The Washington Informer - September 19, 2024

Collins Council Report: The Return from Summer Recess Committee

Reassignments, Rapid Rehousing Extension, 911 Call Center Help, and UNCF Property Tax Relief

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

This edition of The Washington Informer’s Collins Council Report comes on the heels of a controversial summer recess. On Sept. 17, all council members, other than Ward 7 D.C. Councilmember Vincent C. Gray, participated in legislative proceedings.

Throughout much of the afternoon, the council touched on several aspects of government operations, with unanimous, emergency approval of Sharon Kershbaum as director of D.C. Department of Transportation and further solidification of medical marijuana laws intended to withstand congressional interference and the proliferation of illegal cannabis operations.

The following is an overview of some other topics the council tackled during its legislative meeting.

REPORT Page 52

Even with Mortgage Relief, Questions about Housing Affordability

Persist for Talbert Street Condo Owners

Six Talbert Street Condo Owners Secure D.C. Appeals Court Victory

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Nearly four years after the District forced them out of their dwellings, most, if not all, of the owners of condemned condominiums on Talbert Street in Southeast have received mortgage relief, according to a community figure familiar with the situation.

These developments happened amid terse negotiations between the Bowser administration and the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America. However, as the Rev. Graylan Hagler explained, there’s some work ahead to ensure that the

White House Hosts Historic Celebration of Black Excellence

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

On Friday, Sept. 13, the White House South Lawn transformed into a historic celebration of Black excellence, bringing together actors, authors, television personalities, journalists, writers, activists, and artists.

The Black Excellence Brunch marked the first celebration exclusively dedicated to honoring the achievements of African Americans that took place on the White House grounds, outside the context of Black History Month, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, or Juneteenth.

“The Black community has always had my back, and I have always had theirs,” President Joe Biden exclaimed during the program, which included buffet tables with the delicacies of acclaimed Chef Kwame Onwuachi.

Biden asserted that he and Vice President Kamala's administration counts as the most diverse in the country's history, with significant milestones such as the appointments of the first Black woman Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black and first woman Vice President, and the first Black woman and openly LGBT White House Press Secretary

Ward 7 State Board Candidates Debate Effective Advocacy Strategy

Write-In Candidate Sherice Muhammad Takes DCBOE to Court

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Ward 7 State Board of Education (SBOE) Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson launched her re-election bid this summer proud of what she considers the state board’s most productive years in the era of mayoral control of public schools. If re-elected, Thompson’s areas of focus include the creation of various pathways to high school

5 President Joe Biden speaks on the White House South Lawn for the inaugural Black Excellence Brunch on Sept. 13, a celebration exclusively dedicated to honoring the achievements of African Americans. (Shedrick Pelt/The Washington Informer)

5Ward 7 State Board of Education Representative Eboni-Rose Thompson launched her re-election bid this summer. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

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BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

Iconic Jackson 5 Member Tito Jackson Dies at 70

Tito Jackson, a founding member of the legendary Jackson 5, has died at the age of 70. The Jackson 5, which included Tito and his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael, skyrocketed to fame in the 1970s with timeless hits like “ABC” and “I’ll Be There,” reshaping the music scene and turning the group into teen heartthrobs.

Sons Taj, Taryll, and TJ Jackson, confirmed their father’s death, sharing the news in an Instagram post on their music group 3 T’s account.

“Some of you may know him as Tito Jackson from the legendary Jackson 5, some may know him as ‘Coach Tito’ or some know him as ‘Poppa T,’” the statement read. “Nevertheless, he will be missed tremendously.”

Former Jackson family manager Steve Manning revealed that Tito died of an apparent heart attack while driving from New Mexico to Oklahoma on Sunday.

Born Toriano Adaryll Jackson on October 15, 1953, in Gary, Indiana, Tito was the third of 10 children born to Katherine and Joe Jackson.

The Jackson 5’s rise to fame was meteoric. With Mo-

town Records backing them, they delivered chart topping hits that remain classics today. Their infectious energy and catchy songs turned them into pop culture icons almost overnight. After leaving Motown in 1975 and signing with Epic Records, they were forced to change their name to The Jacksons. Despite the shift, they continued to dominate the music scene, with Tito Jackson playing a crucial role in the band’s success, and little brother Randy Jackson also joining the group.

Though never officially disbanding, the Jacksons saw their members explore solo endeavors. Tito ventured into a solo career later in life, releasing his debut album “Tito Time” in 2016, followed by “Under Your Spell” in 2021. His work as a solo artist showcased his versatility and deep-rooted love for music, allowing him to step out of the shadow of his famous family name. Tito also fronted a blues band that performed mainly in Southern California but had made a name for itself nationally.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Charges Against Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs Revealed

Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of New York have leveled damning charges against Combs, alleging that he led a “criminal enterprise” that subjected women to years of threats, abuse, and coercion. The explosive 14-page indictment, unsealed on Tuesday, details a range of grave offenses including forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery and obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors claim Combs enlisted his business employees to aid in these crimes, embedding a web of criminal conduct within his organization. His arrest in a Manhattan hotel room Monday night marks a pivotal moment in an investigation that

has been underway since at least the beginning of this year.

The indictment offers a disturbing account of Combs’s alleged actions, highlighting a raid in March when federal agents seized narcotics and over 1,000 bottles of baby oil and lubricant from his homes in Los Angeles and Miami Beach. These items were reportedly used in “Freak Offs,” events where Combs allegedly forced victims into prolonged sexual acts.

Prosecutors argue that Combs exploited his businesses and a network of employees—including security staff, household personnel, and high-ranking supervisors—to facilitate and cover up his abuse.

Now, the government is seeking to dismantle Combs’s empire, aiming to seize “any and all property, real and personal” connected to these heinous crimes.

While specific assets have not been listed, the indictment underscores the government’s effort to strip Combs of the fortune allegedly amassed through a reign of exploitation and terror. WI

Kamala Harris Addresses Black Journalists, Criticizes Trump’s Divisive Rhetoric

Vice President Kamala Harris engaged with members of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) on Tuesday, marking her first appearance with the group since former President Donald Trump questioned her ethnicity and clashed with a journalist at the organization’s national convention in Chicago six weeks prior.

Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, had declined an invitation to the August convention due to a scheduling conflict with the funeral of Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas).

During the 45-minute session, Harris fielded ques-

tions from Tonya Mosley, co-host of NPR’s “Fresh Air” and host of the “Truth Be Told” podcast; Gerren Keith Gaynor, White House correspondent and managing editor of politics at TheGrio; and Eugene Daniels, Playbook co-author and White House correspondent for Politico.

Addressing Trump’s unfounded claims about migrants in Springfield, Ohio, Harris condemned his remarks as “hateful rhetoric” and “tropes” designed to divide the country.

“This is exhausting, and it’s harmful,” she stated.

HARRIS Page 5

5Sean Combs (WI File Photo/ Robert R. Roberts)

AROUND THE REGION

Vendors Sell Their Wares at CBCF Annual Conference

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Ralph Jean-Pierre is proud of his jewelry that consists of rings, bracelets, necklaces and other accessories that include from organizations such as those who belong to the Divine Nine.

“My company Trendzio sells custom jewelry that is not too expensive but looks good on anybody,” said Jean-Pierre, 54, of his Syosset, New York-based store.

So, when Jean-Pierre heard that the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) was making its call for vendors for the 2024 Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) in the early part of the summer, he didn’t hesitate to join the call.

After participating last year, he knew he wanted to be part of the CBCF ALC experience again.

“The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation conference is a festive event and a great time to sell my jewelry,” he said. “There are people here from all over the world and I have the chance to show my products, make contacts and bring in new customers. This event is profitable for me.”

Jean-Pierre joined scores of vendors in the exhibit hall on the second floor of Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, D.C. Vendors ranged from large corporations with displays consisting of several feet of props and personnel, to sole proprietorships like Trendzio seeking customers. In the hall were also federal, state and local government agencies, authors seeking to sell their books, nonprofits and advocacy groups in-

HARRIS from Page 4

“And it’s hateful, and grounded in some age-old stuff that we should not have the tolerance for.” Harris pointed out that Trump’s comments led to bomb threats in Springfield, including one that resulted in the evacuation of an elementary school on photo day.

“My heart breaks for this community,” Harris said, adding, “It’s got to stop.” Harris also took a firm stance on Trump’s history of racist remarks, providing examples including his family’s discrimination against Black renters, his attacks on former President Barack Obama, and his com-

forming attendees about their work and recruiting new members.

The vendors are an integral part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference experience because they generate revenue for the event and allow entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and companies to present their products to conference attendees, who tend to have disposable income, foundation officials said.

THE 2024 VENDORS

Amazon served as a prime sponsor of the Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference and its presentation was prominent in the Exhibit Hall. The Amazon set-up was located in the middle of the vendors showcase with tall poles quoting statistics about its sales force and impact on small and minority businesses.

Corporations such as Google, Zillow, Disney and Coca-Cola had their set-ups at the front of the Exhibit Hall with attendees having the chance to interact with technology or get a sip of Coke products.

Behind the Coca-Cola exhibit were the various agencies of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, each in separate booths talking to attendees regarding employment opportunities.

Other federal agencies such as the Office of Management & Budget were also there to recruit potential employees. Some agencies such as the U.S. Department of Justice’s Community Relations Service and the U.S. Census Bureau manned booths to give out information to attendees.

Color of Change, a racial justice

ments about the Central Park Five.

“It’s harmful, and it’s hateful, and grounded in some age-old stuff that we should not have the tolerance for,” she said, showing a marked increase in her criticism compared to her approach during their debate.

Discussing her own campaign, Harris was questioned about polling data indicating some young Black men are considering voting for Trump. “It’s very important to not operate from the assumption that Black men are in anybody’s pocket,” Harris responded. “Black men are like any other voting group — you’ve got to earn their vote. So, I’m

HARRIS Page 9

organization, has a large booth with staffers seeking new members and giving out information.

“The CBC is one of our leading events,” said Kosoko Jackson, a communications leader at the organization. “It is the place to be for us.”

Jackson, 32, said Color of Change fit in well with the flow of the exhibit hall and he felt at home, even alongside some of the large corporations.

“We feel comfortable here,” he said. “We all have a role to play whether we are a corporation or an advocacy group.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5People gather at the Disney booth in the exhibit hall during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

SEPT. 19

1893 – Black inventor Elbert R. Robinson receives patent for the electric highway trolley.

1931 – Singer Brook Benton of "Rainy Night in Georgia" fame is born in Camden, South Carolina.

SEPT. 20

1958 – Martin Luther King Jr. is stabbed during a Harlem book signing by Izola Ware Curry, an African American woman later diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

1984 – "The Cosby Show" debuts on NBC, beginning an eight-year run as one of television's all-time most beloved and successful shows.

SEPT. 21

1872 – John H. Conyers becomes the first African American admitted to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.

1891 – Inventor F.W. Leslie is issued a patent for the envelope seal.

1989 – Colin Powell is confirmed by the Senate as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the first African American to hold the position.

SEPT. 22

1828 – Shaka Zulu, monarch of Africa's Zulu Kingdom, is assassinated.

1862 – President Abraham Lincoln issues a preliminary Emancipation Proclamation, which sets a date for the freedom of more than 3 million Black slaves in the United States.

1950 – Civil rights icon Ralph Bunche becomes the first African American to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.

1960 – African nation Mali gains its independence from France.

SEPT. 19 - 25, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

NAACP charter member Mary Church , who was the first African American woman appointed to a school board of a major U.S.city as a member of the D.C. board of education, is born in

receives a patent for the bread kneading machine, becoming the first African American woman known to receive a U.S. patent.

Pioneering jazz saxophonist John Coltrane is born in Hamlet, North Carolina.

Music legend Ray Charles is born in Albany,

President Clinton presents Nelson Mandela with the Congressional Gold Medal for his anti-apart-

Nine Black students integrate Little Rock Central High School in Arkansas.

1964 – The Executive Order 11246, which enforces affirmative action, is signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson.

SEPT. 25

1861 – The Union Navy allows Blacks to enlist for service for the first time during the Civil War. 1886 – Peter "The Black Prince" Jackson wins the Australian heavyweight title, becoming the first Black man to win a national boxing crown.

1968 – Famed rapper/actor Will Smith is born in Philadelphia.

1974 – Barbara Hancock becomes first African American woman to be named a White House fellow.

NELSON MANDELA

AROUND THE REGION

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P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

If you could write a note to your younger self, what would you say in as few words as possible?

CYNTHIA KIDD / WASHINGTON, D.C.

Love yourself.

PHYLLIS COLLINS / LOS ANGELES, CALIF.. Save money!

JENINE JOHNSON / TOLEDO, OHIO

DARCEL GARY / PHILADELPHIA, PENN.

Hey girl, stop the snacks, lose the weight now, and help mom, too. Also, invest in stocks like Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft. Don’t be shy, speak up, and don’t settle.

Love yourself first. It’s not selfish; it’s self-care.

KATINA WHORLEY / STERLING, VA.

Focus on you! The right love will come when you are complete!

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

AROUND THE REGION

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Dives into Secrets about Artificial Intelligence

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Write

The 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), held in the District from Sept. 11-Sept. 15, conducted scores of panels related to important issues affecting African Americans– and artificial intelligence was a major part of the discussions. The Brain Trust, “Beyond the Algorithm: AI and Black Lives,” co-hosted by Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) and Yvette Clarke (D-N.Y.), included a panel of Black women in technology, who merged the past with the future, and emphasized how AI continues to impact people’s lives, the nation and world.

“In a relatively short period of time, we’ve gone from a few number of people who know about AI to nearly everyone who’s talking about or at least wondering how AI is going to impact and change our lives,” said panel moderator Afua Bruce, a data engineer, who is founder and principal of ANB Advisory Group.

The panel examined the current age of technology as it relates to social and political movements and advancements.

“One of the things that I think is so incredibly important about this moment is that we have lived for 50 years with the internet. Most of the people who have narrated its value have been in the tech industry,” said Safiya Noble,

Ph.D., professor at UCLA and author of “Algorithms of Oppression.”

Panelists emphasized how access to technology can be used for good, especially with children, noting it stimulates a child’s imagination to go further.

However, the panel also noted technology can be misused. That notion puts a heavy responsibility on users, practitioners, and policymakers.

Panelist Chanelle Hardy, head of Civil Rights at Google, said she and her colleagues at Google are, in fact, a civil rights team. The team wants to work with civil and human rights organizations to steer them to become more technologically proficient.

“How to ensure the capacity of expertise is something that I think about greatly,” said Hardy. “One of the initiatives we launched was the Digital Futures Project, a $20 million fund that provides grants to academic institutions and think tanks worldwide to support responsible AI development.”

She referenced a call she was on with the Congressional Tri-Caucus, a powerhouse of diverse legislative leaders composed of the Congressional Asian-Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC).

“Of course, we want to be in those spaces where bias, discrimination, economic prosperity, and jobs are discussed,” Hardy said.

UNCOVERING THE AI PROCESS

Looking at AI processes, panelist Nicole Jefferson, vice president of U.S. Government Affairs at Dell Technologies, spoke about the company’s partnerships.

“Tech has the potential to be the great equalizer. If you have access, it is a moment where, if democratized properly, that potential is endless,” said Jefferson. “We want to make sure communities of color that have been underserved or underrepresented have access to that technology.”

Whether in the public or private sector, the audience was warned about putting AI on top of bad data hygiene. There is an opportunity to revisit audits through technology and algorithms. Current technology information should be compared against what did not exist before.

“If your hygiene is bad on your data, you will get bad outcomes,” said Nicol Turner-Lee, senior fellow of Governance Studies and director of the Center of Technology Innovation at the Brookings Institution. “We want to use these technologies as they emerge, but we can't be too quick. We have to take a step back and consider the frameworks.”

Turner-Lee, author of the recently released book “Digitally Invisible: How the Internet Is Creating the New Underclass,” emphasized the importance of the human factor in the operation.

“We cannot remove humans from the situation,” she said. “There needs to be a human-based decision-making component to this.” WI

5The “Beyond the Algorithm: AI and Black Lives” panel during the 2024 Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference featured: moderator Afua Bruce; founder and principal of ANB Advisory Group, Nicole Jefferson; vice president of U.S. Government Affairs at Dell Technologies, Chanelle Hardy; head of Civil Rights at Google, New York Democratic Congresswoman Yvette Clarke; Safiya Noble, Ph.D., professor and author; and the Brookings Institution’s Nicol Turner-Lee. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Howard University Celebrated as D.C. Economic Force Forbes Taps University as Top HBCU

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Corporate, nonprofit, political and educational leaders from around the Washington metropolitan area convened at Howard University to celebrate the institution as an economic force in the region.

“Howard University is a driver of economic progress,” Rashad Young, the university’s senior vice president and strategy officer, said to the gathering of 50 people at The Oliver, a new residential development on the main campus on Sept. 9.

Prior to his appointment at Howard, Young was the longest serving city administrator in D.C. Government history. “The university has a role to play in the driving of economic development in the Washington area.”

The event featured Howard University President Dr. Ben Vinson III and Kathy Hollinger, president of the Greater Washington Partnership, in a discussion about the role the university plays in the economic development of the Mid-Atlantic region, which stretches from Baltimore to the north and Richmond, Virginia to the south.

The event also took place a few days before Forbes magazine announced that the university had been recognized as the number one HBCU in the nation, according to its 2024-2025 America’s Top College rankings.

In addition to its ranking as the top HBCU, Howard was also ranked among the top 100 colleges in the Northeast, at #95.

A PROFILE OF HOWARD UNIVERSITY’S IMPACT

Howard University data reveals 13,416 students are enrolled at the institution in its various undergraduate, graduate and professional programs.

Students spend $25 million in the local economy, with twothirds of the money spent in the

District, according to the data. Howard University supports more than 1,900 direct and indirect jobs in the District and nearly 8,800 direct and indirect jobs throughout the region. The university and Howard University Hospital has a workforce of 4,973 employees and a payroll of $395 million.

Howard University vendors have made payments totaling over $500 million to more than 2,300 vendors, including contractors and suppliers. This includes over $235 million paid to local vendors, significantly impacting local businesses.

Overall, Howard University’s total economic impact on the District is $1.154 billion, and on the Washington metropolitan area, at large, is $1.575 billion.

VINSON, HOLLINGER SHARE IMPORTANCE OF HBCUS

Hollinger noted that Vice President Kamala Harris, a Howard alum, came to the university on March 29, 2022 to announce a $4.7 billion commitment by corporate giants to support minority businesses in the Mid-Atlantic region.

She said this was an example of

economic growth, inclusive prosperity.

Vinson, who was not the president of the university at the time of the Harris announcement, said the Mid-Atlantic region is blessed to have multiple HBCUs.

“We are economic drivers,” said Vinson. “We create jobs. We are a stable presence in our communities. We invest in our communities. And we are hubs of innovation.”

Vinson said HBCUs, including Howard, are “looking for ways to elevate the underserved and the African American community.”

Hollinger said that 70% of the $4.7 billion has come into fruition and noted that $90 million of that is for disadvantaged firms.

“This is a smart, inclusive economic approach to growth,” she said.

Vinson spoke about the university’s real estate strategy that is expected to yield 13,254 jobs and $710.5 million in personal earnings in the District. The strategy is expected to produce nearly 250 affordable housing units, nine off-campus commercial mixed-use projects and invest over $1.3 billion in mixeduse projects.

The university president noted that when the strategy is fully re-

HARRIS from Page 5

working to earn the vote, not assuming that I’m going to have it because I’m Black.”

Harris also highlighted the administration’s achievements, including the creation of 16 million new jobs, the lowest Black unemployment rate in history, and the doubling of Black businesses.

She made note of the cap on insulin prices, a measure intended to assist Black Americans who have diabetes disproportionately.

On gun control, Harris reiterated her stance on enacting an assault weapons ban, stating, “We are not going to take anybody’s guns away from them, but we do need an assault weapons ban.”

When asked about the ongoing conflict in Israel and Gaza, Harris

5Dr. Ben Vinson III, president of Howard University, is working to emphasize the university’s critical role in economic development in the Mid-Atlantic region. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

alized “several years from now you will not recognize this area.”

Hollinger spoke of her recognition that HBUCs can be positive economic drivers.

“We are working on getting all of the HBCUs presidents in this region together to discuss ways we can work together to grow the region economically,” she said.

called for a cease-fire and a hostage deal but refrained from offering specific policy changes.

“We need to get this deal done. That is my position and that is my policy,” she said. She emphasized her support for Israel’s right to defend itself but avoided discussing the specifics of sending weapons to the country.

On the topic of reparations, Harris stressed the need for a conversation about the generational impact of slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws.

“We need to speak truth about the generational impact of our history,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and addressing these historical injustices.

Social media users praised Harris’ interaction with NABJ, con-

WI

@JamesWrightJr10

trasting it with Trump’s approach. One user noted, “Unlike Trump, VP Harris is answering questions with her policy proposals. She isn’t arguing and fighting.”

Another wrote, “VP Kamala Harris speaking with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) in Philly. Complete sentences. No shouted insults. Just normal, intelligent answers to questions.”

Addressing the significance of joy in her campaign and its potential use as a weapon against her by Republicans, Harris remarked: “There are sometimes when your adversaries will try and turn your strength into a weakness. Don’t you let them. I find joy in the American people. I find joy and optimism in our future and our ability to invest in it.”

WI

5Vice President Kamala Harris engaged with members of the National Association of Black Journalists on Sept. 17, marking her first appearance with the group since former President Donald Trump questioned her ethnicity and clashed with a journalist at the organization’s national convention in Chicago six weeks prior.

(WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

AROUND THE REGION

Community organizer Minetre Martin reading the latest edition of The Washington Informer during the 53rd Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, D.C. Sept. 11-Sept. 15. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

U.S. Representatives attending The Sojourner Truth Women's Leadership Reception during ALC 53. The reception honored extraordinary Black women leaders and the women of the Congressional Black Caucus for their leadership nationwide. (L-R) Reps. Emilia Sykes (D-Ohio), Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), Yyvette Clark (D-N.Y.), Kweise Mfume (D-Md.), Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio ), Lucy McBath (D-Ga.), and Lauren Underwood (D-Ill.) (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

As Write-In Campaigns Get Underway, Councilmember White Fights for His Freedom

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Despite skepticism among some Ward 8 residents about the viability of a write-in council campaign this fall, some write-in candidates, like Olivia Henderson, are adamant about the nobility of their cause, even if a Republican threat looms large.

Henderson, a former Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissioner, counted among a small group of write-in candidates who recently participated in a candidate forum at Congress Heights Senior Wellness Center in Southeast.

While she touted restorative justice and greater support for successful nonprofits as part of her policy agenda, Henderson often focused on the power that residents can wield when their council member actually listens to them.

She pledged to be that council member, citing past attempts to garner D.C. Councilmember Trayon White’s attention while serving as chair of Advisory Neighborhood Commission 8D.

“We do hard work and it never goes to legislation,” Henderson told The Informer after the Sept. 11 forum. “If we’re the first voice to the council and you don’t accept our resolutions, then [that shows] you don’t want to use the statements of the people to get to legislation,” Henderson continued as she emphasized tthat she will hire technically skilled Ward 8 residents in her office, if elected.

“Ward 8 residents have skills and knowledge to do council jobs, so why not use the people who put us in their position? They would fight for me in their community,” Henderson said.

COUNCILMEMBER

WHITE DENIES PLEA DEAL, TRIAL DATE YET TO BE SET

White’s legal troubles have opened the electoral floodgates, not only in the form of write-in campaigns, but requests, here and there, for the Ward 8 council member to withdraw from the general election.

The most recent of those requests

5D.C.

federal court on Sept. 12, entered a “not guilty” plea before Judge Rudolph Contreras with nearly 60 supporters in the pews of a federal courtroom watching. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer)

came from the D.C. Young Democrats who, on Sept. 8, asked White to drop out of the race before the Sept. 12 deadline.

On Sept. 12, White still hadn’t acquiesced to the D.C. Young Democrats. He maintained a similar attitude when he entered a “not guilty” plea that afternoon before Judge Rudolph Contreras with nearly 60 supporters in the pews of a federal courtroom watching.

Earlier in the month, White’s lawyer, Fred Cooke, rejected a plea deal presented by the prosecution, represented by John Crabb, Jr., Joshua Seth Rothstein, and Rebecca G. Ross. During the arraignment, he pushed back against their efforts to set a trial date of April 25, 2025, telling Judge Contreras that his team has to examine the two discoveries submitted by the prosecution.

Both sides settled on Nov. 13 for the date of a status hearing, which White's legal team said would provide some time to develop a strategy. Judge Contreras hinted at the trial taking place sometime between April and July.

Eyone Williams, a workforce development specialist, is counted

among those who sat in the courtroom in support of White on Sept. 12.

For WIlliams, White’s strong rapport with the Ward 8 community solidifies his seat, regardless of the verdict.

“He's the king of Ward 8,” Williams said. “His right to hold office is not even in jeopardy. The Republican guy [Nate Derenge] is a joke. Salim Adofo [should he decide to run] got a realistic chance, but if Trayon gets vindicated, no one got a chance.”

WRITE-IN

CANDIDATES SHOW PASSION, GLARING LACK OF KNOW-HOW

On Sept. 11, the write-in candidates who registered with D.C. Board of Elections -- Henderson, Michael Brown, and Khadijah Long -- sat at the front of the common meeting room in the senior wellness center alongside Republican nominee Nate Derenge. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

Councilmember Trayon White, seen leaving

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Local Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

COUNTY RESIDENTS RAISE CONCERN REGARDING FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE TIMES, TRASH PICK-UP

In response to community issues, Prince George’s County residents from Fairwood, to Greenbelt, to District Heights are engaging with their elected officials to seek solutions through town halls, community walks, and direct advocacy.

Greenbelt residents voiced their complaints at a town hall hosted at the Volunteer Fire Department on Sept. 12 regarding longer wait times for fire response, following a County plan to shift career staffers.

County Fire Chief Tiffany Green was invited to the meeting, but sent a spokesperson. County Councilmember Eric Olson (DDistrict 2) attended the meeting and pledged to continue advocating for better response times and more firefighters for his constituents.

Councilmember Wala Blegay (D- District 6) held a town hall on Sept. 9 to discuss trash issues, and numerous residents noted that their trash was being picked up multiple days after their scheduled day. This has been a particular issue on hot days and for pet owners.

"There's been missed days of trash pick-up, compost pick-up, recycling pick-up, yard waste pick-up, there has been leaving of trash on the ground– residue. I've actually seen that myself," Blegay explained. "It goes into quality of

life. People pay high taxes here in [Prince George’s] County and the least that people want you to do is pick up the trash.”

Blegay recently met with the County Executive and was told that trash contractors were changed over the summer, leading to some confusion over trash routes beginning in July.

The District 6 councilmember is supportive of fines for non-compliant contractors to help address the issue.

"It just makes your neighborhood look trashy," said Gabriel Njinimbot, who previously ran for Congress and County Council. "Just imagine how your neighborhood looks like with trash cans lined up from up the street all the way down."

County Environmental director Andrea Crooms told the Council that there have been problems and said her office is trying to fix the issues with better strategic planning and other tools. Crooms also noted that crew issues over the summer were worsened by the blistering heat while other haulers had issues securing enough trash trucks.

“We have the ability to issue fines, and we’re going to issue fines if they’re not doing what they are supposed to do,” she said. Crooms said that over the summer, and especially in July, haulers dealt with crew issues due to the heat. Meanwhile, other haulers had supply chain issues in securing enough trucks. She also said some crews missed homes as trash removal workers learned new routes.

Councilmember Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7) held a community walk with her constituents on Sept. 12 to hear concerns: trash was also on the mind of the District Heights residents she

walked with, along with speeding and illegal parking.

"You really don't know it until you see it. There was one community walk and they had been complaining about the trash, but when I saw it, I couldn't imagine it was that much trash from one dumpster, spread across two streets,” said Oriadha."One thing I'm really trying to do is make sure we're holding our government agencies and making sure it's equitable across the board, that inside the beltway is treated the same way as communities in Laurel and Largo and Upper Marlboro.”

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GREATER WASHINGTON COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

DONATE BIG TO PGCPS

The Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF) recently supported Prince George’s County Public Schools and local students by investing in their futures.

GWCF launched a pilot program called Brilliant Futures, funded by $10 million of contributions raised by The Community Foundation’s “Together, We

Prosper Campaign for Economic Justice” and through investments from generous donors, that will provide Bradbury Heights Elementary students with $1,000 per grade level completed.

“We’ve seen the transformative impacts of well-executed programs that provide savings for young people and adults alike,” said Millard House II, superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools. “We hope that by supporting students with a down payment on life, whether that goes toward funding a college tuition, starting a small business, or buying a house, this program will level the playing field, promoting racial and financial equity in the Greater Washington region.”

Upon completing high school, the goal is for each student to have access to at least $13,000, plus any investment earnings, that they can use to seed their future aspirations whether that be opening a business, going to school, or buying a home.

The GWCF will work with the schools as well as with community partners Reid Community Development Corporation in Prince George’s County and Parent Encouragement Program in Montgomery County to manage the program.

“We are confident that children’s

“We’ve seen the transformative impacts of well-executed programs that provide savings for young people and adults alike,” said Millard House II, superintendent of Prince George’s County Public Schools.

savings will help us reshape how and where resources flow in our communities so that we can build more equitable systems which lead to a more resilient and prosperous region for all,” said GWCF CEO & President Tonia Wellons. “Expanding the possibilities not just for one, but for an entire community of young people can move us toward our vision of narrowing the racial wealth gap in our region.”

“Brilliant Futures isn’t just about the money; it’s about nurturing our youngest learners and setting them up with the confidence and agency to build their own life,” said Bradbury Heights Elementary School principal Dr. Lynette Walker-Crayton. WI

5 On Sept. 10, the Greater Washington Community Foundation (GWCF) announced a pilot program offering $1,000 to Bradbury Heights Elementary students for each year of school they complete, to be paid out after graduating high school. These funds can be used for education, business, or real estate, giving the students a flexible investment for their future selves. (Courtesy Photo/Greater Washington Community Foundation)

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

SENATE RACE

UPDATES: ALSOBROOKS

WEIGHS IN ON PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE, HOGAN WORKS TO COUNTER ANTI-ABORTION RECORD

Maryland’s Senate race, a potential battle for the Senate’s tie breaking vote, remains very close as Election Day (Nov. 5) approaches.

An Emerson College poll released on Sept. 17 showed Prince George’s County Executive Alsobrooks (D) with 49% support, former Governor Larry Hogan (R) with 42% support, and 9% of voters remaining undecided. This represents both the largest vote share for Alsobrooks and her best margins against Hogan in any poll yet conducted during the general election.

Alsobrooks recently garnered an endorsement from the Elect Black Women PAC, and is beginning her Defend Our Majority tour this week in Howard County.

“What an honor it is, to join a group of such amazing women who have been endorsed by the Elect Black Women PAC,” said Alsobrooks. “We need to fight for our futures – that means fighting to protect our freedoms, like access to reproductive health care. And fighting for our children – so they can have a future not where they are living on the margins, but where they are living beyond their wildest dreams.”

Elect Black Women PAC Executive Director Ruby Powell-Dennis, shared why the group contends Alsobrooks is the best candidate for the Maryland Senate seat.

"[Alsobrooks] has a track record of public service, delivering for Marylanders, keeping her communities safe, being accessible and caring, and the type of leadership we should be showing the world,”

said Powell-Dennis. “At a time when there is immense division and backlash against exceptional Black women in government, we could not be more grateful that Angela decided to answer the call to serve in this elevated capacity."

Hogan was endorsed by Senator Joe Manchin (I- WV) this week and released two cable and digital ads, including one with his daughters touting his record on abortion access and equal pay for women.

Hogan has cast himself as an independent-minded voice who will be a pro-choice Senator, but his past veto and funding records have been called into question countless times.

“Larry Hogan’s choice to veto legislation to expand abortion access and withhold the funds is a prime example of how Republicans think it's ok to get in between a woman and her health care provider. What’s worse is he thinks he knows better than the countless medical professionals who all supported that legislation,” said Del. Nicole Williams (D- District 22), before showing her support for Alsobrooks.

“We know firsthand about Larry Hogan’s record on reproductive freedoms because we’re the women who fought back when he vetoed legislation to expand access to abortion. We must protect our Democratic majority by sending Angela Alsobrooks to the Senate. We know Angela will fight for a future where women’s freedoms are protected. This is why I am voting for Angela Alsobrooks in November.”

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TEDCO AWARDED $10 MILLION TO PROVIDE LEGAL, FINANCIAL SERVICES FOR MARYLAND’S SMALL BUSINESSES

On Sept. 9, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that the Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) was awarded $10 million

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

to support small business growth through the State Small Business Credit Initative’s Investing in America Small Business Opportunity Program (SBOP). Through this award, Maryland will establish the Business Resource Information, Development, and Guidance Ecosystem (BRIDGE) program to provide tailored legal, accounting, and financial advisory services to help small businesses build capacity and apply for loans or investments.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to expanding access to capital for communities across the country and creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in thriving sectors of our economy,” said Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo. “With this federal funding, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation will be able to provide critical services to small businesses in the region to help them succeed.”

Maryland applied for the SBOP award in close coordination with Delaware, Virginia, and the District of Columbia, and the award will be used to fund technical assistance throughout the region.

The BRIDGE Program is designed to support both Main Street small businesses that provide crucial goods and services and also

high-growth, innovation-focused companies, offering programming to meet a range of business types and needs.

TEDCO will partner with the University of Maryland for development and execution of the BRIDGE program. Maryland has also obtained a commitment of nearly $2.2 million in matching funds from TEDCO and the University of Maryland to support and leverage the SBOP award.

Maryland Democratic leaders, including Gov. Wes Moore, U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen, and Congressman Steny Hoyer applauded the announcement of the award and thanked Adeyemo for his commitment to the state and the nation, particularly after the deputy secretary's recent announcement about the state’s entrance into the IRS Direct File program.

“Everytime I’m with the deputy secretary, we are making great announcements to benefit the people of this state and country. I’m honored to have the best delegation in the country, and I’m grateful to have my colleagues as partners in this work,” said Moore.

“Before I ran for governor, I ran a small business. My response when people told me it was hard to become a successful entrepreneur in Maryland, I told them I knew

some of those hurdles myself. What if we made legal and financial assistance more accessible to small businesses? This is to create a pathway to work, wages, and wealth: exactly what I promised in my campaign.”

Hoyer cited record small business growth spurred by the Biden-Harris administration, including nearly 400,000 new small business applications in Maryland alone. Van Hollen particularly thanked Adeyemo for his work to assist Maryland entrepreneurs.

Moore emphasized that this investment will benefit the state’s economic growth, especially women and minority business owners, and will have significant long term benefits.

“This is yet another step in the growth of our state, moving us forward,” he said. "Turning an idea into a job-creator takes time, money, and support. By working together across the state and federal levels, we are helping entrepreneurs and small business owners access all three. Maryland is grateful for the strong leadership of the Biden-Harris administration, as we continue moving in partnership to make our state more competitive and leave no one behind."

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5 Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO), based in Columbia, was awarded $10 million by the Department of the Treasury to support small business growth in Maryland. The program will provide legal, accounting, and financial advice for small businesses. (Robert R. Roberts /The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BLACK FIRMS GROWING: REPORT

The Chase 2024 Midyear Business Leaders Outlook survey reveals that Black businesses are on the upswing.

The survey was conducted in May 2024 and represents decision-makers from 510 businesses with annual revenues under $20 million. The survey reported that in recent years, Black-owned businesses have shown remarkable growth and resilience in the U.S.

The survey reveals 78% of respondents from Black-owned businesses believe that small businesses will be the primary drivers of economic growth in the U.S., compared with the previously cited 63% of the broader survey population. This confidence extends to their own companies, with about 70% of Black-owned business leaders feeling more optimistic about their company’s future than they have in the past five years, surpassing the 59% optimism rate

briefs

among all surveyed businesses.

And despite facing similar economic challenges, such as inflation and rising operational costs, Black-owned businesses are more inclined to “hit the accelerator” on growth initiatives. Half of these business leaders plan to keep growing, despite inflation, compared with 36% of total respondents.

This proactive approach positions Black-owned businesses as vital contributors of growth in the future U.S. economic landscape.

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STATE OF THE DISTRICT

The DC Chamber of Commerce will host the annual State of the District & Region on Sept. 27 at Howard University from 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

This event will combine the District’s best minds in government, business, health, higher education, and workforce development to discuss how the city is advancing as an economic powerhouse.

The event will feature a fireside chat with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, moderated by Valencia McClure, region president of Pepco. This discussion will delve into the District’s economic achievements and future opportunities.

“The State of the District is a vital platform for highlighting our economic progress and inspiring further advancement in the District and our surrounding regions,” said Tonya Kinlow, president of the DC Chamber’s Board of Directors. “We are honored to facilitate this gathering of visionary leaders who are driving economic development and making a meaningful impact in our communities.”

Sponsors for the State of the District & Region Conference include the District’s Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development, Pepco, Exelon, CareFirst, DC Health Link, and Destination DC.

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MAIN STREET MARYLAND CONFERENCE

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) and the Maryland Economic Development Association (MEDA) announced the Main Street Maryland Conference, which will be held on Oct. 8 at The Weinberg Center for the Arts in Frederick, Maryland.

This event will spotlight the invaluable contributions of Maryland’s Main Streets and the distinct experiences they provide to communities statewide.

“For more than 25 years, the Main Street Maryland designation has provided a proven blueprint for successful and sustainable redevelopment,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “Approximately $1 billion in public, private and nonprofit investment has supported revitalization projects and activities in more than 50 communities. This conference is a tremendous opportunity for community leaders to learn how Main Street Maryland and other state revitalization programs can empower economic growth and create opportunities in their downtown cores and business districts.”

The theme of the conference is “Creating a Local & Lovable Main Street Experience.” Attendees will benefit from sessions on fundraising, placemaking, business attraction, ad-

dressing the housing crisis, and engaging volunteers and businesses.

The event aims to provide practical strategies and insights to foster dynamic community and neighborhood development. The keynote speaker, Jess Rimington, co-author of “Beloved Economies,” is a prominent advocate for the next-economy movement with over two decades of experience in small business and inclusive-economy strategy.

For more information about the conference, please visit the MEDA website at medamd.com. WI

STUDY REVEALS RACISM IN BANK LOANS

Betpack.com, an online comparison service, recently released a study that shows loan approval rates vary significantly by race, with white-businesses having the highest approval rates and Black-owned businesses facing the greatest challenges.

Studies have shown that the ability to obtain bank loans has a direct correlation to whether a business flourishes or not. The study reveals that white-owned businesses have a 77% approval rate for loans while Black owned firms get only 51%.

The study suggests that white owned firms have more success due to factors such as better credit scores, longer business histories or simply more access to resources to help navigate the loan process.

However, for Black businesses it is a different story. Among Asian, Hispanic, Native American and Black businesses surveyed, African American owned firms have the hardest time getting approved for loans. Nearly half of all loan applications from Blackowned businesses are turned down, the highest disapproval rate among all racial groups.

This disparity points to ongoing systemic barriers, like racial biases in lending, lower credit scores, and less access to collateral or financial education.

Among businesses of color, Asians have the highest approval rate with 67% followed by Hispanics with 59% and Native Americans at 57%.

The study said the difference in loan approval rates among the races has implications for economic fairness and the future of minority businesses in the U.S.

It said: “access to capital is essential for business growth and success.”

“Without it [access to capital] businesses owned by people of color might struggle to expand, compete or even survive,” according to the study.

“The data shows a clear need for policies and programs that directly address these inequalities. This could include expanding credit access for minority-owned businesses, boosting financial literacy, and tackling biases in the lending process. Creating a more level playing field is crucial to ensuring that all entrepreneurs, regardless of race, have the opportunity to thrive.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5Pepco’s Region President Valencia McClure will moderate a fireside chat with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser as part of the annual State of the District & Region conference on Sept. 27. (Courtesy Photo)

5Jake Day is Maryland’s Secretary of Housing and Community Development. (Courtesy Photo)

Four-Star Madison Hotel Rebrands As Le Meridien Madison

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

The Madison, a fourstar hotel in D.C. with over two thousand positive ratings, has officially rebranded as Le Meridien Madison, just two years after joining the Marriott brand. On Sept. 10, guests were treated to an exclusive peek into the rebranded space.

Le Meridien Madison has 356 rooms, a fitness center, restaurant, marketplace, and bar.

The reception area hosted live music and painting for gathered guests, complete with finger foods and complimentary drinks.

The Power of Mentorship in the DC Black MBA: Fueling Professional and Personal Growth

Submitted by DC Black MBA

In the complicated, competitive, and congested world of business, having a mentor can make all the difference. Many members of the DC Black MBA Association have cited mentorship as a critical factor in their career progression. From providing insight on navigating corporate environments to offering advice on launching entrepreneurial ventures, mentors within the organization serve as sounding boards and strategic advisors.

Mentorship has long been hailed as one of the most transformative forces in professional development. For members of the National Black MBA Association – Washington, DC (DC Black MBA), mentorship is more than a perk of membership—it’s a cornerstone of the organization’s mission to uplift and empower Black professionals. As an organization rooted in fostering leadership, education, and economic growth, the DC Black MBA recognizes that mentorship is a key tool for guiding members toward fulfilling their professional ambitions while also promoting personal growth.

Spencer Grace, a D.C.-based artist, painted the hotel foyer in the style of a New York Times comics, with hushed blues and opaque yellow. Her painting drew great attention in the center of the reception.

The mid-century decor and calm colors are perfect for downtown conferences and tourist stays.

In addition to the art and ornamentation, the food was on major display during the Sept. 10 event. David Nwadjo, the hotel chef, showcased new menu items, including: sea bass, crab cakes, roasted chicken and okra, and a sandwich that contains peri peri chicken.

HISTORIC SPACE FOR GATHERING, EXPLORING D.C.

While the rebranding presents new opportunities for guests, the hotel history is also part of the Le Meridien Madison’s fabric.

President John F. Kennedy was present during the hotel’s opening. Director of Sales and Marketing Azza Bell noted the close proximity to District attractions, including the White House and nearby shopping as additional reasons to choose Le Meridien.

Delante Anderson, the hotel’s Business Travel sales manager, explained that the hotel is a perfect spot for people visiting the District for work, and has been so for decades, adding that Le Meridien Madison is both diverse and welcoming.

“The attention to customer service is unmatched,” said Mattea Horn. WI

One such member, Islindy Merius, who credits her career growth to the mentoring and networking within the chapter, shares, “When I first joined the DC Black MBA, I was at a crossroads in my career. My mentor helped me chart a new path and gave me the confidence to take bold steps I might not have taken on my own. Their guidance extended beyond business advice—they supported me holistically, recognizing that personal growth was just as important as professional success.”

Some of the programming offered to members focuses on career guidance and personal development. Each year, the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) National Conference is a highly anticipated annual event that is the perfect place to network and leverage opportunities for mentoring. It brings together thousands of Black professionals, industry leaders, and influencers from across the country. For DC Black MBA members, this year’s national event happening in DC offers an invaluable opportunity to connect with prospective mentors, expand their professional networks, and gain insight into the latest trends shaping the business world.

Networking is another cornerstone of the DC Black MBA experience. In a city where power, influence, and opportunity are often tied to personal connections, the ability to cultivate a strong network can be the key to unlocking career growth. The DC Black MBA chapter provides its members with access to an extensive network of professionals across industries, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and career advancement.

These opportunities such as panel discussions, workshops, and social gatherings foster an environment where members can build relationships. These events offer educational value and create informal spaces where professionals can connect, exchange ideas, and discuss potential collaborations.

The relationships formed within the organization often lead to lasting partnerships, mentorship opportunities, and even career shifts. Involvement in the chapter opens doors to new opportunities, whether through job referrals, business collaborations, or introductions to influential leaders in the business community.

The conference serves as a platform for emerging leaders to participate in panel discussions, workshops, and networking events specifically designed to foster mentorship relationships. Through these interactions, attendees gain access to a wealth of knowledge and experience that spans industries, from finance and marketing to technology and entrepreneurship.

Mentorship within the DC Black MBA goes beyond one-on-one relationships. Mentors are often mentees themselves, paying forward the support they’ve received by guiding new members and younger professionals. This cycle of mentorship creates a culture where professional success is shared, celebrated, and sustained across generations.

For many, the annual National Black MBA Conference serves as a powerful reminder that mentorship is about guidance and transformation. The DC Black MBA’s mentorship initiatives will re-launch to fuel both personal and professional growth, ensuring that members are prepared to lead in today’s evolving business landscape.

5 Chef David Nwajo showcasing his new sea bass at Le Meridien Madison’s Sept. 10 event. Some of the other new menu items include crab cakes and roasted okra.

(Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

5 Islindy Merius credits her career growth to the mentoring and networking within the chapter.

5 Islindy Merius Islindy at networking reception with other chapter members / Photo credit: Brian Hence

5Le Meridien Madison employees pose for a photo during the hotel’s event on Sept. 10. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

NATIONAL

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's 53rd Annual Legislative Conference Concludes

with Powerful Phoenix Awards Gala

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's (CBCF) 53rd Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) culminated in an influential Phoenix Awards gala at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in downtown D.C. This year's theme, "From Vision to Victory: Amplifying Black Voices," was not just a celebration of Black culture and heritage, but also a call to action to defend and expand fundamental freedoms in an increasingly challenging political climate.

The Phoenix Awards, always a highlight of the conference, honored individuals who have made significant contributions to the progress of Black Americans. This year, President Joe Biden received the Congressional Black Caucus Lifetime Achievement Award.

"With the CBC, we went big, and we went bold, and we are better off today than we were four years ago," Biden said.

The president also stressed the importance of continued vigilance

to ensure a future where freedom, justice, and equality prevail.

During the awards, Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, called on the Congressional Black Caucus to leverage its history as "the conscience of the Congress" to shape the nation's future.

"The CBC has always had a vision for the future of our nation; a future where we can see what is possible unburdened by what has been," Harris said. "Each of us has a job to do, and the bottom line is we know what we stand for, and that's why we know what we fight for. And when the CBC fights, we win."

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore was awarded the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference Honorary CoChairs' Award.

"I am standing before you as probably the most improbable governor in America... It's an exciting time for our country, and I'm so grateful to be your partner in the work," Moore affirmed.

Other honorees included the late

Sheila Jackson-Lee, former U.S. representative for Texas's 18th congressional district; the 14th Librarian of Congress, Dr. Carla Hayden; and Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison.

The event also remembered influential African Americans who died this year, like singer Frankie Beverly, actor James Earl Jones, hip-hop's Fatman Scoop and Rich Homie Quan, actress Erica Ash, the Rev. James Lawson, and baseball superstar Willie Mays.

SESSIONS WORK TOWARD PROGRESS FOR BLACK AMERICANS, THE NATION

Throughout the week, the ALC tackled pressing issues impacting the Black community. Georgia

Democratic U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson led a session on Supreme Court reform, highlighting the challenges posed by the Court's "6-3 MAGA supermajority" and its recent rollbacks on voting rights, reproductive rights, and affirmative action. Johnson advocated for court reforms, including adopting a code of conduct, term limits, and court expansion, arguing these changes are necessary to protect democracy and restore balance to the judicial system.

Illinois U.S. Rep Lauren Underwood (D) moderated a panel on Black maternal health, focusing on

the critical need for research and initiatives such as the NIH IMPROVE Initiative. The discussion underscored the alarming disparities in healthcare for Black women and the importance of ongoing efforts to address this crisis.

A significant highlight was the 16th Annual Black Women's Roundtable (BWR) Public Policy Forum Series, in partnership with the CBCF. The forum spotlighted Black women's leadership, power, and influence in shaping a new movement and political era, particularly as the nation heads into the 2024 Presidential Election Cycle. Contributors to the 11th Annual Black Women's Roundtable Report shared insights on Black women's roles in various movements, from civil rights to social justice.

Sybrina Fulton, Trayvon Martin's mother, led the "Mothers of the Movement" workshop at the conference. The session brought together African American mothers who have lost loved ones to police violence. These mothers shared their stories and discussed their efforts in advocating for criminal justice reform and stricter gun laws to prevent future tragedies.

CBCF President and CEO Nicole Austin-Hillery emphasized the critical moment in history that the conference represents.

"We are at a defining moment in history. Just weeks ago, we saw the first African American woman nominated to run for president by a major party," she stated. Aus-

tin-Hillery said the ALC's mission remains to empower the global Black community by creating real opportunities and ensuring true equity.

Rep. Terri Sewell (D-AL), CBCF Board Chair, highlighted the ALC's role as a catalyst for change, urging attendees to seize this moment to make history.

Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey's (D) session on the challenges facing Black-owned businesses amidst conservative attacks on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) emphasized the need for legislative advocacy. The push for the Black Wealth Agenda Resolution, H.R. 1101, seeks to enshrine DEI commitments into law.

Nicole Austin-Hillery reflected on the conference's essence, stating, "Each and every voice adds to our collective strength; every collective action emphasizes our unity and our determination. And all of those things are necessary to move us from Vision to Victory."

The sentiment was echoed throughout the ALC, driving home the imperative to protect progress and work toward a future where equality and justice are not just ideals but realities.

“Each of us has a job to do, and the bottom line is we know what we stand for and that’s why we know what we fight for," Harris asserted during the Phoenix Awards. "And when the CBC fights, we win.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, at the Phoenix Awards, part of the 53rd Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference, on Sept. 14. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Town Hall Emphasizes Economic, Political Power

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Upper Marlboro, Maryland resi-

dent Eula Keen Woods has lived in the Washington area for nearly 18 years, but this is the first year she has attended the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC).

“Some friends of mine finally convinced me I need to come,” said Woods, sitting in the front row of a column of seats with two of her friends, sporting a pink and green outfit signifying her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

Woods was joined by hundreds of people in Ballroom A of the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, D.C. to listen to the speakers at the ALC’s National Town Hall on Sept. 12. The theme of the event was “Pathways to Prosperity: Advancing Democracy and Black Economic Opportunity.”

“I am here to learn about how I can be more active and what I need to do,” she said. “I like what I see from the conference so far with all of the presentations and it has been a valuable learning experience. This town hall meeting will help decide what I can do for my people.”

In her introductory remarks, Ni-

cole Austin-Hillery, president and CEO of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, said that while Black people have made progress economically and politically in recent decades, more must be done.

“We can point to progress, but we cannot look back,” said Austin-Hillery.

THE FIRST PANEL

Noted television journalist Don Lemon served as the moderator for the two panels.

The first panel consisted of such speakers as LaTosha Brown, co-founder of Black Voters Matter Fund; Michael McAfee, president and CEO of PolicyLink; Derrick Johnson, president and CEO of the NAACP and Alexis McGill Johnson, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Action Fund and Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Alabama Democratic Rep. Terri Sewell.

McAfee said America faces a vexing problem due to race.

“What do you do when the national population never loved those who will become the majority,” he asked rhetorically, inferring that America is on track to become a majority nation

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5 Nicole Austin-Hillery, president of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) at the National Town Hall on Sept. 12 at the CBCF Annual Legislative Conference. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

CBCF from Page 17 of color during the 2040s.

McAfee added that any move in political power in the U.S. must be rooted in love to be effective.

Johnson also discussed the statistics that reveal white Americans will be in the minority in the coming decades.

“There is a fear out there,” the NAACP president and CEO said. “They are running out of white people.”

He explained Harlem New York, once considered the capital of Black America, “is no longer Black” and “D.C. is looking at its last mayor,” insinuating that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser could be the last African American to hold that position because of the city’s growing white population.

Brown emphasized there’s a lot at stake affecting Black Americans, including the right to vote.

“The rollback on voter protections has started,” Brown said. “They started the rollbacks when they gutted Section 5, the preclearance provision, of The Voting Rights Act in 2013… This is why Congress must pass The John Lewis Voting Rights Act and the Freedom to Vote Act to protect everyone’s right to vote.”

McGill Johnson said 22 states have initiated restrictions on a woman’s right to an abortion since the Dobbs decision relegated policy on the issue to the states. She said the Dobbs decision has impacted women of color more than it has white women.

Ahmad Blair, a junior political science major at North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro, North Carolina, attended the first panel and was impressed with what he heard.

“This panel was very informative,” Blair, 20, said. “There must be something tangible to be done in order for Blacks to continue to have political power.”

THE SECOND PANEL

The economics of the Black community was the focus of the second panel with Alphonso David, president and CEO of the Global Black Economic Forum pointing out the importance of financial literacy.

“In the 1960s, the white-Black wealth ratio was 8 to 1,” said David, 54. “Today, the ratio is 12 to 1. One of the things we need to do is to talk to our young people more about finances. White families tend to talk to their children about balance sheets,

interest rates and bank accounts and we need to do the same.”

John Hope Bryant is the founder, chairman and CEO of Operation HOPE, an organization that supports financial literacy and empowerment of African Americans. Bryant said Black America presently is going through its Third Reconstruction.

“There was the first Reconstruction after slavery, the second Reconstruction after the civil rights movement and this is the third Reconstruction where we are focusing on economic rights,” said Bryant, 58. “Financial literacy is the civil rights issue of this generation. Black capitalists matter!”

U.S. Rep. Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) serves as the chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC). Horsford said Black people have power in the U.S.

“Because we drive the economy because we drive culture,” Horsford, 51, said. “Black people must move from being consumers to ownership.”

Horsford said the CBC will formally introduce a plan for Black wealth in the new Congress that will convene in January 2025, adding that he hopes there will be Democratic majority at that time.

“The Black wealth plan has the support of 100% of the Congressional Black Caucus,” he said.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Eula Keen Woods during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference’s National Town Hall on Sept. 12. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

5The first panel, as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation National Town Hall on Sept. 12, featuring moderator Don Lemon and panelists LaTosha Brown, Dr. Michael McAfee, Alexis McGill Johnson, Derrick Johnson and Democratic Alabama Congresswoman Terri Sewell. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

“I’m proud of myself. My daughter is even more proud of me.”

— Keisha G., Kingman Park

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INTERNATIONAL

German and Kenyan officials signed an agreement Friday in Berlin to promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany’s labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don’t have the right to stay in Germany.

The agreement was signed during a visit to Germany by Kenyan President William Ruto, who met with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.

Scholz told reporters after a signing ceremony that it was an important agreement that marks an effort by Germany and Kenya to cooperate more closely on migration.

“This can help us to compensate for a shortage of skilled workers,” Scholz said, adding that Germany is already feeling the impact of such a labor shortage and that it “will be with us for years and decades to come.”

Germany has grappled for years with the need to attract more skilled workers from outside the European Union. Experts say the country needs about 400,000 skilled immigrants each year as its aging workforce shrinks.

“On the other side of the coin, so to speak, the agreement provides for effective return procedures for those who have come to us from Kenya but do not have or cannot acquire the right to stay here. They can now return home more easily and quickly,” Scholz said.

Ruto said the agreement benefits both sides because it brings together the potential of educated young Kenyans and German technology and resources.

He said that he wasn’t worried that the departure of some Kenyans could hurt his own nation’s development, noting that Kenya has a large population of young people, with the median age being around 20. He said there were enough to support the further development of both Kenya and Germany.

Scholz said Germany would benefit from the large number of Kenyan IT specialists.

Germany has already signed similar agreements with India, Georgia and Morocco, and will sign one this weekend with Uzbekistan during a visit there by Scholz, according to the German news agency dpa.

The agreement was signed by German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser and Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi in a ceremony at the chancellery in Berlin on Friday as Scholz and Ruto stood behind them.

Scholz’s unpopular coalition government is facing a challenge from the far-right, anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD), which did well in two recent state elections in eastern Germany. Another comes Sept. 22 in Brandenburg, the state surrounding Berlin. WI

On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Bahamas took center stage at a Business and Investment Forum hosted by the Bahamas Embassy at the University Club of Washington, D.C., under the theme “Rediscovering the Bahamas: Its Potential and Investment Opportunities.”

Deputy Prime Minister Chester Cooper, who is also Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, along with key government officials, led the charge in showcasing the exciting investment opportunities The Bahamas has to offer.

The forum, themed "Rediscovering The Bahamas: Its Potential and Investment Opportunities," highlighted investment in sectors such as sustainable development, infrastructure, and luxury real estate.

“The Government remains committed to maintaining our status as a premier destination for tourism and investment,” Cooper said. “This forum presents a crucial opportunity to showcase the wide range of investment opportunities in our country, from infrastructure and renewable energy to maritime and agriculture. Our ongoing efforts to create a business-friendly environment are supported by regulatory reforms designed to enhance efficiency, transparency, and sustainability.”

He noted that the Investment Authority has played a key role in fostering a competitive investment climate that encourages economic growth, job, and investor confidence and that the government remains focused on

and visitors.

5Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell, Bahamas Ambassador to the 0AS Chet Neymour, Ambassador Wendall Jones and Mikhail Bullard at a business investment forum. (Courtesy Photo)

5 Kenyan President William Ruto (pictured) and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, signed an agreement Friday in Berlin to promote the recruitment of skilled workers who can fill gaps in Germany’s labor market, and to facilitate the repatriation of Kenyans who don’t have the right to stay in Germany. (WI File Photo/Shedrick Pelt)

Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter Invites the Community to Unite at Walk to End Alzheimer’s

Submitted by Alzheimer’s Association

Thousands across the metro Washington region will unite this fall in a sea of purple to raise awareness and funds for the Alzheimer’s Association at Walk to End Alzheimer's®, the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research.

The number of people affected by Alzheimer’s is staggering. Nearly 7 million Americans are currently living with the disease, and more than 11 million family members and friends are providing their unpaid care. Health and long-term care costs for people living with dementia are projected to reach $360 billion this year and nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

“There has never been a greater need for the community to join in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease by participating in Walk to End Alzheimer’s,” said Kate Rooper, President and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter. “Funds raised through the Walk will provide information, education and support to people living with Alzheimer’s and their families and caregivers, while also contributing to advancing critically needed research.”

More than 600 Walks are taking place across the country. The National Capital Area Chapter will hold six local Walks, including one in Washington, DC on Saturday, Sept. 28. As of Sept. 12, more than 260 teams and 1,200 people have registered.

Among those returning to the DC Walk are Team Tree's Champions of Liberty, named for Charles J. Ogletree, a professor emeritus at Harvard Law School and an acclaimed lawyer, author, activist and civil rights leader. In 2016, Ogletree shared that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. He raised awareness and advocated for Alzheimer's research before passing away in August 2023.

The team of current and former employees at the Public Defender Service

for the District of Columbia (PDS) knew Ogletree, or ‘Tree,’ when he was the Deputy Director of PDS. Described by the team as a ‘colleague, mentor, teacher, leader and beloved friend’ the team name includes the words ‘Champions of Liberty’ from the PDS motto. As of Sept. 12, Tree’s Champions of Liberty has raised more than $32,000, making them the current top fundraising team of the DC Walk.

The Walk to End Alzheimer’s in DC is the cornerstone of the chapter’s Walk program, but there are five other opportunities for those looking for a Walk closer to home, including Walk to End Alzheimer’s Prince George’s County at the National Harbor on Saturday, Oct. 26. Started ten years ago by former County Executive Rushern Baker and a group of passionate volunteers, the Prince George’s County Walk has grown in participation and excitement each year. This year’s Walk, chaired by Walter Kirkland, founding president of 100 Black Men of Prince George’s County, will take place at the National Harbor on Saturday, Oct. 26.

Returning is top team The Power of Love, led by captain Irma Nicholson, whose husband has been living with Alzheimer’s for the past 16 years. Says Nicholson, “With Prince George’s County having the fourth highest prevalence of any U.S. County of people living with Alzheimer’s [according to research released at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference 2023], the alarm needs to be sounded. We are leading the fight to help find a cure for this debilitating disease.”

In addition to the Walks in DC and Prince George’s County, the chapter will hold Walks in La Plata on Sept. 21, Reston on Sept 29, Manassas on Oct. 19, and Winchester on Oct. 26. Participants will learn about resources, support and volunteer opportunities and participate in a poignant Promise Garden ceremony — an experience that signifies the solidarity of the Walk participants in the fight against the disease as each person holds a Promise Garden flower representing their personal reason to end the disease.

Participation in Walk to End Alzheimer’s is free. Walkers are encouraged to raise funds. For more information and/or to register, visit alz.org/ncawalks or call 800.272.3900.

5 Team Power of Love from 2023

5 Team Tree's Champions of Liberty from 2023

HEALTH

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Emphasizes Importance of Diversity in Clinical Trials

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

As African Americans continue to grapple with health inequities, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC), held Sept. 11-Sept. 15, provided a safe space for conversations on how to eradicate disparities in Black com-

munities. The Sept. 12 panel, “The Road to Health Equity,” examined the justified mistrust, representation and inclusion of Black communities in varying clinical trials.

In a conversation moderated by Anthony Coley, political analyst, and NBC, CNBC, and MSNBC on-air contributor, panelists discussed the importance of inclusive and equitable clinical trials, trust-

ed messengers, and the need to address past and present barriers to encourage community engagement.

“Historically, minorities, due

At the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s®, we’re fighting for a different future and we’re closer than ever to stopping Alzheimer’s. But to get there, we need you. Join us for the world’s largest fundraiser to fight the disease.

to…medical apartheid in this country, like we fear the police, I think we also have this in our DNA to be mistrustful of any kind of research that we don't understand, that we might be guinea pigs for,” said panelist Dr. Leroy O. Perry Jr., pastor of St. Stephens AME Zion Church and Cultural Ambassador to the Yale Clinical Research program. “And so, this is almost a natural distrust. The question is, how do we get beyond that?”

From the Tuskegee experiment, where Black men were not treated to cure complications from syphilis, to Henrietta Lacks, whose cancer cells were taken without her permission and used for research that has been critical to modern medicine, Black Americans have a reason to be wary of clinical trials.

However, clinical trials, a method of research that assesses the effects of interventions on health-related biomedical or behavioral outcomes, are critical to the advancement of medical equity and medicinal improvements. Inclusivity and diversity in clinical trials are imperative to find treatments for those persons who are most impacted by the particular condition or disease being studied. Clinical trials can provide access to new treatments and approaches to care that may not be available to patients commercially. However, Coley echoed the extreme apprehension that many Black

Americans feel at the offer of clinical trials or promotion of medical interventions, similar to the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I remember when COVID started. [At the time], Johns Hopkins was in Southeast, D.C., and they were passing out the vaccine. I respected the vaccine, and my problem wasn't with the drug maker, but it was Johns Hopkins,” Coley shared. “Henrietta Lacks was in the back of my mind. The skepticism is real. It is deep, and it is rooted.”

According to the American Society of Clinical Oncology, an analysis of over 433,000 patients taking part in interventional clinical trials in the United States between 2010 and 2021, showed that Black people represented just 15% of participants overall. Further, only 8.5% of that population participated in oncology trials, despite representing 14.6% of the American population.

Historically, statistics show a disproportionately high percentage of White patients included in clinical trials nationwide, while minority groups are often underrecruited. Increasing diversity in clinical trials is critical in improving health equity and the quality of care, including advancing more effective drugs, surgeries, diets, lifestyle interventions, and behavioral approaches.

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Moderator Anthony Coley dives into the importance of diverse representation in clinical trials with panelist Teshia Harris. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Whitman-Walker Celebrates a Year in Congress Heights at the Max Robinson Center

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

Whitman-Walker, a leader in comprehensive health services for LGBTQ+ health care, primary care, HIV care, research, education and policy, is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Max Robinson Center in the Congress Heights community.

“The Max Robinson Center is the realization of more than a decades-long dream for Whitman-Walker,” the organization’s Health CEO Naseema Shafi said.

“Our new Max Robinson Center has given us the opportunity to address systemic barriers to health care, while creating an affirming environment with a best-in-class health care team who treat everyone with dignity and respect. We are all honored to work side-byside toward what we have already been able to achieve here in one year’s time and look forward to the next decades of work.”

In September 2023, Whitman-Walker unveiled its new center at 1201 Sycamore Drive SE, on the campus of St. Elizabeths East. The opening ceremony honored the site’s namesake and showcased the 118,000 square-foot cen-

ter featuring more than 60 exam rooms, 12 behavioral health suites and eight dental chairs, and more for surrounding Ward 7 and 8 residents.

After a year in the Congress Heights community, the Max Robinson Center has expanded an array of health care services to underserved residents east of the Anacostia River, providing closer access to critical diagnostic services, including x-rays and mammograms.

Among the extension of service and resources to the Congress Heights community, the Max Robinson Center maintains a cozy, yet artistic atmosphere, allowing residents to feel comforted while receiving critical care in a traditionally resource-scarce community.

“A year in, and we’re just getting started in connecting with this extraordinary community. I’m really proud of how staff are thinking about how we can get to know the people around our new Max Robinson Center and impact lives and counter health disparities in positive ways,” said Dr. Heather Aaron, CEO of Whitman-Walker Health System. WI

5 Whitman-Walker is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Max Robinson Center in the Congress Heights community. (Courtesy Photo)

EARTH OUR

DMV Academics and Activists Host 10th Annual Environmental Justice Symposium

By Kayla Benjamin Special to the Washington Informer

As the federal government devotes hundreds of billions of dollars to environmental justice work around the country, leaders in the movement expressed a mixture of celebration, caution and criticism during the 10th annual Environmental Justice Symposium. The four-day event, hosted in College Park, Maryland by the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health, wrapped up Sept. 14 after bringing together nearly 300 academics, activists, regulators and artists for

virtual and in-person discussions and speeches.

The 2024 symposium’s theme—“Environmental Justice: Past, Present and Future”—was reflected by the many speakers who have spent decades in the fight for equal access to clean water, air and soil. The Biden-Harris administration’s policies, including executive actions and legislation like the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, directed tens of billions of new dollars for environmental justice projects.

“What made [this] political moment possible is [that] people took their lives, took their time, sacri-

5 An in-person session at the Environmental Justice Symposium titled “Environmental Justice Issues in Washington, DC” featured: Dennis Chestnut, board chair of the Ward 7 Resilience Hub Community Coalition; ANC commissioners Rhonda Hamilton (Buzzard Point) and Sebrena Rhodes (Ivy City); Xavier Brown, UDC’s Anacostia ambassador and director of C2 Academy; Anthony David, environmental justice community organizer with Empower DC; and Tené Lewis, volunteer leader with NAACP DC’s Campaign to Reduce Lead Exposure and Asthma. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

ficed dinner at home with their kids… to go out in the streets, to go to their legislative offices and to fight,” said Michelle Martinez, director of the Tishman Center for Social Justice and the Environment at the University of Michigan, during a panel on Sept. 12.

“So the Inflation Reduction

Senator Van Hollen Sponsors Tax on America’s Biggest Polluters to Fund Climate Change Solutions

By Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Senator Chris Van Hollen (DMd.), Rep. Jerry Nadler (D- N.Y.) and Rep. Judy Chu (D- Calif.) joined forces on Sept. 12 to introduce legislation requiring the biggest polluters in America to begin paying their fair share to confront the climate crisis.

The Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act requires the largest U.S.-based fossil fuel extractors and oil refiners and foreign-owned companies doing business in the U.S. to pay into a $1 trillion fund, with their contributions based on a percentage of their global emissions. The Polluters Pay Climate Fund would then be used to finance a wide range of efforts to tackle the impacts of climate change.

“From sweltering heat waves to rising sea levels to ever more in-

tense storms, our planet is screaming out every day for us to take action on global warming. And after fueling the climate crisis for decades, big polluters can no longer run from their responsibility to address the harm they have done,” said Van Hollen. “The principle behind this legislation is simple but very powerful – polluters should pay to clean up the mess they made and build a more resilient future, and those who have polluted the most should pay the most.”

Congressman Nadler noted it is time for the fossil fuel industry to “pay its fair share to address the damage it has inflicted on our planet, and help the American people tackle this crisis head-on.”

“For over 60 years, the fossil fuel industry has been fully aware of its role in driving the climate crisis. Despite this, the industry has done

little to nothing to address the harmful effects their practices have had on the environment and public health,” said Nadler. “Instead, American taxpayers have been unfairly burdened with the costs of mitigating the destructive effects of the climate crisis. It is long past time for our nation to prioritize the health and well-being of our communities over the interests of the fossil fuel industry.”

The bill authors say the legislation will not impact current oil and gas prices, as the tax would be based on past production, and it would not reduce funding to existing state and federal climate funds.

This bill would assess companies based on their global carbon dioxide emissions and authorize the Treasury Department to charge the largest polluters in proportion

VAN HOLLEN Page 25

Act money is really just back pay for the [last] decade of hundreds, of thousands, of people in Black, brown, Indigenous communities who have been doing this labor of creating a better society for all of us,” Martinez continued.

Sessions included discussions of big ideas, such as “The Intersec-

5 Dr. Sacoby Wilson, director of the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health and a University of Maryland professor, founded the Environmental Justice Symposium in the fall of 2011 and ran the event’s 10th iteration last week. (Courtesy Photo/Kris Anderson, Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health)

tion of Art & Activism,” alongside practical workshops on skills like grant writing and using air quality sensors.

The symposium focused primarily on the Mid-Atlantic, and many panels centered on environmental justice case studies from around the D.C. region. Hundreds of online and in-person attendees from around the country could learn about: an Ivy City chemical plant operating within a residential neighborhood; efforts to improve food access and equity in D.C.’s wards 7 and 8; and air quality monitoring along Kenilworth Avenue in Prince George’s County, among dozens of other DMV-related topics.

Running the show was Dr. Sacoby Wilson, director of the Center for Community Engagement, Environmental Justice and Health and a University of Maryland professor, who founded the symposium in the fall of 2011.

Following the past, present and future theme, Wilson reflected on the major progress the environmental justice movement has seen and urged advocates to keep the pressure on government and philanthropic funders to make sure the money and attention is distributed fairly.

“Those on the front lines should be at the front of the line for those federal dollars,” Wilson said.

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to their past carbon emissions, in excess of 1 billion metric tons –resulting in the top polluters contributing $100 billion each year for 10 years to the fund.

The legislation applies to any fossil fuel extractor or refiner that is U.S.-based, or is a foreign company engaged in trade or business in the U.S., and is responsible for generating over 1 billion tons of carbon dioxide emissions from 2000-2022.

District of Columbia Del. Elenaor Holmes-Norton, Rep.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) and Rep. Jamie Raskin (D- Md.) are also co-sponsoring the bill.

“This bill is exactly what is needed to make sure average citizens are not the ones paying the extraordinary costs associated with adapting and recovering from the escalating impacts of the climate crisis,” said Maryland Director for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Brittany Baker. “We

“This bill is exactly what is needed to make sure average citizens are not the ones paying the extraordinary costs associated with adapting and recovering from the escalating impacts of the climate crisis,” said Maryland Director for the Chesapeake Climate Action Network Brittany Baker.

appreciate Senator Van Hollen’s leadership on this concept and are thrilled that this bill does not preempt state action.” WI

5 Senator Chris Van Hollen co-introduced the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, requiring the biggest polluters in America to begin paying their fair share to confront the climate crisis. (WI FIle

Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

VAN HOLLEN

EDUCATION

National Attacks on DEI Could Shift Demographics of the College to Corporation Pipeline

Side-Hustle Culture in Black Students Creates an Environment Where Diversity, Businesses Can Thrive

By Jada Ingleton WI Comcast Digital Equity Fellow

In a new era where diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices are under scrutiny, some DEI experts note the future of diverse talent in the college to corporation pipeline could see adverse effects; while others, despite challenges, offer hope for the future. As the Black community faces continued attacks on DEI, equity advocates emphasize the need for diversity in companies and institutions. At the same time, rising entrepreneurs stress the importance of self-investment to forge a path towards success.

Following George Floyd’s murder and the social prowess of the Black Lives Matter Movement in 2020, DEI initiatives saw a resurgence that upended companies’ approach to consumers and personnel. In 2023, NBC News reported that DEI roles increased by 55% following demands for racial equity and justice, and the Black Business Leadership Survey found that 88% of companies made a commitment to DEI strategies after Floyd’s death.

However, with recent litigation against minority-tailored organizations and the June 2023 Supreme Court ruling to overturn affirmative action, the national fight for diverse representation looks slightly different than four years ago, leaving businesses and institutions to consider the future of diverse applicants.

“Any time that there’s social progress on any issues relating to things like race and gender and so forth, I antic-

ipate that there will also be a backlash coming from people on the other side who want to stamp that out,” says David Glasgow, executive director of the Meltzer Center for Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging and an adjunct professor at New York University (NYU) School of Law. “What we're seeing now is there's a lot of people on the anti-DEI side who want it to just completely go away or die or what have you…but there are too many people committed to the work.”

THE BEGINNING OF DEI EFFORTS IN THE WORKPLACE, WHY DIVERSITY IS IMPORTANT FOR COMPANIES TODAY

The origins of diversity in the workplace can be traced back to the mid1960s with the introduction of affirmative action during the Civil Rights Movement. The policy, originally prohibiting employment discrimination based on race, religion, and national origin, was later amended to include women, and eventually adapted into college admissions by the late 1960s.

When the Supreme Court United States (SCOTUS) ruled 6-3 to ban affirmative action in college admissions in June 2023, it left many institutions and DEI advocates alike in upheaval, worrying about the future of applicants.

Even some corporations were concerned about the court’s decision, despite the direct impact falling on

higher education.

“I think that one of the most immediate impacts of that [SCOTUS] decision on the workplace is just going to be a more challenging landscape for organizations to find the kind of diverse talent that they want,” Glasgow says. “If you are an employer like Google or Microsoft that heavily recruits from the college educated workforce, it just stands to reason that the actual pool of talent that you're recruiting from might be less diverse than it was when affirmative action was committed.”

According to Forbes, months prior to the official ruling, 60 major companies, including Apple and Starbucks, filed a brief in support of Harvard University and the University of North Carolina – the two institutions at the forefront of the affirmative action case. The companies argued that “racial and ethnic diversity enhances business performance” and said they rely on universities to produce diverse leaders for businesses to recruit.

As a member of the National Black

MBA Association, seasoned freelancer and current lecturer at North Carolina Central University Brett Chambers considered a pivotal conversation with an undisclosed CEO about the realities of homogeneity in the workplace.

“He said, ‘diversity, equity and inclusion is not a social issue…It's a business strategy. If you don't have people representing the populations that you'd like to serve from your company, [it’s] going to be really hard for you to serve those communities,’”

Chambers says. “He talked about how diversity may be bringing people in, but inclusion is when you listen to them. We can bring in different people from different backgrounds, but are we listening to them? Because that's when we start having an impact in a lot of ways.”

In the brief, the companies stated that “acknowledging, supporting and promoting the benefits of diversity— specifically including racial and ethnic diversity—among their workforces is essential to meet client needs, achieve business goals, and strengthen rela-

The origins of diversity in the workplace can be traced back to the mid-1960s with the introduction of affirmative action during the Civil Rights Movement.

tionships both internally and with the communities (they) serve.”

According to the Washington State University’s Business Program, other research that supports diversified companies cites improvement in financial performance, investor relationships, problem-solution approaches, and more.

“It is not good for democracy, it's not good for social cohesion to have our institutions of power, whether that be Congress, corporations, media and so on, not representative of the wider public,” Glasgow says. “I think everybody, no matter who they are, what their background is, deserves to have an equal opportunity to access those kinds of positions. So having a more narrow kind of talent pool going into these organizations is negative on that basis, too.”

‘MAKING A WAY WHERE THERE’S HISTORICALLY BEEN VERY FEW’

One way that students have notoriously paved their financial paths

5 While diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices are under scrutiny, some DEI experts note the future of diverse talent in the college to corporation pipeline could see adverse effects, while others, despite challenges, offer hope for the future. (WI File Photo)

EDUCATION from Page 26

is through the normalization of side hustles, gig economy and entrepreneurship. According to a January survey from The Neighbor Blog, 69% of recent graduates do gig work, while 34% of college students and recent graduates use side hustle culture as a secondary source of income.

In addition to financial security and hobby fulfillment, some freelancers utilize their time and access to institutional resources to develop entrepreneurial skills and forge a path into the industry and self-investment.

“The side hustle culture can take on many different bases, but it can be a great way to start to make your way into an industry that has historically had very few of us,” says Raschanda Hall, president and founder of Social Pearls LLC, a Chicago-based digital marketing agency.

As Black entrepreneurship has skyrocketed in recent years (the Annual Business Survey (ABS) estimates that Black-owned firms’ gross revenue soared by 43% between 2017 and 2021), some emerging entrepreneurs

found solace in developing businesses that shape the broader community and advance Black creators.

Howard University recent graduate Lauren Smith, who self-started a multimedia production company as a junior, has seen the benefits of side hustle culture firsthand.

“I’ve always had this sense of whatever I create, I want to own it. You see a lot of hustle mentality at Howard University, and I really took a lot of that hunger and culture to transition into my own business,” says Smith. “In that environment, everybody is on their grind, everybody is building something from the ground up, so it really pushed me to do what I wanted to do.”

She emphasizes “serving the needs of others” and reframing the idea of Black progress in an ever-changing industry.

“This is probably an opportunity for us to just reinvest ourselves. We should start putting it back into our own spaces, or creating our own spaces. I think history beats us up, but we can repeat it or change the outcome to be something better,” she says. “In the

end, it comes down to connections, networking and community, and I think we have to do better as minorities, as people of color, and support one another.”

While the future of DEI in corporations hangs in the balance, Smith believes that employers can ultimately benefit from imploring various perspectives in their business agendas.

“Everybody has different experiences and different opportunities that can contribute to creating a better product. I think when we open up to people who have different backgrounds, different experiences, regardless of their skin color, gender or sexual orientation, we're able to tap into aspects [and explore things] that we probably wouldn't have if we kept ourselves to be single-minded,” Smith explains.

THE FUTURE OF DEI IN THE WORKPLACE

For Glasgow, the legal and legislative attacks on DEI will distinguish entities truly committed to these values from those that only prioritized equity under political pressure. Despite a shift in the technicalities and

EDUCATION

language behind the phenomenon, he says the “substance of the work” in DEI will remain for decades to come.

The diversity and inclusion specialist foreshadows a change in the way diversity initiatives are presented, referencing “universal DEI” as the future of mixed representation on the corporate level. While some people are concerned about potential policies rooted in a conservative SCOTUS or government, Glasgow has hope for the future.

“If the composition of the Supreme Court remains as it is and the law evolves in a conservative direction, I suspect that we will see a lot more of what I would call universal DEI –DEI-type programs that are really targeted at trying to improve the overall workplace culture and benefit everyone, whether you belong to a majority or minority group in that work environment,” he told The Informer.

Though some might argue that eliminating race-conscious initiatives could minimize intentional DEI efforts, Glasgow sees it as a chance to shape the future of diversity, equity and inclusion.

“I think this could be an opportunity to try to build a wider community of allies who are involved in these efforts and…mitigate some of the backlash to these programs. And I think, in reality, a lot of the people who are applying to participate in these kinds of programs are likely to belong to those marginalized or underrepresented groups as well,” Glasgow explains.

Like Glasgow, Hall seconds the notion that this is not the end of DEI, but could be the beginning of creating a world where DEI can be implemented naturally and celebrated from colleges to corporations.

“People shouldn’t need a law to know that diversity in the company is good. You shouldn’t need a diversity hire to want diverse talent in your business,” Hall says. “I hope that the next generation can really…know that diversity is not just good on paper – it's good for our company, it's good for our bottom line, it's good for the culture that we're trying to create. We may not see change, but I really hope that we will be able to pick up the rings and continue to see companies commit to doing this work.” WI

5 Lauren Smith, recent graduate of Howard University, is the founder and CEO of Ren Productions, a multimedia production company that specializes in film, photography, and audio and music production. (Courtesy Photo)

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.

Stop Creating Racist Narratives about

Haitian Immigrants, Treat Others as You Want to be Treated

As Americans address the influx of immigrants coming to this country, we must remember that the majority are law-abiding citizens seeking a better life.

Many immigrants are seeking refuge from war, famine, violence, poverty and more, and are hoping to settle in the United States to gain more opportunities and a semblance of safety.

However, some leaders such as former President Donald Trump, share a different narrative about immigrants.

"In Springfield, [Ohio] they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in,” Trump said during the Sept. 10 presidential debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, referring to Haitian immigrants. “They’re eating the cats. They’re eating the pets of the people that live there. This is what’s happening in our country, and it’s a shame.”

Republican Ohio Governor Mike DeWine responded to these allegations by Trump, which are supported by his running mate Sen. J.D. Vance, and others.

“I think we should take the word of the city manager and the mayor that they’ve found no evidence of that story of Haitians eating pets,” DeWine said.

A spokesperson for the city of Springfield has also dispelled such divisive rumors, stating, there have been

“no credible reports or specific claims of pets being harmed, injured or abused by individuals in the immigrant community.”

Further, most Haitians in Springfield legally reside in the United States.

Trump has a history of race-baiting. His track record of such divisiveness ranges from Trump and his father being sued in the early 1970s by the U.S. Justice Department, to taking out a full-page ad in the New York Times demanding the execution of five Black teenagers falsely accused of raping a white woman, to questioning the nationality of former President Barack Obama and the Blackness of Vice President Harris.

The White House, Congress, and state and local governments and businesses must address the challenges of the influx of immigrants into American cities with compassion, not falsehoods driven by racism.

It’s not fair, right or productive to spread lies about people. Trump often accuses others of lying about him (though with little factual support).

Even if people don’t truly lie on Trump, his actions show that he doesn’t want lies spread about him.

As the saying goes, “Treat others as you want to be treated.” WI

Black Youth Matter: We Must Prioritize Access to Mental Health for African American Adolescents

Throughout September, National Suicide Prevention Month, mental health organizations, practitioners and advocates alike emphasize prioritizing mental wellness and seeking treatment to combat symptoms that lead to people wanting to take their own lives.

While suicide is a heavy topic for many, working to prevent it is critical, particularly in the African American community, as recent federal data reveals suicide among Black youth is increasing at alarming rates.

In April, Pew reported (according to data from the Centers for Disease Control), that the suicide rate among Black youth ages 10 to 19 surpassed that of their white peers for the first time ever in 2022. In fact, there was a 54% increase among Black youth since 2018,

Very proud of the youth like Ny’lah Newkirk who are standing up against violence in our communities! I commend the young lady and all others like her for making an effort to make a difference. Gun violence is everybody’s problem.

Donald Hinton

Washington, D.C.

compared to a 17% decrease for white youth.

Young Washingtonians are also showing signs of mental health challenges at alarming rates.

According to a 2021 D.C. youth survey, 17% of high schoolers in the District have reported attempting to suicide, a statistic significantly greater than the national average of 7.4%.

Such alarming statistics have catapulted groups and organizations like the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) to take action.

In April 2019, the CBC created the Emergency Task Force on Black Youth Suicide and Mental Health, chaired by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-N.J.).

“Over the last several years, data has

emerged indicating an alarming increase in the suicide rates for Black children and teenagers over the past generation. While research has also shown climbing rates for youth from other racial and ethnic groups, this trend in Black youth runs counter to historical data showing lower rates of suicide among Black Americans,” according to the task force’s report “Ring the Alarm: The Crisis of Black Youth Suicide in America.”

According to the CBC, one of the reasons for the rise in suicides among young African Americans is access to mental health care.

“Black adolescents are significantly less likely to receive care for depression—a major risk factor for suicide— with pervasive structural inequities, social determinants of health, stigma and

TO THE EDITOR

Rest easy to the legendary Frankie Beverly. I’m so grateful I got to witness him in person many, many times. He is a Black American icon, and his legacy will endure forever!

Carole Wiltz

Upper Marlboro, Md.

mistrust of healthcare providers creating daunting barriers to treatment,” the report details.

For this reason, increasing access to mental health care in the Black community, overall, and particularly for young people, is critical to combating suicide among adolescents..

Removing barriers to mental health access in the Black community – from stigma, to costs, to transportation – can be a large step in preventing suicide and improving overall wellness for youth African Americans.

Parents, teachers and school counselors must make talking about mental health just as important as physical wellness. Emotional wellness should be just as prioritized as eating vegetables, getting physicals, learning, and advancing to the next grade.

Further, creating opportunities for mental health practitioners to engage with young people where they are can also be a step in the right direction. By ensuring that mental health practitioners are working with students, assessing their needs, and making treatment affordable – or free – helps to create a climate where emotional wellness is not only accessible, but a priority. It takes a village– from the home, to school, to health care providers, legislators and speciality programs– to remind Black youth that their lives matter and that mental health is important to survive and thrive.

Let’s work together to prevent suicide in the Black community, especially among young people, and promote overall wellness.

WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Trump Falling Apart

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world,

I rarely think of Irish poets, but I could not help thinking of William Butler Yeats as I watched the 45th president unravel during his debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. The Irish poet wrote:

Turning and turning in the widening gyre

The falcon cannot hear the falconer;

The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere

The ceremony of innocence is drowned;

The best lack all conviction, while the worst

Are full of passionate intensity.

The nation watched a man, once full of arrogance and bluster, reduce himself to a blubbering buffoon who

offered unproven accusations of immigrants eating dogs and cats to a nation that craved specificity about public policy. We watched a man who scowled and grimaced for nearly two hours while his joyful (yes, joy) opponent smiled and relaxed into her power. We watched a man who once boldly stalked candidate Hilary Rodham Clinton onstage, nearly cower when a confident Kamala Harris strode over to him and outstretched her hand in a gesture of courtesy and gentility. The former president was a shadow of his legendary self who could not seem to

Trump and Vance Continue Trafficking

It was a stunning moment, even by the standards of the MAGA era.

"These kind of anti-Black propaganda narratives that the 'savages are coming to destroy and eat your family' are really part of the same playbook that goes back hundreds of years. They try to create division and hate and get the political power that is up for grabs. It's really heartbreaking and tragic." — Erik Crew of the Haitian Bridge Alliance

We are living through Donald Trump's third consecutive run for the presidency, and nothing should surprise us during this year's campaign. For those of us who are not Trump supporters, we should be used to the name-calling, lies, racist attacks, bullying, hypocrisy, corruption, and total incompetence displayed by the Republican nominee. I have Trump

Outrageous, inflammatory lies about immigrants of color to incite rage among his aggrieved supporters have been Donald Trump's stock-in-trade for nearly a decade.

But even seasoned debate watchers were taken aback Tuesday night to hear his panicked bellow, "They're eating the dogs! … They're eating the cats!"

The day before the debate, Trump's running mate, J.D. Vance, amplified a false smear

fatigue, and my personal decision to vote for Vice President Kamala Harris was already made prior to last week's presidential debate. Before and during the debate, the contrast between Harris and Trump was crystal clear. The contrast was reinforced as Harris made a compelling and powerful case to the American people.

People who said they needed to know more about the vice president were given a preview of the future versus the replay of the past. Harris is no longer in the shadow of President Joe Biden. During the debate, potential

connect all of the dots and had to resort to lies — 33 of them, according to CNN — to cover both his ineptitude and his ignorance.

Vice President Kamala Harris handled the business of the debate from the handshake to the facts, and her preparation showed. She irritated the 45th President numerous times, from telling him that he was "fired by 81 million people" to needling him on his much-exaggerated crowd size. His team crowed that he didn't need to prep as much as he did, but his lack of preparation showed, even when

Racist Lies About Immigrants

about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio eating people's pets. He has also misrepresented a tragic school bus accident as "a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant." Trump's unhinged rant during the debate triggered an outpouring of mocking internet memes and jokes.

But for the immigrants who bear the brunt, these vicious lies and racist stereotypes are no laughing matter. Trump and Vance have unleashed a firestorm of racial hatred and violent threats. Two days after

the debate, bomb threats forced the evacuation of Springfield City Hall, two schools and a state motor vehicle facility.

Politicians have long sought to dehumanize and demonize minority cultures via their real or imagined culinary customs. Presidential candidate Grover Cleveland printed trading cards for his 1888 campaign that depicted Chinese immigrants eating rats. Just this week, "pro-white nationalism" Trump ally Laura Loomer targeted his opponent's south

he tried to turn one of his zingers on her. Although both microphones were off, she spoke over him and he gleefully said, "I'm speaking. Sound familiar?" Reprising her line from the VP debate with Mike Pence in 2020 might have been effective if he didn't have to attempt to mock her with the "sound familiar," but the fact that he added that made him seem as effete and ineffective as he is.

The two passionately mixed it up on abortion, where he lied and

MALVEAUX Page 53

Asian heritage with a social media post referencing curry.

The influx of 12,000 to 20,000 Haitian immigrants, most of whom are in the United States legally, has strained schools and other services in Springfield, a city of about 60,000. Racial tensions were further strained after tragic accident involving a Haitian driver last August claimed the life of an 11-year-old boy. Vance further fanned the flames of racial hatred

voters saw a woman poised and ready to serve as the nation's next president and commander-in-chief. Republicans are also taking note of the relevant contrast between the candidates. Former Vice President Dick Cheney, a fixture in the Republican Party's establishment wing, made the personal decision to support Vice President Harris for the White House. Cheney was joined by Alberto Gonzales, who served as attorney general in the George W. Bush administration. Cheney and Gonzales are adding to the growing list of Republicans who

see the contrast and are willing to step out publicly and take a stand.

By pointing the finger at ABC moderators Linsey Davis and David Muir, Trump supporters obliviously saw the contrast from the debate in a different light. It is true that the moderators fact-checked Trump five times and did not correct Harris a single time. Trump was quickly corrected when promoting falsehoods on abortion, migrants, and the 2020 election. Therefore, Trump supporters are critical of the moderators for being biased against the former president. Trump

also added to the bias claim. "It was three to one. It was a rigged deal, as I assumed it would be," the former president told "Fox & Friends." Any untrue comments from either candidate needed to be exposed and clarified for the benefit of potential voters. What they perceive as bias, others see as responsible and accountable journalism. In a post-debate interview, Davis acknowledged that the first presidential debate between Trump and President Biden impacted the

Marc H. Morial

W. Marshall

Julianne Malveaux

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

National Policy Alliance Conference

During the past week, Denise Tyler, executive director of the National Policy Alliance, held a meeting in Washington, D.C., during the Congressional Black Caucus. Johnny Ford, longtime mayor of Tuskegee, Ala., served as moderator of the meeting and shared many words of wisdom.

The packed house included many attendees with valuable information

to share. Ms. Tyler did a masterful job selecting speakers. Among the distinguished presenters were Rev. Bernice King (daughter of Dr. Martin Luther and Coretta Scott King); Rev. Jamal Bryant, pastor of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Georgia; members of the powerful Blacks in Government; and numerous other brilliant speakers addressing a variety of interests for mayors, local/county officials, heads of various organizations, and business owners.

Tony Wilson, known as "Young James Brown," performed a new song

he, George, and Angelyn Gordon recently created in honor of Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Antoine Thomas led an outstanding discussion on housing. Darryl Barnes, chair emeritus of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus, spoke on government resources in various areas. Another speaker offered this advice: "There are three things that always matter in what we do: Collaboration, collaboration, collaboration! No one man or woman can do everything alone in our community, but together we can make a difference."

Lessons After September 11

As the nation and world commemorated the anniversary of September 11 last week, I remembered again that it was a gloriously beautiful morning in Atlanta, Georgia, on September 11, 2001. I saw a glimpse of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s beloved community in his hometown as I attended the first public event of organizations that had joined together to sponsor a breakfast

with several hundred Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Baha'i, Buddhist, Hindu and political and community leaders of every color to affirm our joint responsibility to ensure a safe and fit nation and world for all of God's children. I was moved to tears as the angelic Harmony Children's Choir, who looked like a little United Nations, sang the anthem of our civil rights movement, "We Shall Overcome," as sweetly and convincingly as I had ever heard.

This taste of heaven and hope on earth was shattered by hate and hell

on earth as my friend Andrew Young met me at the door with the news of the terrorists' planes crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon and the unknown whereabouts of President George W. Bush. I gasped aloud in horror at the world spinning out of control so suddenly. Gone forever was our false sense of security and invulnerability that our military and economic might and political rhetoric had embedded into our collective psyches. My deepest initial fear was about the reaction of our leaders and the chance of a catastrophic third

Saving the World as a Path to Prosperity

"Made in the USA" is a tagline that should apply to every major piece of the clean energy economy. It is within our grasp. But we need to bust some myths. This week, clean energy and sustainability leaders from around the country got to tour the site of a new Qcells solar panel factory in Cartersville, Georgia. Once the new facility is up and running, Qcells will maintain the first

fully integrated solar supply chain in the U.S. — all right there in Georgia. Not far from Cartersville, the Qcells plant in Dalton, Georgia, has already shown how good-paying clean energy jobs can help communities and even give the workers and their families a sense of pride and purpose. The new plant will further demonstrate how onshoring clean energy supply chains can create even more good jobs and help us achieve energy independence, all while helping to meet our climate goals. Yet there is a myth that seems to live in the minds of many that solving the

world’s most critical and overarching problem — the climate crisis — must necessarily be all about sacrifice as opposed to widespread economic gain. It is an example of so-called conventional wisdom being, well, nonsense. It is nothing new. But it is a reminder to beware of conventional wisdom pushed by fossil fuel interests over basic common sense and what we see right in front of us.

What is happening with Qcells in Georgia was spurred by investments from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). It is that law, along with the oth-

Among the resolutions coming from the conference were:

- A resolution urging Congress to pass a bill honoring Rosa Parks with a federal holiday, noting that she is highly worthy and there's currently no federal holiday honoring a woman of any race.

- A resolution in support of Black farmers, Black contractors, and playgrounds for children in our communities.

- A resolution in support of clean energy, including building charging stations in our communities to encour-

age more electric cars.

- A resolution that encourages greater homeownership by assisting people in readiness for homeownership.

- A resolution to develop a plan and strategy to address community needs. It was noted that while we currently have many plans, there is little action. We must remember there has to be a leader, and we must coalesce around somebody. We were encouraged to create a blueprint to present to the White House with our issues. It was decided

world war with nuclear weapons.

After I ran to call family members, my next urgently felt need was to go to Dr. King's Atlanta gravesite to share the loving, hopeful vision of the morning darkened by the despair and death at the hands of faceless people whose names I did not know. His prophetic warnings raced around my mind: "Our choice is no longer between violence and nonviolence but between nonviolence and nonexistence." I wondered what God was teaching us through this unspeakable tragedy. Could it be a chance to bring

us closer to our world neighbors, or would it push us further apart? Surely the extraordinary courage, generosity and sacrifice of so many trapped in or near the World Trade Center renewed our belief in human beings and human kindness. One survivor of the Twin Towers attack said: "If you had seen what it was like in that stairway, you'd be proud. There was no gender, no race, no religion. It was everyone, unequivocally, helping each other." It was another unforgettable vision of

EDELMAN Page 54

er crucial policies of the Biden-Harris administration — like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and its tariffs against China — that is helping give rise to the boom in clean energy projects across this country and a boom in manufacturing jobs supporting them. The broader picture is of a powerful partnership between the public and private sectors to create a rising economic tide that lifts all boats.

A report last year by E2 analyzed job creation from clean energy projects in the first year following passage of the IRA. It found that for every direct job

in clean energy, even more indirect and induced jobs were created to support clean energy production and its supply chain. The construction industry and the supply chains that feed it benefited the most but "sectors ranging from healthcare and hospitality to retail trade and real estate will also benefit greatly."

We must continue to onshore our supply chains, to manufacture domestically the steel and other raw materials needed for infrastructure and every aspect of the next economy. Break-

JEALOUS Page 54

WILLIAMS Page 54

Marian Wright Edelman

Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Guest Columnist

LIFESTYLE

WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST

WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV!

By Jada Ingleton WI Comcast Digital Equity Fellow

The DMV is filled with family-fun and excitement this weekend. Check out a handful of the many events happening — from immersive installations and nostalgic musicals to historic celebrations of culture and legacy.

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. 19

Dvořák Dreams:

An Installation by Refik Anadol

4 p.m. | Free Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Refik Anadol’s acclaimed fusion

of art, music, history, and artificial intelligence makes its U.S. premiere at the Kennedy Center, with an immersive data sculpture transforming the legacy of Czech composer Antonín Dvořák into a multi-sensory experience.

A Night at the Museum: Celebrating 57 years of ACM

7 p.m. - 10 p.m. | Free registration

Anacostia Community Museum, 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, D.C., 20020

Come celebrate 57 years of the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. Embracing their legacy of preserving the community stories of Washington D.C., this year will take a page from the past and host a 90's themed party.

Guests will enjoy throwback vibes by DJ Farrah Flosscett and be entertained by local breakdancers. Experience ACM's current exhibition: A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts

Education In Washington, D.C. 1900 - 2000. Bar service provided by Sugar Rim, small bites by 7 Starr Wings and Penny Candy to bring home the nostalgia!

FRIDAY, SEPT. 20

Summer Jam: Hispanic Heritage Month

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. | Free Driskell Park, 3911 Hamilton St, Hyattsville, MD 20781

Come celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the Hispanic Heritage-themed Summer Jam at Driskell Park! Make new friends, practice your Spanish, and have fun while learning about rich cultures. Live music, food, adult beverages, and kids activities will also be available.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 21

Festival of CulturesGallery Exhibition

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Free Oxon Hill Library, 6200 Oxon Hill Rd, Oxon Hill, MD 20745

Operations ARTS Foundation is thrilled to unveil an extraordinary gallery exhibition featuring the talented artist Marilyn Gates-Davis. Part of the much-anticipated “Fes-

3Audi Field will host the fourth annual “Truth and Service Classic” college football game between home team Hampton University and visitor Howard University, on Sept. 21. (WI File

known as the “Battle for the Real HU.”

SUNDAY, SEPT. 22

Shrek The Musical 1 p.m. | $54.00+

Capital One Hall, 7750 Capital One Tower Rd, Tysons, VA 22102

Everyone’s favorite ogre is back in the hilarious stage spectacle based on the Oscar®-winning, smash hit, DreamWorks animated film.

Tony Award-winning duo Jeanine Tesori (music) and David Lindsay-Abaire (book) revisit their first collaboration to deliver a more intimate and engaging experience – a joyful, colorful SHREK that leans into the humanity in everyone that celebrates their differences.

tival of Cultures,” in partnership with Prince George’s County Memorial Library System (PGCMLS), the exhibition will take place at the Oxon Hill Library branch on Sept. 21, and is on display until Oct. 21.

The exhibition will kick off with a grand opening during the “Festival of Cultures,” a community event dedicated to honoring and celebrating the rich tapestry of cultural diversity. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to experience Gates-Davis’s compelling art in a prominent and accessible public space.

Truth and Service Classic -

Hampton vs. Howard

4 p.m. | $27.00+

Audi Field, 100 Potomac Ave SW, Washington, D.C., 20024

Audi Field will host the fourth annual “Truth and Service Classic” college football game between home team Hampton University and visitor Howard University.

The Truth and Service Classic is not just a football game; it is a celebration of the rich history and enduring legacy of Howard University and Hampton University. This storied rivalry between two of the nation’s prominent historically Black colleges dates to 1908 and is

With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford (Choreographer, “Dear Evan Hansen”) filled with lush orchestrations, this reimagined production brings the show back to its roots – giving it a new kind of love emphasizing the importance of loving ourselves and one another.

DC Theatre Week 2024: City on the River Concert 3 p.m. | $27.00+

District Wharf, SW, Wharf St SW, Washington, D.C., 20024 Theatre Washington returns to the DC Wharf Transit Pier to make waves with musical theatre showstoppers from a dozen of the local theatre scene’s productions from this season. The banks of the Potomac will hum with songs from “Jersey Boys” (Toby’s Dinner Theatre), “In the Heights” (Signature Theatre), “Frozen” (Olney Theatre Center), and more. This year’s free City on the River Concert will feature 15 D.C.-area theatre artists who will spend the afternoon showing off highlights from the season’s biggest musicals. Plus, audiences can be part of the fun too, by telling their stories at the pre-show interactive performance piece: “Our Living Room” with Melanie Douglass.

WI

Photo/ Abdullah Konte)

5With all-new original direction and choreography by Danny Mefford, filled with lush orchestrations, this reimagined production, based on the 2001 DreamWorks film “Shrek,” brings a new kind of love emphasizing the importance of loving ourselves and one another. (Courtesy Photo/CYorkPhoto, Jason Anderson, Pendleton Photography)

ADOBO's DMV Dance Revolution: Celebrating Black and Afro-Latino Culture Through Music and Movement

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

The DMV's own ADOBO has taken the region by storm, transforming local dance floors into vibrant stages celebrating Black and Afro-Latino culture. What started as a grassroots event in 2018 is now a powerful cultural movement, and its recent stops in Washington, D.C., and Baltimore have proven that ADOBO's message of unity through music resonates like never before.

Co-founded by Pedro Night, Walter Alvarado, and Marcus Dowling, ADOBO is more than just a dance party; it’s a celebration of identity and diversity, with a mission to empower and uplift Black and Afro-Latino communities across the nation. Through its dynamic events, ADOBO provides a space for cultural expression, connection, and exchange, drawing on the rich heritages of Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Africa.

THE DMV COMES ALIVE: ADOBO'S HOMECOMING

The tour began with an unforgettable night at The Bullpen in Washington, D.C., where a 3,000-person crowd gathered to dance to the beats of DJs like Night, DJ Moma, and

Four Color Zack. The energy was electric as people from all walks of life came together, celebrating their shared heritage and the unique blend of cultures that defines the DMV area.

Night, ADOBO's Nicaraguan-born CEO and co-founder, set the tone for the evening with a set that fused Afrobeat, hip-hop, Latin grooves, and house music, embodying the event’s core philosophy: to celebrate Black and Afro-Latino cultures through dance.

"We wanted to start this tour in D.C. to show the country what we have here—a diversity and energy that you can't find anywhere else," Night said.

The tour's DMV leg continued with a stop in Baltimore, where ADOBO brought its high-energy celebration to Power Plant Live! on Sept. 14. The event, held in honor of Central American Heritage Month, featured local favorites like Craze and Gio Sandz. The Baltimore stop showcased ADOBO's commitment to bridging communities and highlighting the rich, diverse voices that make up the Afro-Latino diaspora.

“Baltimore has a special energy, and we wanted to celebrate that by highlighting the city’s connection to Central American and Caribbean cultures,” said Alvarado. “It’s about more than just the music; it’s about creating

a space where people feel they belong, where they can come together to celebrate their roots.”

BLACK AND AFRO-LATINO VOICES AT THE FOREFRONT

ADOBO stands apart by putting Black and Afro-Latino voices at the center of its events, ensuring that each gathering is a reflection of the communities it seeks to empower. From its affordable, inclusive approach to its carefully curated lineups, ADOBO has carved out a unique space in the nightlife scene where everyone is welcome, and every culture is celebrated.

“The beauty of ADOBO is in its diversity,” explained Dowling. “We’re bringing together people from different backgrounds to dance, connect, and learn from one another. It’s a celebration of what makes us unique, and that’s powerful.”

ONWARD TO CHICAGO

While ADOBO’s roots remain firmly planted in the DMV, its mission extends far beyond.

Next, the tour heads to Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 28, where ADOBO will bring its signature celebration of

culture and community to the Cerise Rooftop at The Virgin Hotel.

Featuring performances by DJs Gio Sandz and DJ Mochi, the Chicago event promises to carry forward the spirit of the DMV stops while adding its unique Midwestern flavor to the mix.

“We’re excited to bring ADOBO to Chicago,” said Night. “Every city has its own story, its own energy. We’re looking forward to seeing how Chicago’s communities come together to celebrate with us.”

LOOKING FORWARD

As ADOBO prepares to light up

Chicago, the movement shows no signs of slowing down. With its focus on Black and Afro-Latino empowerment, ADOBO continues to build bridges, celebrate diversity, and bring people together on dance floors across the country.

“We’re just getting started,” Night emphasized. “This tour is about sharing the essence of what makes our cultures vibrant and strong. We can't wait to see what’s next.”

Follow ADOBO’s journey on Instagram and TikTok @adobodmv and stay tuned for the latest updates. For more information, visit adobodmv. com. WI

Sept 17 – Nov 7

L–R: Melrose by Clementine Hunter, White Gold by TWIN.

5Two friends blow bubbles amidst a bustling crowd at an ADOBO event in Washington, D.C. (Courtesy Photo/ShotbyBlanco)

Celebrating the Many Sounds of D.C. Area Music

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Each season, the Kennedy Center creates programs that showcase the vast array of music unique to the Washington, D.C. area. For two nights, “DC Originality,” a musical journey, took audiences through sounds from the past and present, with a nod to the future, with performances accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra.

Kellen Gray, a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, now living in Scotland, was the NSO’s guest conductor.

“We journey through the musical and cultural landscape of Washington, D.C.,” Gray said about the concert. “One of my favorite projects with NSO is the ‘In Your Neighborhood’ series, where we take the music out of the concert hall into the heart

of D.C.’s vibrant communities. That is the idea for this concert.”

“Originality DC” hosts were Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor Anthony Anderson and Tonya M. Matthews, Ph.D., native Washingtonian and president and CEO of the International African American Museum (IAAM) in Charleston, South Carolina. Anderson provided some comic relief as he and Matthews introduced segments of the production.

STARTING WITH WHAT WE KNOW

The event honored District native sons Duke Ellington and Marvin Gaye.

Singer and music curator Imani-Grace Cooper began with “Lush Life,” composed by Billy Strayhorn, Ellington’s frequent collaborator.

Native Washingtonian Kenny Lattimore joined Cooper to sing “You’re All I Need to Get By,” the 1968 Motown hit duet Gaye and Tammi Terrell recorded. Both Cooper and Lattimore are Howard University alumni.

Singer-songwriter Lattimore then performed two selections, starting with the classical tune “Parlami d’amore,” which the singer sang in Italian. The performance was beautiful and received thunderous applause.

Lattimore, a D.C. native ended his set with his Grammy-nominated hit “For You.” His range through the song selections showed that Lattimore is worthy of a full concert with NSO.

“D.C. is an intelligent music city. It is a diverse music city,” Lattimore said in an exclusive interview on The Washington Informer’s WIN-TV

platform. “I am performing this because we are an educated city. This show touches on jazz, classical, and R&B.”

D.C.’S MUSICAL REPRESENTATION ON POINT

The String Queens, the performers who are also local educators, had a huge cheering section at the Kennedy Center.

Violinist Kendall Isadore, cellist Élise Sharp, and violist Dawn Johnson opened with the familiar Beethoven's Symphony No. 5, transitioning smoothly into En Vogue’s “Don’t Let Go,” then moving forward with Anita Baker’s “Sweet Love.” All of the songs in the medley came together spectacularly.

Jazz, which has long had a stronghold in the District, was also a major highlight of the evening, with tunes sung by Howard University’s 10-member vocal group Afro Blue, accompanied by NSO and acapella. Southeast, D.C. native and Duke Ellington School of the Arts graduate Chistylez Bacon, a Grammy-nominated oral percussionist, also wowed during the show. Called a human beatbox, Christylez Bacon made music with percussive sounds from his voice without using physical instruments. He performed a duet with violinist Marissa Regni, principal second violinist with NSO. In addition, D.C.’s own Ginuwine got the ladies excited with his hits.

Finally, the show honored D.C.’s official sound, go-go music, closing the concert with the Go-Go AllStars.

“DC Originality” was not just a concert, but a lesson on local musical history. WI

5Kenny Lattimore was one of the D.C. artists performing during “DC Originality,” a concert celebrating the range of music produced locally.

(Courtesy Photo/Julian Thomas)

5Southeast Washington’s Christylez Bacon, a human beatbox, with violinist Marissa Regni, principal second violinist with NSO. (Courtesy Photo/Julian Thomas)

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

Duke Ellington School of the Arts Celebrates 50th Anniversary Students,

Teachers Return to the Institution, Represent Generations of Impact

By: Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow

On Thursday, Sept. 12, the past, present and future of Duke Ellington School of the Arts was brought to life in commemoration of the illustrious institution's 50th anniversary. The momentous occasion spoke to the legacy of the historic high school, as students and educators – from many generations –gathered to display their artistry and honor 50 years of culture and impact.

In a multimedia collaboration, Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) hosted the “Ellington Works: 50 Years and the Next” (EW50) exhibition, which includes works by current and former Ellington students and teachers, along with selected guest artists. The immersive exposition showcases stories and creativity of a multitude of artists across various departments, embodying the vision and footprint of the school’s founders: Peggy Cooper Cafritz and Mike Malone.

“As we continued to think about [the exhibition], I was thinking about when people came back here, what would be there for them?” said Marta Stewart,

founding chair of DESA’s Museum Studies Department. “The inspiration was to honor what Peggy and Mike did when they said, ‘I want to make a school.’ It was the stories of the people who made it…the stories that sort of unfolded that made this exhibit be more than just art on the walls.”

THE HISTORY BEHIND DUKE ELLINGTON SCHOOL OF THE ARTS

What started as a three-page proposal and a $30,00 self-raised fund, soon became a dual curriculum institution dedicated to molding the future scholars and changemakers of the arts. Founded in 1974, Duke Ellington School of the Arts was established to provide talented District youth with equitable access to a transformative education, offering college–preparatory academics in addition to pre-professional arts training. Cafritz and Malone envisioned a school where students could reach their full potential, both intellectually and

5Celebrated artist Simmie Knox, the first African American to be commissioned for a presidential portrait, poses next to one of his multiple featured paintings, titled “Paul Robeson,” at Duke Ellington School of the Arts on Thursday, Sept. 12.

(Jada Ingleton/The Washington Informer)

Medicare's Out-Of-Date Policies areBlocking the Progress We Need to Achieve Black Health Equity

By Annette Ansong, Rachel Bond, and Tiffany Powell-Wiley

A new and effective class of anti-obesity medicines, along with lifestyle interventions and sometimes bariatric surgery, can help stem the rising tide of obesity in the United States. But outdated rules set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services make access to these new medicines nearly impossible for the 50 million Americans covered by Medicare and its prescription drug coverage program.

The American Heart Association (AHA) first recognized obesity as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease in 1998. Yet more than 25 years later, skyrocketing rates of obesity remain one of the leading causes of compromised cardiovascular health, and cardiovascular disease is still the leading cause of death in the United States.

Black Americans have suffered disproportionately: no other demographic faces higher incidence of both obesity and cardiovascular diseases, including heart attack, stroke, hypertension (high blood pressure), high cholesterol, and congestive heart failure. As members of the Association of Black Cardiologists and women in medicine, we believe it is a moral and medical imperative to address the obesity epidemic before it gets even worse.

The tools needed to do that are within our grasp. But outdated — and dangerous — views of obesity as a lifestyle choice rather than a chronic disease continue to persist, even within policymaking circles, suppressing the action needed to drive affordable and equitable treatment options.

The latest figures should be a wake-up call for elected officials and policymakers. Obesity is on a disastrous upward trajectory across the U.S. More than 100 million American adults are living with the disease, and, according to a study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, half of all American adults are expected to be living with obesity by 2030.

These figures are even more bleak for the Black community: half of Black Americans are already suffering from obesity, while a staggering 80% of black women are living with obesity or are overweight.

Cardiovascular health outcomes for Black Americans have continued to decline in tandem with rising obesity rates. Black adults experience a higher burden of cardiometabolic risk factors such as high blood pressure and are more than twice as likely to die of cardiovascular disease as white adults.

It's even worse for Black women, who are nearly 60% more likely to have high blood pressure, and who experience higher rates of death due to coronary heart disease and stroke.

The fact that these deaths are caused by largely preventable and modifiable conditions only underscores why it's critical to change course and focus on prevention and treatment.

New anti-obesity medications are proving to be life-changing for people living with obesity. In addition to helping people manage their weight, these medicines also show huge promise in helping mitigate illnesses associated with obesity, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Our patients want to be able to use these medicines, they offer vital new tools that cardiologists and other medical providers can deploy.

Yet coverage policies that govern access to these FDA-approved therapies lag woefully behind. In particular, Medicare's prescription drug coverage program, known as Part D, does not cover treatments and therapies for weight loss, a policy initially implemented at a time when obesity was considered a behavioral issue.

Now that obesity has been recognized as a disease — and not a failure of willpower — and what's now known about its complexity, associated risks, and alarming rate of growth, continuing to deny millions of Americans access to life-saving treatments is unacceptable.

Congress can change that by passing the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (H.R. 4818), which would mandate the inclusion of anti-obesity medicines in Part D coverage.

Although this change would be important for all Americans, reversing this exemption is a matter of equity and justice for Black Americans. The longer Medicare fails to provide coverage of these medicines, the longer underserved people will be left to fight obesity on their own.

Annette Ansong, M.D., is a pediatric cardiologist in Reston, Virginia, and co-chair of the Association of Black Cardiologists (ABC) Committee on Cardiovascular Disease in Women & Children. Rachel Bond, M.D., is a cardiologist in Chandler, Arizona, co-chair of the ABC Committee on Cardiovascular Disease in Women & Children, and a member of the ABC Board of Directors. Tiffany Powell-Wiley, M.D., is a cardiologist and co-chair of the ABC Research Committee.

The Headhunters Take Crowds on Exciting Musical Journey in 50th Celebration Tour of Critically Acclaimed Album

By Brenda C. Siler

WI Contributing Writer

Earlier this year, Herbie Hancock announced a reunion tour of The Headhunters, the jazz group that set the music charts on fire with their self-titled album “Head Hunters” (note the slightly different spelling between the group name and the album name), released in 1973.

The original Headhunters were Herbie Hancock (keyboards), Harvey Mason (drums), Paul Jackson (bass), Bennie Maupin (saxophone), and Bill Summers (percussion). Over time, musicians moved in and out of the group.

The current iteration of The Headhunters performed recently at Hamilton Live in Northwest, D.C. The group consisted of founding percussionist Bill Sum-

mers, drummer Mike Clark, Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, Kyle Roussel on keyboards, and Chris Severin on six-string bass. Each group member was allowed to stretch out with engaging solo features.

The banter between Summers and Clark provided historical tidbits about the significance of the album “Head Hunters” and how the group has evolved over the years.

This tour is more than a reunion, it’s a tribute. When the album was released in 1973, who knew what its impact would be?

The tight band brought back memories from 51 years ago and shared a sound that is still relevant.

When the audience heard that unmistakable opening bass on “Chameleon,” it was on!

It was a surprise to see the Afri-

can flute at the beginning of “Watermelon Man” was actually Summers blowing into a beer bottle, followed by more bass.

With more than 50 years since the album was released, “Head Hunters” still has a distinct vibe, loved by many, which is probably why it has been sampled so much.

In 2007, the Library of Congress added the album “Head Hunters” to the National Recording Registry, which collects "culturally, historically or aesthetically important" sound recordings from the 20th century.

“Head Hunters” has been a critical contribution to the music world. The current group’s forthcoming LP, “The Stunt Man,” is due for release on Oct. 11 via Ropeadope Records.

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DESA from Page 36

creatively, while gaining the necessary skills to pursue a post-secondary education or careers in artistic mediums.

Today, the institution – recognized as one of the top schools in the nation by US News in 2022 – offers a world-class education in a state-of-the art building in Northwest, D.C. and holds eight departments, ranging from Dance and Vocal Music, to Museum Studies and Technical, Design & Production.

“We look for opportunities to not just teach our students inside the classroom, but give them experiential learning outside the classroom,” Stewart told The Informer. “The entire world is our classroom.”

A COLLABORATIVE EXHIBIT

Students and teachers from the Museum Studies, Visual Arts, and Cinematic Arts & Media Production departments helped bring “Ellington Works: 50 Years and the Next” to life.

The exhibition offers a plethora of inspiring visuals, including paintings of notable figures, equivocal artwork, and clothing designs from multiple classes.

Former graduates like Hank Willis Thomas, who curated an exhibit at the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History at 16 years old, and former teacher Simmie Knox, the first African American to be commissioned for a presidential portrait, were just a few of the celebrated featured artists in the exhibit.

Further, members of the Duke Ellington staff, such as second-year teacher Blake Pierre, showcased what it means to be a part of the DESA community.

“This is the only school in the area that actually fosters a student's creativity and provides the curriculum for students to really be able to hone in on their craft…over a course of four years,” Pierre told The Informer. “To be able to be a part of that is really meaningful and powerful, and to be able to cultivate the skill of these different artists so young is very important.”

Pierre’s featured portrait, titled “Kristos,” meaning “one bearing Christ or Christ-like energy,” reflected his speciality of intersecting spirituality and psychological interpretations with artistic visuals, a common theme of his personal work and academic approach. By using artwork to educate and inspire others in the realm of the mind and soul, Pierre believes artists can develop a better understanding of themselves and their environment, and apply that knowledge to establish a deeper relationship with their creations.

“Working with young students, [I] always encourage them to understand who they are, to know to really study themselves – what they like and what they're drawn to, and really kind of figure out who they are. Understand how music affects us, how movies affect us subconsciously, how our environment affects us, and then how we can utilize those things for our rights instead of being influenced by them to our detriment, ” he said.

According to Anthony Nsofor, vice president of the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association, spaces such as DESA and EW50 amplify the mission and movement of the arts, and allow artists to be beacon of change in an evolving society.

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Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5The current members of The Headhunters are (L-R) Big Chief Donald Harrison on alto sax, founding percussionist Bill Summers, drummer Mike Clark, Chris Severin on six-string bass, and Kyle Roussel on keyboards. The group recently performed at Hamilton Live in DC. (Courtesy photo/Rick Swig)

WHITE

HOUSE from Page 1

Karine Jean-Pierre.

Speaking before Biden, JeanPierre praised the administration's support of Black Americans.

“There are hundreds of Black leaders on the South Lawn of the White House who exemplify Black excellence,” she noted.

Under the Biden-Harris administration, the representation of Black Americans in powerful roles has become the norm, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and equity.

Biden highlighted the administration's efforts to improve healthcare access for Black Americans, noting the significant strides made in increasing enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage.

According to a White House fact sheet, the administration has “lowered premium costs by an average of $800 for millions of Americans, increasing Black enrollment in Affordable Care Act coverage by 95%, or over 1.7 million people since 2020.”

The President also reflected on noteworthy past events held on the White House grounds

HOUSING from Page 1

beleaguered homeowners can afford to settle elsewhere in the District.

“We ended up in this battle of wills with the city,” said Hagler, NACA development director. “They didn’t want to put on the table the kind of mortgage assistance funds to help them get housing in D.C. We knew that with the city lowballing, the people free from a mortgage would not be able to afford to remain in D.C.”

Hagler, pastor emeritus of Plymouth Congregational Church of Christ in Northeast, went on to say that the D.C. government often colludes with developers to increase profit, much to the detriment of former condominium owners at River East at Grandview Estates on Talbert Street, and other low- and working-class people trying to make a way.

The mortgage relief negotiations, he said, became contentious as the government tried to settle on an amount that wouldn’t have been much help to condominium owners.

“They had no problem subsidizing loans in the beginning because that benefitted the developer,” Hagler said. “Then it went south.

“On this very lawn, in front of the White House built by enslaved people, we hosted the

The city turned around and said it wasn’t their responsibility. But they created that.”

AN UNPRECEDENTED COURT BATTLE FOR DISPLACED CONDOMINIUM OWNERS

In 2021, 40 families involuntarily left River East at Grandview Estates on Talbert Street in Southeast with little clue of where they would permanently, and affordably, resettle with a mortgage hanging over their heads.

The District borrowed against the Housing Production Trust Fund to finance the development project. Later, these first-time homeowners purchased their condominiums with dollars from the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP).

Despite council legislation earlier this year allowing for re-enrollment in HPAP and access to affordable mortgage options, there remained the question of if, and how the D.C. government would make homeowners whole once again.

In years past, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) denied that the District,

States Supreme Court, the best decision I made: Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson,” he proclaimed.

Addressing ongoing issues of racism, Biden condemned the treatment of Haitian migrants in the U.S., calling it “simply wrong” and emphasizing that the Haitian community is “under attack in our country right now.”

He directly confronted recent conspiracy theories and false claims being spread about migrants in Springfield, Ohio. The claims were amplified during the presidential debate hosted by ABC News, by former President Trump falsely.

“In Springfield, they’re eating the dogs, the people that came in, they’re eating the cats,” he said, adding that “they’re eating the pets of the people that live there.”

Biden, appearing to allude to these statements, firmly stated: “There’s no place in America. This has to stop– what he’s doing. It has to stop.”

first-ever Juneteenth concert after I made Juneteenth a federal holiday, and on this lawn, we celebrated the first Black woman appointed to the United

as a government entity, had any obligation in helping the condominium owners rebound from their period of financial difficulty. The D.C. Court of Appeals, however, took on a different position, as seen in a Sept. 12 ruling that reversed a lower court ruling and affirmed six Black female condominium owners’ right to seek recompense from the District.

LaRuby May, the attorney for the plaintiff, argued in her brief that the D.C. government entered a relationship with the condominium owners that’s protected under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act. She cited Snowder v. District of Columbia, a 2008 case in which Robert Snowder and five other people sued the District and several tow truck companies for the imposition of storage fees and other costs without adequate notice or consent.

The nature of the D.C. government’s relationship with the former occupants of River East at Grandview Estates, bears much similarity to what Snowder and others entered.

“The District acted as a merchant and crafted a merchant-consumer relationship with our client, so they should be treated as a merchant, not like a municipality or jurisdiction,” May told

Erika Alexander. Vanzant, known for her “Fix My Life” program, offered a poignant response when asked how she would fix former president Trump’s life. With characteristic directness, she quipped, “Try Jesus.”

Georgia Senator the Rev. Raphael Warnock (D), Rep. Gregory Meeks (N.Y.), and Minority Leader of the U.S. House of Representatives Hakeem Jeffries were also present, engaging with the Black Press of America during the event.

Warnock praised the administration's dedication to uplifting the Black community, contrasting it with other political agendas.

Guests at the event included inspirational speaker Iyanla Vanzant, actor Anthony Anderson, rapper David Banner, actresses Marsai Martin, Kyla Pratt, and

“I certainly like what this administration and its agenda represents for 2025 versus Project 2025,” the Georgia senator said. “The Biden-Harris administration has, from day one, focused on uplifting and including the Black community. We don’t have to worry about whether to invite President Biden to the barbecue; he opened the White House and brought us all to the barbecue.”

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The Informer just days after the Sept. 12 appellate court decision.

May said that she hasn’t heard from the D.C. government as of yet, nor does she expect them to respond immediately. However, she expressed an enthusiasm for making her case, once again, before a lower court judge.

“This case allows us to work on behalf of our clients to hold the District accountable in a way that hasn’t happened before in housing under the D.C. Consumer Protection Procedures Act,” May told The Informer. “D.C.

met the test of what it meant to be a merchant, so the appeals court reversed the decision so they can be treated as such. This is a large, significant battle.”

WORKING TO PREVENT ANOTHER TALBERT STREET SITUATION

In weeks before the D.C. Council conducted its first post-summer HOUSINGPage 46

5On Friday, Sept. 13, the White House South Lawn transformed into a historic celebration of Black excellence. (Courtesy Photo/Dawn Montgomery, Black Press USA) that also uplifted Black people and culture.

5After nearly four years of fighting for recompense, rallying (as pictured here in May 2023) and contentious mortgage relief negotiations, most, if not all, of the owners of condemned condominiums on Talbert Street in Southeast have received mortgage relief. However, there is still work to be done to ensure beleaguered homeowners can afford to settle elsewhere in the District. (WI File Photo)

abir and Aisha want kids in their neighborhood to be safe. They are going to take a look at their local playground, the Hometown Playground, to see if it is a safe place to play.

Yikes! They’ve found many ways in which their playground is not safe. Use the Hazard Hunt checklist to

Dress Safely on Playgrounds Playground Safety Words

Accident Watch

Look through the newspaper for words or pictures that represent or describe a person who helps keep you safe. Use these words to write a safety poem.

review wi book

"The

Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond"

By Debra Whitman, Ph.D.

c.2024, W.W.

Norton

$29.99 / 336 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You've got big plans.

Resign from your current job and find work that makes your heart sing. Spend time with family, maybe research your genealogy. That dream vacation is on your list, and you're eyeing a new hobby that looks fun. So many possibilities for your retirement. Now read "The Second Fifty" by Debra Whitman, Ph.D. and make sure you get there.

You eat right, exercise, buckle your seatbelt, and you're financially secure. You're in good shape, which is what Whitman figured about her husband, until he had a life-threatening heart issue while on a hike in the mountains a few years ago. He did everything right — she's an expert on aging! — but he had three bad arteries, which is common in older men.

That's when Whitman realized that when it comes to aging, there are no guarantees. Even so, there are things you can do to give yourself a better chance at a longer life.

Ask yourself, first, how long you can expect to live? The average life expectancy for Asian Americans is much, much higher than it is for white and Black Americans, but each individual is different. Will you be healthy in the coming years? Take steps now for it.

Will you retain your memory? Whitman says that the rates of dementia are declining, due to better nutrition and better lifestyles, so know how to maintain brain health. Will you want to work a few years after your retirement age, or will you have to? Will you have enough money to enjoy life? Being financially secure is one of the hallmarks of longevity, but a job after 65 doesn't have to be a drudge.

And finally, one fact remains: you'll eventually die. You may wonder how that'll happen, but having plans in place for then will ease your mind today.

If you came across "The Second Fifty" on a shelf somewhere, you might think you're getting advice on how to enjoy your so-called golden years. And it is that — but moreover, it's about getting there healthy and set up to seize them.

At a time when life expectancy in America is lagging, that's important information to have — and when it comes from AARP's chief public policy officer, you know you can trust it. Author Debra Whitman uses plenty of real-life examples to make her advice as relevant as possible, and what she says will make readers take hard looks at their lives, to spot where even the smallest changes can make the biggest differences. Whitman also invites readers to consider the next generation by becoming activists for enhanced health care benefits, more safe senior housing, an elimination of racial and geographical differences in aging, and better ways to pay for nursing homes and memory care.

That makes this a great handbook for anyone over age 60, but it's also a map for midlife, too, and don't be surprised if your 20-something picks it up. If any of you are hoping for retirement someday, "The Second Fifty" should be part of your plans.

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horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

SEPT. 19 - 25, 2024

ARIES When the week starts, you could be torn between what feels right intuitively and what makes sense on paper when it comes to a professional project. Confusion and technology glitches might also pop up everywhere you turn. Do your best to remember the moment will pass. And keep your cool. Later, you'll be inspired to take concrete action to acquire new knowledge and hone your skill set. Lucky Numbers: 4, 5, 11

TAURUS At the start of the week, you'll be prepared to kick things off on a bright, optimistic note. Plot out ways you can enjoy eye-opening experiences, and take advantage of opportunities to socialize with both old and new friends. Your positive, gung-ho approach is infectious. Later, you'll get a burst of inspiration to connect with your partner or a special someone on a deeper, more transformative level. Lucky Numbers: 8, 22, 25

GEMINI Though you're usually quite vocal about your desires, at the week's start you'll get a burst of confidence and lightheartedness that can amplify your voice while sharing fantasies with a partner. Whether you've been wanting to fulfill a long-held desire between the sheets or take your relationship to the next level in another way, this is a powerful time to get the wheels in motion. Lucky Numbers: 16, 28, 50

CANCER You'll kick off the week by enjoying a blast of confident energy that can easily be applied to making your dreamiest fantasies a reality. Assert your desires and they'll be even easier to fulfill. Later, working alongside your significant other, a dear friend, or a close colleague on a project comes even more naturally. You'll feel more in sync than usual and have a positive outlook on your game plan. Lucky Numbers: 9, 32, 44

LEO When the week starts, if you've been putting your nose to the grindstone with your self-care and fitness efforts, you're sure to see a happy payoff now. Later, expressing what's in your heart is even more effortless than usual. You'll feel creative and driven to prioritize playful, pleasurable moments like magical date nights or chill time with your nearest and dearest friends, ideally anything that feels like it came right out of the script for a romantic comedy. Lucky Numbers: 11, 16, 26

VIRGO You'll be more inclined than usual to speak up, expressing what's in your heart in a creative way at the start of the week. There's a happy-go-lucky, playful vibe that can infuse your closest relationships with a magical, fortunate feeling. Planning a special date with your significant other or writing a heartfelt letter to a dear friend might be particularly fulfilling. Later, you'll be fired up to take on what might have formerly seemed like daunting projects around the house. Lucky Numbers: 9, 18, 51

LIBRA You'll have even more bandwidth and enthusiasm around connecting with loved ones on key, emotional conversations early in the week. Whether you've been meaning to take a walk down memory lane with your partner or have a crucial conversation about domestic matters (like moving, renovating, or tackling an ongoing family issue), now is a fortunate time to dive right in. Lucky Numbers: 8, 25, 31

SCORPIO You can look forward to kicking off the week with heartfelt, sexy, fun-loving moments. Prioritizing your fantasies and believing you deserve to turn them into reality can feel like a total game changer. Later, you'll be extra driven to pitch bold proposals to higher-ups or brainstorm alongside colleagues to come up with imaginative new game plans for earning. Lucky Numbers: 18, 33, 56

SAGITTARIUS You might have a little bit of space and time to think about an unusual direction you'd like to take in your career at the start of the week. Work alongside your significant other or a dear friend to craft your action plan. Later, while you're inspired to set powerful intentions and start making moves to bring them to fruition, you'll get extra support from the cosmos. Lucky Numbers: 32, 34, 59

CAPRICORN The start of the week could be filled with exciting, stimulating moments. You could be running into old connections, meeting new ones, and coming up with spontaneous, playful, creative plans for the coming months. Later, the stage is set for some big-time personal or professional growth of your choosing. Lucky Numbers: 9, 11, 48

AQUARIUS You'll do well to kick off the week with a brainstorm or meditation session around your main professional aspirations. You'll be able to identify your top objectives and then envision a plan for hitting them. Later, if you've been wanting to get ahead on fitness or other personal growth-related goals, you'd do well to join forces with friends and colleagues. Although you're a natural team player, you might be drawn to running the show more than usual. Lucky Numbers: 28, 33, 46

PISCES As the week gets underway, you could find yourself dreaming about ways to hone your skill set or plan worldview-shifting experiences like long-distance travel. Let your mind wander and fully embrace your most imaginative instincts! What you land on could inspire a successful new path. Later, it's an ideal time to brainstorm or share existing ideas with colleagues. Lucky Numbers: 3, 14, 15

SPORTS

Top 3 Takeaways From the Washington Commanders Week

2 Win Against the New York Giants

By Skylar Nelson WI Contributing Writer

The Washington Commanders kicked their way to victory, defeating the New York Giants this past Sunday. Although the Commanders scored no touchdowns, the team managed to fuel up enough momentum to come out on top 21-18.

Here are the top three takeaways from The Washington Commanders week two performance against the New York Giants.

COMMANDERS FINALLY SIGNED A NEW KICKER

The search for a new starting kicker has finally come to a close for the Washington Commanders. After releasing Brandon McManus back in June and Cade York last week after facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Washington has finally signed Austin Seibert. Before Sunday’s defeat, Seibert hadn’t played in a regular season

game since Week 2 of the 2023 season. The home division battle against the New York Giants was the ultimate test for him. He indeed passed with flying colors, moving his kicker resume into Washington’s starting lineup.

Seibert executed 7-of-7 field goal attempts against the Giants setting the single-game record in Commanders franchise history.

“The story of the game certainly goes to Austin. To have a franchise record in your very first game, that’s a big deal,” said Head Coach Dan Quinn. “[It’s] not easy going into a new locker room without all the time and chemistry.”

THE OFFENSE ENHANCES THE RUN GAME

Washington’s offense dominated the run game leaving the Giants defense dreadless in week two Commanders running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler are fueling up a new vision for a promising future for Washington’s offense.

Robinson Jr. had a career-high game, rushing 133-yards on 17 attempts. The Giants defense struggled everytime Robinson touched the ball. Robinson moved swiftly past and over the Giants back seven, moving the Commanders forward.

Austin Ekeler joined the dominant run game adding 38-yards on eight rushes. As a receiver who did a great deal of destruction this past Sunday, Ekeler caught three passes for 47-yards, which included one in the fourth quarter that really sparked fans’ excitement.

The thrilling Commanders performance discussion would not be complete with talking about quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels continues to be a standout for Washington, running for 44-yards against the Giants. The quarterback will continue to be a crucial part of the Commanders of-

fense as he continues to progress in field efficiency and strong athleticism.

PENALTIES ARE STILL A SETBACK FOR THE COMMANDERS

Penalties still pose as a major issue for the Commanders, which set them back in touchdown scoring this past Sunday.

The Commanders approached red zone territory six times without scoring any touchdowns. The referees called five procedural penalties against Washington which affected their scoring ability, forcing Seibert to command the field.

Although the Commanders were still able to dominate offensively, touchdowns are still a crucial part to the game of football. The Commanders moving forward must improve in executing first-down and situational football when scoring in the red zone.

The Washington Commanders managed to finish the week improving their overall record 1-1, placing no. 4 in the NFC conference and no.1 in the NFC East Division.

Washington will hit the road next for Monday’s matchup on Sept. 23 against the Cincinnati Bengals.

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5Commanders Running Back Brian Robinson Jr. advancing in rushing yards striking past the Giants defense. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

5Commanders team holding up kicker Austin Seibert after his victory kick increases the final score to 21-18. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

3A dad holding the famous “Hail” Commanders poster with his son on his shoulders. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

From Sept. 11 to Sept. 15, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation brought together the change makers and advocates of democracy for the 2024 Annual Legislative Conference at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. The conference’s four-day agenda highlighted Black leaders’ commitment to growth and instilled messages of empowerment and hope for the community.

(Photos By Robert R. Roberts and Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Leaders and Ministers Leave the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s ‘Day of Healing’ Upbeat, Motivated

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Religious and political leaders recently shared the stage at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Annual Legislative Conference (ALC) “Day of Healing” on Saturday, Sept. 14.

“Day of Healing is not just a celebration—it’s a gathering of hearts and minds, coming together to reflect on our shared history and to draw strength for the work that lies ahead,” CBCF

HOUSING from Page 40

recess legislative meeting, remnants of the Talbert Street debacle reappeared when the Bowser administration withdrew a contract it entered for construction of affordable housing at 2352-60 High Street in Southeast.

This decision, a Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) spokesperson said, happened after affordable housing developer Neighborhood Development Company (NDC), which was sponsoring the project, ceased operations.

Under the contract, the D.C. government, like had been the case with River East at Grandview Estates, would have loaned more than $13 million from the Housing Production Trust Fund to finance 22 units of affordable housing on 2352-60 High Street in Southeast. The loan would then be transferred to the future

wrote in an announcement about this year’s gathering.

The annual motivational event, filled with prayers, inspirational messages and uplifting performances, included Bishop Paul S. Morton, a veteran broadcaster, singer, founder of the Full Gospel Fellowship and retired pastor of Greater St. Stephen in New Orleans, Louisiana, who served as the keynote speaker.

He was joined on stage with Pastor Beverly Crawford and singer Zacardi Cortez.

“Open the windows of Heaven. Let it rain,” sang Morton.

From surviving Hurricane Ka-

owners at High Street who would acquire a down payment for their mortgage through HPAP.

The parallels raised a red flag in the D.C. Council’s Committee on Housing, which threatened to introduce a disapproval resolution for the contract unless DHCD, Department of Buildings (DOB), Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection (DCLP), and Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) developed a plan by Sept. 13 to avert a situation similar to River East at Grandview Estates.

The DHCD spokesperson, responding to an Informer inquiry, said that, in light of NDC’s closure, it would work to ensure compliance of existing affordability agreements at other properties likely to experience ownership transfer.

In speaking about what they called the “limited similarities”

trina to overcoming colon cancer, Morton spoke about overcoming hard times, inspired by Galatians 6:9. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap if we faint not.”

In the same way, he attested to God blessing his life in so many ways. Morton drew many “Amens” and applause from the audience, as he said African Americans will prevail against former President

between River East at Grandview Estates and the proposed development on High Street, the spokesperson outlined a process implemented to protect consumers of DHCD-funded homes.

“DHCD, as a financial capital provider,” the spokesperson said, “will continue to work with the various District government agencies to ensure that prospective buyers of DHCD-financed homes are protected through thorough architectural plan review/approvals (via DOB and D.C. Department of Transportation), confirmation of developers being licensed to conduct business in the District (via DLCP), confirmation of appropriate insurance being in place for such developments (via Office of Risk Management) and other sister agencies within the District government, as applicable.”

At-large D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D), chair of the

Donald Trump and attacks from the far right.

“Don't get tired, don't get weak, don't give into doubt, don't lose heart because the devil's job is to make you miss your season,” Morton preached. “There are only two powers in the world, God and the devil, good and evil.”

Without mentioning Trump's name, Morton drew laughs, applause, and praise as he talked

council’s Committee on Housing, reflected on his correspondence with the aforementioned agencies, telling The Informer that he wanted to avert further displacement of homeowners.

As the council mulls how to avert another housing crisis involving voucher holders, White said he laments the market forces (material and labor costs, etc.) that drove NDC’s demise and further complicates efforts to make Talbert Street condominium owners whole.

“We’re still dealing with a catastrophe with Talbert Street homeowners and the government has no answers to keep them from rock bottom,” White told The Informer. “The homeowners have been out of their homes for three years. They have been limbo [and] the mayor has to make a determination of what the city will do to support them.” WI @SamPKCollins

about leaders who talked about “people eating cats, dogs, and pets.”

Retired African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Bishop Vashti McKenzie, who serves as president of the National Council of Churches of Christ, reflected on Morton’s message.

“In our challenging times with all of the vital things, things can wear on you,” said McKenzie. “ Bishop Morton is trying to tell us that we will reap when we don’t faint not.”

AME Bishop Reginald Jackson, said there is much at stake this election season.

“We have to win that senate seat in Maryland, D.C. Statehood, and win in North Carolina,” Jackson noted.

The. Rev Kristen Natesan, pastor of Hemingway AME in District Heights, said: “I hope that we, as a people, come together and we have powers in a number. We have power in our vote. We have power by trusting in God.”

California Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D) explained Bishop Morton message made her think about the song “I Don’t Feel Noways Tired” (1978), recorded by the Rev. James Cleveland.

“I Ain’t Noways [tired],” Lee said, offering encouraging words. “Nobody told me the road would be easy, but we have to get this done.”

WI

5Bishop Paul S. Morton delivered the keynote address as part of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Annual Legislative Conference “Day of Healing” on Sept. 14. (Hamil Harris/The Washington Informer)

Part 4 of this series aims to teach how simple it is for anyone to reverse Type 2 diabetes. This disease is not necessarily a death sentence; however, if left unchecked and unmanaged, it can cause serious problems. When blood travels through small blood vessels in the heart, it can cause blood clots, potentially leading to heart attacks and amputations of feet and legs. If blood cannot reach any part of your body, that body part will die. Type 2 diabetes can cause such devastating effects. When your feet and legs lose blood flow, you may lose sensation in them. The nerves become too damaged to function, and gangrene can set in. Amputations may follow. It's similar to a rotten spot on a potato. Your eyes can be affected too — in fact, diabetes can lead to blindness. Your kidneys may stop functioning, requiring dialysis. Your blood becomes poisoned because your kidneys are no longer filtering it effectively.

You can prevent these disastrous outcomes by changing your lifestyle. This doesn't mean going on a temporary diet. Start by knowing your A1C level (a blood test that measures the average amount of sugar in your blood over a 90day period) and making sustainable lifestyle changes. Begin to eat healthily and exercise regularly.

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic, 7th Edition (Pt. 4) the religion corner

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, an estimated 30.3 million people in the United States, or 9.4% of the population, have diabetes. An estimated 84.1 million Americans aged 18 or older have prediabetes. About one in four people with diabetes don't know they have the disease. However, the ability to reverse this condition is within our own control.

Several years ago, Oprah Winfrey learned she was prediabetic. This time, she took the necessary steps to address it. She changed to a healthy, diabetic-friendly diet by eliminating high-carbohydrate foods and curtailing sweets, while continuing to exercise, and lost 42 pounds through Weight Watchers. She has been successful and is no longer prediabetic; plus, her blood pressure is back under control.

Oprah has lost weight many times over the years, often regaining it.

This time, however, things were different—it was for her health.

An avid reader, as you all know, Oprah likely began to research this disease. Her mother had died from Type 2 diabetes complications, so Oprah understood the connection, but it wasn't easy. This year, she began taking Ozempic, a medication that controls blood sugar and weight, all in one fell swoop.

Twenty-five years ago, neither

my mother nor any of her family members knew what was required to reverse this diagnosis. There was no Ozempic then. Consequently, my mother only lived for 12 years after her diagnosis, experiencing devastating side effects. She lost both legs to amputations, required kidney dialysis, had seven strokes, and was only 61 years old when her first major stroke occurred. Paralysis set in, unlike today when new treatments are available. The cause: an improper diet and lack of exercise.

Just over 150 years ago, Black people in America were enslaved, eating poorly and working from sunup to sundown. They burned off the potential negative effects of soul food through strenuous daily labor. Regardless of what they ate, including soul food, they stayed relatively healthy due to their high activity levels. It was a cyclical pattern: they ate, then worked it off, day after day.

"Slaves didn't die from diseases such as Type 2 diabetes or cancer, their masters/owners did,," said Dr. Sherita Hill Golden, director of the Diabetes and Metabolic Department at Johns Hopkins.

Their field work served as exercise. They were tired from the strenuous work but remained physically healthy.

WI

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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 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 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 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

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 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

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 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 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 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

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

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2015 ADM 001492

Estate of Vincent L. Alexander

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

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

Date of first publication: 09/19/2024

Michele T. Alexander 3465 Marigold Place, Unit D Waldorf, MD 20602

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 001019

Dorian Denice Sanders Decedent

Ferguson Evans, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Suite 900 South Bldg. Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Kyle Sanders, whose address is 250 W. Sample Rd., Apt. B222, Pompano Beach, FL 33064, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorian Denice Sanders who died on June 9, 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 3/19/2025. 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 3/19/2025, 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: 9/19/2024

Kyle Sanders 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 000822

Alice H. Lindsey aka Alice Hunt Lindsey Decedent

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 295 Largo, MD 20774

Attorney

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

Quinne Harris-Lindsey, whose address is 1900 Half Street, SW, Apt. 640, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alice H. Lindsey aka Alice Hunt Lindsey who died on June 12, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/19/2025. 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 3/19/2025, 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: 9/19/2024

Quinne Harris-Lindsey 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 001020

Jean J. Murray Decedent

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

Julia L. Williams, whose address is 2300 St. Clair Dr., Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jean J. Murray who died on November 26, 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 3/19/2025. 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 3/19/2025, 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: 9/19/2024

Julia L. Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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graduation for special education and vocational education students, and the expansion of proximate swing space for Ward 7 school modernization projects coming down the pike.

Those goals, she said, will build upon victories she and her colleagues secured over the last four years in the realms of financial literacy and social studies standards, increasing latitude for accumulation of community service hours, and better menstrual health accommodations.

Such milestones, Thompson said, wouldn't have been possible without state board engagement with students, parents and community members.

“I worked really hard -- and was successful -- in actually getting funding so we could have an actual communications staff staff to push information, or a special education hub so those voices are included in the conversation,” Thompson told The Informer.

Thompson also spoke about her on-the- ground advocacy.

“I’m someone who goes out to schools and creates other opportunities to engage. We’re making our meetings more broadly accessible and building our student representation,” Thompson said.

Over the last few months, Thompson has engaged education officials in discussions around the modernization and relocation plans for J.C. Nalle Elementary School. Earlier this month, she visited Eliot-Hine Middle School during back-to-school night, during which she recalled seeing the execution of the new social studies standards that SBOE shaped in collaboration with the Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE).

During the latter part of August, Thompson, president of the state board, saw the fruits of her labor for expanded student representation when she swore Calique Barnes, a senior at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School, in as one of four SBOE student representatives.

“We made a recommendation to make voices from east of the Anacostia River part of that,” Thompson said. “We built those positions and have more students on our Student Advisory Committee than we ever have who dive in and weigh in on everything before it’s passed. It’s about building the capacity and putting more people in place and at the table.”

Thompson has challengers in Charles Boston and Toni Criner, along with Sherice Muhammad who launched a write-in campaign. She declined to reflect on their candida-

Board of Elections all the way to the D.C. Court of Appeals. (Courtesy Photo/Facebook)

cies, telling The Informer that, “As someone who’s been involved in Ward 7 education with people who’ve been engaged, I can’t speak to other people’s specific concerns.”

SHERICE

MUHAMMAD:

A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE REPRESENTING PARENTS

Muhammad officially launched her write-in campaign in the aftermath of ballot petition challenges that have taken her and D.C. Board of Elections (DCBOE) all the way to the D.C. Court of Appeals.

Earlier this summer, former Ward 2 advisory neighborhood commissioner James Harnett challenged 15 signatures that Muhammad collected on the grounds that they were fabricated.

DCBOE would later deny Muhammad ballot access, saying that though the petition signers lived in Ward 7, they no longer lived at the address that DCBOE had on file.

D.C. Superior Court later upheld DCBOE’s decision on the basis that Muhammad didn't submit enough address change forms to DCBOE.

Such a rationale, Muhammad said, made no sense when she and her campaign team did their due diligence.

“I personally verified every signature before turning in petitions, and struck the names of every signer who wasn't on that registry,” Muhammad said. “Those who were submitted are indeed active Ward 7 voters. It is unfortunate that Mr. Harnett is someone who can bring a challenge against our Ward 7 voters without one shred of proof.”

COUNCIL from Page 1

COMMITTEE REASSIGNMENT

AMID WARD 8 COUNCILMEMBER

WHITE’S LEGAL TROUBLES

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) virtually attended the council’s Sept. 17 legislative meeting and voted on a bevy of measures, including that which is related to a council committee he will no longer chair.

“My plans for this subcommittee include holding hearings in the fall, conducting announced and unannounced visits to the agency facilities, addressing residents’ concerns, and ensuring there’s a robust public record about each agency’s operations,” Parker said.

HUNDREDS OF MISSING VOUCHERS, AND RAPID REHOUSING EXTENSION

Harnett didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

Muhammad told The Informer that neither DCBOE nor D.C. Superior Court thoroughly considered her perspective on the matter. DCBOE, she said, didn't allow time for her witnesses, including an advisory neighborhood commissioner and an employee of a senior living community that facilitated her appearance before a group of elderly voters, to provide testimony.

She said those who were present stood ready to declare the validity of their signatures under oath. “These Ward 7 voters were denied [the platform] to testify,” Muhammad told The Informer.

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to gather comment from DCBOE.

As Muhammad recounted, she and DCBOE reached an impasse on Sept. 4 and the agency floated the idea of Muhammad withdrawing her name from the ballot. She said she refused out of a desire to gain clarity from the courts and DCBOE, on the record, about if, in fact, she erred in her collection of her petition signatures.

The turn of events, Muhammad said, disenfranchises the multigenerational group of Ward 7 voters who expressed support for her campaign through the ballot petition process.

“This fight is not about Sherice Muhammad, it’s about Ward 7 residents,” Muhammad said. “I argued my case, to the extent that it was met with radio silence during the board hearing and conference.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

@SamPKCollins

A federal criminal indictment during the earlier part of September alleges that White, a Democrat representing Ward 8, leveraged his chairmanship of the council’s Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs to accept bribes and make arrangements for more bribes in exchange for securing government contracts for a nonprofit.

As explained in our previous reporting, a council ad-hoc committee, composed of all of White’s colleagues and led by D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (IAt large), will mull over whether to reprimand, censure or expel White. The council has also hired outside counsel, Latham & Watkins, LLP, to conduct a $400,000 investigation.

During the recent legislative meeting, the council unanimously approved, with Ward 8 Councilmember White and D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) voting present, the split of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs into two subcommittees --- Recreation and Community Affairs and Library and Youth Affairs.

Each of those subcommittees, to be housed within the council’s Committee of the Whole, will be chaired by D.C. Councilmembers Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), respectively.

Parker’s committee has purview over D.C. Public Library, Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), and Serve DC, among other District agencies. In a statement, Parker said that he will focus on improving facilities and operations at DYRS while tackling recidivism.

He also expressed a desire to address policy changes that jeopardize District public libraries’ utility as community gathering spots.

Amid an affordable housing crisis, the council unanimously approved the Family Re-Housing Stabilization Program Protection Temporary Amendment Act, which further extends families’ stay in affordable housing.

Throughout much of the 2024 budget season, Councilmember Robert White (D-At large) and Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) sifted through D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s Fiscal Year 2025 proposal to find avenues for funding for families transitioning out of an expiring rapid rehousing program.

That process, as a council staffer explained during the Sept. 17 council breakfast, involved discussions with the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) about several factors, including the assumption of a 3% inflation increase and cost savings that can be translated into vouchers.

Council staffers also said they conferred with Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Glen Lee before solidifying the budget adjustments that secured 600 vouchers for FY 2025.

Well, all of that has apparently been for naught. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com. @SamPKCollins

5The D.C. Council unanimously approved the Retired Firefighter and Police Officer Redeployment Extension Emergency Amendment Act and the Retired Firefighter and Police Office Redeployment Extension Declaration Resolution, introduced by At-Large Councilmember Christina Henderson. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

5Sherice Muhammad, a former advisory neighborhood commissioner and Local School A dvisory Team member for McKinley Technology High School, officially launched her write-in campaign in the aftermath of ballot petition challenges that have taken her and D.C.

MALVEAUX from Page 30

said that Harris favors nine-month abortions and infanticide, so out of order that one of the moderators had to fact-check him. They mixed it up on immigration. They mixed it up on the economy. Trump's best line might have been "Why didn't she do it before?" A vice president's job is to serve the president, while a president's job is to make policy. As Vice President, Kamala didn't enact a bigger child tax credit because she couldn't. Her job was to follow the President's lead and help him implement his policies. Trump's chiding will cause some on the fence to raise questions about Harris, but for every question, the Vice President had an answer.

Mr. Trump inelegantly attempted to poke fun at President Biden by de-

MORIAL from Page 30 by mischaracterizing the accident as a murder "by a Haitian migrant who had no right to be here." The driver, like most Haitian immigrants, holds temporary protected status and was in the United States legally.

In amplifying malicious racist lies and stereotypes, Vance and Trump have aligned themselves with Nazi sympathizers, some of them armed, who waved swastika

MARSHALL from Page 30

fact-checking of Trump. Davis said she only intended to address worries that Trump's remarks may "hang" there unchecked by Harris or the moderators, just like the June debate. "People were concerned that statements were allowed to just hang and not [be] disputed by the candidate Biden, at the time, or the moderators," Davis stated.

The news media is vital in keeping the public informed and safe. The decision by the ABC network to live fact-check the candidates during the telecast marked a departure from recent debates and the first presidential debate hosted by CNN. During the June debate, the moderators did not correct false claims made by Trump and President Joe Biden. David Chalian, CNN's political director, told The Washington Post ahead of the network's debate in June that the stage "is not the ideal venue for a live fact-checking exercise." The moderators' role, he said, was "to plainly facil-

scribing him as relaxing at the beach, and chiding Vice President Harris to "wake him up at 4 p.m.." She didn't bite. In contrast, he bit at all the bait she threw at him, unable to stay on message and disciplined. But who expects discipline from a lout and a bully who has blustered his way through his presidency and his subsequent years out of office. Much of his vitriol has centered on his contention that he won the 2020 election, a lie that spurred a mob to descend on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021, an event Mr. Trump denied any involvement in. Again, Harris was effective in reminding people that she was at the Capitol that day.

ABC moderator David Muir asked Mr. Trump if it is appropriate to weigh in on the racial identity of Vice President Harris, and Trump replied with his usual word salad. There was some

flags as they marched in Springfield last month. The hateful display evoked the fatal 2017 "Unite the Right" rally by white supremacists whom Trump referenced as "very fine people."

The anti-immigrant "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory that motivated the Unite the Right marchers also inspired the slaughter of 11 people at Pittsburgh's Tree of Life synagogue in 2018, 23 people at an El Paso Walmart in 2019, and 10 people

itate and moderate a debate … not to be a participant." The ABC network and moderators understood the high stakes involved in allowing lies and misinformation to go unchecked with persuadable voters who could potentially accept a falsehood being true.

During the debate, Trump falsely claimed Haitian migrants in Ohio were killing pets and eating them. Muir quickly corrected the claim by Trump. During debates, a slice of the electorate will always be undecided and seek reasons to vote for a particular candidate. As a result, the correction by Muir was needed. The live fact-check can make a difference in voters' understanding of the truth and a hate-driven lie. Despite Muir's correction, Trump's spoken words did damage in other ways. Now, the Haitian population in Springfield, Ohio, is a political target paying an unfair price.

City officials and police have said no credible information supports the bizarre claims. Yet, Trump's untrue

truth in his confused words, though. "I don't care what she is. I don't care. You make a big deal out of something. I couldn't care less. Whatever she wants to be is OK with me," he said. What she wants to do is be president of the United States, and I hope that's OK with Mr. Trump because at the rate he is going, he'll have to, once again, resign himself to losing.

Trump's debate performance indicates that he is unraveling. He lost his train of thought on more than one occasion, he blatantly lied repeatedly, and he drilled down on unimportant issues. Not once did he display a pleasant countenance. Indeed, he seemed ready to explode. Meanwhile Vice President Harris did not seem stressed or angry, just factual. She handled her business even as Trump fell apart. Brava, Kamala!

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at a Buffalo supermarket in 2022. The deaths of dozens of innocent people have not deterred Vance and Trump from continuing to smear immigrants with racist lies. As Kathleen Belew, a historian of white supremacist movements, wrote on social media, "The people spreading this rhetoric either know exactly what they're doing, or they should know. But violence follows. Every time."

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statements are being perpetuated by right-wing media figures and Republican leaders. This unnecessary controversy has placed the city of Springfield at the center of the national debate on immigration while putting members of the Haitian community in danger. Bomb threats have forced the evacuation and closing of public schools and municipal buildings, along with the forced lockdowns at two area hospitals, all because of Trump's falsehoods and his racist political strategy. Springfield Mayor Rob Rue has pleaded for the misinformation to stop. "We need those that have a national stage that have a mic, with millions and millions (of followers), we need them to understand what their words are doing to cities like Springfield, Ohio," Rue said. "What we need is help. We don't need this misinformation." This is what happens when the party nominee is a cult leader. The contrast between Harris and Trump is crystal clear. Now, more people, even Republicans, are seeing it.

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WILLIAMS from Page 31

that this blueprint must include affordable and available housing, passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Act, and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act. We agreed to support the resolutions and bills because if we don't drive the agenda for our communities, others surely will.

Mayor Johnny Ford urged attendees to support the resolutions passed

from Page 31

Dr. King's beloved community that terrible day in the very epicenter of catastrophe. Imagine what our nation and world could become if we realized and practiced this in less catastrophic times.

Still in a somewhat surreal trance, I went across town to the chapel at Morehouse College, Dr. King's alma mater, to read the quotations inscribed on his statue in front of the school.s

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.

The richer we have become materially, the poorer we have become morally and spiritually. We have learned to fly the air like birds and swim the sea like fish, but we have not learned the simple art of living together as brothers.

Nonviolence is a powerful and just

JEALOUS from Page 31

throughs in manufacturing processes make it much cleaner to do here than in China and it is American workers who will experience the economic windfall.

National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi, who joined the group hosted by Qcells in Georgia this week, describes it as a "manufacturing renaissance," noting that "for too long, technologies were invented here and manufactured somewhere else."

This partnership between the public and private sectors is also a model for how the climate movement must grow to meet its goals. Yet our movement has been stymied by the same sorts of myths that have led some to mistakenly believe the clean energy transition carries more economic cost than benefit. The urgency of tackling the climate crisis is undeniable. We have just come out of the hottest summer on record. A recent report based on satellite data shows extreme wildfires have more than doubled over the past 20 years

at the conference, saying, "All that we said means nothing if we don't do the work." Attendees left the conference pledging to do the work and were urged to remember that it is time for us to stop financing the dreams of others while leaving ourselves out. What we do must be based on strength — not just passion — through collaboration and coordination.

One immediate part of the work is being registered to vote and then vot-

weapon. It is a weapon unique in history, which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals.

If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective. No individual can live alone; no nation can live alone, and as long as we try, the more we are going to have war in this world. Now the judgment of God is upon us, and we must either learn to live together as brothers or we are all going to perish together as fools.

I read Dr. King's words aloud in my mind to the faceless terrorists and our own leaders. I also thought about his unflinching call for "a true revolution of values [that] will lay hands on the world order and say of war, ‘This way of settling differences is not just.' This business of burning human beings with napalm, of filling our nation's homes with orphans and widows, of

thanks to climate change. Just last week, southern California was at the mercy of three out-of-control wildfires — amidst a major heat wave — that closed schools, evacuated residents, and made the air toxic to breathe. We know that fully transitioning from fossil fuels to clean, renewable energy is the only way to save our planet. And we need the most broad-based, inclusive movement possible to get it done.

I have spent my entire life deeply embedded in movements for change and justice — civil rights, environmental justice and conservation, workers’ rights. I have seen first hand how much all our movements have in common, how our goals are often the same, and how the few who benefit from an unjust status quo always fight tooth and nail to keep us divided — and promote dangerous myths to do it.

Coming together to meet the existential challenge of the climate crisis means doing away with those myths. The myth that the environmental movement is somehow "white," while

ing for candidates who've made it clear they will do their part to work for our betterment. Pastor Jamal Bryant added that this would include those pledging to vote for what is beneficial to the least of God's people. He also reminded us of our obligation to be concerned about what is going on in Sudan, the Congo, Haiti and other places on the African continent. Remember these subjects as we vote. Vote early, and at the latest, vote on November 5. WI

injecting poisonous drugs of hate into the veins of peoples normally humane, of sending men home from dark and bloody battlefields physically handicapped and psychologically deranged, cannot be reconciled with wisdom, justice and love. A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death. … We must with positive action seek to remove those conditions of poverty, insecurity and injustice, which are the fertile soil in which the seed of communism grows and develops," and in my mind I substituted the word terrorism for communism.

That day, Dr. King's words strengthened my resolve to carry on the struggle to build the beloved community amid outer turmoil. His warnings remain sadly prescient, but his words are still a reminder that the same noble, necessary and hard but achievable vision must spur us forward.

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people of color are not only among the most impacted by climate change and pollution, we are also the most climate conscious voters. The myth that prioritizing sustainability and pro-environment practices is at odds with the interests of workers, while organized labor essentially helped launch the modern green movement. And, yes, the myth that the transition to the clean energy economy cannot be an unequivocal economic win for our country.

Next week is Climate Week. I look forward to the critical relationship building that will happen between environmentalists and business leaders from a wide range of industries gathering in New York. Last year, the Sierra Club launched a new office of Green Ventures and Partnerships to build and strengthen those relationships and provide opportunities to more companies that want to make a difference. This is an all-hands-on-deck moment. If we answer the call, we will see a new era of prosperity that has the potential to reach every American. WI

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