The Washington Informer - September 12, 2024 by The Washington Informer

American Dream or Pipe Dream: Harris-Walz

Housing Plan

Local Prospective Homebuyers Share Journey, Hopes, Goals

By Zerline Hughes Spruill WI Our House Managing Editor

With her work keeping her near Capitol Hill, Ward 6 renter Rasheedah Hasan has been on the hunt for her first home in Washington, D.C. for four years. The St. Louis, Missouri transplant had her eye on Ward 6, but like many local prospective homebuyers, Hasan has grappled with the region’s slim pickings, so she has since expanded her

HARRIS/WALZ Page 60

Religious Leaders Lift Councilmember Trayon White in Prayer

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) will, once again, stand before a judge on Sept. 12 as he fights a federal bribery charge that’s jeopardizing his freedom and re-election prospects.

In preparation for that legal battle, White, and several religious leaders, are turning to a higher power.

On Sept. 7, dozens of people converged on Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast for “Prayers of Redemption,” an event that the Rev. Dr. Willie F. Wilson hosted in support of White.

After Wilson, White and several religious leaders walked into the main sanctuary of Union Temple, Wilson set the tone with scripture and what he called a reminder to those critical of the beleaguered Ward 8 council member.

“We can redeem…with love,” Wilson, pastor emeritus of Union Temple, said to guests. “Each of us has fallen short. We are here to show love and intercede so that [Councilmember White] can be redeemed. We’re walking about reclaiming a life. Nothing is more precious than that, to be redeemed. We’re not here to adjudicate what happened, but to give honor

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As family members requested, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) released body camera footage from the morning of Justin Robinson’s police-involved killing.

The videos that are currently online each span more than

18 minutes, with only Robinson’s body, and that of a special police officer on the scene, obscured. However, there’s more than enough on the tape to determine what happened on Sept. 1. Some of those who watched

5Ny’lah Newkirk currently serves as a gun violence prevention specialist and youth ambassador with The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, a local organization that sets out to provide safe spaces for survivors of gun violence and ensure that gun violence is no longer the norm in D.C. (Courtesy Photo/Tia Bell, The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project)

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Throughout much of her adolescence, Ny’lah Newkirk came to understand the severity of gun violence in her Southeast community--- so much so that she doesn’t commute across the District on the Metro, unless on a school field trip. She also doesn’t engage in unsupervised group activities outside of her home.

However, as Newkirk, 18, explained to The

5 Members of the community gathered to pray for Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White as he fights a federal bribery charge that’s jeopardizing his freedom and re-election prospects. (Sam P.K. Collins/ The Washington Informer)

DC Jazz Fest Page 40 ROBINSON Page 46

5Rasheedah Hasan, founder of Collective Impact Strategies, a legislative consulting firm based in Washington, D.C., says her journey toward homeownership has taken years of saving, participating in programs, and house hunting.

(Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

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wi hot topics

BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

James Earl Jones, Iconic Voice of Darth Vader and EGOT Winner, Dies at 93

James Earl Jones, the legendary actor whose deep, resonant voice became synonymous with some of the most iconic characters in film history, passed away Sept. 10 at his home in Dutchess County, New York. He was 93.

His representatives at Independent Artist Group first confirmed the actor’s death to Deadline. Over a remarkable career that spanned six decades, Jones earned an indelible place in both Hollywood and Broadway. He became one of only a few entertainers to achieve the prestigious EGOT, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony.

Best known to many as the commanding voice behind Darth Vader in Star Wars, Jones brought depth and gravitas to the villainous character, making him one of cinema’s most unforgettable antagonists. He

reprised the role in “Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith” (2005) and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (2016), further cementing his legacy in the galaxy far, far away.

Born on January 17, 1931, in Arkabutla, Mississippi, Jones’ contributions to the arts extended far beyond “Star Wars.” He voiced the beloved character Mufasa in Disney’s animated classic “The Lion King” (1994) and again in the 2019 live-action remake. His unmistakable voice was also a signature of CNN’s “This is CNN” campaign.

Jones’ acting career began on the stage and in film with his breakout role in Stanley Kubrick’s “Dr. Strangelove” (1964). WI

Lawmakers Face Looming Deadline to Avoid Government Shutdown

After a six-week summer recess, lawmakers returned to the Capitol on Monday with a looming crisis: preventing a government shutdown. They have just three weeks to act before federal funding runs out on Sept. 30, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

At the heart of the House’s immediate challenge is securing a funding bill to keep the government operational. With an unlikely complete funding agreement, lawmakers are looking for a stopgap measure; but even that has become a political minefield.

Under pressure from Trump and right-wing factions, the Republican-led House proposed a stopgap bill that would extend funding through March 28, 2025. However, it comes with a controversial addition—the SAVE Act, a GOP-backed measure that would overhaul national voting laws by requiring proof of citizenship to vote. Democrats have vehemently opposed the act, arguing it would disenfranchise voters by making it harder for eligi-

ble Americans to access required documents like passports or birth certificates.

Beyond the political gamesmanship, the consequences of a shutdown would hit home in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, where federal workers and government operations are crucial to local economies.

The ripple effects would extend to the Washington, D.C., Metro system, which relies heavily on federal workers for ridership. With the Metro system already facing challenges in recovering from pandemic-related drops in usage, a shutdown could be another blow.

“There’s no question that this is not a good thing for the country, but it’s certainly not a good thing for Metro specifically,” Randy Clarke, Metro’s general manager, said during a recent interview. “And the timing is really challenging because ridership is really starting to grow back. So, you know, we’re going to be watching this very closely, and we’re hoping that if it happens, it’s very short.”

Legendary Soul Icon Frankie Beverly Passes Away at 77

Frankie Beverly, the iconic frontman of the soul, R&B, and funk band Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly, has died at the age of 77. His family confirmed the news in a post on social media.

“Grieving the loss of a loved one is a deeply personal and emotional experience,” the family wrote. “During this time, as we are navigating feelings of sorrow, reflection, and remembrance, we kindly ask for privacy and understanding, allowing us the space to grieve in our own way.”

The statement continued, “Howard Stanley Beverly, known to the world as Frankie Beverly, lived his life with pure soul. He lived for his music, family, and friends. For us, no one did it better. Love one another as he would want that for us all.”

Born on December 6, 1946, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Beverly rose to prominence as one of the most influential figures in the music industry.

In 1970, Beverly founded the band Maze in Philadelphia, originally named Raw Soul. The group’s big break came when R&B legend Marvin Gaye, impressed by their talent, suggested they change their name to Maze. Beverly relocated to San Francisco in 1971, and the rest is history.

Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly debuted its self-titled album in 1976, which went on to sell more than 500,000 copies and earned gold status.

Caston Uses Business Acumen to Improve Lives

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

While Joel A. Caston has received local and national attention as the first resident of the D.C. Jail elected to a public office in the District in 2021, the former Ward 7 advisory neighborhood commissioner would like to be known as an entrepreneur and activist seeking to educate and assist people regarding their personal and business finances.

“When I was kid, I watched Michael J. Fox’s character on the show ‘Family Ties’ and noticed that he would have a Wall Street Journal in his hands,” said Caston. “Later, when I was incarcerated, I made an effort to educate myself about the financial system as a way to help my family cope.”

THE JOURNEY TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Caston, who was sentenced in 1996 for first-degree murder in the District, said he became financially aware during the dot.com era in the late 1990s, in which tech companies were making a lot of money.

He noted that getting and making money utilizing illegal means “was not sustainable.”

Caston said while he was in various federal penal institutions, he had the chance to watch television shows such as “Wall Street Week with Louis Rukeyser” and CNBC and said

Tavis Smiley Show” topic of stocks.

Caston became captivated about finances and studied any material that he could get his hands on. He clipped newspaper articles and would share them with his fellow residents.

“I learned many inmates are aware of the financial system and could talk about it proficiently,” Caston, 48, said. “Of course, they were speaking [of making money] most of the time through illegal means. Inmates in New York were particularly knowledgeable about the finance system.”

Eventually, Caston would offer stock tips, classes and set up a group where he was housed.

“I was known as the stock guy,” he said.

Caston said many of his residents wanted to take a different path regarding making money when they were released. He proudly told The Informer that a former gang leader he taught is now a stockbroker.

While incarcerated, Caston worked on a book, “Currency Catchers Investment Curriculum,” published in 2019, which teaches people about investing.

After his release on November 22, 2021, Caston joined the executive board and became the chief operating officer of BCW Agency, and a nonprofit organization, Building Community Wealth, was co-founded with Michele A. Cameron in 2022.

RETURNING CITIZENS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Caston has joined many returning citizens in the District who have embraced entrepreneurship as a means of making a living.

Statistics reveal that one in three American adults has a criminal record, and people with prior criminal history involvement identify employment as their most urgent need but most significant obstacle. According

to a 2018 study, formerly incarcerated people have a 27% unemployment rate, dramatically higher than the overall U.S. jobless rate.

Isabella Casellas Guzman, the Small Business Administration’s Administrator, has recognized this challenge for people who have been involved with the criminal justice system.

“America is about possibilities and second chances—and that includes justice-involved individuals who are working hard to rebuild their lives through entrepreneurship,” Guzman, 53, said.

Guzman spoke about her efforts to help returning citizens have access to capital “to grow their businesses and ensure our economy and society can benefit from their pursuit of the American dream of business ownership.”

Helping justice-involved individuals “is not only the right thing to do to strengthen our economy and communities, Guzman said, “but it is also the smart thing to do because research shows that employment helps people thrive during re-entry and reduces the risk of recidivism.” WI

Joel A. Caston is the co-founder of for-profit and nonprofit, Building Community Wealth.

(Courtesy Photo/ Caston Communications)

AROUND THE REGION

facts

SEPT. 17

SEPT. 12

1913 – Four-time Olympic gold medalist Jesse Owens is born in Oakville, Alabama.

1977 – Steve Biko, famed anti-apartheid activist, dies in police custody in Pretoria, South Africa.

1992 – Astronaut Mae Jemison becomes the first African American woman to travel in space.

SEPT. 13

1885 – Alain Locke, the first African American Rhodes Scholar and "Dean" of the Harlem Renaissance, is born in Philadelphia.

1996 – Rap great Tupac Shakur dies in Las Vegas after being shot six days earlier.

SEPT. 14

1861 – Abolitionist John Rock, the first Black person to be admitted to the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States, gains admittance to the Massachusetts Bar.

SEPT. 15

1963 – Four African American girls are killed in the bombing of the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama.

SEPT. 16

1889 – Claude Barnett, founder of the Associated Negro Press, is born in Sanford, Florida. 1925 – Legendary blues singer and guitarist B.B. King is born in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

SEPT. 12 - 18, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1973 – Illinois becomes the first state to honor Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday as a holiday.

1983 – Vanessa Williams becomes the first African American to be crowned Miss America.

SEPT. 18

1850 – The Fugitive Slave Act, which required that all escaped slaves were to be returned to their masters upon capture, is passed by the U.S. Congress.

1895 – Booker T. Washington delivers the Atlanta Compromise speech. The compromise was a deal struck between Southern Blacks and whites that Blacks would work and submit to white political rule in exchange for basic education and due process in law.

1951 – Ben Carson, retired neurosurgeon and former presidential candidate, is born in Detroit.

1970 – Rock icon Jimi Hendrix is found dead in a London apartment at age 27.

1980 – Arnaldo Tamayo Méndez, a Cuban Air Force pilot, becomes the first Hispanic and first person of African ancestry to travel in outer space.

TUPAC SHAKUR

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Legendary actor James Earl Jones, who voiced Mufasa and Darth Vader, died at the age of 93. How will you remember the trailblazer?

JEMARIUS JACKSON / CHESTER, S.C.

RANDY JOHNSON / INGLEWOOD, CALIF.

This one hit home for me. So many movies he was in. Claudine, Coming to America 1 & 2, Lion King, Star Wars and many more. Sad to see him go and may he rest in paradise.

He was a great actor and legend. R.I.P. James Earl Jones!

GEORGEANN BROWN / BROOKLYN, N.Y.

DON POWELL / SACRAMENTO, CALIF. One of the all-time greatest – no doubt!

My husband and I first saw JEJ in the movie The Great White Hope. We both never forgot the impact that movie had on us. It was one of the few where a Black man stood up for himself. His career has been spectacular. Rest in peace, sir. It was well done.

MICHAEL RIDDICK / WASHINGTON, D.C.

He is an American legend whose career spans a lifetime; even though I never met the man in person, his amazing acting ability brought each and every character he played to life. The roles he chose to play set a standard of dignity and quality never seen in Hollywood by a Black actor of that time. His life will truly be a hard act to follow. Thank you, sir, for giving me and all people of the world hope, dignity, and respect.

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

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Increased Accountability Measures for 911 Dispatch on the Way

Councilmember Brooke Pinto Announces Oversight, New Legislation in Aftermath of Baby’s Death

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As a community pastor at Peace Fellowship Church in Northeast, Michael Campbell often assists District residents who are enduring difficult situations. Such on-the-job experience, Campbell said, qualifies him for employment with the Office of Unified Communications (OUC).

In August, Campbell applied for one of OUC’s 20 open 911 call taker slots. He told The Informer he did so, not because of the $2,500 hiring bonus or the potential one-year salary increase, but out of a moral obligation to ensure that people’s emergency calls get handled in a timely manner.

“I see myself being a reliable employee who’s skilled at helping others through traumatic experiences,” Campbell, who’s also host of the online program “The People’s Voice,” told The Informer.

“The current state of our system is unsatisfactory, and even dangerous for our residents. It can be argued that OUC is responsible for more than one death in our great city. If people have the ability, heart and desire to help, they should apply to be the change that OUC needs.”

D.C. COUNCILMEMBER BROOKE PINTO PLEDGES TO INCREASE OVERSIGHT

OUC’s efforts to fill personnel gaps come amid ongoing concerns among residents and elected officials about the agency’s ability to effectively respond to emergency calls.

In the aftermath of technical issues that led to the death of a fivemonth-old baby in early August, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), chair of the council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety also expressed concerns.

On Sept. 9, she conducted a tour of OUC headquarters, one of several she said will take place this fall in conjunction with monthly council committee oversight hearings.

“More oversight needs to happen,” Pinto told reporters shortly after her tour. “In my role as chair of [the council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety], I am focused on a robust oversight schedule to get to the bottom of those incidents and make sure our tech upgrades are where they need to be.”

Those oversight hearings, she said, will bring OUC Director Heather McGaffin to the John A. Wilson

Building, along with Lindsey Appiah, deputy mayor for public safety and justice, along with officials from the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, and other agencies that are relevant to the District’s emergency response infrastructure.

Pinto’s recent tour of OUC, she said, included a viewing of a training session and conversations with personnel who expressed their frustration about lax federal enforcement that prevents OUC from gathering accurate geographic information for some local establishments.

When it comes to 911 call taker recruitment, Pinto said that, besides drumming up interest among prospective call takers, there’s also the issue of background checks and onboarding. She also expressed a qualm about 911 call takers not having federal designation as first responders, as is the case with fire and emergency medical personnel.

As it relates to transparency around time lapse between 911 calls and the dispatch of emergency medical personnel, Pinto said that OUC officials told her they are on track to have that data available by Oct. 1, the beginning of the 2025 fiscal year. By that time, Pinto’s newest

911 DISPATCH Page 9

5Ward 2 Councilmember Brooke Pinto, chair of the council’s Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety, has expressed concerns about the Office of Unified Communications’ (OUC) ability to effectively respond to emergency calls. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

legislation to increase transparency would be in the throes of the legislative process.

Pinto’s bill, titled “Transparency in Emergency Response Amendment Act," will build upon provisions of emergency legislation, and later the Secure DC Omnibus bill, that mandate the launch of a daily dashboard showing the frequency of OUC errors, staffing ratios, and other information.

If passed, OUC would be required to release an after-action report 45 days after a serious injury or death believed to be caused by the agency’s errors. The bill also requires release of the computer-aided dispatch (CAD) report, transcripts, recordings of 911 calls and other documents highlighting possible errors and concerns surrounding 911 calls.

“When it comes to the after-action report, there’s a benefit for government agencies. I hope this will be a collaborative report,” Pinto told reporters outside of OUC headquarters on Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue on Aug. 9.

Ensuring she knows what’s happening with OUC is key for Pinto.

“I’m focused on transparency and rigorous, continuous oversight,” Pinto continued. “Visiting OUC every other week and doing it unannounced leads to a transparent process. I worked hard to collaborate with the agency directors I have jurisdiction over but we have to see more. I plan to work with OUC Director [Heather] McGaffin to make sure improvements are where they need to be.”

A DEEPER LOOK AT OUC TECH MISHAPS, AND WHAT ADJUSTMENTS ARE TO COME

An internal investigation conducted by the Office of the Chief Technology Officer after the Aug. 2 death of a fivemonth-old baby found 18 disruptions to CAD since last December.

Eight of those disruptions, City Administrator Kevin Donahue said, happened across the entire CAD system. In regard to the disruption that delayed the response to the baby’s medical emergency, Donahue pointed to an OCTO contractor who erroneously implemented a system update that overwhelmed, and ultimately

shut down, CAD for several minutes. Days after the baby’s death, family members told news outlets that their 911 call went unanswered for several minutes. As NBC 4’s I-team later reported, family members ran outside their home on Connecticut Avenue in Northwest and tracked down a federal agent who performed CPR on the baby until fire and emergency medical services arrived on the scene.

According to a timeline shared by Donahue, the family’s 911 call eventually went through with OUC having to conduct manual dispatch to fire and emergency medical personnel during CAD’s multi-hour system outage. Due to the manual dispatch’s relatively slower status updates, OUC dispatched the call to units that just so happened to be at the scene of another emergency.

Donahue explained how the manual dispatch, unlike CAD, doesn’t provide the most timely updates about the availability of units.

“The most challenging part of manual dispatching is the first few minutes… when Fire and Emergency Medical Services does a roll call [by radio] of the different units under its purview… to confirm who’s available for dispatch or not,” Donahue said. “They update that roll call periodically. The vulnerability is that the roll call takes a few minutes. When you’re doing it, how do you know what’s available?”

The OUC and OCTO have since compiled and implemented a 22-step action plan that focuses on changing protocol and replacing CAD equipment. The goal, as explained in a report, centers on a 75% reduction in 911 call delays within a three-month period.

The steps, to be carried out in collaboration with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Public Safety and Justice and Metropolitan Police Department, Fire & Emergency Medical Services, among other agencies, include: increase the training and providing certifications for IT professionals working on the 911 dispatch system; system changes to be made overnight, in a simulation environment and with the approval of OUC and OCTO; the inclusion of a third party to monitor systems and alert at the first sign of trouble; purchase of additional equipment for OCTO’s network infrastructure; breaking the OUC infrastructure into two smaller entities with different locations; and the close monitoring of increased workload at OUC to ensure that hardware and infrastructure keep pace.

AROUND THE REGION

“One of the action steps in the 22-point plan around addressing the outage [while] 21 of them talk about the stability of the IT system,” Donahue told The Informer. “One of them speaks to the process to address the circumstance that arose that day: how to make sure who you dispatched using that CAD snapshot is indeed available. How to get that affirmative confirmation.’

He also shared an aspect of the problem and how the city is working to provide immediate solutions.

“Very often it’s not CAD, but people and other applications trying to connect to CAD, which makes it unstable. So we’re replacing the equipment it uses,” he explained. “It wouldn’t start until October, but we advanced the money to start immediately.”

AN ADVISORY NEIGHBORHOOD COMMISSIONER WEIGHS IN

For years, D.C. residents have complained about unanswered 911 phone calls and long wait times for emergency assistance. In 2022, Aujah Griffin accused OUC of having a lack of urgency around her father’s erratic behavior preceding his deadly dive into the Washington Channel.

Last year, OUC’s lack of a dispatch code, in part, delayed a response to District Dogs in Northeast during a flood that ultimately killed 10 dogs. That situation compelled dozens of former and current advisory neigh-

borhood commissioners to sign a petition demanding, among other things, the release of staffing data, publication of 911 call transcripts, and the launch of an independent 911 task force.

Kimberly Martin, one of those commissioners, said she welcomed Pinto’s latest attempt to hold OUC accountable to self-improvement.

Martin said that, as recently as last month, she struggled to get a police officer to Southern Avenue where a constituent experienced car trouble kept her vehicle stuck in the middle of the street.

As she nears the end of her second term, Martin told The Informer that she continues to hear from seniors who are frustrated with the status quo.

“If it’s not a matter of somebody being shot, there’s always a delayed

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

response. That doesn’t sit well with my elderly constituents,” said Martin, commissioner of Single-Member District 7C08, which includes the Capitol View neighborhood. As it relates to Pinto’s legislation, Martin said that, for the time being, it proves as an adequate response, especially due to what she described as the council’s lack of communication to her and other members of her commission.

“I’m expecting some legislation to hold OUC accountable, and maybe cut their budget if need be,” Martin said. “People want to feel safe where they live. OUC should answer the phone immediately [because] you never know what the emergency could be.”

@SamPKCollins

DCHFA-24-0058, Independent Cost Evaluation

The District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency is seeking the services of a contractor to provide the above services. The RFP can be found at www.DCHFA.org/about/business-opportunities. Deadline for submission of proposals is October 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.

5City Administrator Kevin Donahue says the manual dispatch, unlike CAD, doesn’t provide the most timely updates about the availability of units. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

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“It

(L-R) Uniyah Briscoe, Zenaya Cluff, and Najaat Sampong work in the Tutoring Cafe, read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

Dr. Renee Allen (left) and LaTara Harris (far right) emceed the Afro American Newspaper’s High Tea at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest, D.C. on Saturday, Sept. 7, where Dr. Frances ”Toni” Draper (middle) presented awards honoring Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, civic leader and professor Cora Masters Barry, and former Mayor of the District of Columbia Sharon Pratt. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

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Negro League Legends All Star Game Takes place at Prince George’s Stadium

By Demarco Rush WI Contributing Writer

On Sept. 1, The Negro League Legends Hall of Fame (NLLHOF) Baseball game at Prince George’s Stadium continued the 15-year tradition of the Classic East vs. West game, in honor of the Negro All Star game, which started in 1933.

In addition to the annual commemorative game, which started in 2009, the event highlighted Negro league history and engaged the whole family.

“The beauty of baseball is its diversity, but it doesn’t get talked about a lot and that’s what we want to do,” said NLLHOF Founder Dwayne Simms, describing how the event comes together every year. “We all- including myself- volunteer. I don’t get paid to do this, it’s from my heart. I want to make sure our history is part of American history.”

Vendors sold vintage Negro League memorabilia like jerseys and jackets, including original Tuskegee Airmen bomber jackets.

Further, families lined up for refreshments and freshly grilled food from the concessions while jamming to the sounds of a live DJ.

The fun-filled day also included an auto showcase that featured vintage and unique trucks, motorcycles and luxury transportation of all designs

and colors, and winners received trophies after impressing audiences and judges alike with their flashy rides.

Between the car show and the baseball, there was a lot of friendly competition, but all for good cause-- exposing more African American audiences to the historic significance of Black people in baseball.

“I love to compete,” said pitcher Marcus Smith of the East All Stars. “I want to put on a show for everybody but I want to prove that baseball can be exciting and Black athletes can play [baseball] well and correctly.”

Children and families roared in excitement when big hits were made. The crowd screamed with delight and suspense anytime a foul ball came flying into the stands.

Third baseman Rex Jackson told The Informer through playing baseball, he hopes to inspire Black youth to also pursue the sport.

“Growing up there weren't many people of color playing baseball but I’ve recently seen young Black kids getting into it more,” he said. “We’ve got a

long way to go, but our youth is starting to see how good they can be at it and we want to show them by putting on a show.”

The Washington Informer was a media partner for this event. Other partners included Lafayette Federal Credit Union, WHUR 96.3, Parks & Recreation MNCPPC, CommuniCare, Impact Enterprises and ESPER.

Prince George’s County Associate Judge Darren Johnson told The Informer attending the Negro League East vs West game is about more than showing support for a baseball game.

“I’m here to support the community,” Johnson said. “I think events like this reflect on our history and show how far we’ve come and our significance in the American fabric.” WI

5Bill Scott won first place with his 1968 Chevrolet Convertible at the Negro League Legends Auto show. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5Players anticipate a batter’s swing in the midfield. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott

WI Contributing Reporter

ALSOBROOKS RETAINS SLIGHT LEAD OVER HOGAN IN COMPETITIVE SENATE RACE

In a marquee Senate race that may determine which party controls the Congressional upper chamber, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) retains a slight lead over former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

A Gonzales poll showed Alsobrooks with a four point lead over Hogan.

Hogan’s name recognition has remained an obstacle to overcome for

Alsobrooks, who is only known by roughly 67% of Marylanders, while the former governor’s main obstacle is converting Democratic voters in deep-blue Maryland to his side.

While pollster Patrick Gonzales says that Hogan needs roughly 30% of Democratic voters to support him, his poll only showed 6% of Democrats remain undecided.

An AARP poll released in late August showed a tie with both candidates holding 46% support.

This same poll showed Vice President Kamala Harris (D) with a large lead over former President Donald Trump (R), although 26% of Harris voters said they were supporting Hogan.

Alsobrooks has continued her campaign by garnering new endorse-

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CONGRESSIONAL DELEGATION

SECURES FUNDS FOR LEAD ABATEMENT

On Sept. 3, Maryland’s Democratic congressional delegation announced $332,000 for the Maryland Department of the Environment to identify and remove lead from drinking water in public schools.

The leaders announced the funding, meant to protect Maryland’s youngest residents, in a statement co-authored by U.S. Sens. Chris Van Hollen and Ben Cardin and Reps. Steny Hoyer, Dutch Ruppersberger, John Sarbanes Kweisi Mfume, Jamie Raskin, David Trone and Glenn Ivey

ments from the National Committee to Preserve Social Security & Medicare PAC, Elect Democratic Women, and Everytown for Gun Safety. Further, the Prince George’s County Executive brought many campaign volunteers to the Greenbelt Labor Day Parade, was seen alongside First Lady Dawn Moore attending U.S. Rep Steny Hoyer’s Women’s Equality Day Luncheon on Sep. 6 in College

Park, and was honored by the Afro American Newspapers on Saturday, Sept. 7.

While Alsobrooks already has support from many major state leaders, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s PAC recently released an ad in support of the county executive.

Further, Hogan has drawn ire from some members of the legislature for his campaign tactics, despite efforts to cast himself as an anti-Trump Republican.

ate,” she said. “They will move us backwards on women's reproductive health care. They will undo progress we've made on addressing the climate crisis. They will defer to the NRA to ensure that sensible gun safety legislation has no chance of passage. And drug companies will be allowed to gouge working people in need of affordable insulin and other life-saving medications.” WI

CONGRESSMAN IVEY TOURS COLLEGE

PARK-BASED IONQ HQ

United States Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) visited the IonQ Quantum Computing headquarters in College Park on Sep. 6, as part of his ongoing efforts to explore and promote innovation within the quantum computing and life sciences sectors.

During the visit, Ivey toured the state-of-the-art IonQ facility, where he witnessed groundbreaking quantum computing work being conducted.

(all D-Md.). They emphasize the funding as a victory for not only current students, but for the future of Maryland residents in general.

“Protecting our children’s health is essential, and that includes ensuring they have access to clean, lead-free drinking water at their schools and childcare centers. This federal investment will help our state accelerate efforts to find and replace dangerous lead pipes where Maryland kids are meant to learn and thrive – not face lifelong health risks from drinking water,” said the lawmakers in a joint statement. “With this critical work to increase access to clean water, we can keep students safer both today and in the future.”

LOCAL UPDATES Page 13

Delegate Ashanti Martinez (DDistrict 22) and other members of the Legislative LGBTQ+ Caucus criticized Hogan for dismissing the concerns of a voter who brought up Hogan’s poor record on LGBTQ+ issues as governor.

Maryland State Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D-District 17), emphasized her support for Alsobrooks after her likeness was used in a Hogan campaign ad.

“To be clear: I strongly support Angela Alsobrooks to be Maryland’s next U.S. Senator. Her election will ensure that our country continues to move forward,” Kagan said in an email statement.

Kagan expressed her concern if Hogan were to win the Senate seat.

“Larry Hogan would provide the radical right wing with the 51st seat to reclaim the majority in the U.S. Senate. Regardless of his opinions from the back row, Hogan would put extremist Republicans like Mitch McConnell, Ted Cruz, and Lindsey Graham in charge of the U.S. Sen-

“We in the public sector must work hand in hand with academia and private enterprises to ensure research and development bares commercial fruit. Workforce development, academic excellence and economic spin-offs will help Prince George’s County, Maryland, and the entire United States,” said Ivey. “It is hard to fathom that about 80% of the world’s quantum computing power rests right here in College Park. I look forward to continued growth and stellar results from IonQ and the University of Maryland Tech ecosystem.”

IonQ, a leader in quantum computing technology, is at the forefront of advancing quantum computing technologies which have significant implications with academic research and government contracting.

“Our team showcased the company's innovative trapped-ion systems and discussed how academic and corporate interests can work together to advance areas like national security and life sciences research not only in Maryland but globally,” said IonQ CEO and President Peter Chapman. “It is essential that the public and private sectors collaborate to elevate the U.S. as an international leader in the global quantum economy. We look forward to collaborating with Congressman Ivey to support his commitment to cutting-edge quantum technology." WI

5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks at the Afro American Newspapers’ Washington, D.C. High Tea on Saturday, Sept. 7. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Maryland’s Democratic congressional delegation announced funding for the Maryland Department of the Environment to identify and remove lead from drinking water in public schools. (WI File Photo)

LOCAL UPDATES from Page 12

MARYLAND JOINS IRS DIRECT FILE PROGRAM, PROVIDING ANNUAL SAVINGS FOR ELIGIBLE TAX FILERS

For Marylanders who don’t want to pay for tax filing software, there will now be a free alternative available next year: IRS Direct File.

On Sep. 4, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced Maryland will be one of the nine new states entering the program in 2025.

As many as 700,000 people, mainly middle income taxpayers with relatively simple tax forms, are estimated to be eligible for the new direct filing program, although the IRS and federal agencies are still working out the final details as it continues to expand nationwide.

“While we value our relationship with tax preparers and CPAs (certified public accountants), it’s unacceptable that Marylanders should have to pay any portion whatsoever of their refund or paycheck to fulfill a mandatory requirement like filing tax returns,” Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman said at a news conference announcing the program alongside Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo.

“Taxes are a part of the glue that keeps our state and our nation together, functioning, producing, protecting and thriving,” Lierman continued. “Yet in America, we make

it uniquely challenging to pay those taxes and file a return, until now.”

IRS Direct File was only available in 12 states last year. 140,000 taxpayers used Direct File, and they saved an estimated $5.6 million through the free program. Unfortunately, Direct File is eyed for cuts by the Republican-controlled House of Representatives.

U.S. Senator Steny Hoyer (DMd.) emphasized the importance of making the duty to file taxes easier.

“We ought to make it as easy as possible for people to comply with a legal obligation that they have to support their country, their state and their communities,” Hoyer said.

WSSC Ends Temporarily Imposed Water Restrictions in South County

Following repairs on an aging pipe beneath Dower House Road, 40,000 homes in South County were asked to limit their water usage to essential use for a bit last week. Rooting from work that started on Sept. 4, and ended early on Friday, Sept. 6, the water usage ordinance affected more than 100,000 residents and forced some business owners, like restaurant owner John Russo, to temporarily close their businesses.

Lyn Riggins of the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission (WSSC) noted that the fiber optic monitoring system indicated structural integrity issues with the pipe, requiring the work to begin.

After the advisory was lifted, officials with WSSC encouraged residents in the impacted area to flush their fridge lines and run a cold tap to ensure they don’t have discolored water.

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2024, 1-6 PM

FAIRWOOD COMMUNITY PARK 12390 FAIRWOOD PARKWAY, BOWIE

Music, food, clothing, art, and demonstrations showcasing the rich cultures of the African continent!

This FREE family festival acknowledges the contributions of the African community to Prince George’s County and the greater DMV.

5 On Sep. 4, Maryland Comptroller Brooke Lierman was one of several state officials at a press conference announcing the state is joining the IRS Direct File program in 2025. This free program removes the need for costly tax filing software. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Uasuf Gueye African Jazz Quartet Elikeh Afropop

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BOWSER ADMIN.

PICKS PARCEL 6 DEVELOPERS

The Bowser administration announced that The Parcel 6 Community Partners team, led by Banneker Communities, has been selected to develop on the campus of St. Elizabeths East in Southeast’s Congress Heights neighborhood in Ward 8.

The Parcel 6 Community Partners team engaged in a competitive process for the project. It will have exclusive rights to negotiate with the city to redevelop the 202,758-square-foot site on the St. Elizabeths campus.

“Through Mayor Bowser’s investments and steadfast commitment to St. Elizabeths, together we have been able to grow this campus into a community that is delivering housing, jobs, amenities, and opportunities to Congress Heights and Ward 8 residents,” said Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development (DMPED) Nina Albert. “We are excited to partner with Parcel 6 Community Partners to bring this incredible project to fruition.”

The proposal from Parcel 6 Community Partners envisions a combined total of 507 rental units within the multifamily buildings,

briefs

with a range of unit sizes from efficiencies to one-, two- and three-bedroom homes. Approximately 152 (30%) of these units will be affordable dwelling units, including 25% targeted towards residents earning at or below 30% of the area median income (AMI).

The remaining affordable units will be targeted towards residents earning up to 60% AMI. The development will also feature nine for-sale work/live townhomes in front of the existing Parcel 6 garage.

The multifamily buildings, named “The Malcolm” and “The Martin” in honor of Malcolm X and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., are central to the project, alongside The Towns at St. Elizabeths East. The design will be led by Torti Gallas Urban, a minority-owned firm with over 50 years of design experience.

The project will also provide over 23,000 square feet of neighborhood retail space and 36,000 square feet of community park and amenity space.

“Our team is proud to maximize the potential of this historic site by delivering high-quality homes, creating job opportunities, and fostering community engagement, all while ensuring significant participation from Ward 8-based and CBE-certified firms,” said Omar Karim, president of Banneker Communities. “This project is a testament to Mayor Bowser’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to creating vibrant, inclusive communities throughout the District. We are deeply grateful for the opportunity in realizing this bold vision.”

JOB FAIRS

As a part of the Bowser administration’s effort to strengthen workforce development in the District, several upcoming jobs fairs will be held in the near future.

The DC Public Library Job Fair will be held on Sept. 12, starting at noon at the Anacostia Public Library, located at 1800 Marion

Barry Avenue SE. Harvesting Opportunities Out of School—Youth Career Fair will take place on Sept. 16, starting at 10 a.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library, located at 901 G Street NW.

The DC Public Safety Job Fair will occur on Sept. 20 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the DC Armory located at 2001 East Capitol Street SE.

The Disability Career Fair will commence on Oct. 15 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Jr. Central Library located at 901 G Street NW.

Residents are encouraged to attend these fairs to explore job opportunities, meet with potential employers, and access resources that can help them advance their careers.

RISE CHALLENGE WINNERS

Prosperity Now, an organization that promotes racial and ethnic equity, recently announced the winners of the RISE Challenge, a competition designed to empower and uplift entrepreneurs of color by harnessing the power of Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). The winners were revealed at the 2024 Prosperity Summit that took place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Oxon Hill, Maryland from Sept. 3-6.

The RISE Challenge is a center-

piece of the Entrepreneurship Accelerator, a groundbreaking partnership between Prosperity NOW, Avanade and Accenture. The competition plays a pivotal role in advancing equitable lending practices by empowering CDFIs to make more informed and just lending decisions, ultimately fueling the growth of entrepreneurs of color by providing access to capital, resources, and customized solutions for their unique challenges.

Winners of the RISE Challenge were awarded three prizes to help them further develop and scale their groundbreaking solutions: $75,000 for the first-place winner, $50,000 for the second-place winner, and $25,000 for the thirdplace winner.

Bianca J. Jackson, chief innovation officer at BrickRose Exchange, took first place for her groundbreaking work addressing Black disinvestment.

Jocelyn Walters, head of Partnerships at Next Street, and Lukas Haffer, CEO & co-founder of Casca secured second place for their pioneering solution to improve loan assistance and identification.

Vernisha Williams, Strategic Partnerships manager at Centro Community Partners, earned third place for her creation of a scalable artificial intelligence hub.

“The RISE Challenge is centered around a critical question: How can we harness the power of CDFIs to more effectively support entrepreneurs of color,” said Marisa Calderon, president and CEO

of Prosperity Now. “The solutions that RISE challenge winners presented today will help to further the goal of discovering and nurturing groundbreaking strategies that can bridge the racial and ethnic wealth gap by fostering entrepreneurial success and economic resilience in communities of color.”

LEGALZOOM’S $3M IN FUNDING FOR BUSINESSES

LegalZoom’s Fast Break for Small Business grant program, in partnership with the NBA and WNBA, will be awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners and $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible to apply for individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Winners will be announced on social media. Action Opportunity Fund will administer the small-business grant awards. Apply today for a chance at a $10,000 small business grant and/ or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services. Grant applications close on Sept. 13 at 8 p.m. ET.

For more information, visit legalzoom.com. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5The winners of the RISE Challenge at the Prosperity NOW Summit are Bianca J. Jackson, Jocelyn Walters and Lukas Haffer, and Vernisha Williams. (Courtesy Photo/Prosperity NOW)

5Banneker Communities president, Omar Karim. The Bowser administration announced that The Parcel 6 Community Partners team, led by Banneker Communities, has been selected to develop on the campus of St. Elizabeths East in Ward 8. (Courtesy Photo/ Andrew Rankin Memorial Chapel)

Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce Announces 2024 Excellence in Business Awardees

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Following a nomination process that ended on Aug. 2, the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce announced the 2024 recipients for the Excellence in Business Awards on Sept. 3. The honorees will be recognized during the organization’s centennial celebration on Oct. 5 at the Gaylord National Harbor.

“This annual awards program recognizes and celebrates exceptional achievements and success in the business world,” read a statement from the chamber, announcing the awardees. “These awards acknowledge organizations and individuals who have demonstrated outstanding performance, innovation, leadership, and growth.”

This year’s award recipients include:

• Business Leader of the Year: Steve Proctor, Jr. of G.S. Proctor & Associates

• Small Business of the Year: Prince George’s Suite Magazine

• Community Impact Business of the Year: Housing Initiative Partnerships Inc.

• Economic Transformation Team of the Year: Distinguished Members of the Maryland Delegation

• Emerging Business of the Year: Blink Charging

• Mirinda Jackson Minority Business of the Year: Eronica Dew of BES Solutions, Inc.

• Corporate Citizenship Award: Truist Foundation

• David C. Harrington Lifetime Achievement Award: Kenneth H. Michael of NAI Michael

The chamber praised the honorees for their dedication to their work and expanding the local economy.

“We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners! Your hard work and commitment inspire us, and we proudly celebrate your accomplishments,” the chamber wrote. WI

Back To School

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.,

To parents, I believe the most wonderful time of the year is the back-toschool time of year. As a perpetual student and now a professor, I will say that I am also re-energized at the beginning of the school year. I love the restart of learning and focused energy on advancement.

For those with minor children, I like to remind the parents to be thoughtful of the responsibilities of caring for the babies. Of course, as parents we ill always be thoughtful of caring for our children. We need to have painful thoughts when we think about what the best protective action for our children is. As an estate planning attorney, I have the difficult responsibility of discussing with parents about the possibilities of providing for their children in their incapacity or the death. It is a thought that many people find so painful that they choose not to answer the question and simply pray that nothing happens to them. I believe that our best strategy is to pray for the best and plan for the worst. I believe it is best to have a plan and tools and not need them than to need a plan and tools yet not have them.

If you have minor children, the legal parents should make the decision who would have legal responsibility for the children if the legal parents are not able. This is a challenge if both legal parents are not actively engaged in the life of the child or children. However, lack of involvement does not disavow any parent of their legal rights. This is an area of great concern for many parents. When the primary parent is not able to care for their child due to death or disability, they may not want the other parent who has not been actively involved in caring or participating in the child’s life to have the primary legal responsibility. However, that is not the legally authorized answer. Unless the parent has lost his or her legal authority, there would not be a need for intervention on behalf of the court.

When there is inability for the legal parents to care for minor children permanently or for a short term, the parent can identify a standby guardian. That documentation would nominate someone to act as an interim guardian until the court established the legal permanent guardianship. This would enable someone to act to make medical and educational decisions for a minor child.

To provide for the child financially, a Trust would be the most appropriate vehicle for preserving assets for the benefit of a child. As you cannot distribute any real property or cash directly to a child it is necessary to provide for that child through establishing a trust. In many cases, when there has been co-parenting and not a continued relationship between the parents, a parent may choose to identify someone else to support providing for the minor child financially, as a checks and balance to ensure that the funds and resources are managed for the benefit of the child.

Also for our almost grown children, those who are legally defined as adults but not really, we recommend that a Financial and Health Care Power of Attorney be created for the ability to continue to support our young adults. This document will allow the young people to waive their right to privacy to receive necessary financial and health care support. Additionally, for those young adults who are attending school, I recommend that they have the young person execute a Family Education Right to Privacy Act waiver. This waiver allows the school to supply the parent to the information regarding the student’s academic, financial and health matters. It is best to have the necessary tools in place to provide for your young people.

Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year through planning and caring for the ones you love.

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. Life and Legacy Counselors

5335 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite 440, Washington DC 20015 1401 Mercantile Lane, Suite 271, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 1100 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1010, Arlington VA 22201 https://www.lifeandlegacy.law/ (855) 574-8481

5 During the 2023 Excellence in Business Awards, Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce

President Alexander Austin (center) holds a state proclamation, presented for the organization’s achievements and role in empowering the local economy. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

NATIONAL

Congressional Black Caucus Releases Groundbreaking Corporate Accountability Report on DEI

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and CBC members have released a first-of-its-kind report titled “What Good Looks Like: A Corporate Accountability Report on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.” The report aims to hold Fortune 500 companies accountable for their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the wake of George Floyd’s murder and the racial justice movement that followed.

This initiative comes as corporate America faces renewed scrutiny following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn affirmative action in the Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard case.

The CBC’s report highlights which corporations are making tangible progress in advancing DEI and offers a roadmap for other companies to follow. Despite efforts from right-wing groups to dismantle diversity initiatives, the report finds that many Fortune 500 companies are standing firm in their commitments. The report also examines DEI practices in manufacturing, finance, insurance, and technology sectors, providing industry-specific insights.

Most Fortune 500 companies participating in the CBC’s survey demonstrated their commitment to DEI even after the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Congressional Black Caucus members said companies championing DEI is crucial because conservative organizations, such as Stephen Miller-led America First Legal, are increasingly waging legal

and political attacks against corporations’ diversity initiatives. These groups argue that DEI initiatives violate federal law, threatening legal action against companies that continue to promote workplace diversity.

THE FINDINGS

The CBC’s report offers a detailed analysis of diversity efforts across various industries, using data from the Global Industry Classification Standard (GICS) and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS).

Key findings include:

• Sector Representation:

The bulk of the responses came from companies in manufacturing (31%), finance and insurance (25%), and information (16%).

• Best Practices:

The report identifies 12 best practices, including leadership accountability, data disaggregation, talent retention, and pay equity.

These examples provide a model for other companies to implement DEI strategies effectively.

• Progress and Challenges:

While many companies have made significant strides, persistent gaps remain, particularly in leadership diversity and retention rates.

The report encourages corporations to move beyond public statements and implement measurable DEI outcomes.

The CBC hopes the report will serve as a tool for corporations to benchmark their progress and adopt more robust DEI measures.

“What Good Looks Like” outlines not only where companies are succeeding but also where opportunities for improvement lie,

urging corporate leaders to align their actions with their stated DEI values.

CONSERVATIVE BACKLASH AND THE FIGHT FOR DEI

Officials said the CBC’s efforts to hold corporations accountable come amid heightened political tensions.

Since the Supreme Court’s ruling, Donald Trump and his supporters have escalated their attacks on DEI programs. Right-wing legal campaigns have targeted not only corporate diversity efforts, but also federal programs aimed at leveling the playing field for Black and minority-owned businesses.

Conservative attorneys general from more than a dozen states have warned Fortune 500 companies, threatening legal action over their diversity programs. Additionally, anti-DEI bills have been introduced in more than 30 states, aiming to restrict diversity efforts in college admissions and the workplace.

Despite the attacks, the CBC said it remains steadfast in its commitment to advancing racial and economic equity. In Decem-

ber 2023, the CBC sent Fortune 500 companies an accountability letter urging them to uphold their DEI commitments in the face of political pressure, which catalyzed the report.

Corporate America’s response has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the CBC’s letter, companies have held more than 50 meetings with CBC representatives, affirming their dedication to diversity.

The CBC has also convened discussions with industry trade associations and hosted a briefing with more than 300 Fortune 500 company representatives to strengthen collaboration on DEI efforts.

MOVING FORWARD

The CBC’s report is not just a reflection on past efforts but a call to action for the future. It highlights the importance of cross-industry learning, encouraging companies to share best practices and build upon one another’s successes. The CBC also recommends that corporations adopt consistent performance metrics to track progress and foster accountability.

Looking ahead, the CBC plans to push for more economic opportunities for Black Americans, focusing on closing the racial wealth gap.

Horsford emphasized that DEI is not only a moral imperative but also an economic one. Research from McKinsey & Company shows that racially diverse companies outperform their peers by 39% in profitability, further underscoring the business case for diversity.

The CBC’s report offers a roadmap for companies committed to fostering a more inclusive and equitable future, despite political and legal challenges.

“Following the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020, we witnessed a nationwide response calling for long-overdue justice and accountability,” Horsford wrote in the report. “Millions of Americans flooded the streets in protest to advocate for an end to the cycles of violence against Black Americans that are perpetuated by systemic racism ingrained deeply in the United States.

“Now, in order to move forward and achieve the goals of these commitments, we must evaluate where we are and stay the course. We cannot allow a handful of right-wing agitators to bully corporations away from their promises.”

WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chairman Steven Horsford (NV-04) and CBC members have released a first-of-its-kind report aimed to hold Fortune 500 companies accountable for their commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). (WI File Photo)

HUD Awards $31.7 Million to Support Fair Housing Organizations

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Nationwide, Including D.C. Recipients

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded $31.7 million in grants to 75 fair housing organizations across the country as part of its fiscal year (FY) 2024 budget, providing crucial support to initiatives aimed at eliminating housing discrimination. Two Washington, D.C.-based organizations, the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) and the Equal Rights Center, are among the recipients, each receiving over $400,000.

The grants are part of HUD’s Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP), with funds being directed to secondand third-year multi-year grantees of the Private Enforcement Initiative (PEI). These funds will enable the organizations to continue their enforcement efforts to address housing discrimination nationwide.

The National Fair Housing Alliance, located in Northwest D.C., works

to eliminate housing discrimination through a wide range of programs including education, advocacy, enforcement, and public policy.

The Equal Rights Center, based in Northeast D.C., focuses on addressing discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations both locally and nationally.

These grants will support the organizations’ fair housing enforcement activities, which include conducting investigations, fair housing testing in rental and sales markets, and filing complaints with HUD or state and local agencies. Additionally, the funds will enable educational outreach to inform the public and housing providers about the Fair Housing Act and its provisions.

“Ensuring fair access to quality and affordable housing for people who have been historically discriminated against is one of the foundations of our mission,” HUD Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman said in a news release. “These awards provide significant resources to

our private partners on the ground to enforce the Fair Housing Act and promote inclusive communities.”

HUD also extended financial support to five additional organizations, including Family Housing Advisory Services and Housing Opportunities Project for Excellence (HOPE), Inc., using $500,000 in unspent funds from its FY-2023 budget. These grants fall under the Education and Outreach Initiative (EOI), aimed at educating the public and housing providers about fair housing laws and compliance.

“The Fair Housing Initiative Program continues to empower our state and local partners to advance fair housing at the grassroots level,” added HUD Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity Diane M. Shelley. “These funds will drive meaningful progress and lasting positive impact within the communities we serve.”

TRUMP’S PROJECT 2025 IS A THREAT TO BLACK AMERICANS

Project 2025 is Donald Trump and JD Vance’s plan to remake the federal government if they win. It would:

Use Civil Rights-era laws created to address discrimination to instead benefit white people – Axios, 4/1/24

Gut the Affordable Care Act, which will raise health care costs and threaten health care coverage for millions of Americans

– AP News, 11/27/23

Cut Social Security and Medicare Americans have earned – Washington Post, 2/9/23

Ban abortion nationally

– New York Times, 2/16/24

5The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), led by Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman (pictured), has awarded $31.7 million in grants to 75 fair housing organizations across the country, including two in Washington, D.C., as part of its fiscal year 2024 budget. The grants provide crucial support to initiatives aimed at housing discrimination. (WI File Photo)

NATIONAL

Harris Dominates First Presidential Debate as Trump Struggles to Defend Record Post Debate

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Call-to-Action: Voting is the Next Step

Vice President Kamala Harris decisively took control of the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Tuesday night, delivering a performance that put her opponent on the defensive for much of the evening.

After much pre-debate discourse about fact checking, muting microphones and more, moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News kept a tight handle on the action of the night, significantly improving from CNN's June handling of Trump and President Joe Biden.

The debate began with a surprise as Harris approached Trump to shake his hand and introduced herself as “Kamala Harris,” an unusual move that set the tone for the night.

Trump’s trademark scowl stayed in place throughout the debate, as Harris pressed him on his legal woes and diminished his record. Displaying her prosecutorial skills, Harris consistently turned the conversation toward Trump’s convictions, his business fraud case, and his role in the January 6, 2021 insurrection.

Harris positioned herself as a problem-solver, taking on issues like housing, childcare, and the economy. In her opening statement, she outlined her “opportunity economy” plan, which focuses on bolstering the middle class.

“I was raised as a middle-class kid, and I am actually the only person on this stage who has a plan that is about lifting up the middle class and working people of America,” Harris said.

She detailed a $6,000 child tax credit as part of her plan to support young families.

Trump, by contrast, criticized the Biden-Harris economy, calling it “the worst period of time” he had seen. He defended his tariff policies and took aim at Harris, labeling her a “Marxist” while also accusing her of copying his economic policies.

“I was going to send her a MAGA hat,” Trump quipped.

Abortion rights were another major focus of the night. Trump, when asked if he would veto a federal abortion ban, declined to answer directly, stating, “I won’t have to,” and arguing that the end of Roe v. Wade had satisfied everyone.

Harris, in turn, vowed to restore Roe’s protections through federal legislation if elected.

“I pledge to you: when Congress passes a bill to put back in place the

DEBATE Page 19

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.

5After much pre-debate discourse about fact checking, muting microphones and more, Vice President Kamala Harris (pictured at a rally in Prince George’s County, Maryland) decisively took control of the first presidential debate against former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Sept. 10. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

protections of Roe v. Wade as President of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law,” she said.

As the debate went on, Trump repeated several conspiracy theories, including a claim that migrants were eating pets in U.S. cities, which Muir quickly fact-checked. Trump doubled down, citing “people on television” as his source.

Harris largely let Trump’s more outlandish statements pass, opting to stay on policy while allowing the moderators to address his factually inaccurate remarks.

In one of the most heated moments, Harris invited viewers to attend a Trump rally for themselves.

“He talks about fictional characters like Hannibal Lecter and windmills causing cancer. You’ll notice people start leaving his rallies early—out of exhaustion and boredom.”

Trump, visibly irritated, retorted that he holds “the most incredible rallies in the history of politics,” but the debate soon returned to more substantive issues like crime and inflation.

The night clearly contrasted Biden’s earlier debate with Trump, as Harris managed to keep Trump on the defensive. Trump continued to fixate on conspiracy theories and past grievances, while Harris stayed focused on presenting her vision for the future.

As the debate ended, Harris closed with a message to the American people: “This is about who we are as a country. The choice is clear—between chaos and leadership, fear and hope.”

POST DEBATE CALLTO-ACTION: VOTE

With fewer than 60 days until the election, the debate sets the tone for what will likely be a hard-fought campaign.

Since candidates have presented policies and defended their values, voters are now left with the decision of voting for who they feel will be the best commander in chief.

Hamil Harris contributed to this story. WI DEBATE from Page 18

“The significance of this day is never before, in our wildest dreams, did our ancestors imagine something like a debate between Vice President

Harris and former President Trump,” said Melanie Campbell, president and CEO of the National Coalition of Black Civic Participation (NCBCP).

The morning of the debate, NCBCP convened a group of Black women leaders from around the country to discuss the gravity of the moment and the importance of voting in the 2024 election.

“This election is about who can get their folks to the polls,” Camp-

bell emphasized.

After the debate concluded, many people, including celebrities like Taylor Swift, took to social media and other platforms to weigh in on the discussions of the night and share who they planned to vote for in November.

“Like many of you, I watched the debate tonight,” Swift wrote, before discussing the importance of doing research and noting the dangers of

misinformation. “I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for [Harris] because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them. I think is a steady-handed, gifted leader and I believe we can accomplish so much more in this country if we are led by calm and not chaos.”

5On the morning of the Sept. 10 event, the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation convened Black women leaders to discuss issues critical to the 2024 election. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

n Fax & Scan

African businesses and states are expected to close in trade and investment deals estimated at more than $44 billion during the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, Afreximbank announced on Sept. 7, in The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper. The once in two years trade fair is expected to bring together over 2,000 exhibitors including businesses from Africa and globally to showcase their goods and services while exploring opportunities and exchanging information.

According to Afreximbank, the last three fairs have generated combined trade and investment deals worth at least $120 billion.

This represents African businesses that found new markets across Africa, industries that found new sources of raw materials, investment, and capital goods, government-to-government deals in critical sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, and African contractors who won major government projects.

The fourth fair themed ‘Gateway to New Opportunities,’ slated for September 4 to 10 next year in Algeria, is expected to garner $44 billion in trade and investment across various industries and projects for African countries’ development.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Advisory Council of IATF, said the platform has been an instrument for promoting intra-African trade and investment by enabling businesses to interact and access trade and market information opportunities.

"IATF is the largest, holistic trade fair championing the continent’s growth and development. It serves as a collaborative platform for driving shared aspirations for prosperity and stability, as envisioned by AfCFTA.”

He added that it is a strong backbone for meaningful transformation of Africa and enhancing resilience by creating a gateway to new opportunities for economies and businesses through intra-African trade and investment.

The trade and investment platform is envisioned to leverage the opportunities from the single market of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) of more than 1.4 billion people with a GDP of over US$3.5 trillion.

Key activities lined up for IATF2025 include a trade exhibition by countries and businesses, as well as the Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme with a dedicated exhibition and summit covering fashion, music, film, arts and craft, sports, literature, gastronomy, and culinary arts.

Also planned is a four-day Trade and Investment Forum featuring leading African and international speakers, the Africa Automotive Show for auto manufacturers, assemblers, original equipment manufacturers and component suppliers, and a business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-government (B2G) platform for matchmaking and business exchanges, among others.

Barbados and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states are reaffirming their commitment to deepen ties with Africa, Barbados Today reported on Sunday, Sept. 8.

During a flag-raising ceremony held on Saturday at government headquarters as part of the third annual AfricaCARICOM Day, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds reiterated the government’s goal of improving economic and social opportunities for both parties.

“The administration of which I am a part made it abundantly clear from the time we assumed office in 2018 that we were going to place at the very centerpiece of the foreign policy of Barbados a deeper relationship with the African continent,” Symmonds said. “We took that posture largely because we understood that it was time, in the language of our Prime Minister, to close our Atlantic destiny. We also took that posture in the very firm and certain and unequivocal knowledge that our relationship with Africa is one that is rooted in blood and it is anchored by history.”

During her remarks, CARICOM Secretary General Dr. Carla Barnett said it was important for CARICOM and Africa to speak with one voice on the issue of reparatory justice.

“Reinforcing CARICOM’s call to European colonisers for reparatory justice for centuries of crimes against humanity committed in our region, both CARICOM and Africa have an indisputable and significant claim to reparations for the egregious transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans, centuries of chattel slavery and genocide of Indigenous peoples of the region,” Dr. Barnett said. WI

5Barbados and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states are reaffirming their commitment to deepen ties with Africa. (Courtesy Photo/ Sheria Brathwaite)

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, the former President of Nigeria and Chairman of the Advisory Council of IATF. (Courtesy Photo)

“This time, it’s TREATMENT WORKS.

The Fight for Unity Health Care Clinics

Providers Worry For The Future of D.C.’s Most Valuable Health

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

After months of what Unity Health Care providers deem inhumane scheduling practices, along with provider resignations, and mass support staff firings and layoffs, the union of the District’s leading health care clinic are fighting to restore deteriorating workplace conditions.

On Aug. 13, Unity union members held an event to garner support and strategize toward salvaging the damage that providers are afraid could close the health care center’s doors for good.

The following morning, union members reported support staff were told to report to the main office on New Jersey Avenue under the guise that they were there for special training. Instead, they were abruptly told it was their last day, a week before members were slated to vote on the potential move to join Metropolitan District 1199 DC of the National Union of Hospital and Health Care Employees (NUHHCE).

In response to the layoffs, staff received an email communication from Unity’s CEO, Dr. Jessica Henderson Boyd, sharing “difficult news.”

“Unity continues to generate less revenue than monthly expenses and has implemented a restructuring plan leading to furloughs, the elimination of some positions and the realignment of others,” Boyd wrote in the email.

Boyd, the current chief executive, was appointed by the Unity board of directors in January 2022 after serving as Unity’s chief medical officer for two years.

UNITY HEALTH CARE’S BACKGROUND, CURRENT CLINIC CHALLENGES

Unity Health Care, originally founded in 1985 by Dr. Jesse Barber and Dr. Janelle Goetcheus, started in a D.C. homeless shelter, providing comprehensive re-entry programs where social workers and providers addressed medical problems, along with social, housing, and other concerns for returning citizens and unhoused people.

Being the largest federally qualified health center in Washington, D.C., Unity has seen thousands of residents coming through their doors, as providers have treated innumerable patients with a “manageable” flow over the years. However, union members credit the down spiral of efficient scheduling and patient care to the new management who seemingly disregards the clinic’s mission and dire needs of the patients they serve.

In an effort to combat growing operational challenges within the network of community health care clinics, Unity Health Care providers teamed with the Union of American Physicians and Dentists (UAPD) last December to improve workplace protocol and safety, underscoring needed improvements to scheduling, management-to-provider transparency, and increased time spent with their patients.

“It has become clear that Unity and their expensive, union-busting lawyers have no intention of treating Washington, D.C.’s frontline providers with the respect they deserve,” said UAPD President, Dr. Stuart Bussey. “Unity and other federally

qualified health centers (FQHCs) provide essential care to the District’s most vulnerable patients. Their disrespect ends now.”

The UAPD estimates around 40 providers remain peppered throughout the clinic’s campuses, with just 14 of those being full-time clinical physicians. The significant downsizing leaves thousands of patients scrambling for treatment between few available providers who are now responsible for seeing over 85,000 underserved patients across the city.

Scheduling challenges and downsizing became a major strain on the facility, explained Dr. Kate Sugarman, MD, a family medicine physician at the Unity Health Upper Cardozo Health Center. She said the clinic’s scheduling became unmanageable roughly a year ago when the new management pushed claims that Unity was losing money, consequently forcing providers to see an uptick of patients.

However, union members and the bargaining team have found no legitimacy to these claims, arguing that if the health care center was working in good faith amid financial restraints, there would be structured protocol to properly disperse treatment without unreasonably overwhelming providers with increasing patient appointments.

“We started getting flooded with emergency emails [stating that] Unity is losing money, [and] you have to see a lot more patients. It was just relentless,” Sugarman told The Informer. “But, we know what a true public

health crisis is, because we were all on the front lines of COVID. It was this artificial, manufactured crisis. Work life became very unmanageable, very untenable, very intolerable.”

Union members state that management has refused to bargain with the ongoing scheduling issues, leaving underserved patients in vulnerable positions with longer than usual wait-times and less personal time to consult with their doctors.

“It's really had a terrible impact, because so many doctors and providers have quit, that patients can't get appointments. Patients are literally told, ‘Well, come line up at 6 or 7 a.m.,’ and then when the very few slots that we have fill up, ‘Well, try again tomorrow,” Sugarman said. “It's like survival of the fittest, and for people who are weak or vulnerable, they're just going to give up.”

She further emphasized why such scheduling crises can create challenges for the people who look to Unity for care.

“Our patients have chronic conditions that really need regular follow-up, and chronic conditions that may not have symptoms until it's too late,” Sugarman told The Informer. “The trusting relationship with the doctor, the provider, is so important, and people are so upset that some of their doctors and providers have quit.”

Dr. Jualenda Boschulte, ophthalmology specialist at Unity Health Upper Cardozo Health Center, illustrated the significant shift among her

workspace, with provider resignations and layoffs leaving empty office spaces and concerned patients lamenting for better care.

“I can tell you just before the pandemic, or even during, we used to fight to maintain our own space in the clinic. I have an exam room that is geared toward us, but if I wanted to borrow the room next door, usually I couldn't because a provider was using it,” Boschulte said. “We were jammed packed with flow, lots of medical assistants moving in and out of the hallway. Now, I can use any room I want in addition to my room.”

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

While many remaining providers at Unity Health Care are frustrated about challenges, they hold onto hope as they offer care to patients.

“I have never seen any providers as unhappy today over the past 18 years. There are people who felt stressed for all kinds of different reasons and moved on. Some moved on and came back, but it was never because you didn't feel that your voice didn't matter,” Boschulte said.

Despite the lack of support for their extensive efforts and service, providers staunchly stand behind the founding clinic’s core mission.

They are hopeful to continue the critical work treating patients across their nine community clinics, as well as shelters, and D.C. jail. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Dr. Kate Sugarman, MD, a family medicine physician at Unity Health speaks with union members at the Sudhouse DC. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Examining The Arduous Journey of Hair Loss

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Across the world, hair can be a form of self-expression, pride, and cultural significance for people-women and men-- across the globe. However, for some, hair consultations and conversations are not always about beauty, but health, such as the more than 6 million Americans across the U.S. who have alopecia areata, a disease causing the immune system to attack hair follicles, resulting in hair loss on the face, scalp, and other parts of the body.

During Alopecia Areata Awareness month - recognized every September - patients reveal the various types, symptoms, and social effects experienced when living with the autoimmune disease.

“Research suggests that women are more likely to develop alopecia areata than men and people of some races and ethnicities may have a higher chance of developing the disease. Several U.S.-based studies found the odds of developing alopecia areata were higher among Asian, Black, and Hispanic individuals than among whites,” the National Alopecia Areata Foundation (NAA) reports.

Although alopecia areata is a known autoimmune disease, scientists have yet to confirm why the immune system of people with the gene variation attacks the healthy hair follicles. Likewise, researchers are still working to examine exactly what triggers the disease beyond having a genetic predisposition or increased likelihood to the illness, whether from inside of the body (bacteria or virus), an environmental factor outside of the body, or a combination of both.

But what does appear consistent for those living with the condition, is the hair loss on either the body as a whole, or various parts, largely affecting the scalp and face.

DIAGNOSING

ALOPECIA AREOTA

Local dermatologist and surgeon, Dr. Yolanda C. Holmes explained that in many instances, patients find themselves with little to no symptoms outside of the physical hair

loss.

“Most times, patients have no symptoms at all, and a lot of times, folks will come to us and say, Oh, I didn't even know I had this bald spot until my hair stylist or my family members told me I had it.’ So typically, even with the more severe forms, alopecia universalis or alopecia totalis, people have no symptoms at all,” Holmes tells the Informer.

The NAA details that more than 80% of patients show signs of the disease before age 40, and 40% experience symptoms by the age of 20. Currently, there is no found cure for alopecia areata, and while many will feel no symptoms other than the hair loss, others might experience irritation to the scalp due to the condition.

“Now, with some of the scarring alopecia, patients will have symptoms like itching, burning, or they also may have no symptoms at all. With telogen effluvium, they may not have any symptoms. So a lot of times, you may not have any symptoms at all,” Holmes said.

Waleola Oyegbola, 54, was in her early 30s when she started to experience shedding and dermatitis of the scalp while using popularly known hair products. After years of toiling with various products and hairstyles to remedy the issue, she shaved her head in hopes to repair her broken hair growth.

“What is interesting is after I chopped my hair and grew it back, I got locks. Locks were okay, but after a while I was seeing the locks get thinner and thinner. So finally, I cut it and I could see where it was very light on top and then fuller in the back. That's when I went to the dermatologist to do a pull test.”

Oyegbola was diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia, a common form of hair loss in both men and women, due to an excessive response to androgens.

Battling food allergies amid her bout with alopecia, Oyegbola began making a connection between her dietary habits and its potential impact on her scalp health. In some instances, food allergies can indirectly impact hair health or cause an allergic reaction leading to a nutritional deficiency.

Dr. Holmes underscored the

importance of a balanced diet and sufficient intake of vitamins to promote overall wellness.

“We have a lot of environmental [factors that affect] hair growth. The vitamins that are important for hair growth include Vitamin A, or B vitamins like B12 folate,” Holmes said. “A lot of patients are vitamin D deficient, and that definitely affects hair growth. If you are iron deficient, that can also [trigger] hair loss. If you know that you are not eating a well-balanced diet, fruits and vegetables are important, but supplements are also very helpful.”

CONFRONTING ALOPECIA FROM AN EARLY AGE

Kalayna Walker, 20, was only 3 years old when she started losing

HEALTH Page 24

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5 Kalayna Walker, 20, has faced symptoms of alopecia since the age of 3. Walker, in her book, “Bald Truth,” chronicles challenges with alopecia and, despite years of covering her head with wigs, shares how she’s learned to embrace her natural beauty. (Courtesy Photo, Kalayna Walker, Instagram)

HEALTH

from Page 23

patches of hair on her head. Terrified that she may have an undetected cancer, her parents took her to a doctor looking for answers. It was shortly after when her family learned that she had alopecia areata.

Since the condition was caught early into her shedding, prescribed creams and treatments helped recover her hair up until the age of 7, when she began to lose all of her hair in clumps.

“In 2011, I [went] completely bald. I was devastated, because there was nobody [around me] at that time [who also had this condition],” Walker said.

Initially, Walker experimented with various remedies including hair spray paint, and eventually an acid treatment to promote her hair growth, which she still recalls as a physically painful experience. To no avail, she proceeded through the most tender years of her adolescence learning how to cope with the disease.

Wigs became the common cover to shield her from the social discomfort of exposing her condition in front of her peers. Actively participating on her school dance team, her mother was instrumental in customizing wigs that allowed her to dance and blend in with her peers without any noticeable difference.

“My mom would make sure that I felt as normal as possible, because I was not ready to go to class with no hair. [Before] when I had hair, everybody would love my hair. Like, ‘oh my gosh, your afro!’ [But] then, my mom had to make a wig out of bundles with a wig cap to almost mirror the fact that I didn't have hair.”

REMOVING

THE WIGS,

Her journey with wigs became a learning process, learning to customize her wigs to prevent removal from sweat or dancing, as she never

5 Waleola Oyegbola, 54, has learned to confidently don her hairdo after joining an alopecia awareness group. (Courtesy Photo) shared her condition with any of her peers. Even into her adulthood as a dancer for the NBA’s New Orleans Pelicans basketball team, hair was an idolized feature that weighed on her consciousness while performing.

The stress of worrying about wig choices or if her hair would be stable enough during performances impeded her ability to strictly focus on dance.

After months of stress and inner turmoil, Walker felt a deep conviction to step out from behind the shadow of fear and share her truth with the world.

“It was very toxic for me, because while others were thinking about the routine, I'm thinking about, ‘is my hair gonna come off,’” said Walker. “God literally told me to tell my story and to write my own book, and that when I turned 20, on August 12, 2024, I would be free from all of this.”

‘Bald Truth,” Walker’s first book, details her journey from “self-doubt to self-acceptance,” as she fought through the majority of her life feeling shackled and ashamed of alopecia.

“From 7 years old, we kept it a secret until I was able to embrace it,

which was 13 years later. I've been living in wigs, hiding because of fear and shame,” Walker said. “Alopecia is a different type of insecurity that not only hits the way you see yourself, but also, [makes you question] how do others see me? And that was a hard pill to swallow. I literally just despised the fact that I had alopecia.”

Now, Walker stands as a testament to the ability to embrace her identity and condition in front of the world when facing an illness that pushes against social constructs and expectations.

Oyegbola’s journey with alopecia led her to an alopecia awareness group, which has encouraged her to don her hairdo confidently, without the burden of internal stressors or societal standards.

“What was so empowering for me is joining [the] group and really accepting what I had. I would say [to myself], ‘Okay, this is it. I can't be ashamed,’” Oyegbola told The Informer. “When we tie ourselves to hair, [we can feel] so deficient. I kept on trying to grow it and do these styles, and it just wasn't working for me. I had to realize, though, that's just not for me. I had to be okay with me.” WI

— Phillip J., Michigan Park

EARTH OUR

Controversial Rock Creek Park Golf Course Renovation Receives Final Green Light Plan Involves Removing Over 1,000

By Kayla Benjamin WI Contributing Writer

Despite fierce opposition from environmental groups, the National Capital Planning Commission voted Sept. 5 to approve a renovation plan for Rock Creek Park Golf Course that involves cutting down at least 1,070 mature trees.

Nearly everyone agrees that the historic public golf course needs some love: the turf has bald spots, plant growth has rendered several holes unplayable and one National Park Service report described the current clubhouse as “functionally obsolete.”

However, criticism of the nature and scale of the changes—not only from environmentalists but also from some golfers and nearby residents— led the Planning Commission to postpone its final approval when the project first came up for a vote in May.

At the Sept. 5 meeting, public input lasted more than seven hours.

“Those of us that live in the vicinity of the park that are not living in multi-million dollar mansions—we vote, we watch birds too, and we care about the entire park,” Ayanna Mackins Free, a Ward 4 mom of four, said in her testimony before last week’s vote. “I, like so many others who have spoken, envision Rock Creek Park as a respected member of our family.”

The National Park Service (NPS), which owns the golf course along with the rest of the park, crafted the rehabilitation plan alongside the National Links Trust, a nonprofit founded in 2019. In 2020, National Links Trust signed a 50-year lease with the National Park Service, taking over management of Langston, East Potomac and Rock Creek Park golf courses.

Trees

TEEING UP MAJOR CHANGES

While all three of the Park Service-owned facilities are slated for improvements under the agreement, Rock Creek Park Golf Course is up first because it’s in the worst shape, National Links Trust co-founder Mike McCartin explained.

“[Rock Creek] Golf Course sees by far the least amount of play and does the worst of the three golf courses,” McCartin said. “People who live in this area are driving to East Potomac or to Langston instead of playing here. And we hear all the time that [people] wish Rock Creek was in better condition and that there weren't problems where you lose the ball immediately off of every hole.”

The golf course improvements include a brand-new clubhouse, a ninehole regulation course, a shorter ninehole par-3 course, and a driving range. Renovations will likely cost between $25 million and $35 million, and are expected to take two years, according to the National Links Trust. The nonprofit will pay for the entire project, and other upfront costs, through loans and its own fundraising.

National Park Service program manager Michael Stachowicz said that NPS needed to weigh both natural and historical preservation on the site. Prominent golf architect William S. Flynn designed the course during the “Golden Age of Golf” in the early 1920s, and it originally had a full 18 holes.

The agency had initially considered returning the course to its 1927 state, Stachowicz said, but rejected the idea because it would have required taking down more than 2,500 trees.

“It was just too many trees to come out—we couldn't even really stomach

that,” Stachowicz said.

In the current plan, two of the unplayable holes will remain closed permanently and turned into meadows.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT MITIGATION

EFFORTS—GREEN GROUPS SAY THEY’RE NOT UP TO PAR

In total, the Rock Creek Park Golf Course rehabilitation project plans to add just over 12 acres of meadows, planted with pollinators, grasses and other native plants.

It also aims to plant three new trees for every healthy, native tree removed. Of the 1,070 trees that will be cut down during the plan’s first phase, a little over 700 would fall into that category.

In a second phase of the plan, up to 223 more healthy, native trees could be removed.

Environmental advocates like Ward 8 Woods’ Nathan Harrington point out that new saplings are poor replacements for the enormous, mature trees that will be lost.

“You're rolling the dice, hoping that the tree will survive, and waiting decades for it to get big enough to where it can soak up as much water as the one that you cut down; sequester as much carbon as the one that you cut down; provide as much support

for pollinators and seeds and nuts for the animals to eat,” Harrington said in an interview. “All of these things, these ecosystem services, as they say, are greater the older and the larger the tree is.”

In addition to the loss of habitat and food from the trees’ removal, advocates worried about the nighttime lighting included in the driving range and other parts of the new design. Light pollution causes serious harm to ecosystems because many animals rely heavily on natural cycles of sunlight and darkness.

“The golf course and adjacent forests are a refuge of darkness in an overlit metropolis,” said Wayne Savage, a representative of DarkSky DC, during testimony on Sept. 5. “Five species of bats are found in the park, including two facing extinction. In short, the site is uniquely dark, and its ecosystem is uniquely dependent on darkness.”

THE BIRDIE’S EYE VIEW—IMPACTS BEYOND THE PARK

Tree loss and ecosystem damage can have serious impacts on humans, too.

The closest neighborhood to the Rock Creek Park Golf Course is Brightwood. It’s a majority-Black neighborhood where lots of Ethiopian and Salvadoran immigrants have settled. The area experiences the urban heat island effect, where surfaces like buildings and pavement reflect heat and cause some places to get far hotter than others, even within a single city.

Even though Brightwood is right next to Rock Creek Park, the neighborhood can get up to 10 degrees hotter than other parts of the District with more tree cover and green space, according to reporting from the Washington Post earlier this year.

As greenhouse gas emissions continue to trap heat inside the planet, the heat island effect will only become more of a problem.

“These neighborhoods need relief from the heat of the urban heat island effect,” Carol Spring, an activist with Extinction Rebellion DC, said in an interview. “Our summers keep getting hotter and hotter, so we need these trees.”

At the same time, the National Park Service and National Links Trust argue that the golf course’s improvements will make the natural space accessible to a broader audience. Having a driving range allows people who are new to golf to enjoy the site and practice the sport in a way that’s not possible on the current, more difficult course. The lease agreement includes requirements to host programming with partner organizations like First Tee, which helps kids develop life skills through learning to play golf.

“[It can] appeal to a wider group of people, and that’s what you want to do,” Stachowicz said. “You want people to care about this land, because if people don't care about it, then it goes away.”

5 Members of the environmental group Extinction Rebellion DC wore costumes to highlight endangered species at a Sept. 3 press conference protesting the rehabilitation plan at Rock Creek Park Golf Course. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

Trash in the District: The Impact on Mental Health and the Need for Action

By Shevry Lassiter WIN-TV Producer

District residents grapple with the growing problem of trash, which not only impacts the environment, but can affect people’s physical health and mental well-being.

In addition to factories, landfills, warehouses and more contributing to environmental injustice, open lots that border apartment buildings often become the landing place for plastic bags, discarded food containers, and sometimes furniture. Neighborhoods become dumping grounds, creating an eyesore for its residents and a breeding ground for rodents and pests.

The consequences of a trash epidemic go beyond mere aesthetics.

Trash management, according to EarthDay.org, not only impacts the climate, but affects humans, wildlife and the health of all ecosystems.

Studies have shown that living in a cluttered and dirty environment can have a negative affect on mental health, leading to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. The constant presence of trash can affect residents' sense of pride in their community and contribute to feelings of helplessness and despair.

Citizens and environmentalists are calling for action to address the trash crisis. Residents are urged to properly dispose of their waste, participate in community clean-up efforts, and advocate for stricter regulations on littering and illegal dumping in their neighborhoods.

As communities continue to grapple with the consequences of excess trash, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of responsible waste management and the need for collective action to protect both the environment and the mental health of residents. WI

(D.R.

6A park shelter is left littered with trash.

Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

4Trash outside of an apartment building in Southeast.

(D.R. Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

Local Teens Embark on Transformative Journey to Madagascar

By D.R. Barnes WI Staff Writer

While many of their peers spent their summer break attending summer school, working their first jobs, or catching up on sleep, four ambitious students from Washington, D.C., embarked on a transformative 10-day journey to Madagascar. Immersed in the island's rich culture, these young ambassadors gained firsthand experience in global affairs and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Logan Arthur and Amber Jackson, 10th graders at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast, Tyler Branch, a 10th grader at MacArthur High School in Northwest, and Jaylen Parker, a McKinley Tech 2024 graduate, are among 19 students involved in the International Ambassadors Program, established in 2017 by the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation (WOLCF), in collaboration with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS).

Wanda Lockridge, WOLCF president and founder, said she established the program to offer students the opportunity to experience Africa firsthand, while also introducing them to professional opportunities in foreign affairs.

“When the program started in 2017, we collaborated closely with [DCPS] to identify students who would benefit the most from this unique experience,” Lockridge told The Informer. “We conducted interviews with both the students and their parents to ensure a good fit, and our selection committee made the final choices based on a specific set of criteria.”

Over the past seven years, Lockridge said the program has evolved.

“We introduced a six-week U.S. Foreign Service Initiative (USFSI) to streamline and enhance the selection process. Now, students must fully participate in this initiative to be eligible for an interview,” she explained. “This approach allows us to observe the students' engagement, interests, and commitment, providing a more comprehensive understanding of who would thrive in the Ambassador Program. The sixweek initiative not only prepares them for the journey, but also ensures that they are well-informed about the continent and ready to maximize the learning experience.”

Named after her late husband, D.C. School Board member William O. Lockridge, Sr., who died in 2011, Lockridge established the foundation to continue his commitment to closing the education gap for Wards 7 and 8 students.

In addition to the International Ambassadors Program, WOLCF holds an annual fundraiser, Dancing with the Scholars, and the proceeds are used to provide college scholarships for local graduating seniors.

MORE THAN AN ANIMATED FILM

Madagascar is an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern coast of Africa. It is the fourth largest island in the world with a population of 28,800 million inhabitants who speak Malagasy and French. It is also the fourth poorest country in the world, with an economy based on paddy

rice, coffee, vanilla and cloves.

Despite the extreme poverty, the country is acclaimed for its beaches along with its vast and diverse ecosystem, including its amazing baobab trees and lemurs.

Aware of the DreamWorks animated movie named after the country, the students agreed that Madagascar significantly differs from the survival comedy film that featured four New York City Zoo animals – a lion, zebra, hippopotamus, and giraffe – longing to abandon city life to go where they would be free. They end up on the sandy shores of Madagascar, where no lions, zebras, hippopotamuses or giraffes exist, and they meet a colony of lemurs, for which Madagascar is known.

“My most memorable experience was getting to see the lemurs because the movie Madagascar was my favorite growing up and I loved King Julian,” Tyler, 15, told The Informer, recalling the colorful and most famous lemur in the film, who reigned over the other lemurs.

Beyond the excitement of seeing things that correlated with the film, the trip to Madagascar was also the chance for the students to escape the rigors and crime of D.C., and visit a place where they would feel free to experience a different environment and culture.

“I would like people to know

that Madagascar is far from what the movie portrays it to be. It is way better in my eyes, and words can't describe how beautiful the country and the people are despite its challenges,” Amber, 15, said.

Both 10th graders, Tyler agreed with Amber, adding: “It was an overall great experience and I recommend traveling anywhere outside of the city [D.C.].”

WHY MADAGASCAR?

Madagascar is far from a tourist destination and, according to the International Trade Administration, tourism has experienced a sharp decline in recent years. Before visiting the country, students, and some adults who accompanied them, said they were often asked, “Where is Madagascar?” or “Why Madagascar?”

Ada Anagho Brown, the owner of Roots to Glory Tours (RTG), said the “easy answer” to choosing Madagascar as a destination for the students was because the weather was conducive to travel and the relationships the tourism group had with people and organizations in the country.

“We had a strong partnership on the ground and Wanda had never traveled there before,” Brown told The Informer.

The partnership included Voahirana Wilmot, a native of Madagascar who has lived in D.C. for decades and formerly worked for The Washington Post. Wilmot visits home regularly and was key in coordinating the trip for the students and several adult trav-

5 Teens Jaylen Parker, Amber Jackson, Tyler Branch and Logan Arthur ventured on a 10-day journey to Madagascar as part of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation’s International Ambassadors Program. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

EDUCATION

elers. The group consisted of 13 travelers.

Brown, a native of Cameroon, coordinated prior trips to her home country, Ghana, and Benin. Her Baltimore-based company, RTG, was established in 2012 with the dream of reuniting African families and helping people in the African Diaspora return to the continent.

“Madagascar is a country that most people would not consider traveling to. I felt that it was important for these students to have a unique experience.”

WHAT TO DO IN MADAGASCAR

The group departed Dulles Airport on July 26 on Ethiopian Airlines for a 14-hour flight to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and then a fourhour flight to Antananarivo, the capital of Madagascar.

“Readers should know that Antananarivo is the true city that never sleeps! Madagascar is unmatched when it comes to family, food, and parties,” Logan, 15, told The Informer.

The 10-day journey included visits to a weaving factory, vendor markets, the Analamazaotra National Park, home of the lemurs, a cooking class at a local hotel, the Queen’s Palace, Museum of Photography, and the Foundation H Art Gallery.

A meeting at the U.S. Embassy allowed students to speak to Stephanie C. Arnold, deputy chief of Mission, and members of her staff about careers in foreign service and opportunities with the Peace Corps.

In addition, the group traveled two hours by bus to Sekoly Tenaquip, the first Waldorf School in Madagascar, which educates and feeds over 800 students from the surrounding rural villages.

From all of their experiences while in the country, the students had a lot of takeaways.

“Throughout my trip in Madagascar, I was surprised by the tightknit community that was evident in their hospitality and the kindness I was shown,” Parker, 18, added. “No matter where you go outside the country [USA], be willing to meet different people and try new things. I’m very reserved as a person, but every day, I found myself falling in love with something new or different and

Gen Z Students Weigh in on Harris, Trump & the 2024 Presidential Election

By Demarco Rush WI Contributing Writer

As presidential election day looms for voters across America, many members of the newest generation of adults, Gen-Z, will be able to vote for the first time.

While the two candidates, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee and Republican nominee former President Donald Trump are working to convince voters, the students from Howard University shared their outlook on the future and their thoughts on who they feel is best equipped to serve as President of the United States.

Chase Vaughn told Informer the vibe on campus, Harris’ alma mater, has been excited in relation to the vice president running to serve as commander in chief.

“I feel a lot of excitement, especially here on Howard’s campus, about that becoming a reality.

If Kamala were to win,” he said. “It wouldn't just be a win for our country, it would be a big win for women in our country.”

people aren’t looking at the policies,” said McClinton.

Daryn Dickens thinks it was a smart move for Democrats to nominate Harris as the replacement for President Joe Biden. After the disastrous debate with Trump in June, she believes the nomination provides something new.

“I think [Kamala being the nominee] ruined his chances of [Trump] winning. Even his VP, (J.D Vance) is not good for him, it's not a strong enough pick,” said Dickens.

William Brannon was vocal about his condemnation of former President Trump in relation to Trump supporters entering the capitol on January 6, 2021.

“This man tried to sabotage and overthrow our democracy for his own ego. He incited an insurrection. It's treasonous and anti-American. A man like that simply cannot be president,” exclaimed Brannon. As 41 million members of Gen Z will be eligible to vote in 2024, the power of the next generation could be what ultimately decides this election.

found some amazing people that I treated as my family.”

He offered advice for anyone traveling outside of the United States.

“Be willing to break outside of your comfort zone,” Parker emphasized.

MOST MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Throughout the 10-day trip, the students had many highlights, particularly engaging with the culture and people of Madagascar.

“The most memorable experience I had on the trip,” said Amber, “was going to a school and meeting the students in different grade levels. That experience taught me how different schools are in another country and how the school system operates in Madagascar.”

In meeting fellow students, Amber did not only learn valuable lessons, but gained a larger sense of gratitude for her own experiences.

“That experience also taught me to be more grateful for public transpor-

tation and car access because some students had to walk extremely long distances to get to school,” she told The Informer.

Logan, noted getting to taste the Malagasy fare was also a highlight during the trip.

“The food in Madagascar was some of the best tasting and fulfilling food I’ve had in my life,” said Logan. “Also, being able to learn how people gather, prepare, and cook their food gave me a new perspective on how I treat food at home.”

His first trip outside of the United States, Parker told The Informer the trip “left a lasting impression,” on his life.

“I definitely want to go back,” he said. “This trip to Madagascar has been a life-changing experience and ever since I left, I can’t wait to return.”

The next U.S. Foreign Service Initiative cohort will begin in January 2025. Families are encouraged to reach out to info@WilliamLockridgeCommunityFoundation or call 202-810-9478 to learn more.

Joseph McClinton felt that people on both sides are voting based off emotion.

“It’s a lot of people just voting against the other person, I think

“There’s a lot on both sides that we need to consider. Both sides have a lot of flaws. It's a really big moment in history,” said Quari Robinson.

5 Wanda Lockridge, founder and president of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation, poses with a lemur in Madagascar. The ring-tailed lemur, pictured on Lockridge’s shirt, is Madagascar’s national animal. (D.R. Barnes/The Washington Informer)

5 Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Presidential nominees for the 2024 election. (Anadolu, Getty Images)

Prince George’s County Education Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

UPDATES FREE AND REDUCED SCHOOL

MEAL ELIGIBILITY

The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals on Aug. 29. The guidelines, updated annually by the federal government, were adopted by MSDE through June 30 of next year.

An annual income of $19,578 for a single parent or $26,572 for a family of three now qualifies for free lunch; while $27,861 for a single parent or $37,814 for a family of three qualifies for reduced lunch.

Residents must submit an appli-

cation in order to officially qualify for the assistance.

“Access to healthy, nutritious meals during the school day is an essential part of being ready to learn,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright.

“We encourage all families to look for information about the free and reduced-price meal application process at the beginning of the school year from their child’s school.”

More than 585,000 Maryland children were enrolled in Summer EBT, a program to provide free summer groceries for low-income families, before the application deadline closed on Aug. 31. This is at least 40,0000 more than previously expected.

For additional information, visit eatsmartmaryland.org or contact the Office of School and Community Nutrition Programs at 410767-0219. WI

THE RIGHT MORTGAGE AWAITS.

GOV. MOORE ANNOUNCES $20 MILLION EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP WITH ARNOLD VENTURES

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) announced $20 million total in grant awards for the Saga Education tutoring program and the ASSISTments online educational tool on Aug. 29.

The awards are the first under the Maryland Partnership for Proven Programs, a philanthropic funding partnership between the State of Maryland and Arnold Ventures, to scale and expand programs that will help make progress on economic mobility and cradle-to-career outcomes.

“These programs have a proven track record of success,” said Moore. “We’ve seen the remarkable impact they have on allowing young people from all backgrounds to reach their full potential. That’s why we’re proud to partner with Arnold Ventures. Together, we will open paths to work, wages, and wealth for

Marylanders; grow our economy; and leave no one behind.”

Through this partnership, Arnold Ventures will provide up to $20 million over the next four years in matching funds to select programs engaged with governmental entities, including: state and local agencies, county and municipal governments, school districts, and public colleges and universities, to scale and expand proven effective social programs in workforce training, education, and crime prevention.

Through the partnership’s inaugural grant allocation, the Maryland State Department of Education and Arnold Ventures will contribute $10 million each.

“This investment in our students will pay off as we scale up successful strategies, moving more students towards better academic outcomes,” said State Superintendent of Schools Dr. Carey M. Wright. “We are excited to see the benefits of this partnership.”

5 The Maryland State Department of Education recently announced updates to the income eligibility guidelines for free and reduced-price school meals. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

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

The CBC Remains the Conscience of Congress

People across the United States and the world have descended upon Washington for the 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC).

From Sept. 11 to 15, under the theme “From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices,” the Black Agenda will be front and center of intense policy discussions that “envision a world in which all communities have an equal voice in public policy through leadership cultivation, economic empowerment, and civic engagement.”

With the Nov. 5 presidential election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump less than 60 days away, the ALC – the nation’s leading policy conference on issues impacting Black Americans and the global Black community - has taken on even greater importance.

In the late 1960s, Michigan Democratic Representative Charles Diggs proposed forming the Democratic Select Committee (DSG) in the U.S. Congress. He felt that the few Black Members of Congress needed to be organized formally to ensure that their constituencies' concerns were effec-

tively heard and listened to on the floors of the House and Senate.

At the time, Diggs, the first Black elected to Congress in 1954 from Michigan, said: “The sooner we can get organized for group action, the more effective we can become.”

The DSG officially became the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) in 1971, and in addition to Diggs, the 13 founding members were: U.S. Reps. Shirley Chisholm (D-N.Y.), William L. Clay, III (DMo.), George W. Collins (D-Ill.), John Conyers (D-Mich.), Ronald V. Dellums (D-Calif.), Augustus F. Hawkins (D-Calif.), Ralph H. Metcalfe (D-Ill.), Parren J. Mitchell (D-Md.), Robert N.C. Nix, Sr. (D-Pa.), Charles B. Rangel (D-N.Y.), Louis Stokes (D-Ohio), and Walter E. Fauntroy (D-D.C.).

Today, the 118th Congress consists of a historic 60 members, representing more than 120 million Americans, or 25.3% of the total U.S. population.

As Rep. Stokes said of the CBC in 1971: “In addition to representing our individual districts, we have to assume the onerous burden of acting as congressmen-at-large (and women) for underrepresented around America.” WI

Politicians Berate Bullying and Ban Books, So Why Do ‘Bullets’ Still Get a Hall Pass?

The fall semester for public schools across America is barely a few weeks old as students attempt to adjust to new policies limiting the use of cell phones, get back in the swing of doing homework and retiring for bed earlier so they’re well rested for each day’s lessons.

Some children are still trying to improve their reading and mathematics skills as their scores on standardized tests declined dramatically during the recent pandemic.

Meanwhile, many politicians, particularly those who are currently on election ballots this fall and claim to be committed to improving conditions for children, have berated social media bullying which has increased in recent

LETTERS

Rest in peace to Wayne David, the MPD in vestigator who died in the line of duty. I appreciate the Washington Informer having him on the cover and telling his story. Condolences to his family and friends.

Larry Felton Washington, D.C.

years.

Political leaders have also taken a stand on book banning – a topic which we still find difficult to fathom. At least not something that should be under the purview of governors or members of Congress but rather educators. So, why can’t our elected officials put aside partisan politics and protect children, teachers and administrators from gun violence?

Why are bullets still receiving a hall pass, causing children and their parents to ponder if “today will be the day” that another angry or disturbed classmate takes aim at innocent men, women and children with weapons to which they should never have been able to gain access in the first place?

Being a student is already stressful enough without the looming threat of school shootings. And yet, because of our refusal to act, the madness has begun once again.

On Monday, Sept. 9, all schools within the Woodbury School District in South Jersey were closed because of a shooting threat that was posted to social media that named five schools on Sunday night. Three juveniles, including a 15-year-old, have already been taken into custody according to the Harrison Township Police Department.

And in Georgia, a state already mourning the death of two students and two teachers, after 14-year-old Colt Gray took a semi-automatic assault-style rifle

TO THE EDITOR

I commend D.C.’s and Maryland’s Attorney Generals for going after gun stores that are facilitating illegal sales of firearms and ultimately contributing to homicides and other senseless acts of violence. This is the kind of leadership I want to see, and the kind residents of the District deserve. Let’s be proactive and not reactive!

Donald Castain

Washington, D.C.

– a gift he received from his father – to school on Wednesday, Sept. 4 and opened fire.

Reports on Sept. 9 indicated that more threats of violence have been received by school officials.

Prosecutors in Georgia have not only charged Colt but also his father, Colin Gray, in efforts to hold parents responsible for their children’s actions in school shootings – reminiscent of what happened in April 2024 when the parents of Ethan Crumbley, now 17, were both convicted of involuntary manslaughter after their son orchestrated a mass shooting at Oxford High School in Southeast Michigan in 2021.

Still, we cannot expect elected leaders to do the right thing

when we have perspectives like that expressed by Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, who over the weekend, in commenting on the school shooting in Georgia, said, “it’s a fact of life.”

In response, U.S. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) said, “it’s only an American fact of life . . . this only happens in America.” Aren’t we sick and tired of being sick and tired, yet? Protecting our children and educators from gun violence is not a partisan issue – it’s simply common sense. So, what’s taking America so long to demonstrate to our children, their parents, their teachers and the world that we still have a modicum of common sense?

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

A Campaign Kickoff: The Harris Labor Day Offensive

In an election year, Labor Day kicks off the official campaign season, and Vice President Kamala Harris kicked hers off with a bang. She had rallies in Detroit, Milwaukee and Pittsburgh, all major cities in battleground states. She was joined by local elected officials in each place, along with vice presidential nominee Tim Walz in Milwaukee and President Biden in

Pittsburgh. In Pittsburgh, flanked by AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, teachers' union leaders Becky Pringle (National Education Association) and Randi Weingarten (American Federation of Teachers), Harris gave a rousing speech that reminded us that we have organized labor to thank for the 8-hour workday, pensions, paid vacations and health care, worker benefits that have now become standard.

Those benefits didn't come without a fight, nor did the establishment of Labor Day. In the late 19th century, the typical worker put in 60 hours a day,

Guest Columnist

As we approach one of the most consequential elections in recent memory, we must pause and consider the stakes. Economic inequality, criminal justice reform, diversity and inclusion, voting rights, and women's reproductive freedoms are all under threat. These issues profoundly affect our lives, yet many still underestimate their importance. The truth is, we're

all on the menu, and there's no room for complacency.

In 2008, we united as a country, bringing an unprecedented wave of energy to the polls that made history with Obama's election. We showed up because we believed in the possibility of a better, fairer America. It takes the same energy today, but the stakes are higher. This is now or never. We cannot afford to fail.

Economic inequality is not just a talking point — it's a growing chasm that affects every aspect of our society. The wealthiest Americans continue

In 2023, the Oregon legislature launched the Early Literacy Success Initiative to help all students learn to read, as only 46% of students read proficiently by the end of grade 3. To support the initiative, the Children's Institute (CI) partnered with the Regional Educational Laboratory Northwest (REL Northwest) to compile accessible, evidence-based resources

six days a week. There were protests all over the country, and workers were derisively described as "anarchists" and "socialists" because they were prepared to fight for a living wage. The most infamous collision happened in Chicago in an event known as the Haymarket Riot, or the Haymarket Massacre. On May 4, 1886, police attempted to curtail a protest with violence against workers. Someone, still unidentified, threw a bomb. Seven police officers and between four and eight civilians were killed. Dozens were injured. Eight radical activists were arrested,

four were hanged, one committed suicide, and three were pardoned. They were described by many in labor as "martyrs".

For the next eight years, the men were lionized and celebrated. None had any connection to the bomb, but each was passionate about securing an eight-hour day. In June 1894, Congress designated the first Monday in September as Labor Day, a federal holiday. Union activism made Labor Day possible, and though most celebrate Labor Day as the last day of summer, the beginning of the football

season, the return to school and to cooler days, and the beginning of the political season, few acknowledge the sacrifice of those unjustly convicted in the Haymarket riot as the genesis for this much anticipated holiday. Unions are still fighting for worker rights and predatory capitalist employers are still resisting the demand for fair wages and working conditions. The minimum wage has not increased in more than a decade, and too many workers survive by working two min-

MALVEAUX Page 61

to amass fortunes, while too many people of color, working families, and young adults struggle to make ends meet. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted this disparity in painful ways. While billionaires saw their wealth surge, frontline workers — disproportionately Black and brown — risked their lives for minimal wages. If we don't vote, we allow this imbalance to persist. We need leaders who will champion policies that bridge the gap, raise wages, and provide opportunities for all Americans — not just the wealthy few.

Guest Columnist

to support this effort and strengthen literacy practices for young children. Why early literacy matters Why focus on birth to grade 3? Early experiences shape the foundation for all future learning, with critical brain development occurring before age 5. When young children develop strong language skills early on, they are better equipped to engage in learning

and succeed academically. Children who fail to achieve reading proficiency by grade 3 are four times more likely to drop out of high school. Thus, early literacy is an educational priority and an equity issue, as it can help mitigate the effects of poverty and systemic inequities.

Evidence-based early literacy resources REL Northwest compiled vetted resources to support early literacy from ages 0–3 and preschool to grade 3. For children ages 0–3, these resources include interactive reading apps, early

The same urgency exists for criminal justice reform. We've all seen how broken the system is. The system persistently targets, arrests, and imprisons Black men and women disproportionately. We've marched and protested, but progress is still too slow. This election is our chance to push for real change. We need leaders who will implement reforms that end mass incarceration, hold law enforcement accountable, and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline. Our voices, through our votes, can demand a justice system that works for everyone,

not just the privileged. Then there is Project 2025, an agenda that advocates for reversing progress, specifically in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). DEI programs have played a crucial role in guaranteeing a seat at the table for people of color, women, and other marginalized communities. The opposition wants to gut these programs, labeling them unnecessary when they are, in fact, the bedrock of a fair society. Without mobilizing and voting, we risk losing de-

literacy games, and parent-child reading guides. Educators and parents can integrate these strategies into home visiting programs, early intervention services, and community-based programs. For older children in preschool and elementary school settings, the resources include guided reading materials, phonics-based learning tools, and literacy assessment guides.

For example, How Parents and Families Support Oral Language and Vocabulary provides research-based strategies, example texts and real-life vignettes that parents and families can

use to develop oral language skills in infants, toddlers and preschoolers, including those from diverse linguistic backgrounds. Another resource, A Kindergarten Teacher's Guide to Supporting Family Involvement in Foundational Reading Skills, helps teachers support families in practicing foundational reading skills at home as a companion to the recommendations for classroom instruction. These resources address the unique needs and challenges faced by students, in-

Rep. Ron Reynolds

Dr. Herb Turner and Dr. Marina Merrill

Julianne Malveaux

Guest Columnist

Do We Have the Courage?

Sometimes problems get to be overwhelming. We give up because we allow ourselves to think there's nothing we can do.

While we want to resolve the problem, we throw it to somebody else to do something. I know how Black women used to respond to that. Lord knows I wish they were here now, but we can read about the courage of So-

journer Truth, Harriet Tubman, Ida B. Wells-Barnett, Diane Nash, Fannie Lou Hamer, Shirley Chisholm and so many more who handled the "impossible things"! They put their own lives on the line, and as Forever First Lady Michelle Obama said, "DO SOMETHING!"

Our children shouldn't have to get ready to go to a school they dread because by doing so they might get shot! That can't continue to happen. Where is our courage? Do we care enough about our children to tell everyone who is against gun security, "You will

A Back-to-School Prayer

September and the beginning of fall are traditionally thought of as "back to school" season. Whether students and their teachers have been in their classrooms for just a few days or a few weeks already, this is usually the time when routines start settling in, and school days return to familiar patterns. This year, the first week of September was dis-

rupted by a terrible tragedy that has become its own all-too-familiar routine in our nation: headlines about another school shooting. The heartbreak this time was at Apalachee High School in Winder, Georgia, where two 14-year-old students and two math teachers were killed by a 14-year-old student armed with an AR-15-style rifle.

In school districts across our country students now regularly prepare for moments like this, starting with "hiding practice" for the very youngest children in pre-K and kin-

no longer put our children through this. This must end!"

If you can do nothing more than form a gun security club, do it. If you must have a gun and you don't know how to secure a gun, ask someone who knows before you buy it. A man by the name of William McMurray invented a system called The American Rac can help you and he's more than willing to do it. See www.TheAmericanRac.com for what you can do.

I am a member of the board of directors of the World Conference of Mayors founded by the Hon. Johnny

Ford, who spent 32 years as mayor of Tuskegee, Alabama, and remains a member of its city council. The current president is Mayor Jimmie Gardner of Pritchard, Alabama. Together they, along with thousands of others, have taken on the issue of gun security. Recently, the WCM passed the following resolution after hearing J.D. Vance sound hopeless (or just uncaring) by stating that "Gun violence is a fact of life." That was like saying there's nothing we can do about it, but he's wrong. If he thinks such tragedies as brutally murdering students and teachers, and

injuring and traumatizing many others are inevitable, we must show them it's not! It's absolutely disgusting! We must find the courage to fight and end gun violence. We have a clear choice on the ballot this November: We can elect Vice President Kamala Harris and Gov. Tim Walz, proven gun safety champions, or we can allow four years of inaction if Trump and Vance take the White House.

The World Conference of Mayors passed the following resolution about

dergarten classrooms. When will all of our leaders — and not just some — agree we should protect children, not guns? The Washington Post, which keeps count of school shootings that have taken place since the 1999 shooting at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, reported on the trends it has found, including the disproportionate impact on students of color: "Almost all the deadliest assaults were committed by White gunmen, a reality that has left much of the public with the false impression that school shoot-

ings almost exclusively affect White students. Children of color, however, are far more likely to experience campus gun violence: more than twice as much for Hispanic students and over three times as much for Black students. At schools with majority Black student bodies, shooters typically target a specific person, limiting the number of people shot — and the subsequent media exposure."

The Washington Post also reports the median age for a school shooter as 16, and notes children

DOJ and State Attorneys General File Joint Consumer Lawsuit

In August, the Department of Justice and eight state attorneys generals filed a lawsuit charging RealPage Inc., a commercial revenue management software firm, with providing apartment managers with illegal price fixing software data that violates antitrust law and artificially increases costs for millions of renters across the nation.

After a nearly two-year investigation, the agencies found an estimated 80% of renters are forced to pay falsely inflated rates while also denying honest landlords an opportunity to compete for these same customers.

The lawsuit claims RealPage's practices are federal interstate commerce violations provided by the long-standing Sherman Act enacted in 1890.

"When the Sherman Act was passed, an anticompetitive scheme might have looked like robber barons shaking hands at a secret meeting,"

stated U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland. "Today, it looks like landlords using mathematical algorithms to align their rents. But antitrust law does not become obsolete simply because competitors find new ways to unlawfully act in concert. And Americans should not have to pay more in rent simply because a company has found a new way to scheme with landlords to break the law."

Joining the civil lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oregon, Tennessee and

Washington.

Falsely inflated rental costs worsen the already disproportionate financial strain felt by people of color. Tight living spaces that come at sky-high costs especially harm disproportionate numbers of Black and Latino renters. As Harvard's Joint Center for Housing Studies "2024 State of the Nation's Housing" noted:

"More than half of Black (57 percent), Hispanic (54 percent), and multiracial (50 percent) renter households were cost burdened at last measure in 2022. … While racial

"are responsible for more than half the country's school shootings — none of which would be possible if those children didn't have access to firearms." This now includes the 14-year-old shooter in Winder, who allegedly received the gun he used as a Christmas gift from his father. When we allow more guns than people in our nation, when gun violence is the leading cause of death for America's young people, and when 14-year-olds are able to access

income inequality explains some of the difference, burden rates remain disproportionately high for lower-income renters of color, at 85 and 87 percent for Black and Hispanic renters, respectively, as compared to 80 percent of their white counterparts."

The complaint alleges that RealPage contracts with competing landlords who agree to share with the firm nonpublic, competitively sensitive information about their apartment rental rates and other lease

WILLIAMS Page 62

Marian Wright Edelman

Charlene Crowell

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams EDELMAN

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Comcast Digital Equity Fellow

Check out a handful of the many events happening in the DMV this weekend, including theatrical adaptations, community engagement, and an afternoon of embracing creative writing with local multicultural writers, plus so much more.

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

THURSDAY, SEPT. 12

Cirque du Soleil: OVO

7 p.m. | $49.00+

Capital One Arena, 601 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20004

Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to announce its return to Washington, D.C. with its newly revisited high-energy and high-acrobatic production OVO.

An exciting Cirque du Soleil experience, OVO is a colorful intrusion into

a new day in the life of insects; a nonstop riot of energy and movement. Through show-stopping acrobatics highlighting the unique personalities and abilities of selected insect species, OVO explores the beauty of biodiversity in all its contrasts and vibrancy.

Toby’s Dinner Theatre Presents: The Addams Family 8 p.m. | $79.00

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

This comical feast embraces the wackiness in every family and takes the musical theater scene by storm with some of the most beloved characters of all time. Wednesday Addams, the ultimate princess of darkness, has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he’s never done before –keep this secret from his beloved wife, Morticia.

Everything will change for the whole family on the fateful night they host a dinner for Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents. Per Baltimore Theater, The Addams Family features a brand new story, with a

book written by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, and music and lyrics by Andrew Lippa.

Doors open at 6 p.m. Show starts at 8 p.m.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 13

Mosaic 2024-25

Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill

7:30 p.m. | $61.00

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

Journey back to 1959 for an unforgettable rendezvous with Lady Day herself – the incomparable Billie Holiday. Featuring classics such as “God Bless the Child” and “Strange Fruit,” this acclaimed play with music transports you into a small bar in Philadelphia for one of the icon's final concerts, transforming the theater into an immersive nightclub.

Building on the success of Mosaic's past productions, this fresh production of Lady Day at Emerson's Bar and Grill explores the triumphs and traumas of Holiday's life and career while celebrating the resilience of Black women throughout history.

Wolf Trap Presents: Kristin Chenoweth + Alan Cumming

8 p.m. | $29.00+

Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Rd, Vienna, VA 22182

From starring in the 1999 film adaptation of Annie to hosting the 2015 Tony Awards to their latest collaboration on Apple TV+'s musical comedy series “Schmigadoon!,” Kristin Chenoweth and Alan Cumming, two of

Broadway's brightest stars, are longtime friends who share an undeniable chemistry. The Tony winners perform individual sets, and possibly a duet or two, of Broadway's greatest hits at Wolf Trap.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 14

The People’s Budget Forum

1 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Free with RSVP

The Church of Epiphany, 1317 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20005

The Fair Budget Coalition (FBC) is hosting its inaugural People’s Budget Forum.

Throughout the fall, FBC will be putting together local budget priorities for fiscal year 2026, with priorities representing the needs of the most impacted D.C. communities. This forum will kick start that process.

Join the community for refreshments, share knowledge, and begin to co-create the fiscal year 2026 budget that the nation’s capital deserves.

MidnightRose: A Reading Series of Poetry & Prose

2 p.m. - 4 p.m. | Free with RSVP

Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave, Washington, D.C., 20016

MidnightRose is a showcase of the multigenerational, multicultural writers in the Washington Metropolitan Region and beyond. Experience the richness of the community through the presentations of award-winning poets and authors. Come allow the words to inspire and empower you.

SUNDAY, SEPT. 15

Kevin Hart: Acting My Age 7 p.m. | $102.00+ DAR Constitution Hall, 18th St NW & C St NW, Washington, D.C., 20006

Recognized as one of Forbes' top-grossing stand-up comedians in 2019, Kevin Hart embarks on his ninth stand-up comedy tour, “Acting My Age,” with stops across the U.S. in Seattle, Washington, Portland, Oregon, Houston, Texas, Oakland, California, Boston, Massachusetts, his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and more. His previous tour, “Reality Check” dominated as the highest-grossing comedy tour of both 2022 and 2023 according to Billboard. Notably, he made history with a record-breaking hometown performance at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field during his “What Now Tour,” becoming the first comedian to sell out an NFL stadium in Philadelphia.

Common & Pete Rock: The Auditorium Tour 7 p.m. | $75.00 9:30 Club, 815 V St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001

“The Auditorium, Vol. 1” is the product of one producer and one MC, another rarity in today’s music marketplace where high-profile projects are usually occasion for a cavalcade of stars. According to Sway’s Universe, this tour promises an unforgettable experience, as Common and Pete Rock bring their electrifying performances to stages across the nation. WI

5From mighty crickets bouncing off trampolines, to a hypnotic spider contorting inside her web, Cirque Du Soleil’s OVO exudes extraordinary showmanship to tickle the imagination. Funny and chaotic, yet adorable and wonderful, OVO charms the inner child with its sweet exuberance. (Courtesy Photo)

5This comical feast of “The Addams Family” embraces the wackiness in every family and takes the musical theater scene by storm with some of the most beloved characters of all time. The Addams Family features a brand new story, and an exciting twist of events between daughter Wednesday Addams and her parents. (Courtesy Photo/Toby's Dinner Theatre, Instagram)

John Branca’s Masterstroke: How Michael Jackson’s Estate Surged Passed$2 Billion in Ticket Sales

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows. However, beneath this glittering success lies a complex tale of financial recovery, legal battles, and persistent family strife.

In 2002, Michael Jackson signed a will that left nearly all his assets to his children through a trust while granting his mother, Katherine Jackson, a small interest during her lifetime. Crucially, the will endowed his executors—John Branca and John McClain—with broad powers to manage the estate, including the authority to sell its assets. This provision has proven to be pivotal, enabling Branca and McClain to rescue the estate from near financial collapse after Jackson’s untimely death in 2009, turning it from a half-billion dollars in debt into a multi-billion-dollar empire.

Branca, a towering figure in the entertainment law world, has been central to this remarkable financial revival. Often described as a “rock star” among lawyers, Branca’s career is defined by his representation of some of the biggest names in music, including the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Dr. Dre, and the Eagles. His work has secured record earnings for these artists and set industry-changing precedents that continue to shape the music business today.

Branca’s relationship with Michael Jackson began in 1980, and over the years, he became one of the most trusted figures in Jackson’s professional life. Known for his ability to negotiate landmark deals, Branca was instrumental in Jackson’s acquisition of the ATV Music Publishing catalog, which included the rights to many Beatles songs—a move that is still considered one of the most astute in music industry history.

Michael Jackson once called

Branca “the greatest lawyer of our time,” and the accolades he received from industry giants only reinforced this reputation. Marty Bandier, Sony/ATV Music CEO, and Chairman, has named Branca as the number one publishing lawyer in the United States, while Carlos Santana referred to him as “the Shaman.”

Under Branca’s stewardship, the estate has seen a remarkable financial transformation since Jackson’s passing 15 years ago. Over the past 12 years, Branca has orchestrated deals that have generated a staggering $2.5 billion for the estate. These include high-profile projects such as: “Michael Jackson’s THIS IS IT,” the highest-grossing concert film of all time; “MJ The Musical,” a Broadway sensation that has won four Tony Awards and continues to draw sold-out crowds in North America, London’s West End, and soon, in Hamburg and Australia; “Michael Jackson THE IMMORTAL WORLD TOUR,” the top 10 touring concert show of all time; and “Michael Jackson ONE,” the top Las Vegas show.

In February 2024, Branca and McClain negotiated what The New York Times described as a ‘blockbuster deal.’ They sold a significant portion of Jackson’s music catalog to a joint venture with Sony for a staggering $600 million. This deal, while financially beneficial, was not without controversy. Katherine Jackson objected, arguing that Michael had expressly stated his assets should never be sold. However, a California appellate court ultimately upheld the executors’ decision, citing the broad powers granted to them in Jackson’s will.

With unparalleled financial success, and conflict within the Jackson family, Branca and McClain have remained undaunted, focusing on preserving and expanding Michael’s legacy. Their efforts have been so effective that one observer noted, “They’ve taken such great care of the business of Michael Jackson that his heirs, his three children, will be able to feed a few dozen generations of Jacksons.”

Additionally, a source close to the estate said Katherine Jackson has been the recipient of more

In 2002, Michael Jackson signed a will that left nearly all his assets to his children through a trust while granting his mother, Katherine Jackson, a small interest during her lifetime.

than $60 million since her megastar son’s death while Tito and Jackie have been among the most supportive of their younger brother’s executors, arguably the greatest and most organized estate in history.

The Jackson estate continues with its most recent project, the eagerly anticipated Antoine Fuqua biopic “MICHAEL,” which is to come out in 2025 and stars Jermaine Jackson’s son Jaafar as the title character— casting that again showed the executor’s willingness to spread the vast wealth. Still, Branca and McClain’s ability to navigate familial complexities while continuing to grow the empire Michael Jackson left behind has been a testament to their expertise and commitment.

Michael Jackson’s legacy, built on groundbreaking music and iconic performances, remains untouchable in the public’s eyes. Yet, the story behind the scenes is one of careful legal maneuvering, enduring family discord, and the challenge of preserving a cultural icon’s legacy while ensuring the financial security of his heirs for many generations to come.

Branca’s dedication to “fighting for artists’ rights” has protected the hitmaker’s legacy and set a standard for how artist estates should be managed, securing a lasting impact on the music industry and beyond. WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5Jamaal Fields-Green as MJ and the cast of “MJ the Musical,” at the National Theatre until Sept. 8 (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)

Restaurant Dōgon by Chef Kwame Onwuachi Takes Salamander Washington to Next-Level Luxury Status

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A who’s who of the nation’s capital was at Salamander Washington DC recently to celebrate the opening of Dōgon, the new restaurant by acclaimed Chef Kwame Onwuachi. Businesswoman and Salamander’s founder and CEO Sheila Johnson is credited with luring Onwuachi back to the area from New York City, to the delight of his many fans.

“From the moment we launched Salamander Washington DC, I wanted to bring Kwame back to our capital,” said Johnson. “He is an inspiration and a generational talent, and we look forward to playing our part in his next success.”

Dōgon officially opened on Sept. 9.

After walking through the Salamander Washington DC’s grand lobby, entering the darkly decorated, low-lit Dōgon forces a shift in mood from

luxury to seductive. All of the senses are at work at once.

Pronounced “Doh-gon,” the restaurant's eclectic menu is created through an Afro-Caribbean lens and draws from Onwuachi’s Nigerian, Jamaican, Trinidadian and Creole backgrounds.

Guests at the pre-opening event dined on small plate versions of charbroiled oysters made with Croatian butter, parmesan, red stew, wagyu short rib slider with red stew jam, mad pickles, coco bread, and hoe crab, a plantain hoe cake with “Shitto Whatever’ and aji verde.

A RANGE OF NOTABLES ARE ECSTATIC ABOUT DŌGON

Mayor Muriel Bowser gave remarks on how D.C. tourism has rebounded following the pandemic. She said the opening of Dōgon represents what D.C. is offering in a fresh new way.

“They have a saying when we are shopping our destination around the world. ‘You always have to do something new,’” said Bowser when congratulating Johnson and Onwuachi.

“People who come to Washington want to experience all of D.C.”

Also at Salamander DC for the Dōgon ribbon-cutting were NBA Washington Wizards players Keyshawn George, Justin Champangie, and Malcolm Brogdon. The Wizards are one of the sports teams Johnson co-owns as a partner in Monumental Sports & Entertainment.

Johnson then introduced Onwuachi to the crowd by calling him a culinary genius.

“I have never been so excited about a talent like this,” Johnson said.

Acknowledging Johnson’s remarks, Onwuachi thanked the business mogul for her support.

“You believed in me. You’ve seen some of the craziest ideas I’ve had, and you let them play out. Now, they are iconic culinary events,” Onwuachi said.

PEER RECOGNITION FROM FELLOW CHEFS

Other well-known chefs were at Salamander Washington DC to support this milestone in Onwuachi’s career. It was a moment for

chefs to honor fellow chefs.

“One of the things that I love about D.C. is that chefs support each other,” said Carla Hall, chef, author, and media personality. “A group of Black chefs and other young chefs have all shown up for Kwame.”

Alexander Smalls went from a music career in opera to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef, author, and restaurateur in New York City. He concurs with Hall about Black chefs supporting each other.

“He’s an original and is driving the culinary expression of the African diaspora in a very unique and important way,” Smalls said. “Our legacy is late in celebrating who we are through culinary arts.

HOW IT BEGAN FOR ONWUACHI

Onwuachi grew up in New York. As a child, he spent summers in D.C. with his grandfather, a professor of Pan-African studies at Howard University.

His first restaurant opening in the District was "Kith and Kin." Unfortunately, like others, that restaurant was a victim of the pandemic. Then Onwuachi, a James Beard Foundation's "Rising Star Chef of the Year,” returned to New York City to open Tatiana, a restaurant named after his sister. Coming to Salamander continues Onwuachi’s business relationship with Johnson for imagining special culinary events. The pair created “The Family Reunion, " a signature event bringing together top culinary professionals of color in the country held at Johnson’s Five-Star Salamander Middleburg resort in Virginia.

The restaurant opening is part of an overall property redesign at Salamander Washington DC. The new look will feature a brighter and more residential feel, with open spaces for mingling with friends and quiet nooks perfect for smaller group exchanges. Next up for Salamander Washington DC will be an expanded two-story spa scheduled to open this fall, along with modern, refreshed guest suites designed by Thomas Pheasant. The redesign projects are expected to conclude in the spring.

In her remarks, Johnson announced that USA Today has named the Salamander brand the Best Luxury Hotel Brand. WI

5Kwame Onwuachi is the creative talent and chef for Dōgon, a new restaurant at Salamander D.C. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

New York City and Australia Meet Up to Open 20th Anniversary DC JazzFest

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

What a way to experience an international flavor for this year’s DC JazzFest than with a hard-driving, straight-up jam session at the Australian Embassy in Northwest, D.C.

— 5 Reasons to Register —

1. Learn how the SAFE Act (Secure Apartments for Everyone) will reduce crime and make your home safer.

2. Hear how tenants, owners, and government agencies can work together to find solutions to troubled buildings.

3. Discover the most common complaints DC renters have about their utility bills.

4. Understand the laws and regulations already “on the books” to help you.

5. Ask questions and get answers from our experts about your utility bills.

Tuesday, September 17, 2024 • 6PM

Apartment Building Security: Problems and Solutions

Thursday, September 19, 2024 • 6PM

Tenant Utility Billing: Problems and Solutions

Alto saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin came to this year’s 20th Anniversary DC JazzFest riding high on the release of her latest album “Phoenix Reimagined.” Then there’s James Morrison, who performs primarily on trumpet and flugelhorn, and is an overachiever who also plays trombone, tuba, euphonium, saxophone, clarinet, double bass, guitar, and piano.

Benjamin and Morrison admired each other's music style from afar. They wasted no time in kicking off their performance with full-speed energy.

Benjamin can play whatever is on her mind and in her soul. It can be upbeat, hard-driving jazz mixed with hip-hop, R&B, rock, or spoken word. Morrison had no problem matching Benjamin's mood, vibe-to-vibe, which was surprising since this concert was their first in-person moment, meeting an hour before they were introduced to an overflow audience at the embassy.

“We just played that feeling of improvisation that is actually happening now,” said Morrison. “We’re not regurgitating something we do all the time, and that feeling is magic. That’s what jazz is all about, right?”

Morrison got it right in describing the dynamic collaboration with Benjamin. The concert set the tone for the 20th Anniversary DC JazzFest. WI @bcscomm

5The 20th Anniversary DC JazzFest opens with a performance at the Embassy of Australia with Lakecia Benjamin and James Morrison. (L-R) Benjamin is on alto saxophone, James Morrison is on fluegelhorn, and Elias Bailey is on bass. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

CAREER & COMMUNITY EXPO CAREER & COMMUNITY EXPO

Join us as we celebrate Workforce Development Month!

This event provides District residents with access and opportunities to meet, network, and connect with employers and community-based organizations around the DMV.

WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY

SEPT. 18TH SEPT. 18TH

2 - 6 pm

OLD CONGRESS HEIGHTS CAMPUS

3100 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR., SE WASHINGTON, DC 20032

EMPLOYERS PARTICIPATING:

BRIDGEPOINT HEALTHCARE

DAVIS CONSTRUCTION

PEPCO

NELSON LEARNING

COMMUNITY-BASED

ORGANIZATIONS PARTICIPATING:

AMERIGROUP DC

US DEPT OF HOUSING & URBAN

DEVELOPMENT

PEPCO

DC DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

WHY ATTEND?

FREE ADMISSION

VISA Gift Cards for first 50 Attendees

Over 25 employment & community resource organizations

Meet & connect with top employers and explore job opportunities in the Healthcare, IT, Construction, Early Childhood Education, and Hospitality career fields

Meet & connect with DC Community-based organizations to learn about various support and resources for District residents such as: housing, home ownership, food assistance, utility, internet and job training

Meet and connect with UDC degree programs and resource representatives from across the university

MAYOR MURIEL BOWSER PRESENTS

An Evening with Vocalist Heather Headley Left Her Audience Wanting More

By Brenda C. Siler Washington Informer Contributing Writer

Heather Headley did not disappoint when she performed recently with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the Kennedy Center. The Tony and Grammy award-winning vocalist is celebrated for the show-stopping favorites from her fantastic stage career, including “Aida,” “The Lion King,” “The Color Purple,” along with other iconic music.

Steven Reineke led the NSO that accompanied Headley. The Heritage Signature Chorale also added their splendid vocals on several songs.

The evening was built from Headley's 2018 album, “Broadway My Way.” The multi-octave singer began by singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow. " Then, from “Aida,” she sang “Easy as Life,” followed by “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from the “Lion King.” The NSO followed these songs without Headley, by playing “He Lives in You.”

Headley’s special guest was Javier Colon, the singer and composer who won on the inaugural season of the television show “The Voice.” Their duets of the songs “The Prayer” and “Amazing Grace” resulted in one of the many standing ovations from the audience during the evening.

Some of the Heritage Signature Chorale members could be seen dabbing their eyes after the moving renditions from Colon and Headley.

Headley is not on a national tour,

but she is extremely popular in the D.C. area for the various types of music she sings. Headley won the 2000 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for the title role of “Aida.” She also won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary R&B Gospel Album for her album “Audience of One.”

Headley’s fans have missed her performing in a musical or singing her favorite songs. Whatever she decides to sing, Headley has a unique style. She interprets her musical theater version of a song in a way that still draws you in.

“I look at songs like dresses. Now and then, I hear something and like a dress, I go, ‘I’d like to try that on,”’ said the multi-octave singer in her analogy of a dress and a song. “I might have to hem or take in the dress. It’s just nice to try different things.”

Headly can make any song work for her desired approach.

When Elton John wanted Headley to sing his early composition “Your Song” when he received the 2004 Kennedy Center Honors, Headley first said, “No.” The two had a close working relationship since John had written the lyrics for “Aida” and “The Lion King.” Finally, Headley performed the song to John's extreme delight.

Keeping Headley busy for now, is a starring role in the Netflix series “Sweet Magnolias,” where she plays the character Helen Decatur. The series, going into its fourth season, is filmed in Atlanta. WI @bcscomm

5 Singer Heather Headley performed with the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Steven Reinke. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

LIFESTYLE

An Evening with Vocalist Heather Headley Left Her Audience Wanting More

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Ready to get your funny bone in shape? Then look out for the “Second Annual Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival” (BTF) coming to D.C., Sept. 27-29. The three-day event comes to D.C. with various events between the Southwest Wharf and DC Improv on Connecticut Avenue, NW.

Produced by the company NICE CROWD in partnership with Events DC, this festival is returning to the District after last year’s successful festival. Comedians and actors Leslie Jones and Deon Cole will headline this year’s BTF.

Opening night for BTF will honor veteran comedian George Wallace. The beloved comic will receive the festival's 2024 Trailblazer award. Wallace is an iconic comedian who

from Page 1

to almighty God.”

FBI agents arrested White at his Navy Yard penthouse on Aug. 18. He later stood before a judge who read a criminal complaint alleging that he agreed to accept bribes in exchange for leveraging his political power to secure a contract renewal for a vendor working with the Department of Youth and Rehabilitation Services (DYRS) and the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE).

That criminal complaint included photos of White accepting $35,000 in cash payments from a man identified as Confidential Human Source 1.

Earlier this week, a grand jury indicted White for the federal bribery charge. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years of imprisonment.

Clergy in attendance at “Prayers of Redemption” included: the Rev. Tony Lee of Community of Hope AME Church in Hillcrest Heights, Maryland; Min. Calique Barnes of Prayer and Praise Ministries in Forestville, Maryland; Crystal Gray of CenterPoint Baptist Church in Camp Springs, Maryland; the Rev. Donald Isaac of Southeast Tabernacle Baptist Church in Southeast; Bro. Abdul Khadir Muhammad of Muhammad’s Mosque #4 in Southeast; and the Revs. Kendrick and Karen Whitney

is admired for his longevity in entertainment.

“This unique event showcases the exceptional talent right here in Washington, DC, while giving back to our local community, " said Angie Gates, president and CEO of Events, DC.

“ I am thrilled that major acts will come to D.C. for people to enjoy.”

BTF will be more than comics telling jokes. It is the place to understand the business of careers in comedy.

“There are panels, comedy classes, and networking events, and our ‘BTF Cares’ Charity Fundraiser,” said Jeff Friday, CEO of NICE CROWD.

“Several events, such as the panels, are free, but registration is required.”

Friday emphasized the importance of the work the NICE CROWD does in an interview with The Washington Informer.

“We are really like activists for people of color and women,” Friday

Curry of Pennsylvania Avenue Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C.

While most of the religious leaders focused on White’s spiritual upliftment, some like the Rev. Kendrick Curry and Min. Muhammad took aim at the FBI. Both mentioned the Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO) that dismantled Black liberation movements of the 20th century, and Muhammad facetiously asked the FBI agents in the audience to stand.

Many community members and friends took on a similar tone, thanking White for carving out time for families of murder victims and constituents dealing with immediate quality-of-life issues.

Jimmie Jenkins, founder of ManPower DC and one of the council member’s closest confidantes, lamented not seeing a larger turnout.

“This is a direct attack from the devil, not people,” Jenkins said. “I’m ashamed that this room is not filled because we’re talking about prayer for our brother. Since I’ve known him, he’s on the frontline… This thing is bigger than politics. It’s bigger than black and white. The enemy understands [Trayon’s] power and the direction our city is going in. We need to band together.”

In recent weeks, community members have been mulling over whether

said. “When we find inequities in the entertainment business, we create live events to fix it.”

Created for anyone who likes to laugh, BTF’s lineup includes headline shows and a “Breakout Comedian of the Year Competition.” This nation wide competition received more than 300 submissions. Six finalists will perform on Saturday, Sept. 28, at a showcase hosted by Cole.

The winner, to be announced that night, receives a $10,000 grand prize and an invaluable opportunity to secure representation with Innovative Artists talent agency.

Jones, who is on a 20-city tour, will make D.C. one of her stops. She closes out BTF with a performance on Saturday, Sept. 29. Jones was featured doing hilarious interviews with athletes during the broadcast of the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France. It’s grueling to be on the road all

the time, and that is the impression of what comics do. The ideal situation for a comic would be long-term, like with a television show or a couple of movies booked.

“But stand-up is the way to remain funny,” said Nicole Friday, president of NICE CROWD, the company

5Spiritual leaders pray with Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White on Sept. 7 at Union Temple Baptist Church in Southeast, D.C., just days before he stands before a judge on Sept. 12 to fight federal bribery charges. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer) istration launched an internal investigation into DYRS and ONSE.

to support write-in candidates for Ward 8 seat in the general election or support White, the Democratic nominee, to stave off a Republican victory east of the Anacostia River. Others have criticized White, calling for a higher standard of ethical leadership in Ward 8.

Those conversations sparked after D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) stripped White of his chairmanship of the council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs, and the Bowser admin-

Mendelson also launched an ad-hoc committee, composed of all of White’s council colleagues. Upon the council’s return from summer recess, the committee, led by D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large), will examine the complaint, and questions about White’s residency (seeing as his penthouse is located in Ward 6) before deciding whether to recommend reprimand, censure or expulsion.

After the “Prayers of Redemption”

that founded the American Black Film Festival (ABFF).

Tickets for the “Second Annual Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival” can be obtained at eventsdc. com.

WI @bcscomm

event, White, who wiped tears from his eyes during the prayers, didn’t speak about his political future. He instead focused on his state of mind.

“I’m humbled,” he told The Informer. “ It’s in God’s hands and I appreciate the love, support and encouragement of the people.”

“Prayers of Redemption” ended with the small group of congregants joining religious leaders and White in a circle where they lifted White in prayer once again. But not before Al-Malik Farrakhan of Cease Fire, Don’t Smoke the Brothers and Sisters, implored them to show up to the courtroom on Sept. 12 early and in full force.

Earlier in the program, Farrakhan issued a warning to those who he said have become too comfortable in the age of social media.

“Y’all do all the prayers but prayers do nothing without action. Be down there at the court before any of them Europeans or devils can get them seats,” Farrakhan said.

“We’re not leaving this man. We got to be down there deep on the inside and outside. If you truly love justice, then we got to stand up. I don’t see y’all fighting. Y’all on the internet. They respect hands and they respect faces.”

WI @SamPKCollins

WHITE

5Veteran comedian George Wallace will receive the 2024 Trailblazer Award during the “Because They’re Funny Comedy Festival” in D.C., September 27-29. (Courtesy photo/Greg Fritz Blakey -Fritz Photographics)

8 Tips to Stay Safe from Scams

Sponsored Content by JPMorganChase

Anyone can be a victim of a scam or fraud.

Scammers are always looking for ways to trick consumers out of their hard-earned money, but there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Being alert and informed are the best defenses to stop scammers in their tracks.

It’s important to know the signs of a scam and always protect your personal information and account numbers—those are the things scammers want the most. In general, remember that anything that sounds extremely urgent, too good to be true, or suspicious, is likely a scam.

You can ignore, block and delete calls and messages that you don’t recognize. If s suspicious message says something is wrong with a transaction or charge on your accounts, don’t trust caller ID and call the number on the back of your card. Some common scams include:

WATCH OUT FOR THAT EMAIL, TEXT OR CALL FROM “YOUR BANK”

Scammers can impersonate banks, utility companies and government agencies to trick consumers out of money. Scam-

mers will contact victims via call or text, demanding money to ensure something doesn’t happen to their accounts. Sometimes, they say they need your account information to investigate suspicious activity. They “spoof” or trick you by impersonating the caller ID information from your bank, or website links that look legitimate. If someone calls you and tells you there’s something wrong with your account, hang up and call your bank directly using the number on the back of your debit or credit card.

DON’T LET YOUR FAVORITE RETAILERS FOOL YOU

Scammers will claim to be a company you may be familiar with and declare there is an issue with your account or a recent order or send you a fake receipt for goods to incite you to dispute them. Make purchases from trusted websites and vendors only; steer clear of private sellers or websites with sales at prices that seem too good to be true. Never go off an online platform to close a deal or communicate with a buyer or seller.

BEWARE OF RENTAL SCAMS

Scammers may pose as landlords looking to rent a property and convince the victim to send a deposit to hold it. Make sure the listing appears on multiple online

platforms, has a detailed description, contact information and good customer reviews. If possible, meet the landlord in person and visit the property to ensure the rental offering is legitimate before fulfilling any request for a money transfer.

BEWARE OF TECH SUPPORT OFFERINGS

Some scammers will assert there are issues with your computer by posing as tech support and encourage you to click suspicious links via text or pop-up windows on your computer to help solve your “issue.” If a caller says your computer has a problem, hang up. Never give anyone remote access to your computer unless you can 100% verify who they are. If you’re worried about a virus or other threat, call your security software company directly, using the phone number on its website.

STAY AWAY FROM “MALVERTISING"

Scammers are placing fake phone numbers in search engines and online ads under the names of legitimate companies like banks or airlines. People call those numbers and are tricked into sharing account or other personal information. Avoid this “malvertising” by typing the full URL for the company in the address bar instead of entering the company name in the search bar, and don’t click search ads.

BEWARE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) OR “DEEP FAKE” SCAMS

Smart technology allows scammers to duplicate familiar voices and trick consumers out of their money and personal information. Scammers can gain the trust of victims by pretending to be a close family member or friend in need of money. Be extra careful of friends or family members calling suddenly and needing help. Hang up and call them back on a num-

ber you know to be theirs or call someone else who knows them.

HOW YOU PAY MATTERS

Digital payment methods can help limit access to fraudsters finding your bank account. When sending money digitally, however, always make sure you know and trust who you are sending money to. If you send money, you may not get it back if it’s a scam.

BE CALM, BE CONFIDENT

Even if you aren’t aware of all emerging threats, you can protect yourself from becoming a victim by refusing to give your personal or banking information if someone contacts you by email, text

or phone. Creating strong passwords for your online accounts and changing them often can also help protect your digital footprint.

The best defense is to stay calm and confident and use technology to your advantage: ignore, delete and block calls, messages or emails from sources you don’t recognize and remember that banks will never ask for personal information when calling you or urge you to send money.

If you become a victim, don’t be embarrassed, and report it to your bank. Also, tell family and friends about your experience so they too can be on high alert. For more fraud and scam prevention tips, visit Chase.com/SecurityTips, and www.ftc.gov.

ROBINSON from Page 1

the video, like Jawanna Hardy, said it brought her to tears.

“It’s sad to see our people being treated like that -- a violence interrupter too,” said Hardy, founder of Guns Down Friday, an organization dedicated to addressing gun violence and mental illness. “The way the officers handled the situation, they could’ve done better than that. It was so unprofessional, heartbreaking and disgusting the way they treated Justin. It was cold blooded.”

The body-camera footage, released on Sept. 9, shows officers approaching Robinson’s vehicle, which crashed at a McDonald’s franchise on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast, with guns drawn. One of the officers can be heard identifying Robinson, who’s unconscious at the time, as a suspect and mentioning the discovery of a gun as they close in on the car.

In the minutes leading up to Robinson’s death, one of the officers abrasively asks the special police officer to leave her car and later motions his colleagues to block in Robinson’s car with their department-issued vehicles. As Robinson comes into consciousness, a group of officers surrounding him yell for him to drop his weapon.

MPD recently released the body camera footage from the morning of Robinson’s police-involved killing.

A couple minutes later, after inching closer toward Robinson, they shoot him and pull his lifeless body out of his car.

At the time Hardy watched the then-newly released video, she had

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 39-2024

DCHA FINANCIAL AUDIT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024, 2025 AND 2026

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) requires licensed, qualified professionals to provide Financial Audits for Fiscal Year 2024, 2025 and 2026 in response to this solicitation.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, September 9, 2024, can be found on Bonfire at: https://dchousing.bonfirehub.com/portal

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

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

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at 12:00 NOON.

Email Ahmad Zubair MAJEED, Sr. Procurement Consultant (OAS) at amajeed@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

plans in motion for a getaway that would allow the young people who knew Robinson to decompress. That getaway, she said, has been paused for the time being as she works to ensure that those youth don’t reactively participate in criminal activity, like she had seen others threaten to do on social media.

“I had to pick up a few kids,” Hardy said, emphasizing that she did so on Monday evening before any criminal activity took place. “Their parents didn’t believe what was going on. When someone is killed by police, it brings out so many people of different races. People are tired.”

MPD OFFICIALS STAND ON THEIR VERSION OF EVENTS

On Tuesday, MPD increased police presence throughout the District in response to vandalism and string of burglaries that happened the night before. Affected areas included: Logan Circle, Georgetown and City Center in Northwest; a store along the H Street corridor in Northeast, and a store north of Columbia Heights in Northwest.

In total, MPD reported six burglaries and six instances of property damage.

Officers arrested five people for the charges of burglary and fleeing from law enforcement. An MPD spokesperson said the incidents are under investigation. They provided no information about whether the events had any connection to the body camera footage release.

On Monday, Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela A. Smith apologized to reporters about the early evening footage release, saying that her office received word from the Robinson family attorney last weekend to allow it.

She then delved into a summary of Robinson’s last moments that aligned with the report MPD released shortly after the Sept. 1 police-involved shooting.

“The officer has his weapon in the driver’s side of the window, “ Smith recounted. “Then the individual grabs the officer’s weapon and there’s an exchange of words. The officer discharges his fire then you see the individual’s firearm drop.”

An examination of both officers’ body camera footage by this Informer reporter found some discrepancy in MPD’s account. While

Robinson’s hand is raised, and the officer’s gun is inside the driver’s side window, it can’t quite be determined if Robinson grabbed the officer’s gun or was slowly raising his right hand.

The two officers involved in the shooting -- Vaso Mateus and Bryan Gilchrist -- are currently on administrative leave while the Internal Affairs Bureau and U.S. Attorney’s Office of the District of Columbia are conducting their investigation.

FAMILY MEMBERS SET OUT TO CONTROL THE NARRATIVE

Robinson, 26, leaves behind legions of family members, including a twin brother.

Last Friday, hundreds of community members converged on the 2500 block of Marion Barry Avenue in Southeast in honor of Robinson, a violence interrupter in his fifth month at Cure the Streets, an entity housed within the Office of the Attorney General.

Questions ran the gamut, from how could officers not notice Robinson’s Cure the Streets jacket, to how do District residents safely navigate the city’s concealed carry laws.

Despite earlier reports that Robinson’s family declined release of the body camera footage from Sept. 1, Robinson’s sister and Nee Nee Taylor of Harriet’s Wildest Dreams, which hosted the vigil in collaboration with Black Lives Matter DC, issued a call for the raw footage, not a redacted version. Each of them emphasized that they wanted no room for MPD to lie.

Since Robinson’s death, and some rumination around his past incarceration, family, friends and organizers have similarly remained vigilant about controlling the narrative about his life and community impact. In her brief remarks before the community, Robinson’s mother, who didn’t disclose her name, encouraged people to do their part.

“Justice for Justin. We will keep going and we will fight and do it peacefully, like he would want it,” Robinson’s mother said. “Keep posting your pictures. Keep sending your pictures. Let’s keep his legacy alive.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5 Family, friends and community members gather to remember 26-year-old Justin Robinson, who was killed by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers on Sept. 1 in Southeast, D.C.

the projects on this page, you can find new uses for empty cereal boxes. That will help reduce the amount of waste that goes into landfills, and make fun and useful gifts for family and friends at the same time! Will it save the world? Well, it’s a start!

Make a Paper Pal

Follow the directions to make a simple holder that helps people collect school and o ce paper for recycling. You can make one or more Paper Pals and give them to your friends and family.

Stu You’ll Need:

Nearly everything we throw away ends up in a landfill. And landfills are filling up. By recycling, you can send less trash to the landfill. Unscramble the words on the pie chart to answer these questions:

What do we toss the most? How many different kinds of trash are in landfills?

Find the words by looking up, down, backwards, forwards, sideways and diagonally.

Can You Guess?

Cereal Box Matching Game

Look through the newspaper to find: Something that can be recycled. Something that can be used in more than one way. Something you could use to make a gift.

New and Better?

Find three items in today’s newspaper that you think were NOT around 15 years ago. What advantages does each offer? What disadvantages? Are there more advantages or disadvantages?

review wi book

"Life and Death of the American Worker"

By Alice Driver

c.2024, One Signal Publishers

$28.99

272 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

Whatever pays the bills.

That's what you do, day in and day out, looking ahead for the weekend or even just your 15-minute break. Most days, you like your job. Most days, you don't mind getting out of bed and going to work for that paycheck, the benefits and yes, the time off at days' end. Though, as in the new book "Life and Death of the American Worker" by Alice Driver, you do expect to get it all safely.

For many years, Angelina Pacheco cut chicken in her sleep. She and her husband, Plácido, worked at Tyson Foods, the country's largest meatpacking company at Tyson's facility in Springdale, Arkansas, where Angelina was assigned to remove wings from chicken carcasses. Because of the violence of her work and the repetitiveness of it, her hands "moved against her will, gnarled as they were."

Still, she was lucky. Angelina was working somewhere else when there was a chemical leak at the Tyson plant in 2011. Her husband, however, was a victim. Alice Driver knew of the accident, and it lingered in her mind.

Over some years, Driver met many Tyson workers and gained their trust in order to investigate allegations of workplace accidents, unreported safety issues, and ignored worker health matters. Employees — nearly 30% Hispanic, nearly 27% Black — told Driver that physical injury was very common inside the plant, but employees were forbidden to seek outside medical care. Bathroom breaks were often denied. Driver was told that speaking to the media about anything was strictly forbidden. Tyson jobs were generally the only above-minimum-wage employment an illiterate or non-English-speaker could find, and nobody could afford to be fired: many workers were supporting family in other countries.

Still, Driver knew that some Tyson workers were getting mighty fed up and some had broken company rules to explore legal and governmental help.

And then Covid hit …

No doubt, you've heard the stories. You might even remember the scant news coverage of the chemical spill in 2011. "Life and Death of the American Worker" fills in a lot of blanks and lets readers in on the status of immigrant workers today.

Take a guess about it, though, and you'd probably be right.

There's really no better time than now to read this book, although you might imagine that in this political climate we live in, it could be controversial. And yet, it's hard to ignore what author Alice Driver learned in years spent gaining the trust of immigrants who worked at Tyson while she investigating their working conditions. It's equally hard to overlook what Driver says about the valid American need for these workers and the jobs they do.

Readers who enjoy the conveniences of store-bought food will gain a new appreciation of the people who process it, but also beware that this book is unsettling and could make your blood boil. If you're looking for argument or answers, you might find them here. If you're ready for activism, "Life and Death of the American Worker" offers a good payoff.

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

SEPT. 12 - 18, 2024

ARIES The start of the week sets the stage to explore uncharted terrain in your relationships, likely in the form of discussing subjects you've put on the back burner. Speaking your truth is extra empowering now and can bolster understanding and harmony in your bond. Later, you'll need to turn your attention to your public reputation and career path. Lucky Numbers: 6, 16, 57

TAURUS Although it's your tendency to stay within your comfort zone, as the week begins you'll feel stirred to shake things up and broaden your horizons by learning something new, traveling somewhere you've never been before, or meeting people who are unlike others you've connected with before. You need this out-of-theordinary stimulation to fuel a shifting approach to life. Lucky Numbers: 17, 44, 54

GEMINI As the week begins, you'll spend a day opening up about how you feel to your significant other or another loved one. Words and language matter more than ever now, and they have a direct line to your heart, so you can use the power of language (of which you have an innate grasp) to bolster bonds that are central to your life and emotional well-being. Lucky Numbers: 7, 10, 11

CANCER At the start of the week, your intuition and creative, quirky energy are firing on all cylinders, and you'll be feeling self-assured around both intimate and platonic relationships. This sets the stage for good times with friends and loved ones, particularly if you can let your playful sense of humor shine. Later, you'll be reflecting on ways you might need additional reciprocity in your closest relationships. Lucky Numbers: 12, 14, 41

LEO You'll enjoy warm, loving communication with loved ones at the beginning of the week. It's easy to share how you feel in a lighthearted way, so if you've been meaning to address a tense situation of any kind, this period might be the time to take aim at that ongoing relationship issue. Later, you might be compelled to take a microscope to your everyday routine and consider whether it's serving your health and your goals around that. Lucky Numbers: 6, 23, 35

VIRGO You might be feeling like you need more support from a significant other or friends at the week's start. You'll also feel like it's time to put work on the back burner so you can tend to your relationships overall. Instead of allowing your head to lead the way, tuning into your heart is key now. Later, you'll be feeling more creative and inclined toward vibrant self-expression. Lucky Numbers: 16, 31, 56

LIBRA You can tune into your intuition even more than usual in the beginning of the week. Do a gut check, then open up to a significant other or other loved one about what's on your mind. Later, you'll want to set a powerful intention related to improving your bonds with certain loved ones or making your home feel like even more of a sanctuary. Lucky Numbers: 5, 54, 55

SCORPIO You'll be driven to express how you feel about issues that are impacting your immediate environment when the week starts. This could look like getting involved with a local political campaign, joining forces with your neighbors to put your energy toward a humanitarian cause, or finding a way you can make an even more powerful impact on your community through your work. Lucky Numbers: 20, 30, 47

SAGITTARIUS Your emotions are bound to be magnified by the early week vibe. You'll feel extra enthusiastic about taking trips down memory lane, either with family or simply by getting lost in enthralling conversations with friends or loved ones. Let this fuel your soul! Later, it's time to get serious about your moneymaking goals. And while they do matter, it's about more than numbers and spreadsheets now. Lucky Numbers: 1, 13, 14

CAPRICORN You'll be compelled to identify and express your truth, candidly and unapologetically, early in the week. This moment is all about pinpointing how you want to assert your individuality and reflecting on how doing that can add fire and passion to your life. Use this moment to feel proud of how far you've come, then envision your ideal future. Lucky Numbers: 28, 37, 57

AQUARIUS Lean in to any urge to reflect on your insecurities and deepest-rooted fears as the week begins. If you've been mentally beating yourself up for not hitting certain goals or falling short in whatever way you wish you hadn't, it's time to clean house psychologically and start practicing more self-compassion. This can lead you down a happier, more centered healing path. Lucky Numbers: 34, 43, 48

PISCES You'll feel pumped up to collaborate with friends and loved ones on an exciting project when the week begins. Sure, it might just be in the brainstorming phase right now, but you won't want to ignore that electric feeling that gets you charged up and ready to take on the world. Those in your circle will be impressed and entertained by your energy. Later, you'll be drawn once more to group projects and feeling like part of a team. Lucky Numbers: 17, 23, 27

SPORTS

Friendship Collegiate Blanks Flowers in Early Season Matchup

By Ed Hill and Skylar Nelson

WI Contributing Writer and WI Intern

It was billed as the “game of the week,” pitting Charles Herbert Flowers High School in Prince George’s County against Friendship Collegiate Academy in Northeast, D.C., on Friday, Sept. 6. The game had the makings of a big event and was sold out a day before.

The Jaguars, a perennial power in Prince George’s, were just two years removed from the Maryland state semifinals, while the Knights, ranked number seven in the area, have become a local power in high school

football over the past five years, having won back-to-back District of Columbia State Athletic Association (DCSAA) state titles.

In addition to it being played before a sellout crowd, the game was under the Friday night lights at Flowers.

After all the hype, it was the allaround talent of Xavier Kennedy and a stout defense, led by senior Bryce Jenkins that proved to be the difference as Friendship blanked the hosts, 14-0.

The Knights (2-0) forced a three and out on the Jaguars on their first possession of the game. It set the tone as on its first possession, Friend-

ship Collegiate Academy turned to Kennedy, who took the handoff and raced 90 yards for the touchdown. The speedy senior finished with 220 yards of all-purpose yards (running, receiving, kick returns) of the night, offering his second outstanding performance of the season.

"No question, that run was a major factor," noted Friendship Collegiate head coach Mike Hunter, now

4 Crucial Observations of The Washington Commanders That Can Raise High Hopes or Concerns Ahead of New York Giants Home Battle

By Skylar Nelson WI Intern

This season will be considered one for the books for the Washington Commanders, giving fans and the entire NFL community a true glimpse of the franchise's rebuild.

The Commanders made it through preseason having played their first regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend. While the team has made great strides in draft picks, trades, and upgrading numerous positions, it still remains to be seen on how the Commanders will perform this season after their 37-20 loss against the Buccaneers on Sept. 8.

Below are crucial Commanders observations that will either elevate hopes or concerns ahead of next week’s home battle against the New York Giants:

QUARTERBACK

JAYDEN DANIELS

SHOWING PROMISE

The confidence in rookie Quarterback Jayden Daniels grew after he showcased tremendous athleticism in his legs last Sunday against the Buccaneers. During training camp, Daniels showed his teammates and fans previews of his athleticism.

In his first professional season game, Daniels finished the day for the Commanders with 88-rushing yards, averaging 5.5-yards per carry, and scoring two rushing yard touchdowns.

Although it wasn’t enough to spark enough scoring action against Tampa Bay, it truly showed the league what the future holds for the Commanders offense if Daniels continues to lead this offensive unit.

Defensive lines will definitely

have to prepare as this offensive unit grows and progresses.

COMMANDERS RELEASE KICKER CADE YORK

Once again, the Washington Commanders are looking for another kicker. The Commanders released kicker Cade York on Monday Sept. 9, following his two missed field goals in Washington’s season-opener loss.

The Commanders only had York for three weeks after acquiring him from the Cleveland Browns. However, because York was never on the Commanders roster, Washington doesn’t have to give up the pick.

The Commanders are expected to sign Browns Veteran Austin Siebert to replace York. Siebert has executed 45-56 field goal attempts in

score would be a large task. It is important to note that Friendship’s defense has yet to allow a touchdown in the first two games.

“It’s what we expected,” stated Maryland commit Bryce Jenkins, who was clearly the most dominant player on the field. “We just had to execute.”

Jenkins displayed his power and athleticism, often taking out two or three of the smaller Flowers defensive linemen.

"Bryce has really grown. He has been in the system for four years and is showing more leadership since he is one of the seniors on this team. It is his time,” the Friendship coach said.

Of the defense, Hunter noted, “They play together. They play fast. They want to hold the opponent to zero every week.”

For its part, Flowers will use the game as a learning experience.

in his 10th season at the Northeast school. "It got us going and from there; we were able to establish our defense."

The Friendship Collegiate defense limited the Jaguars to only two first downs over the course of their first six possessions. Even when Flowers was able to move the ball-mostly on penalties,the stingy Knights' defense let it be known that any attempts to

his career so far in the NFL.

EMMANUEL FORBES JR. STILL SHOWING NO BOUNCE BACK FROM ROOKIE YEAR SEASON

First round draft pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is seeking a comeback season after a disappointing rookie season.

With the status of the cornerback’s draft pick, it was expected for Forbes to become the Commanders’ breakout player. However, last season that was not the case. Midway last season Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Reporter gave the Commanders a D+ in their selection of the rookie cornerback.

The Commanders tried to shift perspectives this season by giving Forbes a chance to prove himself at the Commanders season opener. Forbes lacked success at the hands of Buccaneers’ wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans. Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn and Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. pulled Forbes in the

“We knew coming in what we were facing in 'Friendship', "said Flowers head coach Daemon Powell, who has been at the helm since 2018. "That's why I scheduled this game. We have a really young squad, so the guys made a lot of mistakes. But I thought we played a good enough defensive game. We just gotta pick it up on offense and get some execution going on." WI

second quarter putting Noah Igbinoghene in the game at the cornerback position.

DEFENSE LOOKING TO IMPROVE IN DOMINATION

Sunday featured a concerning debut for the Commanders’ defensive unit. Tackles were missed, committed penalties were executed, and coverages were blown throughout the entire game.

Permitted by Washington’s defense, Tampa Bay scored on their first five drives while also executing a sack, and forcing a punt in the game. On third down, the Buccaneers were 9 for 13 averaging 6.4-yards each play. Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield became the first quarterback to throw for four touchdowns against the Washington Commanders, throwing 289-yards total this past Sunday.

The Washington Commanders will face the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. for their first home game of the regular season.

5Friendship defense swarm Jaguars quarterback Adrian Favors (1) during their 14-0 victory over C.H. Flowers in Springdale, MD on Sept. 6. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

On Saturday morning, the streets of Downtown D.C. saw 10,000 cyclists ride for twenty miles throughout the city for the DC Bike Ride and Carefirst Bluecross Blueshield's eighth annual bike ride event. Organizations like the Washington Area Bicyclist Association and Wounded Warriors donated over $225,000 to the cause. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

The Bells Celebrate first year as leaders at Grace Missionary Baptist Church

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The Rev. Jerome Bell and First Lady Tonita Bell are celebrating their first anniversary as leaders of Grace Missionary Baptist Church with 10 days of events– including a service last Sunday and an upcoming concert featuring a range of music.

Bell, a veteran radio broadcaster, concert promoter, and minister, said that former members and youth are returning to the Southeast church and he and his wife have big plans for the 55-year-old congregation.

“I am the third pastor of this church and members are coming back,” Bell said. “Love has been the order and the healing power of the Lord. In the beginning, we were having services twice a month and now

YOUTH from Page 1

Informer, a trip to Portland organized by the Safe States Alliance allowed her to see gun violence more broadly.

For three days in August, she counted among nearly 20 young people from other U.S. cities who sat in small groups, shared their experiences in violence prevention work, sharpened their skills and weighed in on the topics of dating violence and intra-community violence.

“Young people from St. Louis, Chicago, New Orleans, Virginia and Arizona explaining how gun violence affects their city…opened my eyes to how major the issue was,” said Newkirk, a student in her senior year at McKinley Technology High School in Northeast.

“I thought it was mainly D.C., but nothing’s really changing anywhere. The three main reasons for gun violence are childhood trau-

we have service every Sunday and a winning Wednesday prayer service.”

The pastor was raised as a child only blocks away from Grace Missionary Baptist Church. He was installed in December and before his installation, he was active in gospel music as a radio announcer, promoter and road manager for Edward, Walter, and Tremaine Hawkins.

Bell has hosted many gospel concerts in his career and last year he co-hosted the 75th birthday celebration for award winning artist Richard Smallwood. For several years Bell pastored the Maryland Christian Center. While Bell refuses to tell his age, he said he and his wife have been married for 18 years and have five children and six grands.

“We live together, we ride together,” he said. “Fortunately all of the

ma, peer pressure and not having a support system around you.”

Newkirk currently serves as a gun violence prevention specialist and youth ambassador with The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, a local organization that sets out to provide safe spaces for survivors of gun violence and ensure that gun violence is no longer the norm in D.C.

In her role, Newkirk leads young people in discussions about their feelings, and other topics during what’s known as T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Tuesdays. She also represents The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project in the community while coordinating events, such as Youth Day D.C., which took place at Digital Pioneers Academy Public Charter School in Southeast on Aug. 2. The youth ambassador said such experiences are equipping her to run her nonprofit, Block the Bulletz, through which she produces clothing, conducts community

children are grown. We don’t have to worry about ear infections and all of them are out of the house.”

The pastor said the church's theme this year will be, “Continuing in the New Day” and last Sunday the anniversary message was preached by the Rev. James E. Sturdivant, pastor of United Baptist Church.

Sturdivant’s message came from

outreach and encourages residents to help put a stop to gun violence.

For the high school senior, each opportunity she takes on in her violence prevention further positions her to realize her dreams of social entrepreneurship.

“People paint this narrative about youth in D.C., like we’re not going to make it out,” Newkirk told The Informer. “That’s not like how all youth are. We have our own businesses. We’re doing a lot for ourselves. We’re more than who they think we are. Our voices need to be heard so our generation and generations after us can feel safe and not ensure what we had to endure.”

ADDRESSING THE EFFECTS OF GUN VIOLENCE, ‘EMPOW-

ERING

YOUTH TO BE CHANGEMAKERS’

at the anniversary program Sunday.

“Jerome Bell has been a staple in this community for a long time and I am proud of him,” Chaney told The Informer.

The still fairly new Grace Missionary pastor reflected on his life and career.

“At this particular age of my life, I am surprised to be included, selected, and elected,” said Bell who added that in the last year, former members have returned, young people are more involved and his wife has planned a range of events.

After a successful year, Bell said he has major plans for the future of Grace.

“I want to take the ministry outside the walls of the church, and to work with the Sixth District Police and I want to get the young people involved. It's all about having a partnership of a pastor and people.”

Bell said that the church held a choir reunion and they are looking into establishing a community choir.

Isaiah 43:19 which stated “Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.”

For his subtext, Sturdivant said, “Behold God will do just what he said.”

WHUR radio host Winston Chaney was one of the many guests

In June, U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy declared gun violence a public health crisis, pointing out that it now counts as the leading cause of death among children and adolescents.

In his report, Murthy said that gun violence causes long-term mental and emotional trauma, not only in those who directly experience it, but their friends, family and neighbors. He heralded a public health approach as the ideal means of curbing it. Policy suggestions included community violence interventions, the incorporation of gun violence prevention and emergency preparedness into safety programs, and increasing access to high-quality mental health and substance abuse treatment.

On Aug. 19, Safe States Alliance, a national nonprofit dedicated to strengthening the practice of violence prevention, conducted the town hall style-meetings with Newkirk and other youth whose

The first lady is also doing major work in the community. She carries the title of deaconess and she is planning programs for women and young adults.

“As I think about this first anniversary it has meant that God has been on the move in our lives,” Deaconess Bell said. “I needed to be hands-on. It has been a blessing. It has never been a title for me. I have done what I have needed to do in the ministry.”

programs received funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s Youth Violence Prevention Centers, Preventing Violence Affects Young Lives, and Community-Centered Approaches for the Prevention of Community Violence.

The goals of the summit, as explained by Safe States Alliance officials, centered on better understanding youth engagement in violence prevention, and providing training and networking opportunities for the young people involved in that work. Sharon Gilmartin, deputy director of Safe States Alliance said Newkirk and her peers took full advantage of the programming.

“Safe States believes in centering lived experience and empowering youth to be changemakers in their community,” Gilmartin told The Informer. “The youth summit was YOUTH Page 58

5The Rev. Jerome Bell and First Lady Tonita Bell are celebrating their first anniversary as leaders of Grace Missionary Baptist Church with 10 days of events. (Courtesy Photo)

Your body is a temple. — 1 Corinthians 6:19

For those of you who are living with Type 2 diabetes and are NOT on Ozempic, keep reading this column. This week, I'm delving a little deeper into why this disease is so prevalent among African Americans. Here is the history. This period in American dates back to 1790, and for those enslaved ones, food was still scarce, thus the "thrifty genes" protected them. If you research documents at the National Archives and Records Administration, slaves received rations in America. According to the hypothesis, the "thrifty" genotype would have been advantageous for hunter-gatherer populations, especially child-bearing women, because it would allow them to fatten more quickly during times of abundance. Fatter individuals carrying the thrifty genes would thus better survive times of food scarcity.

Africans who managed to survive the slave trade here in America, arrived on the shores very strong. The majority of them worked in fields from sun-up to sundown, six days per week, and in many cases, seven days a week. Slaves ate what we call "soul food" scraps, like hog maws, chitterlings, pigtails, pig feet, pig ears, and they drank milk from a trough along-

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic, 7th Edition (Pt. 3) the religion corner

side other animals, this is true! No longer in our homeland, our people ate whatever was made available to them, scraps.

In an effort to create a delicious meal, the women worked on recipes they could all enjoy. They loved collard greens with fatback meat; they used lard and learned to bake sweet potato pies; they cleaned chitterlings and made them into a delicacy to be eaten on special occasions; pots of beans seasoned with ham hocks, pigtails or pig feet — a harmful but delicious tradition that still lives on today. Homemade biscuits from self-rising flour were the norm, made from white flour and lard. They learned to make hush puppies, candied yams, peach and apple cobblers, pies and cakes, all types of potatoes, cornbread, and the soul food list goes on and on.

Though the enslaved ate poorly, they enjoyed it and were able to sustain themselves easily. Why?

They didn't realize it at the time, but due to the hard work — physical labor in the fields 12-16 hours a day, from sunup to sundown — such diets did not harm the them. The exercise burned off all negative possibilities. Compare our lifestyles today to that of the slaves — you will see what has happened.

The work was the difference — 12-16 hours each day of physical labor is a lot of time exercising! Plus, they had the so-called "thrifty genes," which allowed their bodies to preserve food in an appropriate manner when food was scarce.

What is the major cause of Type 2 diabetes in the United States?

Research shows that being overweight, obesity and physical inactivity are the main culprits.

You are more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes if you are not physically active and are overweight or have obesity. Extra weight sometimes causes insulin resistance and is common in people with Type 2 diabetes. The location of body fat

also makes a difference.

In general, obesity was a stronger independent risk factor than physical inactivity for Type 2 diabetes. Some studies concluded that the risk of physical inactivity differed between categories of BMI. It was suggested that increased physical activity may, at least in part, counteract the detrimental effects of obesity, particularly in obese individuals. However, other studies found that diabetes risk increased dramatically over BMI categories, and the beneficial effect of physical activity was minimal. Furthermore, two studies suggested that physical activity may be more beneficial for normal weight than obese individuals. Only three studies formally assessed interaction and two presented that there was no significant P value for interaction between BMI and physical activity in the Cox proportional hazard model.

Pay close attention to the foods you buy and eat. Google and see for yourselves, I found quite an abundance of information on how synthetic chemicals that have infiltrated our food system during the period in which rates of diabetes have surged. Data has suggested that one particular synthetic chemical, bisphenol A (BPA), may be associated with increased risk for developing Type 2 diabetes. Many chemicals are tough to avoid. But you can limit your exposure to chemicals added to food intentionally, especially some artificial sweeteners, preservatives and added sugars, like high-fructose corn syrup.

If you set a goal to pay closer attention to what you eat in 2024, and you want to know how to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals as shown by research by numerous research studies, you will be all right. WI

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RELIGION

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

Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “ The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson

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

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rehoboth Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

Promised Land Baptist Church

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000566

Darrell Dease Decedent

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

Jewel Walker-Dease, whose address is 404 Oakwood St., SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Darrell Dease who died on April 10, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/28/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/28/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

8/29/2024

Jewel Walker-Dease Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000962

Mark S. Bell aka Mark Steven Bell aka Mark Stephen Bell Decedent

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

Marsha Ridgley, whose address is 712 Underwood St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark S. Bell aka Mark Steven Bell aka Mark Stephen Bell who died on 6/28/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Marsha Ridgley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000923

Lawrence Yates Jr. Decedent

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

Karen Yates, whose address is 3083 Brinkley Rd. #T1, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lawrence Yates Jr. who died on July 20, 1997 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 8/29/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 8/29/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Karen Yates Personal Representative

TRUE

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

2024 ADM 964

Jamil Atif Abdus Sabur David Decedent

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

Elijah Stewart, whose address is 82 Galveston St., SW #301, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jamil Atif Abdus Sabur David who died on 1/20/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Elijah Stewart Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000917

Seth Alexander Selby Tetro Decedent

Ann Nathanson

Norris Law Group 600 14th Street, NW, Fifth Floor Washington, DC 20005

Attorney

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

Christine Selby Regan, whose address is 2415 Jaywood Drive, Titusville, FL 32780, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Seth Alexander Selby Tetro who died on October 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Christine Selby Regan Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000020

Helen V. Williams Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen V. Williams who died on November 14, 2021 without a Will. 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 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 2/29/2024

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000927

Patricia Ann O’Connor Decedent

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

Kent C. Cooper, whose address is 6004 Nevada Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Ann O’Connor who died on May 1, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Kent C. Cooper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 967

Hazel W. Myers Decedent

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

Colleen H. Brown, whose address is 3309 Slaughter Road, Henrico, VA 23228, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hazel W. Myers who died on April 19, 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 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Colleen H. Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000955

Marva Louise Smith Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Joyce Z. Pascal-Kilcore, whose address is 2752 Unicorn Ln., NW, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marva Louise Smith who died on June 7, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 2/28/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/28/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Joyce Z. Pascal-Kilgore Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000953

Gladys Dickerson Decedent

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

Michael Dickerson, whose address is 7415 Quail Ridge Ln., Bowie MD 20720, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys Dickerson who died on July 17, 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 2/28/2024. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 2/28/2024, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Michael Dickerson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000975

Georgia-Jean F. Hollander Decedent

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

Richard E. Hollander, whose address is 3407 Rodman Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Georgia-Jean F. Hollander who died on April 7, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

8/29/2024

Richard E. Hollander Personal Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 969

Ernest E. Reed Decedent

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

Regina R. Dillingham, whose address is 416 F Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernest E. Reed who died on January 23, 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 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Ernest E. Reed

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000097

March 26, 2024

Date of Death

Archie B. Reed

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Archie Byron Reed whose address is 5212 Bordeaux Cove, Ellicott City, MD 21043 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Archie B. Reed, deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Howard County, State of Maryland, on June 17, 2024.

Service of process may be made upon Ralphaello McKeython 716 Harvard Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property.

4349 Dubois Place, SE, Washington, DC 20019. 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: 8/29/2024

Archie Byron Reed

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000919

Annie L. Ratcliff Decedent

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney

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

Jacqueline Y. Dorrah, whose address is 7021 Dewdrop Way, Clinton, MD 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie L. Ratcliff who died on June 23, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Jacqueline Y. Dorrah Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 FEP 000098

October 19, 2021

Date of Death

Earl Wheeler, Jr. Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Danita L. Brooks whose address is 733 Tola Court, Hyattsville, MD 20785 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Earl Wheeler, Jr., deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on February 1, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon James Larry Frazier, Esq., 918 Maryland Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property.

Interest in Square 4474, Lot 0055 1020 19th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Danita L. Brooks

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000985

Ramona Battle Decedent

Peggy Miller 5130 7th Street, NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney

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

Deborah Williams, whose address is 725 North Ripley Street, Alexandria, VA 22304, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ramona Battle who died on March 7, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/5/2024

Deborah Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 966

David Louis Balentine Decedent

Rachelle H. Raphael, Esq. 4800 Hampden Lane, Ste. 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney

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

Barbara Ann LeRoy, whose address is 17 Woodside Circle, Evans, GA 30809, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Louis Balentine who died on May 7, 2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Barbara Ann LeRoy Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 1082

Estate of Martha Vernell Jones

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Ashley Renee Ruff 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. appoint a supervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 9/5/2024

Ashley Renee Ruff 3929 Ames Street NE Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000973

Christian Berger Tankoua Nzoudja Decedent

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

Charlin Junior Ngabmen, whose address is 10707 Glenhaven Dr., Silver Spring, MD 20902, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christian Berger Tankoua Nzoudja who died on 7/15/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/1/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/1/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 8/29/2024

Charlin Junior Ngabmen

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000979

Larry D. Simmons aka Larry Darnell Simmons Decedent

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

Peggy Ann Bullocks, whose address is 10339 Sager Ave., Fairfax, VA 22030, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Larry D. Simmons aka Larry Darnell Simmons who died on 7/2/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/5/2024

Peggy Ann Bullocks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000465

Claire S. Cassell Decedent

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

John C. Cassell, whose address is 5807 Wyngate Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Claire S. Cassell who died on 2/17/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

John C. Cassell

Personal Representative TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000960

Jasmine Shaleah Crawford Decedent

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

Sheila M. Crawford, whose address is 2 Rivers Edge Terrace, Indian Head, Maryland 20640, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jasmine Shaleah Crawford who died on 12/14/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

Sheila M. Crawford Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 000992

Elmer Talbert aka Elmer Eugene Talbert Decedent

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

Juanita Scarboro and Toni Talbert, whose addresses are 6325 Jason Street, Cheverly, MD 20785 and 3298 Fort Lincoln Dr., NE, Washington, DC 20018, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Elmer Talbert aka Elmer Eugene Talbert who died on April 8, 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 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

Juanita Scarboro Toni Talbert Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001004

Joanne Williams Lott Decedent

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

Carmine Barton, whose address is 445 Oakwood Street SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne Williams Lott who died on 6/24/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

Carmine D. Barton Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 001010

Carolyn Ray aka Carolyn P. Ray Decedent

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

Quandra D. Ford, whose address is 4309 2nd Road N., #2, Arlington, VA 22203, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carolyn Ray aka Carolyn P. Ray who died on May 5, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

Quandra D. Ford 4309 2nd Road N., #2 Arlington, VA 22203

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000987

Annie B. Goode Decedent

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

Ernest D. Banks, Jr., whose address is 700 12th Street, NW, #700 Washington, DC 20005, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie B. Goode who died on 4/7/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/5/2024

Ernest D. Banks, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000267

Jessica Lynn Davis Decedent

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. 1822 11th Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

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

Darrel S. Parker, Esq., whose address is 1822 11th Street NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jessica Lynn Davis who died on June 8, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/5/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/5/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/5/2024

Darrel S. Parker, Esq. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

an exciting opportunity to bring together youth leaders, including Newkirk, from across the country to elevate their voices and experiences, and empower one another to create lasting change.”

T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, founded in 2016, bases its mission and community outreach strategy on the premise that gun violence is a public health issue.

Newkirk joined The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project at the height of the pandemic, when most, if not all, of its programming took place virtually. As T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project founder and executive director Tia Bell explained, Newkirk quickly embraced the tenets of the program at a time when it garnered the CDC’s attention and the hundreds of thousands of dollars of grant funding that accompanied it.

Through a five-year CDC grant, Bell established a partnership with the University of Michigan’s Youth Violence Prevention Center. This allowed her to document and collect evidence that supports her evidence-based youth violence prevention curriculum while she built what’s known as TRIGGER University.

Newkirk and other young people who attended TRIGGER University underwent several hours of training to become gun violence prevention specialists and youth ambassadors.

Bell also had a chance to travel to CDC headquarters in Georgia, and will go to Michigan later this year. However, it was Newkirk, an up-and-coming leader, who served as The T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project’s sole representative in Portland, and Bell said Newkirk did so with her merchandise in tow and an eagerness to explain to public health specialists the power of gun violence prevention work in the District.

“Newkirk…going to Portland is a dream come true for prevention,” Bell told The Informer. “This is a model for …getting the babies to understand what it takes to prevent the disease of gun violence. Newkirk went out there on a mission to represent her peers. Now it’s up to the CDC to utilize her [input] and I’m sure she’ll hold them accountable.”

WI @SamPKCollins

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HARRIS/WALZ from Page 1

search to other areas in the District, including Ward 7.

“D.C. is where I first want to plant roots,” said Hasan, founder of Collective Impact Strategies, a legislative consulting firm based in Washington, D.C. “Since 2020, I worked to aggressively save monthly employment income for three consecutive years for a downpayment, which was impacted after a job transition and operating a new business.”

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, revealed a housing plan that lays out what she says is a solution to America’s barriers of purchasing a home.

As part of the Harris-Walz campaign’s economic plan, the newly announced and still developing housing platform aims to end the housing supply shortage over four years by building 3 million new housing units for new homeowners and renters. The housing plan also includes providing first-time homeowner assistance in the amount of $25,000 for down-payment assistance and a $10,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers–an historic effort.

“I don’t think that it’s an absolutely impossible goal,” said Jung Hyun Choi, Ph.D., principal research associate with the Housing Finance Policy Center at the Urban Institute. “With the cost of construction, it’s going to take time. Right now, increasing down payment assistance can have an inflation rate impact, especially if the supply is slow. There’s a lot of information that needs to be clarified.”

When first unveiled, the plan tailored its assistance to first-time, first-generation homebuyers but it has since expanded the plan for all prospective first-time homebuyers.

“They want to give a sense that they want to prioritize first generation homebuyers, those that don’t have a parent who owns a home,” added Choi. “A first-generation program will have a role in leveling the playing field.”

While eager and excited to learn more about the plan’s first-time homebuyer perks, Hasan said the still-developing plan won’t delay her trajectory to become a homeowner in the coming months, perhaps in advance of the election.

“I don’t think I am slowing down my home buying search or the process to wait for this hous-

ing promise to move forward,” said the self-proclaimed millennial who is a prospective first-time homebuyer, but not a first-generation homebuyer. “In terms of delivering on this promise, as a former Rep. [Tim] Walz staffer, I have full confidence he will do the same for firsttime homebuyers that he does for veterans, graduate students, returning citizens or myself. If he’s unable to deliver, he will tell us directly; he has integrity.”

Prospective homebuyers are advised to sacrifice a bevy of things in preparation for homeownership, but when it comes down to it, people are still unable to purchase homes with ease–especially first-time homebuyers. For those who have secured, unsecured and revolving debt, or are not in a position to save often, or at all, purchasing a home is in even less reach with high interest rates and overpriced inventory.

“I completed the NACA [Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America] pre-approval process in 2020, completed the Home Purchasers’ Assistance Program training class through Lydia’s House in 2024, and received Inclusionary Zone/Affordable Dwelling Unit certification again in 2024 through Housing Counseling Services,” Hasan told The Informer.

A DETAILED LOOK

Despite following instructions and jumping through many hoops, buying a home has been no easy task for Hasan due to many of the barriers the Harris-Walz plan hopes to tear down, which also includes a “first-ever” tax incentive for home builders who build starter homes for first-time homebuyers in an effort to address to supply shortage.

sure and 250,000 new Black homeowners buy a home.

“We have worked really hard to make sure Black families keep their homes,” she said. “Even in the midst of the roller coaster of the past few years with the pandemic, home rates increasing, interest rates increasing, HUD is really proud of that number. Many of our consumers of our FHA mortgage insurance tend to be Black and Brown folks who have a difficult time in the conventional market.”

created the Black Homeownership Strike Force to support and increase Black homeownership.

Additionally, current programs for residents include:

• Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) which awarded in FY 23 nearly $70 million in loans to first-time homebuyers with low or moderate incomes;

The Harris-Walz campaign also unveiled plans to introduce a federal fund to spur innovative housing construction, building on the proposed $20 billion Biden-Harris innovation fund, $40 billion would be distributed amongst local governments to create solutions for prospective homeowners and renters, including building housing. The plan also looks at making certain federal lands eligible to be repurposed as new affordable housing developments.

Former President Trump hasn’t officially released a housing plan as part of his presidential campaign, but it is hinted at in Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation’s Presidential Transition Project.

While the Trump campaign has, in fact, distanced itself from Project 2025, former Trump administration officials authored the plan. In Chapter 15 of Project 2025, it states that the Department of Housing and Urban Development Department Secretary "should initiate a HUD task force consisting of politically appointed personnel to identify and reverse all actions taken by the Biden Administration to advance progressive ideology." The document does not lay out what “progressive ideology” is. Earlier this summer, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that it was working on increasing the supply of homes around the country. In June, Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman spoke to The Washington Informer about its efforts to not only address the housing crisis, but to increase housing options for Black residents. She said HUD’s Fair Housing Administration (FHA) products helped 160,000 Black homeowners avoid foreclo-

Further, Todman also announced a Manufactured Home Community loan product, which provides an FHA-insured financing option for the purchase, refinance, and revitalization of manufactured home communities to address the shortage in housing inventory.

“This country has been in a housing deficit for 15 years because we have not built to the need and demand on the rental and owner side,” said Todman. “If there’s more cars on the car lot, more computers in the store, it becomes more competitive in terms of what the price point is … we just need to build more homes. So many people are having issues finding that starter home. We have kicked our starter home production ideas into gear.”

She added that the FHA grant would award builders to include manufactured homes as affordable housing.

CURRENT OPTIONS FOR LOCAL FIRSTTIME HOMEBUYERS

As prospective homebuyers await to learn which leader will exact what housing plan, local jurisdictions have programs, policies and resources that are currently open and available to assist residents in their first-time home buying efforts.

According to the D.C. Office of the Deputy Mayor’s Planning and Economic Development (DMPED), scores of plans are already in place to ensure prospective homeowners are armed to become learned, well-prepared and resourced homebuyers–including some of the programs Hasan has already participated in.

According to DMPED, many of the challenges related to increasing Black homeownership specifically are non-legislative: increasing access to credit, providing financial support, and increasing the supply of affordable homes.

In 2022, Mayor Muriel Bowser

• D.C.’s Department of Housing and Community Development loans totalling more than $26 million in FY 24 reserved for HPAP homebuyers by January 11, 2024;

• Inclusionary Zoning affordable housing set aside in new developments;

• Permanently affordable homes through the Douglass Community Land Trust.

In Prince George’s County, Maryland, the Department of Housing and Community Development’s Pathway to Purchase (P2P) FirstTime homebuyer Assistance Program offers downpayment and closing cost assistance to income-eligible, first-time homeowners in the county. It also rolled out its Fairmount Heights Net Zero Homes and Microgrid Project, where the county provided $1,350,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds for six new affordable single family, detached zero energy homes to low- to moderate-income eligible, first-time homebuyers.

Despite the existing local programs created to generate more homeownership interest and affordability, there’s still work to be done to further motivate prospective buyers in the current market.

“We’re seeing a lot of young adults getting frustrated,” said Choi. “They can really see a difference in the market, had they bought one or two years ago. They can do a pretty easy calculation that they would have spent much less than now. In order for the Harris-Walz housing plan to have real impact, there needs to be time for everything to line up.”

Hasan has not lost hope in her homeownership journey and is also excited about the prospect of the Harris-Walz plan helping other young, prospective homebuyers.

“My goal is to build intergenerational wealth by accumulating assets and building equity, to pass down to invest in, or use myself,” she said. “The blessings of the Lord make you rich and he adds no sorrow with it. I think this plan will be a blessing for many people.” WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5Rasheedah Hasan has been on the quest toward homeownership for about four years.

(Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

MALVEAUX from Page 34

imum wage jobs. Some employers cut corners on health care. In this sweltering summer, many outdoor workers had no protection from heat that exceeded one hundred degrees. At least 37 people died from heat in July. Among those workers who made their transition in August was city worker Ronald Silver, who died from heat exhaustion while collecting garbage in Baltimore. There are no laws requiring employers to provide breaks in excessive heat. Silver's family is demanding answers and action from his death.

REYNOLDS from Page 34

cades of progress. The time for passive hope is over — this is the moment for active engagement.

And let's not forget the ongoing assault on voting rights. The efforts to suppress our votes have intensified in recent years, mainly targeting minority communities. Voter ID laws, purging voter rolls, and limiting early voting are all tactics designed to keep us from the polls. If our votes didn't matter, they wouldn't be trying so hard to silence us. We must vote to preserve our right to vote, plain and simple. This election is not just about choosing a president — it's about defending the very foundation of our democracy.

When it comes to women's reproductive rights, the situation is dire. The overturning of Roe v. Wade has

TURNER/MERRILL from Page 34

cluding students from low-income families, English learner students, and students with disabilities.

Children's Institute published these resources on a custom web page designed for families, caregivers, practitioners, and policymakers to access and use practices linked to improving student outcomes. The resources are presented in a user-friendly format with clear instructions and explanations.

Policy context and future directions

The shift toward identifying literacy skills on the zero-to-grade-3 continuum reflects a growing recognition of the importance of early childhood education. This approach aligns with national trends and funding opportunities, emphasizing the need for comprehensive early literacy strategies. By thinking beyond the traditional pre-K–3 continuum, Oregon is positioning itself as a leader in early childhood education reform.

Unions are the ones who establish health and safety standards in the workplace. Unions are the ones who defend workers rights. Vice President Harris embraced unions, even in the face of the union resisting activity that comes from the right. Resistance to union activity makes it imperative to pass the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, since labor rights have been eroded in the past couple of decades. Income inequality was exacerbated during the COVID pandemic, and the emerging gig economy has left many workers with few protections. Vice President Harris understands that unions are one of the ways

stripped millions of women of the right to make decisions about their bodies. This is more than a legal issue — it's a moral one. Women, especially women of color, are bearing the brunt of this attack on bodily autonomy. We require leaders who will fight to restore these rights and ensure that women are not forced into dangerous, life-threatening situations. Voting in this election means standing up for women's fundamental human rights nationwide.

We cannot ignore the stark choice between a Donald Trump-led administration and one run by Vice President Kamala Harris. The Harris administration would continue to fight for the issues that matter — justice, fairness, and equality for all Americans. On the other hand, a Trump administration would take us backward, deepening

The infusion of state funding into early literacy initiatives, particularly the Early Literacy Success Initiative, opens new possibilities. By leveraging this funding, educators and policymakers can adopt and integrate these tools and strategies into their existing frameworks, ensuring that every child in Oregon can develop strong literacy skills from the earliest age.

By creating a more equitable education system that empowers all children to reach their full potential, this initiative aims to improve early literacy and foster a sense of shared responsibility and commitment to the future of our children and our communities. Lessons learned can or should inform efforts throughout the country and inspire action on early literacy.

The role of REL Northwest and Children's Institute

REL Northwest plays a crucial role in building the capacity of education stakeholders across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington and helping state and district leaders

that workers can get a better deal.

The Harris Labor Day offensive continues the momentum she picked up at the Democratic National Convention. Her speeches were not just about enthusiasm and joy, but also about policy and substance. Her ode to organized labor was a fitting kickoff to this phase of her campaign. Her opponent has only countered with shade — slimy personal attacks and vitriol. It continues to repel many voters.

Snark can't stop the Harris momentum. With labor at her side, victory is certainly possible.

divisions and undoing the progress we've fought so hard to achieve. Vice President Harris represents America's vision — a country where everyone has a fair shot and the opportunity to thrive.

This is our moment. It's not just about this election — it's about the future of our nation. We need the same energy we brought to the polls in 2008. We can't afford to sit on the sidelines or think someone else will handle it. We are the ones who must act. This is now or never — our future is in our hands, and it's time to fight. All of us are on the menu. Let's flip the script. Through collective action, we can change the course and ensure a future of equality, justice and opportunity for everyone. We must prioritize voting for ourselves, our communities, and future generations to win. WI

use data and evidence for informed decision-making. REL Northwest conducts applied research and provides training and technical support to state and local education agencies and community organization partners in the region.

Children's Institute, a nonprofit organization, focuses on improving the lives of children from prenatal to fifth grade in Oregon, especially those facing systemic barriers like poverty, racial inequities, disabilities, or rural areas. CI's work focuses on shaping state early childhood policy related to early learning and healthy development and working with schools and districts to strengthen teaching practices in preschool through fifth grade with its Early School Success initiative. They collaborate with various stakeholders, including families, educators, regional leaders, policymakers and health organizations, to ensure a comprehensive approach to early childhood education.

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You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why…

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WILLIAMS from Page 35

something we can do: "Resolved that the World Conference of Mayors urge our members to work to actively promote and support gun security in their communities, states and Federal level; as well as encourage Rep. Jerrold Nadler to resubmit his bill on the subject (HR-6596) and (SB-3407) and strongly urge their representatives at all levels to support it."

EDELMAN from Page 35

weapons of war and then use them to kill their classmates and teachers, we are failing our children. These are not the lessons they should be taking into the new school year.

Even as we pray with renewed fervor for students' safety, we must also pray again that, along with all of the new subjects they will study this year, children and young people will have adults in their lives who can help teach them what is of value in themselves and others. These are the lessons they need. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays, the great president of Morehouse College who shaped so many

CROWELL

from Page 35

terms. This data is then used with RealPage's algorithmic pricing software to generate recommendations, including apartment rental pricing and other terms, for participating landlords. The use of rivals' data trove of competitively sensitive information violates interstate commerce law aimed at preventing monopolies.

The complaint further alleges that in a free market, these landlords otherwise would be competing independently to attract renters based on pricing, discounts, concessions, lease terms and other dimensions of apartment leasing.

"Healthy competition in the rental housing market requires two key ingredients," added Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. "The market must be dictated by open and honest competition among landlords. And, renters must be able to negotiate prices with landlords — without the specter of collusion. … But RealPage has shut away those ingredients, changed the locks, and thrown away the keys. That's collusion — and that's against the law."

North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein, whose office filed the joint lawsuit on Aug. 23 in the Middle District of North Carolina, also weighed in on the

We must stand up and show our courage to end gun violence. Parents must secure their guns. They must not purchase long guns for any reason. Parents must vote against those who work against gun security.

No child must have to go to school while fearing to go. They're our future leaders who will make decisions about our lives when we're incapable of doing it. If Vance, Trump and those who vote and work against

of my generation including Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., said: "I am disturbed, I am uneasy about men because we have no guarantee that when we train a man's mind, we will train his heart; no guarantee that when we increase a man's knowledge, we will increase his goodness."

I share once again a prayer for young people everywhere so that they will learn what really matters:

God, help us not to raise a new generation of children with high intellectual quotients and low caring and compassion quotients; with sharp competitive edges but dull cooperative instincts;

lawsuit's importance.

"Few things are as important as our homes — but too many North Carolinians struggle to afford their apartment," Stein said. "Rents are already too high. I will not tolerate any company scheming to block healthy competition among landlords. It raises rent, and it's illegal."

For one North Carolina local official, the lawsuit is an opportunity to right a grievous wrong.

"Between 2010 and 2020 the median rent in Wake County jumped up 40%," said Shinica Thomas, chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. "That costs families an extra $4,200 a year. For a household that's struggling to make ends meet, that can be the difference between stability and eviction."

A growing metro market, Wake County is home to the state's capitol, Raleigh. But according to multiple independent housing research reports, high rental rate increases have occurred throughout the nation, in communities of varying sizes and locales.

For example, monthly rents in Knoxville, Tennessee, reached $1,818 in February 2024, a 59.1% increase from 2019, according to this spring, SmartAsset.com.

More recently, Apartments.com found posted national rental rate

sensible gun laws won't do it, let us do it! I'm making a special appeal to women who so often have been victims of gun violence from those who claim to love us. I know because I've been a victim while saving others. This is a personal issue. You can do something. Vote November 5 for those whose action saves children and against those whose inaction continues these tragedies.

with highly developed computer skills but poorly developed consciences; with a gigantic commitment to the big "I" but little sense of responsibility to the bigger "we"; with mounds of disconnected information without a moral context to determine its worth; with more and more knowledge and less and less imagination and appreciation for the magic of life that cannot be quantified or computerized; and with more and more worldliness and less and less wonder and awe for the sacred and everyday miracles of life.

God, help us to raise children who care. WI

averages by state and city. Nationally, the average national monthly cost of a one-bedroom apartment with 699 square feet is $1,563.

On a statewide basis, average rental costs in California, the District of Columbia, Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York all surpass $2,000 for dwellings with as low as 631 square feet to no more than 727 square feet. Conversely, Oklahoma is one of the states with the lowest average rent of $880 for a 687-squarefoot unit.

Comparing costs and square footage by city, Apartments.com additionally found New York City had the highest monthly rental cost of $3,865, and the smallest square footage at 598 square feet. Boston ($3,450) was the only other city with more than $3,000 in average rental costs. All of the following cities' average rental costs exceed $2,000 for less than 700 square feet: Los Angeles, Miami, Oakland, San Diego and Seattle.

"Access to affordable housing options is becoming increasingly difficult," said Monica Burks, policy counsel at the Center for Responsible Lending. "Anti-competitive practices that inflate already high housing costs disadvantage individuals and families working hard to secure this basic need." WI

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Together, these 10 HBCU students drive the summer internship of a lifetime with Black-owned newspapers

Imani Waters Howard University

NNPA Journalism Fellow

Mattie Moore North Carolina A&T University

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Harrison Buck Morehouse College

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Stefon Young-Rolle Alabama State University

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Juan Benn Jr. Howard University

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Kynnedi Jackson Southern University A&M College

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Kayla Hare North Carolina A&T University

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Amyah Fountain Clark Atlanta University

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Erinn Gardner Spelman College

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Joseph Tilaye Alabama A&M University

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