW #700

Washington, DC 20015

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001011

John Michael Wall Decedent

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

Tyree (Wall) Batchelor, whose address is 5018 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representa tive of the estate of John Michael Wall who died on March 27, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/29/2023. 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 3/29/2023, 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: 9/29/2022

Tyree (Wall) Batchelor

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : am that I am: "David Nathaniel Edmondson Jr©", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “DAVID NATHANIEL EDMONDSON JR", corp.sole Dba.: "DA VID NATHANIEL EDMONDSON JR© ", [DAVID EDMONDSON JR, DAVID EDMONDSON], having reached the age of majority, be ing aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citi zen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Sec tion 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. am that I am: "David Nathaniel Edmondson Jr© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "david nathaniel edmondson jr© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Maryland Department of Health Division of Vital Records: STATE FILE NUMBER, or USCIS #: 76-34772 #: "DAVID NATHANIEL EDMONDSON JR© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "DAVID N EDMONDSON JR© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "david nathaniel edmondson jr©", nom deguerre: "David Nathaniel Edmondson Jr© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "DAVID N EDMONDSON JR© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: am that am: “Robert Daniel Souza©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdaar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA”, corporation sole DBA.: “ROBERT D SOUZA©”, including any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling, i.e. NOT limited to all capitalized names “ROBERT SOUZA©”, “ROBERT DANIEL©”, “ROBERT D SOUZA©”, “SOUZA©”, “RDS©”, “SOUZA ROBERT D©”, “SOUZA ROBERT DANIEL©”, “R SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT DANIEL©”, “MR ROBERT D SOUZA©”, “MR SOUZA©”, “MR SOUZA ROBERT D©”, “MR SOUZA ROBERT DANIEL©”, “MR R SOUZA©” or any derivatives thereof are under Copyright 2005, having reached the age of majority, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a Californian, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, and all natural laws governing American Citizens, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a Californian. I am that am: “Robert Daniel Souza©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “robert-daniel: souza©”. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “hors de combat”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of yhwh's covenant, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title: This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, CALIFORNIA STATE FILE NUMBER, 104-87-239436: “ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA©”, “ROBERT D SOUZA©”, “ROBERT SOUZA©”, “ROBERT DANIEL©”, “ROBERT D SOUZA©”, “SOUZA©”, “RDS©”, “SOUZA ROBERT D©”, “SOUZA ROBERT DANIEL©”, “R SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT SOUZA©”, “MR ROBERT DANIEL©”, “MR ROBERT D SOUZA©”, “MR SOUZA©”, “MR SOUZA ROBERT D©”, “MR SOUZA ROBERT DANIEL©”, “MR R SOUZA©”, including any and all derivatives and variations in the spelling, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA TRUST©”. All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: “robert-daniel: souza©”, nom de guerre: “Robert Daniel Souza©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “ROBERT DANIEL SOUZA TRUST©”, an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: "Marcel James Lamar Wood© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “MARCEL JAMES LAMAR WOOD", corp.sole Dba.: "MARCEL J. L. WOOD © ", “Wood, Marcel James Lamar ©” having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby de clare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: "Marcel James Lamar Wood© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "marcel james lamar woodbey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Statistics: STATE FILE NUMBER #: 19890051958© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "The Hokage Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "marcel james lamar wood-bey© ", nom deguerre: "Marcel James Lamar Wood © ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "The Hokage Trust © ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000539

Dominic J. Monetta Decedent

Valerie J. Edwards Antonoplos & Associates

1725 DeSales St., NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

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

Christopher Monetta and Michael Monetta, whose addresses is c/o Antonoplos & Associates, 1725 DeSales St., NW #600, Washington DC 20036, were appointed Personal Representa tives of the estate of Dominic J. Monetta who died on October 7, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Christopher Monetta Michael Monetta Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001019

Eva D. Stewart

Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq.

Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 300

Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

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

Raymond Alphonzo Ross, whose address is 313 17th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Represen tative of the estate of Eva D. Stewart who died on 11/20/2003 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 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Raymond Alphonzo Ross Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001042

Hector A. Julio Decedent

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

Rebecca A. Ellertson, whose address is 4201 Cathedral Ave., NW #318 E., Washington, DC, 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hector A. Julio who died on 6/26/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

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

2022 ADM 880

Gholam Hossein Hekmat Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Safieh Hekmat, whose address is 4201 Cathedral Avenue, NW, Apt. 516-E, Washington, DC 20016, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gholam Hossein Hekmat who died on 10/23/2021 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 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Safieh Hekmat

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Rebecca A. Ellertson Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 001501

William Vernell Wood Decedent

E. Regine Francois Williams

9701 Apollo Drive, Ste. 301

Largo Md 20774

Attorney

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

Robert L. Schmidt and Joseph F. Johnson, whose addresses are 46788 Glen Mary Farm Rd., Park Hall Md 20667 & 4611 Lewis

Leigh Ct., Chantilly VA 20151, were appointed Personal Repre sentatives of the estate of William Vernell Wood who died on 2/3/2020 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 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: October 6, 2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 1005

Bridgitte Belinda Boykin Wilkins

Decedent

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

Carman Wilkins, whose address is 3421 Brothers Place SE, Apt. 104, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bridgitte Belinda Boykin Wilkins who died on 12/15/2021 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 4/6/2023. 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 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Carman Wilkins

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

2022 ADM 000873

Dolores H. Spaulding aka Dolores Hinton Spaulding Decedent

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

Deirdre Spaulding-Yeoman and Angelyn Spaulding Flowers, whose addresses are 4000 19th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018 and 1345 Irving St., NE, Washington, DC 20017, were appoint ed Personal Representatives of the estate of Dolores H. Spauld ing aka Dolores Hinton Spaulding who died on 6/11/2022 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 4/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Reg ister of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/6/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Deirdre Spaulding-Yeoman

Angelyn Spaulding Flowers

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001050

Rene Chevez Decedent

Tina Smith Nelson

601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT,

UNKNOWN HEIRS

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

2021 ADM 000579

Denise Core Edwards Decedent

Julius P. Terrell 1455 Pennsylvania Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

CREDITORS AND

Dinora Fuentes, whose address is 810 Hamilton St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Represen tative of the estate of Rene Chevez who died on 12/29/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 6, 2023. 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 April 6, 2023, 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: October 6, 2022

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

Terasita Edwards, whose address is 2511 Fairlawn Ave, Wash ington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Denise Core Edwards who died on 9/6/2020 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 4/16/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Reg ister of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/16/2023, 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: 10/6/2022

Terasita Edwards Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 FEP 000119

July 23, 2022

Date of Death

Shirley M. Archie aka Shirley Mae Archie

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Pamla Archie whose address is 622 Jefferson Street NW Washington DC 20011 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Shirley M. Archie aka Shirley Mae Archie, deceased, by the Superior Court for Beaufort County, State of North Carolina.

Service of process may be made upon Donna Burriss 4133 Lee Street, NE Washington DC 20019 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

622 Jefferson Street NW Washington DC 20011. 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: 10/13/2022

Pamla Archie Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001017

Sarah G. Hardeman Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie

Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth St., NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Albert F. Hardeman, Jr., whose address is 801 Van Buren Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Represen tative of the estate of Sarah G. Hardeman who died on July 5, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before April 6, 2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Regis ter of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before April 6, 2023, 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: October 6, 2022

Albert F. Hardeman, Jr.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 1079

William L. Banks Decedent

Andre O. McDonald, Esquire 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway

Suite 420 Columbia, Maryland 21044

Attorney

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

Mary K. Perry, whose address is 6833 Nashville Road, Lanham, Maryland 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William L. Perry who died on 10/24/2008 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 4/13/2023. 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 4/13/2023, 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: 10/13/2022

Mary K. Perry

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001052

Theresa Olivia Jordan Decedent

Donald R. Marlais

411 10th Street NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Brenda Jordan Wheeler, whose address is 1038 Inkberry Court, Orlando FL 32811, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theresa Olivia Jordan who died on 7/26/2013 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 4/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Reg ister of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/6/2023, 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: 10/06/2022

Brenda Jordan Wheeler 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

2020 ADM 000211

Nellie Johnson Decedent

Caren M. Webb, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW, Suite 250 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

John W. Johnson, Jr., whose address is 12715 Bar Oak Drive Waldorf, Maryland 20601, was appointed Personal Represen tative of the estate of Nellie Johnson who died on 5/30/2018 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 4/13/2023. 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 4/13/2023, 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: 10/13/2022

John W. Johnson, Jr.

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Robert L. Schmidt Joseph F. Johnson Personal Representative \

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001027

Bertha Olivia Harrison Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Dr., Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716

Attorney

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

Nicole Vernell Murray, whose address is 3453 Regency Parkway, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bertha Olivia Harrison who died on May 24, 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 4/13/2023. 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 4/13/2023, 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: 10/13/2022

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000917

Beulah Mae Davis aka Beulah Mae Prince Decedent

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

Carleta Cheryl Powell, whose address is 10 Danbury Street, SW Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beulah Mae Davis aka Beulah Mae Prince who died on May 29, 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 4/13/2023. 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 4/13/2023, 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: 10/13/2022

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001000

Juanita B. Brown Decedent

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

Anthony C. Brown, whose address is 1703 Pepper Tree Court, Bowie Maryland 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Juanita B. Brown who died on 2/9/2008 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 4/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Reg ister of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 4/13/2023, 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: 10/13/2022

Anthony C. Brown

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : am that I am: " ashley alexis wilson ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ASHLEY ALEXIS WILSON ", corp.sole Dba.: " ASHLEY A WILSON. As nat ural can mother, and guardian of: " Ariasha Rosaliz Payne, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ARIASHA ROSALIZ PAYNE ”, corp.sole Dba.: " ARIASHA R PAYNE ". Having reached the age of ma jority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal inten tion to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Sec tion 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Ashley Alexis Wilson ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ahshael ashmil zohar ". My beloved daughter, " Ariasha Rosaliz Payne ", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ashirra bea zohar ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH : STATE FILE NUMBER, 2012019337: " ARIASHA ROSALIZ PAYNE ", & is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " paradipity ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor / Guardian: " ahshael ashmil zohar ", nom deguerre: " Ashley Alexis Wilson ", is as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " paradiptiy ", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Ashley Alexis Wilson© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ASHLEY ALEXIS WILSON ", corp.sole Dba.: " ASHLEY A WIL SON© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Sec tion 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Ashley Alexis Wilson© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ahshael ashmil zohar© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursu ant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH : STATE FILE NUMBER, 1990050636 : " ASHLEY ALEXIS WILSON© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " paradipity© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " ahshael ashmil zohar© ", nom deguerre: " Ashley Alexis Wilson© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " paradipity© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : am that I am: " ashley alexis wilson ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ASHLEY ALEXIS WILSON ", corp.sole Dba.: " ASHLEY A WILSON. As natural can mother, and guardian of: " Sampson E'Lonnie Payne, the beneficiary and heir of: “ SAMPSON E'LONNIE PAYNE ”, corp.sole Dba.: " SAMPSON E PAYNE ". Having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continen tal Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. declare per manent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Arti cle III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws gov erning moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: " Ashley Alexis Wilson ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ahshael ashmil zohar ". My beloved son, " Sampson E'Lonnie Payne ", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " sampson ellion zohar ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH : STATE FILE NUMBER, 2015155458: " SAMPSON E'LONNIE PAYNE ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " paradipity ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor / Guardian: " ahshael ashmil zohar ", nom deguerre: " Ashley Alexis Wilson ", is as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " paradiptiy ", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : am that I am: “ Clifford William Broughton ”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ BROUGHTON, CLIFFORD WILLIAM ”, corp. sole Dba.: “ BROUGHTON, CLIFFORD WILLIAM ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON© ”, “ BROUGHTON, CLIFFORD WILLIAM© ” , “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON© ”, “ CLIFFORD BROUGHTON© ”, “ CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON© ”, “ CLIFFORD BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFF EL© ”, “MTL PROPERTIES©”. As natural father, and guardian of: “ Olivia Denise Broughton ”, the beneficiary and heir of: “ BROUGHTON, OLIVIA DENISE ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ OLIVIA DENISE BROUGH TON© ”, “ OLIVIA D BROUGHTON©”, “ OLIVIA BROUGHTON© ”, “ OLIVIA EL©”, &, “Clifford William Broughton Jr”, the beneficiary and heir of: “BROUGHTON JR, CLIFFORD WILLIAM”, corp.sole Dba.: “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON JR©”, “CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON JR©”, “CLIFFORD BROUGHTON JR©”, “CJ BROUGHTON© “CJ EL©”. Having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare our tribal intention to be as our pedigree subscribes, as: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem Nationals, but not citizens of the United States. We declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ Unit ed Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim our nationality in good faith as: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem Nationals. I am that am: “ Clifford William Broughton ”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ cliff el ”. My beloved daughter, “ Olivia Denise Broughton ”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ olivia el ”. ”. My beloved son, “Clifford William Broughton Jr”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ cj el ”. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as “ hors de combat ”, pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as ministers of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: “ South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control ”, DBA: STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA: STATE FILE NUMBER, 139-1982-024832: “ BROUGHTON, CLIFFORD WILLIAM ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON© ”, “ BROUGHTON, CLIFFORD WILLIAM ” , “ CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON© ”, “ CLIFFORD BROUGHTON© ”, “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFFORD BROUGHTON SR© ”, “ CLIFF EL© ”, “ North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services ”, DBA: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA: CERTIFICATE NUMBER, 201518079 : As well as “ OLIVIA D BROUGHTON© ”, “ OLIVIA DENISE BROUGHTON© ”, “ OLIVIA BROUGHTON© ”, “ OLIVIA EL© ”, all aforementioned entities are as a special deposit order, conveyed to “Olive Branch Trust ”, &, “North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services”, DBA: STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA: VOLUME NUMBER, 00092, PAGE NUMBER, 2465 : As well as “ CLIFFORD W BROUGHTON JR© ”, “ CLIFFORD WILLIAM BROUGHTON JR© ”, “ CLIFFORD BROUGH TON JR© ”, “ CJ EL© ” all aforementioned entities are as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Humble Trust ”. All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal Creditor / Guardian: “ cliff el ”, nom deguerre: “ clifford william broughton ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ CWBII Trust ” an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " ashley alexis wilson ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ ASHLEY ALEXIS WILSON ", corp.sole Dba.: " ASHLEY A WILSON. As natural can mother, and guardian of: " Jayonni Jaylin Payne, the beneficiary and heir of: “ JAYONNI JAYLIN PAYNE ”, corp.sole Dba.: " JAYONNI J PAYNE ". Having reached the age of ma jority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal inten tion to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Sec tion 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that am: " Ashley Alexis Wil son ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality Status Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " ahshael ashmil zohar ". My beloved son, " Jayonni Jaylin Payne ", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " shiloh bosci zohar ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equita ble Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: OHIO DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH : STATE FILE NUMBER, 2013157439: " JAYONNI JAYLIN PAYNE ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " paradipity ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact , as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor / Guardian: " ahshael ashmil zohar ", nom deguerre: " Ashley Alexis Wilson ", is as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " paradiptiy ", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These depos its are not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee agent bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

Nicole Vernell Murray

Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Carleta Cheryl Powell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

has served as an advisory neighbor hood commissioner and previously run for the ward council seat. “I like what she has done as far as paid fam ily leave is concerned and she tries to practice oversight over the Depart ment of Employment Services.”

Voters must chose two candidates in a race that features eight hopefuls whose names will appear on the general election ballot. In addition to Silverman, independents include Karim Marshall, Fred Hill, Graham McLaughlin and Kenyan McDuffie as well as Democrat Anita Bonds, Republican Giuseppe Niosi and Statehood-Green David Schwartz man.

The top two vote-getters will win seats on the council. Voters can select no more than two candidates for the seats. Meanwhile, political observ ers have described the race as one to watch with three current coun cilmembers, Silverman, McDuffie and Bonds, among those competing for the two seats.

Bowser, no relation to D.C. May or Muriel Bowser, said she hasn’t made a final decision on her second choice.

“I know I am a Democrat and I sit on the D.C. Democratic State Committee as the Ward 4 commit teewoman,” she said. “We as Dem ocrats have made a commitment to back Anita Bonds. I think Anita is a

nice person but she seems too close to developers. That’s the way I feel about Kenyan McDuffie. He is too close to developers and I didn’t like the way he left the party to run for the at-large council seat. He's really not an independent.”

She also expressed reservations about McDuffie’s handling of his former campaign for the Democratic nomination for attorney general.

“He should have known whether he met the qualifications for the of fice before he started his campaign,” she said.

While Bowser expressed doubts about Bonds, Franklin Garcia, a former D.C. shadow representative and an independent at-large council candidate in 2020, said he plans on backing her.

“When I rejoined the Democratic Party after the 2020 race, I made a commitment to elect Democrats,” Garcia said. “Anita, who has served a number of years on the council and knows the issues, has my support.”

Like Bowser, Garcia hasn’t made a firm choice on his second pick.

“There are very high-profile names on the ballot and I think D.C. resi dents will be well-served by anyone on the ballot because the candidates are competent and care about the city,” he said.

Deirdre Brown lives in the Pal isades neighborhood of Ward 3. A former candidate for her ward’s council seat earlier this year, she owns

a title company in the city. Brown supports Bonds because of her per formance on the council.

“She is the chair of the housing committee and I have seen her work up close,” she said. “I want her to continue to do good work.”

Brown said she will “definitely” support McDuffie as her second choice.

“As the owner of a small business, I appreciate his support of us,” she said. “He has also voiced concerns about the state of the city’s major corridors, which are key to small business development. I like that he addresses the problem of vacant store fronts throughout the city.”

Former Ward 8 advisory neigh borhood commissioner Christopher Hawthorne shared Brown’s support for McDuffie.

“I know him personally and I think he has really tried to address crime in the city,” Hawthorne said. “As an at-large council member, he will need to deal with citywide issues. He will have to touch on other ar eas.”

Hawthorne said Hill will be his first selection when he casts his bal lot.

“Fred Hill is one of our Ward 8 people,” he said. “I don’t see any of the other candidates talking about our needs. A lot of times people come to Ward 8 seeking our votes. But Fred is walking the walk and talking the talk.”

Hawthorne said he respects Bonds and Silverman but said “they’ve had their time” on the council.

“They haven’t made any changes in Ward 8,” he said. “They have al lowed things to get bad. When you go to their offices about an issue, they offer excuses and more excuses but no action.”

Ravi Perry, a political scientist at Howard University, said this year’s at-large council race looked good for incumbents Bonds and Silverman until McDuffie entered the race.

“Kenyan McDuffie is the wild card,” Perry said. “It looks like there was an October surprise when it was revealed that there are problems at the D.C. Housing Authority which doesn’t look good for Bonds in that she chairs the committee on hous ing.”

Perry said if McDuffie wins and Silverman loses, the progressives on the council will lose an ally and the moderates who tend to favor busi nesses will retain a friend.

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

scene, there were many creative uses of colors and patterns in the suits and shirts worn by male cast members that I wanted to see a runway fashion show. Kudos to

Actor, comedienne, and “Saturday Night Live” alumnus Rachel Dratch was a big surprise as Big Jule, another out-of-town craps player. Talk about diverse casting!

costume designer Mara Blumen feld.

The look of the stage must be celebrated. Scenic and projection designer Paul Tate dePoo III gave us something that must be expe rienced. When the curtain opened before any actor stepped on stage, the orchestra was seated on two slanted bandstands. There were 3D-like backdrop scenes of New York from the past. For me, it is momentarily dizzying. I’d love to see how it all came together.

With such amazing costumes and scenic design, “Guys and Dolls” is still a winner from the first time I saw one of its Broadway revivals years ago. This produc tion incorporates what has come to be known as “diverse casting.”

That translates to this current cast would not have been considered for roles in the original or another previous version of this 72-yearold production. What is on stage at the Kennedy Center is sparkling acting and stupendous, acrobatic

dance numbers.

Actor, comedienne, and “Satur day Night Live” alumnus Rachel Dratch was a big surprise as Big Jule, another out-of-town craps player. Talk about diverse casting! Coming off a Tony nomination for her Broadway debut in “PO TUS,” Dratch continues to show she does well with whatever she sets out to do. Kevin Chamberlin as Nicely-Nicely Johnson stole my heart. His character would be con sidered chief of staff or executive assistant to Nathan Detroit. He was always available and willing to cover for his boss. Think about today’s politics. Chamberlin has been Tony-nomination for roles in “Dirty Blonde,” “Seussical,” and “The Addams Family.”

Don’t wait to get your tickets for “Guys and Dolls” at www.kenne dy-center.org. Check out a rehearsal and conversation with the actors at https://youtu.be/hq-6o7HoJ7g

5 Elissa Silverman. (Courtesy photo)

5

and Dolls” is now at the Kennedy Center until October

Jessie Mueller is Miss Adelaide and Phillipa Soo plays Sarah Brown. “Guys and Dolls” is now at the Kennedy Center.

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of 16 and 24 years old received be tween $9 and $16.10 per hour. The older employees among that cohort could also work longer hours.

With their pay rate well be low the District’s minimum wage of $16.10 per hour, these young men and other students at Ana costia High School recently felt compelled to contact D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and members of the D.C. Council who sit on the Committee on Labor and Work force Development, which oversees the D.C. Department of Employ ment Services.

“I was heartbroken when I saw that paycheck,” Marcus said. “I stretched the money to get what I needed when I went to Tennessee for a camp job. The pay rate should be larger. Marion Barry made the summer job program for us to ex perience an actual job. I didn’t ex perience that [because] I lost moti vation with the low pay rate.”

D.C. Code 32-242 sets the “work readiness training rate” for employees who are 14 and 15 years old at $6.25. Young people be tween the ages of 16 and 21 years old receive compensation at a rate no less than $8.25. Meanwhile, SYEP employees between the ages of 22 and 24 receive compensation at the rate equal to the District’s minimum wage.

The current wages reflect increas es made in recent years through D.C. Council legislation.

Summer youth employees who want to dispute their pay are en couraged to first take into account holidays, taxes and their attendance before speaking with a supervisor. After an employee has spoken to a supervisor and wants to take fur ther steps, they can call the MBSY EP support center.

Some participants recalled fol lowing these steps prior to reach ing out to the D.C. Council and Bowser.

At-large D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I), chair of the D.C. Council on Labor and Work force Development, recounted re ceiving requests from students for higher wages. Though she acknowl edged their concerns, she said fol lowing through on their demands would cost the District tens of mil lions of dollars.

“If they can convince my col leagues to help me find the money, then we can do it,” Silverman said. “If they can convince the mayor,

that’s great because she would put it in the budget.”

Earlier this year, Bowser said 13,000 young people participated in SYEP this past summer. Youth employees took on various roles at job sites across the District, in cluding the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Bank ing through which they taught their peers about financial literacy. At other job sites, young people learned skills they said would fol low them throughout the rest of their professional and academic journey.

Anacostia High School student Unique Simmons said the skills she acquired through summer pro fessional development workshops could take her a long way. Howev er, she said that couldn’t make up for making less than $300 every pay period during the summer, es pecially after traveling by bus from Northeast every morning.

After giving it much thought, Unique, 15, said she’ll most likely take a different route next summer.

“I’ll get a job at Safeway or Rain bow. Those jobs teach the same thing,” Unique said. “You learn life skills when you encounter people who argue with you. I want D.C. Mayor Bowser to give us feedback when we say something. My peers got paid $9 an hour while I got paid $6. I was upset because of how little I got paid. The pay wasn’t important – but it was at the same time.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

Youth employees took on various roles at job sites across the District, including the D.C. Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking through which they taught their peers about financial literacy.

EDELMAN from Page 28

proportionately impacting underserved communities, including communities of color, people living in rural areas, people who are differently-abled, old er adults, LGBTQI+ people, military families, and military veterans. Lack of access to healthy, safe, and affordable food, and to safe outdoor spaces, con tributes to hunger, diet-related diseases, and health disparities. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these chal lenges further. We cannot wait to act. And we aren't."

The action plan is a National Strat egy centered on five pillars: improving food access and affordability, including by advancing economic security, in creasing access to free and nourishing school meals, and expanding SNAP

JEALOUS from Page 28

by 12,000 votes. The Black men who voted in Georgia made a historic differ ence, and the numbers prove it.

We know there's one more way to day's Far Right and their predecessors -- the Klan, the White League, and all the other terrorists like them — have tried to suppress Black votes, and it's

GIROIR/HARTFIELD from Page 28

ly pill that can reduce pain, prevent hospitalizations and save lives. Some seven in 10 children do not receive the standard annual recommend ed screening to identify their risk of stroke.

Such challenges are sadly exacer bated further by the reality of the discrimination and indifference that exists in our health care system. De spite progress on this issue, this reality has for far too long contributed to historic inequities in research, fund ing and the attention of the policy community.

Clearly, substandard access to care is unacceptable. Federal policies should evolve so individuals and their communities are stronger. What does it take to change the status quo? We need Congress and the administra tion to pick up the playbook of pol icies outlined by the National Acad emies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) in their land mark 2020 report on SCD. The re port outlines dozens of concrete pol icies that policymakers can adopt to immediately and concretely improve access to care and treatment for SCD patients. Congress has three opportu nities right now to address SCD.

The bipartisan Sickle Cell Care

eligibility; integrating nutrition and health, which involves prioritizing the role of nutrition and food security in overall health, including disease preven tion and management; empowering all consumers to make and have access to healthy choices; supporting physical ac tivity for all, in part by ensuring that ev eryone has access to safe spaces to be ac tive; and enhancing nutrition and food security research, especially to learn more about equity, access, and dispar ities. For each of the five pillars there are roles for local and federal governments, the private sector, researchers and aca demia, and nonprofit and community groups to play to help our nation meet these goals.

President Biden singled out the Child Tax Credit expansion enacted during the pandemic as just one key

the ugliest: intimidation and threats of violence. Our ancestors faced a real risk of being attacked or murdered for registering to vote or voting. Today the intimidation might be more high-tech: is your name in the system, will you be accused of an illegal vote? Florida's ar rests of returning citizens who voted — after being issued new voter registration cards by the state itself — are especially

Expansion Act (H.R.7177/ S.4425) authorizes a scholarship and loan repayment program to incentivize physicians to enter the field of sickle cell research and treatment. The bill would also award grants ensuring that health and community-based organizations can increase education, literacy and community services that improve the care and treatments that patients receive.

The bipartisan Sickle Cell Dis ease Comprehensive Care Act (H.R. 6216/S. 3389) creates a demonstra tion program in up to 10 states to provide comprehensive care to Amer icans with SCD who are low-income or disabled and receive health coverage through a state Medicaid program.

Last month, the Sickle Cell Disease Treatment Centers Act of 2022 was introduced to establish and fund a nationwide system of treatment cen ters and provider and patient train ing and education resources. The bill will create more than 120 treatment centers and more than 100 commu nity-based organizations to support patients. The bill will also provide for the collection and distribution of data and best practices.

Passing these bills would be a strong start to addressing SCD. But there is so much more that needs to be done.

example of an effective anti-hunger policy that is critically needed. Con gress must make the Child Tax Credit expansion permanent immediately. As President Biden also emphasized, just as fighting hunger was a bipartisan effort during the last conference convened by the Nixon administration, it should be a bipartisan effort today: "This should be an organizing element of how we start to talk to one another again. … In America, no child should go to bed hungry. No parent should die of a dis ease that can be prevented. This has al ways been a country, when we're at our best, we think big … There is nothing — nothing, nothing — I really mean it — there's nothing beyond our capacity when we work together, so let's work together." Amen! WI

cruel. They were meant to scare people, and they probably did.

So, vote because we refuse to be intimidated. Because those who went before us put their lives on the line to cast a ballot. And if you are a man who doesn't have a plan to vote, or you have a father, brother, uncle or son who doesn't have a plan, it's not too late to make one now. We need you. WI

bipartisan Sickle

Care

We are working together with oth er members of the SCD community to hold Congress and the administra tion accountable to implement com monsense policies to improve access, research and treatment for individuals with SCD. Working with policymak ers, we can eventually reach a day where SCD receives the attention it needs — not only in September — but every day across this nation.

The biggest obstacle individu als with SCD face may not be their disease, but rather inaction by our elected leaders. These patient warriors have waited long enough for the help they need and deserve. WI

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and values upon which this coun try was founded and for which we have fought to perfect over the past 250 years. A minority of American citizens with oversized egos and a willingness to follow the lead of a tyrannical, racist, orange huckster are willing to sacrifice their last best hope for a secure and prosperous future for themselves and their off spring. This fact begs the question — why? This psychosis originates with this country's original sin: RACISM.

To prevent the erosion and ex

JACKSON from Page 29

structure bill that Biden managed to pass through the Congress. DeSantis scorned the $19 billion that would go to Florida. Now, in the wake of Ian, of course, he wants a lot of "left-wing stuff," like massive funds from the fed eral government to rebuild Florida.

Politicians like DeSantis, Rubio and Scott confuse freedom with irre sponsibility. They tout the freedoms of Florida, where public health officials won't tell you to wear a mask, plan ners won't tell you where to build your house, politicians won't tax your in comes. And if that leaves the state with vulnerable bridges and water systems, with homes exposed on flood plains, with impoverished communities, so be it.

Pundits regularly expose the hy pocrisy of politicians like DeSantis, Rubio and Scott seeking billions in aid to help Florida rebuild in the wake of Ian, while voting against aid for oth er disasters in other states. One of the

MORIAL from Page 29

and background of the 14th Amend ment."

As states are required to do follow ing each decennial census, Alabama last year redrew its congressional dis tricts in blatant violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prohibits any standard, practice or procedure that results in a "denial or abridgment of the right of any citizen of the United States to vote on account of race or color."

Alabama's map both splits Black communities among two or more dis tricts so they don't constitute a major ity in any of them — a process known as "cracking" — and crams Black voters into one district so they can't in fluence the outcome in other districts — a process known as "packing."

change of their traditional posi tions of power with people of color, whites are now willing to discard the freedoms they have enjoyed most of this country's history. I am reminded of the older female sup porter of Trump, who in 2016 ex claimed on national television, "If we have to have a dictator, it might as well be [Trump]."

I've never vigorously objected to a person structuring their own per sonal choices and lifestyle, but those who would surrender their lives to the authority of Trump and his minions also gladly surrender mine as well. That is unacceptable! Giv

first votes DeSantis took when he was sworn in as a congressman in 2013 was to oppose aid to the victims of Superstorm Sandy. But hypocrisy is a relatively minor sin among politicians. A far bigger failing is to sacrifice the lives and the security of the people they claim to represent to embrace the corruption of fossil fuel campaign money and the blinders of ideological posturing.

A catastrophe like Ian or a shameful horror like the collapse of the water system in Mississippi's state capital should concentrate our minds. Accel erating the transition to renewable en ergy isn't "left-wing stuff," it is a moral and existential imperative. Rebuilding the resilience and efficiency of our dangerously decrepit infrastructure isn't a socialist plot, it is the founda tion for safe communities and a robust economy.

In the wake of a natural disaster, people come together to help their neighbors. Smart politicians put aside their partisan posturing to join in

Black Alabamians, who make up 27% of the state's population, wound up with a majority in a single district out of seven, whittling their represen tation to about 14%. A federal court ordered the state in January to redraw the map "to include two districts in which Black voters either comprise a voting-age majority or something quite close to it."

The Supreme Court in February put the order on hold, allowing elec tions to proceed according to the ger rymandered districts, and postponing arguments until this week.

NAACP Legal Defense Fund at torney Deuel Ross, who defended the lower court's ruling before the Su preme Court, said, "There is nothing race-neutral about Alabama's map. The district court's unanimous and thor ough intensely local analysis did not err

en past performance of the Trump administration, how far back would the rights of marginalized groups be forced to retreat to satisfy those imbued with racial animus? Re member, we have already seen Roe reversed and Clarence Thomas crow about revisiting rulings governing other privacy rights.

In this coming election, I am sure that the racists among us will vigorously exercise their votes with the intent of protecting their power. While they count, we must use our votes with equal vigor to protect our interests.

MIDTERM VOTES MATTER! WI

Politicians like DeSantis, Rubio and Scott confuse freedom with irresponsi bility. They tout the free doms of Florida, where public health officials won't tell you to wear a mask, planners won't tell you where to build your house, politicians won't tax your incomes.

doing what can be done to save the endangered and rebuild from the de struction. Now, we need to demand that the same common sense and responsibility be exercised to protect ourselves from the calamities to come, not just to rebuild after them. WI

in finding that the Black Belt is a histor ic and extremely poor community of substantial significance. Yet, Alabama's map cracks that community and allows white block voting to deny Black voters the opportunity to elect representation responsive to their needs."

The Supreme Court's conservative majority includes three of the five justices who struck down Section 5 of the Voting Rights Act in 2013 via Shelby County v. Holder, plus three nominated in the following presiden tial term. They may not be swayed by Justice Jackson's eloquent refutation of Alabama's argument to uphold the lower court's ruling — although decency and the law dictate that they should -- but they may be more like ly to overturn it with a narrow ruling that does not completely gut Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. WI

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