The Washington Informer - September 26, 2024 by The Washington Informer

Correx: Advocates, Residents Rally to End 'Torture' in D.C. Jails

By Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow

At the age of 12, Latisha Atkins had her first taste of D.C., or as she knew it to be “Chocolate City” –the dawn of annual summers spent assisting the family business and developing a passion for entrepreneurship and communal reform. After

ART Page 26

Unlock the Box Organizes a Rally to end Solitary Confinement due to Harmful Mental Health Effects

By Eden Harris WI Contributing Writer

Unlockthe Box organized a rally on Thursday in D.C. at the Foundry United Methodist Church to end solitary confinement in D.C. Jail and raise awareness of the adverse effects it has on inmates and

DC JAILS Page 56

Black Mothers Continue Fight for Expansion of Guaranteed Basic Income

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Months after their budget season victory, a group of District mothers continue to advocate, not only for an expansion of guaranteed basic income and the child income tax credit, but the abolishment of a benefits cliff that jeopardizes access to rent and food subsidies.

In the most recent juncture of their efforts, the mothers and their allies stormed the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest on Sept. 19. That’s where, in the spirit of Guaranteed Basic Income Week, they shared their stories, engaged two council members in dialogue, and sat down with the staff members of three other council members.

Long before they walked through the halls of the Wilson Building, some mothers, like Mother Mother Binahkaye Joy, shared stories that reinforce the significance of their cause.

Joy, a Ward 4 resident and mother of five, counted among more than 30 mothers, leaders, students and allies who visited the Wilson Building on Sept 19. She represented home birthing mothers as she and her son

Nelson/The Washington Informer)

Violence Interrupters Push Back Against Calls for Defunding

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As the federal courts and D.C. Council deliberate on bribery allegations levied against D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), D.C. Police Union President Gregg Pemberton has called for a re-examination, and likely defunding, of D.C.’s violence interrupter programs.

EMPATHY Page 56

5 The UDC JAZZAlive trio led by saxophonist Tracey Cutler performs at Flavor Garden Restaurant during Art All Night 2023. This year’s Art All Night will happen throughout the city on Sept. 27 and 28. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge / Center Section

Community leaders, youth and local entrepreneurs, including the organization’s founder Marcellus Queen and D.C. Black Broadway’s Dr. Lovail Long, celebrate students after completing programmin g through Representation for the Bottom, which trained young people to be youth violence prevention ambassadors. (Cleveland

5Herbert Robinson, a survivor of solitary confinement and advocate with Unlock the Block, in front of Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C. on Sept. 19.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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T.I.

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

and Tiny Harris Win $71 Million Lawsuit Against MGA Over L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. Dolls

Rapper T.I. and singer Tameka “Tiny” Harris have emerged victorious in a major lawsuit against toy company MGA Entertainment, securing a $71 million judgment. The couple, alongside their music group OMG Girlz, accused MGA of violating their intellectual property rights by copying the group’s image and style for the company’s popular L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls.

The case, which spanned over three years, concluded when a jury ruled in favor of the Harris family. According to People Magazine, Tiny, 49, was elated as she shared her thoughts in an Instagram Live video outside the Santa Ana, California federal courthouse.

“We did this for the city. We did this for the culture,” she said. Reflecting on the years-long legal battle, she

added, “It was a hell of a fight. We couldn’t be more happy.”

Tiny expressed profound gratitude to the jurors, who delivered a unanimous verdict.

“They heard our story and they knew we [weren't] lying. It’s amazing,” she said, thankful for their belief in the group’s claim.

The lawsuit, initiated in 2020, focused on more than a dozen L.O.L. Surprise! O.M.G. dolls that strongly resemble the OMG Girlz, a group Tiny formed in 2009 with her daughter, Zonnique Pullins, along with Bahja Rodriguez and Breaunna Womack.

MC Lyte Returns with Highly Anticipated Album ‘1 of 1’

Celebrated artist MC Lyte has dropped her highly anticipated album “1 of 1,” marking her triumphant return after a decade-long hiatus. The album, whose producer is Grammy Award-winning Warryn Campbell, is a celebration of hip-hop, harmony, and artistry.

The star-studded project features collaborations with some of the biggest legends in the industry, including Stevie Wonder, Queen Latifah, Common, Mary Mary, Big Daddy Kane, Salt, and Raheem DeVaughn, among others.

Lyte, known for her pioneering role in hip-hop, promises that “1 of 1” will be a powerful, uplifting, and inspiring body of work that blends her signature style of love, braggadocio, and storytelling. Her return to the forefront of the music scene comes with a renewed sense of purpose, showcasing her versatility as an artist, actress, and advocate for social justice.

“It’s been a journey of love, gratitude, and unity,” said

Lyte in a statement. “This album is a reflection of hip-hop's power to bring people together, and I'm honored to have such incredible artists join me for this project.”

With Campbell as executive producer of “1 of 1,” legendary producers like King of Chill, Easy Mo B, Knottz, and DJ Scratch also contributed to create a dynamic sound that pays homage to Lyte's iconic hits while infusing fresh energy. The album also introduces newcomer Koncept from IE, who adds a modern twist to the project. Fans can expect a range of tracks that honor Lyte's groundbreaking legacy and push the boundaries of the genre.

“1 of 1” is more than just an album—it’s a testament to Lyte’s enduring impact on music and culture.

“I’ve always believed that hip-hop is about more than just beats and rhymes—it’s about unity, storytelling, and empowerment,” Lyte stated. “This album is a celebration of those values, and I hope it inspires the next generation of artists to carry that torch forward.” WI

Janet Jackson Faces Backlash for Spreading Disinformation About

Kamala Harris

Janet Jackson has sparked outrage after repeating false claims about Vice President Kamala Harris’s racial identity during an interview with The Guardian. Promoting her latest tour and upcoming Las Vegas residency, Jackson echoed widely debunked misinformation, stating she had "heard" Harris wasn’t Black.

“Well, you know what they supposedly said? She’s not Black. That’s what I heard. That she’s Indian,” Jackson said during the interview in London. When the interviewer corrected her, explaining that Harris is of both Indian and Black descent, Jackson replied, “I was told that they discovered her father was white. I mean, I haven’t watched the news in a few days.”

Jackson’s remarks quickly went viral, with social media users and public figures calling her out for spreading disinformation. Comedian D.L. Hughley, a vocal supporter of Harris, slammed Jackson on Twitter, comparing her comments to a "Trump rally" and mocking her for questioning Harris’ race, while having undergone plastic surgery.

“#KamalaHarris looks the way she does cuz she has a mom from India and a dad from Jamaica! #JanetJackson looks the way she does cuz she has a plastic surgeon! #TeamDl,” Hughley tweeted.

Jackson’s team has remained quiet amid the backlash. A man claiming to be her manager, Mo Elmasri, initially issued an apology on her behalf, attributing her remarks to "misinformation." However, TMZ reported that Jackson’s actual manager, her brother Randy Jackson, stated that Elmasri has no current affiliation with the singer and was not authorized to speak for her.

The controversy around Jackson’s comments echoes similar attacks made by former President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed that Harris “turned Black” for political convenience. In July, Trump told a crowd at the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) convention, “I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago, when she happened to turn Black.”

JACKSON Page 5

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

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Verizon Business Presents Latest Tech Gadgets

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

One of America’s leading telecommunications companies presented its latest technological instruments to assist governments and businesses in their operations on Sept. 17 in the District.

Verizon Business, a division of Verizon Communications based in Basking Ridge, New Jersey, hosted its one-day Business Innovation Session at the Capital One Arena in Northwest.

The court of Capital One Arena— where sports teams such as the Washington Wizards and the Washington Capitals play– was filled with the latest technology that Verizon Business has created to help its customers, whether corporate or public agencies, in situations of emergency or during the operations.

“We have the ability to deploy our equipment during emergencies,” said Jason Mitchell, the associate director of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team, Logistics & Innovation. Mitchell is a 14-year employee of the company who has had previous experience in law enforcement.

THE TECHNOLOGY

Verizon Business has an array of products that can aid governments and private entities in case of a natural emergency such as a flood, wildfire, earthquake or storms. In a tour of the products, technological gadgets, the first on the list was SPOT, formally known as Satellite Picocell on Trailer.

SPOT consisted of a trailer with a white medium-sized satellite dish on the top and in it a small room with a first-aid kit and technological tools such as television screens and a keyboard.

“SPOT is an excellent tool to use when wireless coverage is not available,” said Mitchell, who noted that when

from Page 4

Harris responded by calling Trump’s remarks part of a divisive strategy designed to pit Americans against one another.

Commentators like “The View" cohost Ana Navarro have condemned Jackson’s remarks.

“What she did was spread misinformation based on a racist allegation by Donald Trump. It was Donald Trump who tried to say Kamala Harris just turned Black,” Navarro said, pointing to the former president’s long-standing

natural disasters occur, it is often difficult for people to have access to the Internet. “The satellite dish allows us to communicate outside of the emergency area to get help for people who need it.”

Next to SPOT was OXEN (Off Grid Cross Communications Emergency Network). OXEN is a trailer with a rugged exterior that is built primarily for public sector agencies and customers that has the full range of Verizon Frontline technology, including private cellular, mobile edge computing and radio interoperability.

“We have used OXEN for such large-scale events such as the Republican and Democratic conventions and if needed, the Super Bowl,” said Mitchell.

Mitchell said OXEN gets its source from a computing cloud. He noted there are several OXEN units throughout the country, with one in designated states and regions.

About 15 feet away stood the Verizon RRCU (Rapid Response Connectivity Unit), an innovative deployable piece of equipment that provides satellite backhaul in situations where cellular coverage is bad, nonexistent or required in a group situation.

“RRCU can go places where the other technology can’t,” said Mitchell. He noted that first responders use this tool in usually tough weather conditions.

“RRCU can run in weather like four degrees below zero,” he said. “It can also operate in high altitudes well.”

Mitchell presented ERICC (Emergency Response Incident Command Center), a van-like structure that is designed to provide support for a client, usually a public agency, during an event. ERICC is outfitted with multiple backhaul capacities including GEO and LEO satellites, he said.

ERICC can broadcast 5G, LTE, 5G Private networks and Wi-Fi. Mitchell

efforts to undermine Harris’s identity. Despite the furor, Jackson has yet to issue a public statement addressing her remarks. As Vice President Harris continues to face attacks on her identity, her supporters are pushing back against the spread of false narratives meant to divide.

As Harris herself stated at an event in Houston following Trump’s inflammatory remarks, “It was the same old show — the divisiveness and the disrespect. And let me just say, the American people deserve better.”

said ERICC could be a valuable tool for the U.S. Secret Service for the 2025 presidential inauguration and is available if needed.

While most of the gadgets tend to be the size of a minivan or automobile, Mitchell showed TRIKKE, a motor bike-like tool primarily for first responders.

TRIKKE was designed to provide an on the scene command post, serving as a hub for situational awareness equipped with remote phone/communication bank. Mitchell said TRIKKE has connections to various telecommunication modes such as 5G, Wi-Fi and satellites.

Andrew Fusco works as a member of the Verizon Frontline Crisis Response Team. Fusco presented RED (Robotic

Emergency Dog), a device in the shape of a canine.

RED is an autonomous robot that utilizes Private 5G for communications and has the capacity to exhibit machine learning, access to artificial intelligence and armed with robotics and analytics.

“These dogs can go on any type of grounds,” said Fusco, noting that it can function in practically all geographical terrains. “We have about five or six of these in use.”

WI @JamesWrightJr10

Thursday, October 10, 2024

5RED, the robotic dog, was one of the gadgets featured at the Verizon Business Innovation Session on Sept. 17. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

JACKSON

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black facts

SEPT. 26 - 0CT. 2, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

SEPT. 26

1929 – Ida Stephens Owens, the nation's first African American female biochemist, is born in Newark, New Jersey.

1937 – Singer Bessie Smith, known as "Empress of the Blues," dies in an automobile accident in Clarksdale, Mississippi, at age 43.

1981 – Tennis great Serena Williams is born in Saginaw, Michigan.

SEPT. 27

1827 – Hiram Rhodes Revels, the first African American U.S. senator, is born in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

1912 – W.C. Handy publishes the sheet music to "Memphis Blues," one of the earliest known blues songs.

1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded the Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry "Annie Allen," becoming the first African American to win the honor.

SEPT. 28

1868 – The Opelousas Massacre, in which an estimated hundreds of Blacks were killed by armed white militias in an ethnic war, occurs in Louisiana.

1991 – Iconic jazz trumpeter Miles Davis dies in Santa Monica, California, of complications from a stroke at age 65.

SEPT. 29

1975 – WGPR-TV, the first wholly African American-owned television station in the United States,

, an economist from the Caribbean island of St. Lucia, becomes the first Black , mother of late superstar Whitney Houston, is born in Newark, New Jersey. Famed singer Johnny Mathis is born. African nation Botswana gains independence from the United Kingdom.

African nation Nigeria gains independence from becomes the first African American student to enroll at the University of Mississippi.

1800 – Nat Turner, the leader of a major slave rebellion, is born in Southampton County, Virginia.

1935 – Robert Henry Lawrence Jr., the first African American astronaut, is born in Chicago.

1937 – Famed lawyer Johnnie Cochran is born in Shreveport, Louisiana.

1967 – Thurgood Marshall is sworn in as the first African American Supreme Court justice.

2005 – August Wilson, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, dies of cancer at 60 in Seattle.

MILES DAVIS

view

P INT

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

According to some polls, Donald Trump is gaining ground with Black male voters. Kamala Harris’ campaign is also reportedly focusing on reaching young Black men, a crucial Democratic voting bloc. What are your thoughts on the presidential candidates courting the Black male vote?

YAKUBU GOMDAH / NEW YORK, N.Y.

LEROY JENKINS / BALTIMORE, MD.

Which Black men are they asking? I have never been surveyed. Don’t believe the hype!

The character of Vice President Harris is the primary reason for the skepticism of those Black male voters, but it seems they would be skeptical of Trump as well.

CARLTON LOGAN / OVERLAND PARK, KAN.

EARL FLOYD / NORFOLK, VA.

I don’t understand. We’ve had 44 white men who have served, and now we have a chance to have two Black presidents and one who happens to be a Black woman. Some Black people and many whites would rather have a severely unqualified, treasonous convict than a highly educated Black woman who has served in government.

There are a lot of Black brothers voting for Trump because they think he will write another stimulus check!

S. SMITH / MIAMI, FLA.

Telling Black men that the same thing everyone else is getting Black men will get too is a dumb strategy. We already assume that. What will she do for Black people and Black men only? What specific policy is geared toward us only? What specific policy, not positions or achievements, but policy do any of these candidates have that we should back?

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

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Businesses Urged to Hire Returning Citizens

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

By all measures, Larry Miller is a business success story.

Miller is the former president of the National Basketball Association’s Portland Trailblazers and presently works as the chairman of the advisory board for Jordan Brand, the shoe component owned by the former Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards professional basketball great Michael Jordan.

However, Miller has had scraps with the law and served time for his crimes. He murdered a teenager as a teen himself and a member of a gang. After his release, about four years later, he violated the law again and was reincarcerated. Miller did get his life together and received degrees from Temple University and LaSalle University and worked for companies such as Campbell Soup before joining Nike Inc., and the Trailblazers. Miller’s message to anyone listening is that people deserve a second chance.

“Committing a crime doesn’t make you a bad person, you just made a mistake,” he said on Sept. 18 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Reimagining Futures Forum at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters in Northwest, D.C.

Miller served as one of the speakers for the event. The forum was designed to encourage

business leaders to hire returning citizens.

“We have been working on Second Chance hiring for nearly a decade,” said Glenn Spencer, senior vice president of the employment policy division at the chamber. “It is a spiritual and moral failure not to employ returning citizens. They need to work because if they don’t there is a good chance they will return to a life of crime.”

SECOND CHANCE STATISTICS

The U.S. Chamber reports in its publication “Three Opportunities for Employers to Engage Second Chance Hires,” that 79 million people in the U.S. have an arrest or conviction record. Plus, the publication reports 440,000 people are released from jail every year.

Stephanie Ferguson Melhorn, senior director of Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives for the U.S. Chamber, said presently that the American economy has more open positions than workers.

“Many businesses cannot find qualified workers,” Melhorn said. “There are 8.2 million jobs available and 7.2 million workers. And, soon in the United States there are going to be more elderly than young people.”

Melhorn said most people who return home from incarceration are of working age, 20-55 years old. She said getting a job is not an easy task.

“It is simply hard to get a job, and it is even harder for returning citizens,” Melhorn said.

She said studies have shown that when a formerly incarcerated person has a job, chances of them going back to prison are significantly reduced. Melhorn also quoted a survey that reported that 85% of human resource leaders say that returning citizens perform well as employees and 81% of business leaders say the same thing.

The senior director of Global Employment Policy & Special Initiatives for the U.S. Chamber said hiring returning citizens is not just a good thing to do.

“It is not just a good deed,” she said,” but a sound business strategy.”

RETURNING CITIZENS, GOOD BUSINESS

Shea Zwerver works as a workforce relations and public affairs manager for Flagger Force, a traffic control company that operates in the Mid-Atlantic and southern regions of the U.S. Zwerver said Flagger Force is a strong proponent of hiring returning citizens.

“We offer our employees transportation assistance because we know many of them have trouble getting driver’s licenses due to the lack of an acceptable identification,” she said. “We also have a hardship fund to help them get settled.”

U.S. Rep. Danny Davis (D-Ill.) and Carol Miller (R-W.V.) are co-authors of the Second Chance Reauthorization Act of 2024, which reauthorizes reentry grant programs for five years allowing the federal government to invest in efforts to help people successfully reenter their communities after incarceration.

“Continuing to invest in these evidence-based interventions is a commonsense approach to strengthen individuals, re-build families, and grow our economy,” said Davis, 83.

WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Larry Miller is a returning citizen and the head of the Jordan Brand Advisory Board.

(Courtesy Photo/JustLeadershipUSA)

Annual H Street Festival Expands Entrepreneurship, Amplifies D.C. Culture

By Jada Ingleton WI Digital Equity Fellow

Teddy Carpenter could hardly tell a grill from a smoker – yes, there is a difference – when he first had the epiphany to start hosting barbecue cookouts roughly four years ago. A veteran of entrepreneurship, the District native jump started his company with a business model and a desire to serve top-notch food. That idea eventually developed into a mobile barbecue that would be a hit at D.C.’s annual H Street Festival.

On Saturday, Sept. 21, Black Betty’s BBQ made its second appearance at H Street Festival, one of the most anticipated and highly attended single-day festivals in Northeast, Washington, D.C. The mobile food stand is home to a unique menu of assorted items including beef ribs, lamb chops, steak, and their signature item colossal smoked oxtail.

With a line of customers down the block and over 700 pounds of meat sold, Black Betty’s emerged triumphant from Saturday’s event and showcased the up-and-coming barbecue business to look out for.

“H Street is the premier place to tap into the city. If you are someone who wants to be an entrepreneur in the DMV area, H Street can launch you to stardom, just like Hollywood could launch you to stardom in regards to a career in entertainment,” Carpenter said. “We’re just the new Michael Jackson. We’re still singing ‘I Want You Back’ and doing the thing, but when Michael came out, everybody knew he was going to be ‘it.’ We’re coming, and we’re going to be ‘it.’”

What started as a 500 participant bloc party more than 19 years ago, has now developed into a staple celebration of local businesses, community and culture, attracting about 150,000 participants annually. This year, H Street Festival spanned across 12 blocks with over a dozen staging areas programmed with diverse themes and aimed at various audience demographics.

Coupled with live music and interactive activities, the festival showcased the diversity of H Street, from restaurants and religious organizations to booths with vintage

clothing and vinyl records.

With arts as a principle motivator behind the festival, residents are exposed to the livelihood and cultural impact of the corridor, and oftentimes walk away with a deeper understanding and newfound appreciation for the community.

“Spaces like this festival really give platforms to a lot of otherwise marginalized and silenced demographics. There were tables on housing information, youth development volunteering, art, cultural body adornments, all these things [that are] either are part of Black culture or have become part of the general Black experience,” said first-time attendee Essenia Satya.

H STREET STIMULATES ECONOMIC GROWTH IN THE DISTRICT

As one of the oldest main streets in the District, H Street is renowned for its artistic values and unique business es, though increasing crime rate and residential concerns have been a focus of the location in recent years.

“I was previously unaware of what people said about H Street, the stig mas around it…this festival can lay those stigmas and misconceptions to rest,” said Satya.

Nevertheless, the arts district con tinues to stimulate economic growth, with H Street Festival directly reduc ing commercial building vacancy rate on H Street Corridor from 75% to under 5%, according to the main website.

According to Jarrod Bennet, exec utive director of the Atlas Performing Arts Center on H Street, the annual opportunity to interact with residents and educate them on the company’s mission and impact benefits not only the stakeholders, but the artistic com munity as a whole.

“H Street Festival brings more people that maybe don't come to this corridor. So, having those people come and actually meet and talk with us and realize that…we are a non profit that is trying to help the eco nomic stability of the region,” Bennet told The Informer. “We want the community to come in and realize

that when they support an event like this, for us, they're actually supporting the theater and the local artists.”

By raising awareness and amplifying local businesses, the platform has fostered an environment for Black entrepreneurs to scale their business products and expand to a wider audience.

Nsikan Edet, founder and CEO of Adiaha Eyo, a lifestyle company that utilizes home goods, fragrances, expression and hand-crafted jewelry to inspire natural healing and empowerment, is a five-time H Street veteran and considers it to be a pivotal experience for anyone who is serious about turning a small business into something greater.

“As a D.C., native, I feel like H Street is just the heart and the bread of D.C. If you're here, people know who you are,” said Edet. “[Entrepreneurs] need visibility, and this is what

5Hosted on Sept. 21, the annual H Street Festival is a celebration of local businesses and community, attracting about 150,000 participants annually with a mission to showcase the arts, diversity and culture of H Street. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

H Street does. It puts your product in front of 1,000 customers from different demographics, and that in there enables you to amplify it on that type of platform. So being connected to H Street, it’s like you’re valid.” Edet has stamped H Street as a place for businesses to prove their worth. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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“There

– Booker T. Washington

Ciarra Bishop reads

latest edition of The Washington Informer. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Democratic Missouri Congresswoman Cori Bush in conversation with Andy Shallal, CEO and founder of Busboys and Poets on Sept. 23. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Le Diner En Blanc Draws Thousands for a Chic Celebration of District Culture

Guests Enjoy RFK Campus Before Demolition

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

With 4,500 guests dining, drinking wine and donning all-white, chic attire, Le Diner En Blanc- Washington held on Saturday, Sept. 21 at RFK Stadium Campus, was not just a gathering highlighting food, fun and fashion, but also a moment for fellowship with friends and friendly strangers in celebration of the District’s beauty, boldness and culture.

Rockville, Maryland resident Meredith Hill has made the annual event a fun priority for years.

“This is my fourth year here and it’s a great time to gather with your friends, wear cute outfits and have some fellowship in a different location in D.C. each year,” Hill told The Informer, after posing in pictures on the stadium grounds with friends.

Le Diner En Blanc, which started in Paris in 1988, has spread across 120 cities over the past three decades. In addition to the friends, food, fashion and wine, the event is appealing as it is held in various locations throughout the city each year.

“We try to change things up each year to make Le Diner en Blanc fresh for returning guests while keeping the essence of the true French picnic as the core of this iconic event. This event has become the urban picnic of the year in Washington, D.C. that features a social gathering where fashion, good food, and most importantly good company meet,” said Linda Davis of The Davis Group, co-producer of Le Diner en Blanc-Washington, in a statement.

Guests bring food, wine and ontheme decorations to add pizzazz and flare to their tables and contribute to the luxurious, all-white aesthetic overall.

As a repeat-attendee, Hill is a pro in preparing for Le Diner en Blanc, even offering advice to future guests.

“Preparation is key. Bring a wagon. Be prepared for any elements in case there’s rain, because it does go on rain or shine, and wear comfortable shoes,” she said.

With warm, comfortable weather, there was much to do at this year’s Le Diner En Blanc, including live tunes by DJ Natty Heavy, performances by

dancers Crazy Legs and Jenelle Figgins and live painting sponsored by Porchfest DC.

Teacher, artist, alchemist, singer, dancer, herbalist and self-described “super-student,” Lark Eaglin, was one of the local painters who created a piece during the evening.

“We’re on this journey together. I don’t know what I’m painting. I know that the theme today is connection and transition. A lot of my work is about water purification and how to send energy and information from one place to the next. So it’s always like vines, or tubes, or pipes of some sort and always water– and so that’s what I’ve got,” she told The Informer as she painted. “We’ll see where the lines take us and fill it in with a bunch of flowers, because I have this interesting take on ‘What is biology, what is technology? Energy and information and divinity flows through all of us and all things. And water connects all things, so I’m really focused on that.”

CELEBRATING RFK

STADIUM THROUGH LE DINER EN BLANC

Before the event’s traditional “napkin wave,” which happens as part of every event, Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development Nina Albert shared the importance of having Le Diner en Blanc at RFK Stadium.

“We are dining underneath the his-

toric RFK Stadium. I want everybody to take a good look at it because it might be one of the last times you get to see it, because I believe that some time soon we’re going to have a demolition party and the future of this space really could be: a beautiful residential community, an arts community, an innovation district, and dare I say home to the Commanders,” she told the crowd. “So today, as we savor our meals and enjoy each other’s company, we are reminded about not just what has been, but what yet is to come.”

Multimedia artist, poet and published author Ife Al-Din was one of the event’s live painters. She told The Informer she was “amazed,” taking in the evening’s people and vibes.

“I’m a D.C. native, I grew up not too far from here– Benning Road and East Capitol Street,” Al-Din said. “This is my first time knowing about this event, honestly, and to see so many beautiful Black people, I’m grateful to be able to… capture the essence of everyone here, and the energy that’s moving around the space.”

Through her work, Al-Din commemorated the historic space.

“I’m honoring RFK Stadium that’s about to get torn down,” she told The Informer. “I’m talking about the nostalgia of being here and being able to paint here before that happens, as well as a showing of the new beginning, and showing the fact that we (African Americans) have a seat at the table.”

5Guests do the electric slide at Le Diner En Blanc-Washington at RFK Stadium on Sept. 21. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Prince George’s County Political Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY EXECUTIVE ALSOBROOKS, SENATE NOMINEE ACCUSED OF IMPROPERLY USING TAX CREDITS

Prince George’s County Executive and Democratic Senate nominee Angela Alsobrooks is accused of improperly using tax credits on properties in Washington D.C. and Prince George’s County.

According to multiple reports, she saved nearly $14,000 in taxes between 2005 and 2017 on her Northeast Washington property by using tax exemptions meant for D.C.’s primary residents, lower income residents and senior citizens. This property was previously

owned by her grandparents, who qualified for the tax credit.

Alsbrooks purchased a home in 2014, which she lists as her primary residence but does not apply the homestead tax exemption towards.

“She was unaware of any tax credits attached to that property and has reached out to the District of Columbia to resolve the issue and make any necessary payment,” said Alsobrooks’ Senior Adviser Connor Lounsbury. "When Angela bought her new property, the homestead tax credit from her previous home was not transferred. This resulted in no financial gain for Angela. In fact, she ended up paying more in taxes than she would have had the credit transferred over. Nevertheless, Angela is working to repay any credits received on the old property."

She also listed another property in Prince George’s as a primary residence, despite denoting over $15,000 in rental

income from the same address.

The Senate general election has remained close since Alsobrooks and former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan won their respective primaries, although Alsobrooks has increased her lead as ads tying Hogan to national Republicans have made their mark.

With mail-in ballots being sent off on Sep. 20, votes will soon be cast in this race that could decide partisan control of the Senate.

COUNTY HOSTS SUICIDE PREVENTION SYMPOSIUM, HEALTH & WELLNESS EXPO

Last weekend was all about wellness throughout Prince George’s County.

Councilmember Wala Blegay hosted a symposium focusing on suicide prevention and mental health awareness at Glenn Dale’s Reid Temple and District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman hosted a health, wellness, and opportunity expo in Capitol Heights’ Trinidad Baptist Church on Sep. 21.

The “Black People Die By Suicide Too” podcast hosted a table during Blegay’s symposium, and attendees were guided through deep breathing exercises.

At the Health, Wellness, and Opportunities expo, attendees were able to engage with more than 25 vendors.

A representative from Hogan’s campaign weighed in on the accusations regarding the county executive’s usage of tax exemptions.

“She claims to be unaware of tax laws it was her job to enforce,” said Hogan campaign spokesperson Blake Kernen. “Governor Hogan has always stood up for taxpayers and in the Senate, he will continue to fight for fairness and fiscal responsibility.”

While the race was fairly close shortly after the primary election, Alsobrooks has steadily increased her lead as we approach Early Voting. In two of the most recent polls, she maintained a lead of over ten points against Hogan.

“Y’all could never make me hate, or not vote for my sis Angela Alsobrooks who named ME the Pride of Prince George’s County,” said radio personality Autumn Joi. “Hogan's camp really tried it with this latest smear campaign! Her grandparents legally applied for the Homestead Credit before she became the owner!”

Former County Council candidate Sia Finoh expressed support for the Republican nominee.

“I am standing with Gov. Larry Hogan till the end. He has receipts to show,” said Finoh shortly after the Alsobrooks’ tax credit story was released. “He is a man of great integrity and statesmanship. WI

“Health is wealth,” said District Heights Commissioner and expo organizer Anthony Tilghman, who also works with The Washington Informer.

Tilghman was proud to bring dentist Ifeoma Essien of Accokeek, Maryland, who did free dental screenings, along with dozens of other vendors. A follow up expo will be held in September of next year.

“I think we need to do better to support our community health agencies. We need to be more accessible and do a better job of ensuring that resources are known to the community,” he said.

District 25 Del. Denise Roberts (D) weighed in on the importance of bringing health and wellness events to the community.

"As a Maryland state delegate, I believe health fairs like this one are essential for our community. They provide direct access to critical healthcare services and resources, empowering residents to prioritize their health and well-being,” said Roberts after attending the Health, Wellness, and Opportunities expo. “By bringing healthcare providers and information directly to the community, we can help ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has the opportunity to receive the care and support they need to lead healthy lives.”

5 Prince George’s County Executive and Democratic Senate nominee Angela Alsobrooks is accused of improperly using tax credits on properties in Washington D.C. and Prince George’s County. (WI File Photo/Cleveland Nelson)

5 Marketing Manager Amana Hayes, Dr. Ifeoma Essien, and District Heights Commissioner Anthony Tilghman at a health, wellness, and opportunity expo on Sep. 21 at Capitol Heights’ Trinidad Baptist Church. The more than 100 attendees were able to tap into the over 25 vendors on site. (WI Courtesy Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

Prince George’s County Business Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

BALDOR SPECIALITY FOODS

OPENS NEW FOOD WAREHOUSE IN LANHAM

Baldor Speciality Foods, a premium produce, dairy, and grocery distributor, opened a new 100,000 square foot warehouse in Lanham, Maryland on Sep. 17.

The warehouse, less than

this property since November 2022, and first came to Maryland in 2012 with a small crossdock facility in Jessup that served roughly 1,000 of the company’s nearly 15,000 customers.

This warehouse is eight times the size of the former cross-dock facility, and will house 7,000 products along with 35 dock doors and on-site refrigeration.

140 employees have already been hired, and the company will be hiring additional jobs, including drivers and warehouse staff.

“As our business has rapid -

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

maximize product sales for our vendors, and bring on more local farmers and producers, while also increasing career and salary opportunities for our employees. With this move, we believe we have hit the trifecta.”

Baldor’s Mid-Atlantic Sales Director Bill Hodge is excited for what this warehouse will offer for local grocers and eateries.

“Our 100K-square-foot warehouse in Lanham will help us to deliver the freshest perishable and most interesting non-perishable food to our more than 1,000 chef, retail and corporate customers across the DMV area. Our delivery zone stretches from Belair in the north, the Maryland and Delaware beaches to

K AMAL A HARRIS OF F ERS

NE W GE NER ATION OF L E A DERSHIP

She plans to give: Trump has no plan.

$50K tax deduction for new business owners

$6K to young families in the first year of their child’s life

$25K in down payment assistance for first time home buyers

During his presidency, the Black unemployment rate was at an all time high

His Project 2025 agenda would roll back civil rights policies that offer opportunity for Black Americans He uses race to divide us, scapegoating Black & Brown communities

She believes in what is possible. He’s more interested in defending himself than looking out for you. Let’s turn the page and move forward.

5 Prince George’s County Council Chair Jolene Ivey and Del. Ashanti Martinez celebrate the grand opening of Baldor Speciality Foods warehouse in Lanham, Maryland on Sep. 16. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

BUSINESS

By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

AGENCY, NATIONAL MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT

COUNCIL HOST EVENTS IN ATLANTA

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has announced that the 41st Annual National Minority Enterprise Development Week (MED Week) will take place on Oct. 20-26 in Atlanta. In addition, the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Annual Conference & Exchange will also take place in Atlanta Oct. 20–23. Both events will be held at the Georgia World Congress Center.

As a part of Med Week, awards will be given to honor exceptional

briefs

achievements of entrepreneurs, businesses and organizations that are advancing business enterprises within underrepresented communities. For more than 50 years, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency has played a pivotal role in nurturing the expansion and global competitiveness of the nation’s minority business enterprises.

MBDA has been a trailblazer in honoring the achievements and economic contributions made by these businesses, which now number more than 10 million.

“The National MED Week Awards are a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of business leaders and trailblazers that are driving progress and inspiring future generations,” said Eric Morrissette, MBDA acting under secretary.

The categories are: Firms of the

Year; Champions of Business Development; and Individual Recognitions, and will include the Abe Venable Legacy Lifetime Achievement and Ronald H. Brown Achievement Leadership Award.

This year’s conference will bring together entrepreneurs, business leaders, and public sector representatives to celebrate the growth and successes of minority business enterprises across the country. The week includes events such as workshops, networking events, and issue forums that provide resources and tools to help Minority Business Enterprises grow their businesses.

For more information, visit MBDA’s website at http://www.mbda.gov.

BANKERS ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE

The National Bankers Association, which is composed primarily of Black-owned financial institutions, will hold its annual conference at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill from Oct. 10-11.

Currency and Martin Gruenberg, chairman of the FDIC. Topics at the workshop include Equity Under Attack, AI and The State of MDIs.

Confirmed speakers include Michael Hsu, the acting comptroller of the Office of the Comptroller of the pact.

THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA HOUSING AUTHORITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP) SOLICITATION NO.: 58-2024

DCHA Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) UNIT Inspection and Certification Services

The District of Columbia Housing Authority (DCHA) Office of Capitol Programs (OCP) requires licensed qualified Contractors to provide Uniform Federal Accessibility Standards (UFAS) Unit Inspection and Certification Services for residential housing units.

SOLICITATION DOCUMENTS will be available beginning Monday, September 16, 2024, and can be found on Bonfire at: https:// dchousing.bonfirehub.com/portal

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

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

A MANDATORY PRE-BID CONFERENCE will be held on Friday, September 20, 2024, 12:00 p.m., via Microsoft Teams Conference: Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now Meeting ID: 230 879 406 273

Passcode: B6yqiY

Dial in by phone

+1 945-468-5507,117942839# United States, Dallas

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 117 942 839#

For organizers: Meeting options | Reset dial-in PIN

PROPOSAL RESPONSES ARE DUE ON OR BEFORE Monday, October 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.

Email Lolita Washington, Contract Specialist lwashing@dchousing.org with copy to business@dchousing.org for additional information.

For more information, call 202588-5432.

BLACK WEALTH SUMMIT AT CLARK ATLANTA UNIVERSITY

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) announced that it will hold its 2024 Black Wealth Summit at Clark Atlanta University on Nov. 15 and a Building Black Wealth community event the next day, Nov. 16.

“NAREB is the leading voice of Black real estate professionals, and we are unyielding in our pursuit of advancing Black homeownership and wealth in America,” said Dr. Courtney Johnson Rose. “Our annual summits provide data and information that bolsters these causes while urging stakeholders, from mortgage lenders to government policymakers, to support efforts to bring equity to all communities.”

At the Black Summit, NAREB will provide a platform for national leaders, including forums on several comprehensive studies commissioned by the organization. One study examines appraisal bias and the impact of recent government and private sector efforts to curtail it. The second study targets an issue that has been quietly plaguing Black communities for decades: the dispersal of heirs property and how to curb its devastating im-

In addition, the 2024 State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) study will provide an extensive analysis of Black homeownership and the historical barriers African Americans have faced when seeking to purchase a home.

Learn more about the tour at narebblackwealthtour.com

ILLEGAL WEED BUSINESSES CLOSED

The District’s Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration’s (ABCA) Enforcement Division, accompanied by Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officers, served closure orders to the owners of two illegal cannabis businesses: All American Papers, at 504 H Street NE and StonerzDC at 521 H Street NE on Sept. 18.

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board issued the closure orders to the businesses in response to their continued operation as unlicensed cannabis retailers in violation of cease-and-desist orders. Due to both businesses posing a credible and imminent danger to public health and safety, ABCA shuttered the businesses, including padlocking the doors.

At StonerzDC, investigators recovered 949 grams of marijuana laced with amphetamine, 4,808 grams of THC laced edibles, 1,723.65 grams of THC wax, and 28 grams of entheogenic mushrooms. WI

Politics, Networking Highlight National Black MBA Association Conference

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

When the name H. Beecher Hicks is mentioned in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, the famed former pastor and theologian of the storied Metropolitan Baptist Church often comes to mind. But his son, Hicks III, accepted a different calling than his father, leading a flock of Black business leaders as the president of the National Black MBA Association.

“This is my first conference as the president of this organization,” Hicks III told The Informer. “It is good that we are holding the conference a few blocks away from where my father used to pastor his church, on R Street NW.”

Hicks led hundreds of members and others at the organization’s 46th Annual Conference & Exposition that took place mainly at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest from Sept. 17-20.

The conference consisted of workshops, an HBCU Pavilion, pitch com-

petitions, receptions, parties, booths of corporations, businesses and graduate business schools in the Exhibition Hall as well as meal events featuring noted business leaders such as director and part NFL owner Will Packer and Jamie Dimon, president and CEO of JPMorgan Chase.

The conference included a political panel on Sept. 17 at the Howard Theatre in Northwest featuring National Urban League President Marc Morial, MSNBC show host Symone Sanders-Townsend and noted journalist Ed Gordon as the moderator.

On Sept. 18, former Georgia Democratic Gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams delivered an electrifying message encouraging the business leaders to vote in the upcoming presidential election.

HAPPENINGS AROUND THE CONFERENCE

On Sept. 19, 30 people listened to speakers at a workshop sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, an insurance

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Let us help you turn the key to your first home or your next home.

company, talk about the benefit of owning life insurance as protection for events that take place in life as well as a part of building generational wealth.

“Life insurance is not just for when you die,” said Rodney W. Griffin II, a financial advisor with the company based in Bowie, Maryland. “You can use life insurance in various ways such as paying for your kids' college education.”

Griffin advised the attendees to hire a financial advisor in the same manner that top athletes have coaches.

“An advisor can help you get where you need to be,” he said.

One floor down from where the Northwestern Mutual workshop was held was the Exhibition Hall where dozens of companies and business schools were housed in booths. Ifeoluwa Adeboge, a 20-year-old student at Iowa State University working on an MBA degree, was waiting patiently in line at the American Airlines booth for an on-the-spot interview.

“This is a good opportunity for me to network,” Adeboge said. “I understand that they are really interested in

hiring people and I hope they are interested in me.”

Across the Exhibition Hall sat David Harrison, a recruiter for the Fisher School of Business at Ohio State University. Harrison, 61, said he came to the convention “to support our graduates and undergraduate students.”

“I am here to sell undergraduate students and some graduate students the benefits of having an MBA from Ohio State,” he said. “We have a variety of programs such as an Executive MBA and we are open to veteran friendly.”

Worldwide Technology Company, based in St. Louis, was one of the few minority-owned companies with a booth.

“We are the largest minority company in the country, and we are looking for diverse people to work for us,” said recruiter Prentice Ivy Jr., 34. “Some people don’t know who we are, and we are here to educate them about us.”

On Sept. 20, during a three-course luncheon, Dimon engaged in a fireside chat with journalist Soledad O’Brien. The JP Morgan Chase talked about his journey in business and leadership and offered advice to attendees.

[In response to a question on the se-

cret to great leadership, Dimon mentioned business icons and businesses that he respects. He mentioned Sam Walton, the founder of Walmart and Home Depot as great examples of business leadership.

“I read about Abe Lincoln and about Nelson Mandela,” Dimon. “I read and talked to people who worked to make things better.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 H. Beecher Hicks. (Courtesy photo)

NATIONAL

Third-Party Candidates, Supporters Assert Presence during Historic Election Season

The Uhuru Three to Appeal Conviction Handed Down during CBC Week

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald J. Trump continue to compete to occupy the Oval Office, many voters have already taken their pick, with recent polls showing a toss up in key battleground states.

However, there remains an ever increasing segment of the American population that looks to neither candidate, or the two major political parties for that matter, as the end all, be all, in what’s been described as one of the most consequential elections of this lifetime.

Some concerned voters, like Preshona Ambri, said they consider Democrats and Republicans two wings on the same bird of the capitalist political system that’s beholden to Wall Street and other corporate entities, more so than Americans and global citizens living in the trenches.

On Oct. 12 between 3pm and 5pm, Ambri and others with a similar mindset will converge on We Act Radio in Southeast to discuss strategies for uniting all segments of what’s considered the far left.

“We’re hoping to create a safe space for those who are concerned about humanity, inflation and healthcare and … have been intentionally left out of the conversations,” said Ambri, member of a local group that’s drumming up support for Dr. Cornel West and Dr. Melina Abdullah, both of whom are registered in the District as an independent presidential/vice presidential ticket.

In recent months, Ambri has been educating others about third-party

options and participatory politics through her @BrownGirlsThink page. That’s where she has responded to Harris supporters who expressed fears about “spoilers,” like West and Abdullah, who they believe would ensure a second Trump presidency by siphoning votes from Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Ambri told The Informer that anyone who votes for a third-party candidate would have most likely never voted for Harris or Trump, or voted at all. Her goal, and that of others, she said, centers on bolstering the profiles of third party candidates and sparking some conversation about how to accumulate at least 5% of the popular vote to secure third-party funding and eventually break out of the two-party system.

“This doesn’t all get solved on the federal level. It’s about the local level, down to what’s happening in Ward 8,” Ambri said. “I’m hoping for a real, inclusive conversation to get away … from the propaganda talking points. It’s especially for those who are burnt out and disillusioned from American politics, [so they can have] a light.”

THIRD-PARTY CANDIDATES LAUNCH ANOTHER OFFENSIVE AGAINST THE ESTABLISHMENT

Other third-party and independent presidential tickets include: Green Party candidates Dr. Jill Stein and Dr. Butch Ware; and Claudia De la Cruz and Karina Garcia of the Party for Socialism and Liberation.

Until recently, Robert F. Kennedy,

District as an independent presidential/vice presidential ticket. (Courtesy Photo, Dr.

Jr. and Nicole Shanahan, an independent ticket with conservative leanings, were also campaigning for the White House.

Unlike their Democratic and Republican counterparts, third-party candidates will not appear on all state ballots. This stems from a hodgepodge of state laws that not only limit independent parties’ access via a labyrinthic petition collection process, but reward Democrats and Republicans for amassing substantial voter support during previous elections.

The Green Party will appear on the ballot in 39 states (440 electoral college votes), while registered as a writein candidate in Illinois and an automatic write-in in Iowa and Wyoming. The Party for Socialism and Liberation has ballot access in 19 states (220 electoral college votes), while registered as a write-in in seven states.

Meanwhile, the West-Abdullah ticket has ballot access in 16 states (138 electoral college votes), while registered as a write-in in Texas, Illinois, and Indiana.

Such feats have not been without hurdles.

In August, the Democratic National Committee in Wisconsin, a swing state, unsuccessfully attempted to remove The Green Party from the state ballot. However, in Nevada, the state’s Supreme Court sided with the state Democratic Party, despite petitioners submitting 29,500 signatures, three times the minimum required.

In Pennsylvania, the state Supreme Court blocked The Party for Socialism and Liberation from the ballot, while

the West-Abdullah ticket overcame challenges from Democrats in Virginia and Georgia.

Even as she rails against the Democratic establishment, Abdullah continues to engage the more progressive members of the party, like Congresswomen Cori Bush (D-Mo.) and Ayanna Presley (D-Mass.). She called it part of a long-term strategy to disrupt the duopoly.

“It's about figuring out how to engage,” Abdullah told The Informer. “We always say it's vote and organize. We move people to realize our power. We must have our power, but we have to organize. It's a complicated space to navigate.”

In that space, Democrats have targeted third-party presidential candidates, particularly The Green Party, in numerous ways. In 2017, the Senate intelligence committee launched an investigation into The Green Party, alleging that Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, in part, by boosting the party’s profile.

As The Green Party, and other independent, far-left political entities, continue to criticize U.S. support for Israel, Democrats like Representative Alexanadria Oscacio-Cortez (D-N.Y.) are levying critiques of their own. Oscacio-Cortez, who lost the Democratic Socialists’ endorsement over Gaza this summer, took to social media earlier this month to question why The Green Party hasn’t been able to win local and state races in recent years.

On Sept. 13, when Stein and Ware appeared on The Breakfast Club, Angela Rye, former executive director

and general counsel to the Congressional Black Caucus, made a similar point, with Rye telling Stein that the math has never been in her favor during her 2012 and 2016 presidential campaigns, and her two similarly unsuccessful attempts to become governor of Massachusetts.

Kymone Freeman, a D.C. Statehood Green Party candidate running against D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, said comments such as those made by Rye, Oscacio-Cortez and other Democrats further solidify the growing influence of the third -party movement in the U.S.

“Let’s be clear: all of these attacks are coming from so-called Democratic operatives,” Freeman said. “It’s not Republicans. That lets you know this is not a democracy. It’s about maintaining the status quo.”

Freeman, co-owner of We Act Radio, predicts that the November election will attract the largest number of third-party voters in U.S. history with him securing 70,000 independent votes and 80,000 votes from local college students.

Since the launch of his campaign on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, Freeman has made the rounds at different events in the city, drawing contrasts between himself and the incumbent. Norton’s refusal to denounce Israel’s attacks on Gaza, Freeman said, represents a deviation from her radical origins in the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee.

Uncommonly Cozy Energy Tips

Winter's on the way, and while you probably know the basics for keeping warm on a budget, there's always room for fresh ideas. Resources like the Washington Gas Winter Preparedness list are packed with practical advice on preparing your home for the cold. As a seasonal refresher, consider these additional suggestions to help you stay comfortable and energy-efficient while trimming extra costs.

USE A CHIMNEY BALLOON

Fireplaces add a special touch to any home, but they can let warm air escape and invite cold drafts in when they're not in use. Even with the damper closed, a lot of heat can slip away through the chimney. A chimney balloon, or chimney plug, can block that flue and keep the warmth inside. It’s an easy fix that helps your fireplace remain a comforting, energy-saving asset.

INSTALL RADIATOR REFLECTORS

Radiators do a great job of heating rooms, but some of that warmth can be lost through the walls, especially if your radiators are near exterior walls. That’s where radiator reflectors come in. These thin, reflective sheets help bounce heat back into the room, making sure you get the most out of your heating system.

USE A HUMIDIFIER

TRY A HEAT RECOVERY VENTILATOR

Sealing your home tight to keep the heat in is smart, but it can sometimes lead to stuffy and stale air. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is a clever way to bring in fresh air without losing the warmth you’ve worked hard to keep. It captures the heat from outgoing air and uses it to warm up the fresh air coming in, keeping your home comfy and efficient in energy use.

INSULATE YOUR FLOORS AND CEILINGS

It’s easy to overlook, but floors can be a major source of heat loss, especially those over unheated spaces like basements or crawl spaces. Adding insulation underneath can help keep the warmth inside. Whether you opt for rigid foam insulation or adding carpets and rugs with insulating pads, your cold feet and energy bill will thank you.

And because heat rises, don’t forget your ceiling or attic when insulating your home. Adding or upgrading the insulation in these areas can keep the warmth inside where it belongs. Consider installing a radiant barrier or boosting the insulation's R-value to maximize your home’s energy efficiency.

Dry winter air can make your home feel colder than it actually is, tempting you to turn up the heat. A humidifier can help maintain ideal indoor humidity levels—between 30% and 50%—making your home feel warmer at lower temperatures. Plus, it’s a great way to avoid dry skin and annoying winter static shocks.

ADD OUTLET GASKETS

Electrical outlets on exterior walls can let in more cold air than you might expect. Installing foam outlet gaskets behind the cover plates is a quick, inexpensive fix that helps block drafts and may reduce your heating and cooling bill by up to 20%.

TIME YOUR WATER HEATER

Your water heater doesn’t need to run constantly; a timer lets you adapt water needs to your schedule. This one small change can help noticeably trim energy costs, especially since water heating is most homes' third largest energy use, right behind heating and cooling.

INSTALL A DOOR SWEEP

Even a tiny gap under an exterior door can let in a surprising amount of cold air. A door sweep is a simple, affordable solution that seals off the bottom of your doors, keeping drafts out and warmth in. Look for one with a brush or rubber seal that’s easy on your floors. Bonus: they can also help keep out water, dust, and insects.

Consider Adding Thermal Mass

Thermal mass might sound technical, but it’s really just about using materials that store and release heat. Adding elements like stone, tile, or concrete near south-facing windows allows them to soak up heat during the day and slowly release it at night. This natural process may help keep your home’s temperature steady, reducing the need for extra heating.

At Washington Gas, we understand that keeping your home warm isn’t just about comfort—it’s about keeping your energy affordable, reliable, and safe. From innovative programs and partnerships to our 175-year focus on customer care, we’re passionate about reliable energy, no matter what the season.

Stay cozy, and enjoy the cooler months!

Oprah-Hosted Event Rallies Celebrities, Emotional Stories in Powerful Push for Kamala Harris Campaign

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Just weeks before the Nov. 5 election, Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign received a boost from a star-studded virtual event that Oprah Winfrey hosted Thursday night.

To turn out voters in crucial battleground states like Georgia,

Pennsylvania, and Michigan, Winfrey and Win with Black Women organized the “Unite for America” event, which drew hundreds of thousands of viewers across social media.

The event was punctuated by raw, emotional moments, including a heartbreaking account from Shanette Williams, the mother of Amber Nicole Thurman, a 28-year-old Georgia woman who died in 2022 after a hospital treatment delay caused by the state’s restrictive abortion laws.

“You’re looking at a mother that is broken,” Williams said through tears. “The worst pain a parent can ever feel.”

Harris, visibly moved by Williams’ testimony, expressed her sorrow.

“I'm just so sad. The courage you have shown is extraordinary,” the Democratic presidential nominee noted.

Many in the audience, which included around 400 in-studio attendees and virtual participants, were brought to tears.

The spotlight then shifted to gun violence, with Marilda Griffith, the mother of 15-year-old Natalie Griffith, sharing a deeply personal story. Natalie had been shot twice in her math class just two weeks earlier at Apalachee High School in Georgia.

“We have one job — to protect our children,” Griffith said, her voice cracking with emotion. “We have to stop it.”

Harris used these tragic stories to reaffirm her commitment to fight for national abortion rights and push for a ban on assault weapons. Her campaign has focused heavily on overturning the 2022 Supreme Court decision that struck down Roe v. Wade and addressing the rising gun violence crisis in America.

The event also showcased a powerful lineup of celebrity endorsements. Comedians Chris Rock and Ben Stiller, along with actors Julia Roberts, Meryl Streep, and Bryan Cranston, voiced their support for Harris, underscoring the

historic significance of her candidacy.

“I want to bring my daughters to the White House to meet this Black woman president,” Rock said, drawing applause from the virtual audience.

Winfrey, one of Harris’ most influential backers, praised the vice president’s resilience and leadership since President Joe Biden withdrew from the race in late July. Winfrey emphasized Harris’ transformation from a candidate whose viability some people, including Biden, questioned, to a dynamic force uniting Democrats in a crucial election by saying, “Kamala has stepped into her power.”

Harris determinedly reflected on her role: “We all have those moments when it's time to step up. This is mine.”

Since Biden’s exit, Harris has reinvigorated the Democratic campaign, bringing new fundraising momentum and enthusiasm from diverse voter blocs across the country.

One unscripted moment caught the audience by surprise when Winfrey mentioned she didn’t know Harris was a gun owner until her debate with the twice impeached and 34 times convicted former president and Republican nominee Donald Trump.

Harris responded candidly: “If someone breaks into my house, they’re getting shot.” She quickly laughed and added, “I probably shouldn’t have said that — my staff will handle it later.”

In addition to voter engagement, the event emphasized mobilizing volunteers for grassroots efforts like phone banking and door-knocking. Harris’ campaign manager stressed that the race remains razor-thin despite the energy.

As the event drew to a close, Winfrey called the audience to action: “We love energy, but the rahrah moment will end. Then, we get to work.”

@StacyBrownMedia

5To turn out voters in crucial battleground states like Georgia, Pennsylvania, and Michigan, Oprah Winfrey (left) and Win with Black Women organized “Unite for America,” a star-studded virtual event to boost Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign. (Earl Gibson/The Washington Informer)

Black Operatives Reportedly Furious Over Kamala Harris Campaign’s Spending Decisions

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Black Democratic operatives and minority-owned firms are raising alarms over spending practices in Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign. They accuse the campaign of favoring white-owned vendors while sidelining Black-owned firms.

The controversy, first reported by NOTUS, a nonprofit newsroom created by the Allbritton Journalism Institute, has caused growing frustration among Democratic leaders, operatives, and donors. Many fear that these missteps could harm Harris’ standing with voters of color in the crucial weeks before Election Day.

Derrick Johnson, president of the NAACP, expressed frustration in an August call with Harris’ campaign. Alongside other prominent Black leaders, Johnson questioned why minority-owned political firms—historically integral to Democratic campaigns—were not receiving a fair share of the campaign’s record-breaking fundraising, nearly $1 billion since Harris became the Democratic nominee.

“If Black voters are the base, it should be Black vendors telling the story,” a participant on the call told NOTUS. Yet, despite pressing the issue, many left the con-

versation with no clear resolution.

Johnson and other leaders reportedly vowed to escalate their concerns, demanding transparency on how the campaign allocates its funds and why there appears to be a lack of equitable spending with minority-owned firms.

A LACK OF INVESTMENT COULD COST SUPPORT

The underinvestment in Blackowned firms goes beyond finances; it’s a problem that could threaten Harris’ standing with Black voters. In 2020, Black voters overwhelmingly supported Joe Biden, with 92% backing his candidacy, according to Pew Research. However, that support has softened in 2024. A recent poll from Howard University showed that Black voter support for Harris had dropped to 82%.

Adrianne Shropshire, executive director of BlackPAC, which targets Black voters, told NOTUS that while Harris has a compelling story, the real question is whether the campaign will spend enough to reach skeptical voters.

“They very clearly understand the need to increase communication with Black voters,” Shropshire said. “But can they reach enough voters to turn enthusiasm into actual votes?” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5Black Democratic operatives and minority-owned firms are raising alarms over spending practices in Vice President Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign, accusing the campaign of favoring white-owned vendors while sidelining Black-owned firms. (WI File Photo)

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5 With Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is working partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organized

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has assured that Nigeria will continue to work with its international partners to ensure that cyber criminals and organized crime groups involved in transnational car thefts are deprived of the benefits of their illegal activities.

To this end, Tinubu directed security and law enforcement agencies— including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) to intensify efforts in cracking down on individuals in possession of and trafficking in stolen vehicles, the Daily Post Nigeria reported on Sunday, Sept. 22.

The president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga said on Sunday that Tinubu is of the belief that one of the most effective tools available to law enforcement agencies is denying criminals the proceeds from their illicit activities.

He said Tinubu has acknowledged the recent handover of 53 vehicles and $180,300 by EFCC to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) on behalf of two Canadian citizens who were victims of cybercrimes perpetrated by Nigerian nationals.

While expressing concern over the involvement of transnational organized criminal groups in exporting stolen vehicles to Nigeria, President Tinubu commended EFCC for collaborating with partners to ensure a coordinated and professional response to this menace.

Onanuga also confirmed that the president has directed all relevant agencies, particularly the anti-corruption agencies, to protect Nigeria’s economic and financial integrity from organized crime infiltration.

He also demands that the value of seized and confiscated moveable assets be preserved for the state, society, and victims in line with existing legislation and international conventions.

Onanugu said the president strongly affirmed that Nigeria is not a destination for stolen vehicles and a haven for illicit wealth from foreign countries.

“President Tinubu affirmed that his administration remains committed to tackling money laundering, cybercrime, and other financial crimes,” Onanuga added.

5Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley spoke on Sept. 21 at the closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days at the United Nations headquarters in New York. (Courtesy Photo/Barbados

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for a change of attitude and values as the world confronts major challenges that she said can disrupt the lives of people everywhere. Mottley spoke on the evening of Saturday, Sept. 21, at the closing ceremony of the Summit of the Future Action Days at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

“We are here in the season of superlatives — from the driest, to the wettest, to the strongest storms — every possible thing that we could imagine that can disrupt our way of life, from the environment and range biodiversity that is so essential to the balance of our earth has already been affecting us,” Mottley said.

According to the prime minister, even though noises have been made for the last few decades that things ought to change, they have continued in the same direction.

“This world can change, but it needs our energy, [and] our commitment. I believe that it is possible for us to have a win-win, I believe that hope can be restored, but I do recognize that we are at an inflection point,” said Mottley. “And those who have power and want to maintain the status quo– even though they do not yet have a plan for us to live on Mars– they are adamant on not creating the space or the policy flexibility, or the access to the funding necessary for us to bring along others.”

Know the When, Where and How. Then Vote.

AARP DC Staff Report

The year’s general election on November 5th is rapidly approaching and AARP DC is here to provide you the information you need to make your voice heard. This election will determine two At Large DC Councilmembers, DC Councilmembers for Wards 2, 4, 7, 8, the D.C. delegate to Congress and other citywide offices.

People over the age of 50 are our nation’s most powerful voters – and once again, you will be the deciders in the 2024 elections. That is why AARP DC wants to make sure you have the information needed to cast your ballot.

REGISTER TO VOTE

The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 15. This can be done several ways:

• In person: Pick up an application at the D.C. Board of Elections or at most D.C. public libraries. Mail it to be received by October 15.

• Online: Use the District’s Board of Election online portal to register (dcboe.org). There, you also can check your registration status, or update your name, address and party affiliation.

People registering to vote for the first time and submitting an application by mail or online should include a copy of a valid photo ID, utility bill or other government document with your name and address. Visit dcboe.org for a list of acceptable IDs.

Same-day registration is available at early vote centers during the early voting period or on Election Day. You must bring proof of residence.

MAIL-IN BALLOTS

All registered voters will be mailed a no-excuse mail-in ballot. Those who will be away from home during the election period can request an absentee ballot be sent to a different address by Monday, Oct. 21. Make the request at dcboe.org.

RETURNING A MAIL-IN BALLOT

Place your completed ballot inside the secrecy sleeve, then place the sleeve inside the postage-paid return envelope. Sign and date the voter’s oath on the back of the envelope.

• By mail: Mail your completed ballot to the address on the envelope. It must be postmarked on or before Tuesday, Nov. 5, and must arrive at the D.C. Board of Elections office by Friday, Nov. 15.

• In person: Return your completed ballot to a vote center by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

• Drop box: Place your completed ballot in a drop box by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

AARP DC encourages you to learn as much as you can about the candidates and issues, then make your decision by voting.

AARP is non-partisan, does not operate a political action committee (PAC) and does not endorse candidates. We focus on the issues that are most important to older District residents.

The voices of people over 50 will decide this election. But your voices won’t be heard if you don’t vote. Be the person who is committed to speaking up, voting, and holding elected leaders accountable.

Everything you need to know how to cast your ballot can be found by scanning the QR code or visiting aarp.org/DCVotes.

Be a decider and vote. Your future depends on it.

HEALTH

Engaging Faith-Based Communities in

Philanthropy and Foundations Coming Together To Address Health Disparities in Black Communities

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Health Reporter

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships (CFNP) made history on Sept. 19, teaming with faith leaders across the nation to sign a first of its kind memorandum of understanding in an effort to address health dispari-

ties plaguing Black communities.

“This dynamic group of leaders is committed to addressing health disparities, with a specific focus on African American communities. This meeting represents an opportunity to discuss innovative strategies for partnerships aimed at advancing critical public health initiatives,” the Administration for Children and Families (HHS) said in a press release.

Held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Building on Thursday, Sept. 19, the collaborative meeting entitled “Reimagining Partnerships: Engaging Faith-Based Communities in Philanthropy and Foundations,” presented an extensive program examining faithbased philanthropy, the impact of community engagement, support in health and human services and more. Health leaders and organizations, including: the Department of Health and Human Services Chief of Staff

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Sean McCluskie, the Rev. Dr. Que English, director of the CFNP, and Rawle Andrews Jr., Esq, executive director of the American Psychiatric Association Foundation spearheaded the proceeding press conference. They underscored the benefits of partnering with national faith leaders to promote optimal health and well-being for African American persons and communities.

“You guys are trusted leaders in those communities [facing some of the greatest health disparities]. You are really the folks who connect people so they have better health care outcomes,” McCluskie said to attending faith leaders. “If there is health available in this country, no matter who you are, you should have access to it.”

HEALTH RISKS IN THE AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY

Through the partnership, the collective aims to tackle leading health disparities, including some of the most prevalent issues crippling African American communities including maternal mortality, mental health, chronic diseases, and substance abuse disorder among several other issues. When considering chronic illnesses, the National Institute of Health reports that Black Americans “are twice as likely to develop diabetes or to die of sudden cardiac arrest compared to white Americans.” Likewise, they show an earlier onset and higher rates of arthritis, elevated blood pressure, and cancer, while being more likely to endure comorbidities from these conditions.

Maternal mortality rates have been a growing crisis among Black women in the United States, as Black women are nearly three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause than white women. Several factors

contribute to these disparities, including underlying chronic conditions, variations in quality healthcare, and structural racism.

The Department of Health and Human Services has backed multiple initiatives to address health disparities in some of the most underserved communities, such as the Maternal Outcomes Matter Showers (MOMS) Tour, which was created to spread information and provide health care services related to maternal health. The tour has connected 5,000 women to mental health services, 800 women to doula and midwifery services, and over 500 to healthcare coverage.

Additionally, the partnership has developed toolkits to help guide faith leaders in supporting people in recovery from substance use disorders. Becerra said that the partnership provides a mental health guide, along with a final guide to address the prevention of suicide in youth.

“There's a bigger crisis of modern youth and environmental health, and folks falling into substance use. It is [a] tragedy to see young lives struggling so hard, and the world is just changing fast,” said McCluskie.

With faith leaders having a significant influence on the health behavior of community members, the collective of community leaders are striving for a greater impact in community health interventions. They also hope to lessen the societal stigma surrounding seeking health help, particularly as it pertains to mental health.

“If you tell us that ‘we have the devil in us, because [someone] is ‘struggling with a mental health condition,’ or that ‘certain people can't sit in the main sanctuary because they're a problem,’ then we have got to rethink and redesign what our option is for the least of these,” said Andrews Jr.

5 The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships recently made history by teaming with faith leaders across the nation to sign a first of its kind memorandum of understanding working to address health disparities plaguing Black communities. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

SEPTEMBER: NATIONAL SICKLE CELL AWARENESS MONTH

Fighting Debilitating Pain with the Power of Purpose

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

Well- dressed, successful entrepreneur Roger Gore, 58, is the CEO of Gnatural Spirits. Upon casual observation, it could appear that success has come easy for Gore. However, he credits his achievements to painful lessons hard-earned through his battle with sickle cell disease.

"I endured a lot and often felt alone, as my siblings didn't have the disease,” said Gore, who was diagnosed with sickle cell in early childhood.

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America defines sickle cell disease as an inherited blood disorder affecting the red blood cells. Hemoglobin, the main substance of the red blood cell, helps cells transport oxygen to all parts of the body. People battling sickle cell make a different form of hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S.

"Red blood cells containing mostly hemoglobin S do not live as long as normal red blood cells (normally about 16 days). They become stiff, distorted in shape and have difficulty passing through the body’s blood vessels. When sickle-shaped cells block small blood vessels, less blood can reach that part of the body. Parts of the body that don’t receive normal blood flow eventually become damaged,” according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

Due to the red blood cell's de-

creased ability to carry and distribute oxygen and the propensity of the red blood cells to block blood vessels, the disease is characterized by bouts of excruciating pain and high levels of anemia and fatigue.

Many affected by the disease suffer from organ complications and/or early death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Data and Statistics on Sickle Cell Disease, complications associated with the disease include severe anemia, bone degeneration, loss of mobility, acute and chronic pain, infections, pneumonia and acute chest syndrome, stroke, and kidney, liver, and heart disease.

“Estimated life expectancy of those with SCD in the United States is more than 20 years shorter than the average expected. Quality-adjusted life expectancy is more than 30 years shorter,” the CDC reports.

Further, many with Sickle Cell Disease die during early childhood or adolescence.

Sickle Cell Disease is a common cause of childhood stroke, as such the CDC has recommended that children and adolescents ages 2–16 years with sickle cell anemia (SCA) be screened annually with transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound to identify those at increased risk for stroke.

EARTH OUR

The Untested Waters of Black Lakeside Communitie

By Willy Blackmore WI Contributing Writer

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member).

Nothing says that you’ve made it quite like living right by the water. And while it’s most often white people who are living out that fantasy in lakeside communities across the country, there are some waterfront towns with significant Black populations (or otherwise non-white) — but what a new study has found is that the water in such communities is far less likely to be subject to water-quality monitoring.

The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Ecology and the En-

vironment, is believed to be the first to look at water-quality monitoring on lakes as an environmental justice issue. On the whole, the researchers found that lakes in white communities were three times more likely to be monitored than those in communities of color (the study looked at all non-white racial groups together, and also compared Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities).

“Where we sample can matter as much as what we sample,” Matt Kane, program director of the National Science Foundation’s Directorate for Biological Sciences, which helped fund the research, said in a statement. “These findings reveal the need to expand sampling and monitoring to get an accurate picture of water quality across the country that can serve as the basis

for management and policy decisions.”

Nationally, the study found that 18% of lakes had a surrounding population that was more than a quarter non-white, and considered those communities of color in the study. Half of those lakes are concentrated in the Southeast, which suggests that many of those communities may be Black, too. In total,

Bowie’s Food Waste Diversion Program Wins Local Climate Award

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

Bowie’s Food Waste Diversion Program received an award during the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) Board of Directors meeting on Sep. 11 for helping to meet the regional goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and advancing equity in environmentalism in an innovative and replicable manner.

The awards were announced by Prince George’s County Council Chair and COG Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy (CEEP) Committee Chair Jolene Ivey and COG Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee Vice Chair Julie Kimmel.

Since the county’s new food waste drop-off site was launched

in January, three tons of food waste have been diverted from the Prince George’s landfill. Further, 297 gallons of gasoline were offset by diverting food scraps from the county landfill.

City of Bowie Sustainability Manager Ashleigh Diaz said the program has been implemented through three different methods: low-cost compost bins, curbside collections that now services almost 300 homes, and a food waste drop off site for residents who are not in the compost collection areas.

“By diverting food waste from the landfill we are cutting greenhouse gas emissions greatly. We also save on fuel and create a product that is healthy and replenishing to soils, growing bet -

FOOD WASTE Page 25

“By diverting food waste from the landfill we are cutting greenhouse gas emissions greatly. We also save on fuel and create a product that is healthy and replenishing to soils, growing better foods and better plants, such as pollinator plants, for our local birds, bees, and butterflies,” said Diaz.

many lakes are not monitored: Just 10% of the 137,072 lakes looked at in the study were tested for water clarity, but only 7.5% of those lakes that were tested are in communities of color. In the Southeast, just 3% of the lakes in communities of color were tested.

“Of all lakes that were sampled, lakes in POC (people of color) and Hispanic communities were sampled less frequently and for fewer years than lakes in White and non-Hispanic communities,” the researchers wrote.

While water-quality monitoring is not the same as, say, testing for pollutants or other more significant environmental hazards, the lack of very basic testing in most lakeside communities of color doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. The researchers point to other studies that suggest Black people and other racialized communities who do live near the water often live near less pristine water — in the Saginaw River watershed in Michigan, for example, people of color were more likely to live near areas with poor water quality compared to white residents, according to a 2014 study.

A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 63% of U.S. adults believe the federal government is not doing enough to protect the quality of lakes, rivers, and streams. But when it comes to fixing things, the survey also found less than half — 46% — of all U.S. adults believe the federal government should play

a major role in addressing disparities in health risks from pollution and other environmental problems across communities. However, perhaps pointing to the disproportionate impact of toxic water and air, 63% of Black Americans, more than any other racial or ethnic group, say it should play a major role.

“We encourage local, state or regional environmental monitoring programs to include equity in their sampling designs by selecting which lakes to sample, based not only on natural features (such as lake size or land use) but also on social features such as race and ethnicity of the nearby communities,” said one of the study’s leads, Kendra Spence Cheruvelil, a professor at Michigan State.

Cheruvelil and her colleagues wrote that without action, marginalized communities will continue to lack information about potentially negative impacts of local environmental hazards on their health and quality of life.”

Of course, water quality is a matter of public health and equity, too. Without proper monitoring of these lakes, harmful pollutants can go undetected, putting Black families at risk. The water where Black children play, where folks fish, and which supports local ecosystems could be contaminated, and communities might not even know it. And when it comes to environmental health, no one should be left treading in uncertain waters. WI

5 Birds flying around the Anacostia River. A new study has found that the water in waterfront towns with significant Black populations is far less likely to be subject to water-quality monitoring. (WI File Photo/Anthony Tilghman)

OUR EARTH

5 Council of Governments (COG) Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee Vice Chair Julie Kimmel (far left) and COG Climate, Energy, and Environment Policy Committee Chair Jolene Ivey (far right) recognize the City of Bowie’s Food Waste Diversion Program as one of the 2024 Climate and Energy Leadership awardees.

(Courtesy Photo/Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments)

FOOD WASTE from Page 24 gional efforts to shore up climate resilience. She also discussed a bill she planned to introduce to require vehicle charging stations at new multifamily dwellings, which will be heard this week before the County Council.

ter foods and better plants, such as pollinator plants, for our local birds, bees, and butterflies,” said Diaz. “Diverting food waste helps the entire environment.”

In continuing toward Maryland’s environmental goals, Diaz recommended that other cities and counties should follow the model of flexible options, whether pickup or dropoff, to make reducing food waste easier for families.

Working to protect the environment has been a priority for Prince George’s County.

During the July meeting of the CEEP Committee, Ivey invited national experts to discuss the serious impacts of climate change along with local and re -

Environmental Advisory Committee Chair Abby Snyder said in a 2022 City Council meeting that reducing waste is the Committee’s “first and biggest” priority.

“Having easily accessible food waste pickup, especially for those not thinking about their impact on the environment,” Snyder said, will likely have residents “more inclined to be recycling those food scraps in a much better way than letting them rot in a landfill and create methane emissions.” WI

Bloom Muwonge, an 11-year-old homeschool student, spoke about their struggles with high rent and utility shutoffs.

“A guaranteed basic income would generate tremendous relief for mothers who need an abundance of food and support for their families,” Joy said in her written testimony before fellow members of Mothers Outreach Network and D.C. Guaranteed Income Coalition in Room 104 of the Wilson Building.

“Oftentimes, when tremendous assistance is given, it’s not enough to cover every need,” Joy said. “If I had access to unrestricted funds, I could focus on my health and the sacred labor of welcoming life, [while] not carrying the anxiety of where we would live.”

SOME PROGRESS, ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT AFTER MONTHS OF ADVOCACY

For more than two years, the Mothers Outreach Network and D.C. Guaranteed Income Coalition partners have coalesced around the provision of tax credits for low- and moderate-income families with children, as outlined in the District Child Tax Credit Act of 2023.

D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) introduced that legislation, which proposes a credit of up to $500 for eligible tax filers, depending on their income and family structure. The bill was co-introduced alongside D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and D.C. Councilmembers Christina Henderson (IAt large), Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward

1), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Trayon White (D-Ward 8), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), and Robert White (DAt large).

Parker also championed the Financial Support for Families with Children Amendment Act, which would provide up to an additional $1,000 to families earning up to $10,000 annually, depending on structure and income.

While the D.C. Council included the child tax credit for families in the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Support Act for families of up to three children under the age of 5, advocates are seeking the expansion of the credits to cover children as old as 17, a year older than what federal law requires. The extension would also include an elimination of the cap on the number of the children covered in each household.

Other priorities include the expansion of D.C.’s Strong Families, Strong Futures guaranteed basic income

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

pilot program to new and expectant mothers living in all eight wards. Advocates also demand the launch of a commission that evaluates the program’s impact on perinatal and infant health outcomes, along with specialized pilots to 750 additional District households.

The Guaranteed Income Coalition also has its eye on stronger protections so that families receiving child tax credits and guaranteed basic incomes don’t lose eligibility for housing assistance and other benefits by virtue of their income increasing.

Though the D.C. Council partially addressed this issue through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Expansion Clarification Act of 2022, guaranteed income pilot recipients still wouldn’t overcome income eligibility requirements for some public programs without some federal government intervention.

MEL Director. World Council of Credit Unions, Washington, DC. Responsible for providing technical leadership, oversight, & strategic direction for monitoring, evaluation, & learning (MEL) systems & activities for WOCCU’s multiyear international development programs, as well as MEL innovation & initiatives across organization. Require: Master’s degree in international Dev., Social Sci., Stats., Econ. or a related. 5 yrs of post-bachelor’s exp in international dev. & global affairs. 5 yrs of exp. in MEL activities for USAID programs. 5 yrs of experience working directly with credit unions guiding MEL activities to achieve performance targets, including through training, capacity building, & partnership mgmt. 3 yrs of exp. working collaboratively with country teams in implementing MEL activities for USAID & other donor programs. Demonstrated exp. in research, including quantitative & qualitative research related to informing program mgmt. for international dev. Demonstrated ability to develop MEL frameworks & plans for proposals. $118,456.00-$149,310.95 per yr. May work from any location within normal commuting distance to WOCCU’s Washington, D.C. office. To apply, send résumé to Lisa Fleming, 99 M Street SE, Suite 300, Washington, DC 20003-3799 or LFleming@woccu.org.

she moved to the District to attend law school, she dove into local politics with a commitment to serve and advocate for others, working to revitalize the Ward 7 community.

Today, the executive director of Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street (PAEMS) celebrates D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s annual Art All Night as a reflection of how far the District has come, particularly east of the Anacostia River.

She recalls attending the inaugural event in 2011, which at the time was held downtown and not nearly as accessible to residents in certain areas, a change she considers to be “the beauty” of the reformed festival.

“I think having Art All Night east of the river expands one's view of the District of Columbia, particularly if you can never come [here],” she told The Informer. “Once you come here, you see the beauty of our communities, you see the history of our communities, and you see the beauty of our people and our culture.”

The Art All Night celebration is back Sept. 27 and 28 from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m., showcasing the District’s wealth of diverse and captivating talent across all eight wards.

While there will be Art All Night programming throughout the city, activities in Wards 7 and 8 aim to inspire and engage guests with its rich history and culture, utilizing futuristic themes and arts education to underscore the creative economy flowing east of the river.

“There's so much creativity in our community in Ward 8, and you see that throughout every single storefront in our residential areas, and also for our local businesses,” said Ashley Templeton, program and marketing manager for the Anacostia Business Improvement District (BID). “For us, it’s [about] putting them on a higher platform in terms of visibility, to make sure that their artistry is getting out into the wider D.C., not only in Southeast but across the river.”

A PEEK INTO ART ALL NIGHT

In a massive collaboration, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD), DC Public Library, the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, the DC Main Streets programs and the Business Improvement Districts work to amplify the city’s vibrant arts scene with programs that showcase each ward’s respective contributors to the arts.

Since its debut in 2011, the beloved overnight festival has presented a variety of performances, installations and interactive opportunities for participants to gauge the local artistry and creators that shape the District, while driving economic development through promotion of small businesses.

“Art All Night brings our community together in a celebration of creativity and culture that defines the artistic and innovative energy of D.C.,” said Rosemary Suggs-Evans, DSLBD director. “From live performances to pop-up galleries and delicious food, there’s something for everyone. It showcases the talent and ingenuity that make our city special, while bringing new foot traffic to small and local businesses in the District of Columbia.”

In the arts and culture district, Anacostia BID is gearing up for an innovative Art All Night installation. In partnership with Washington Performing Arts, the nonprofit will debut a “Let’s Dance!” theme, which will include playback theater, live paintings, and a celebration of go-go culture, featuring artists like Crazy Legs.

Additionally, residents can enjoy a live stream casting across all the Art All Night programs in the city, an invitation to unite in celebrating all the arts of D.C.

“Our mission is to celebrate community and our local businesses through arts and culture. Being an arts and culture district is about amplifying togetherness, arts, creativity, entrepreneurship, and all the good things that we do in Ward 8,” Templeton said. “The whole district corridor is going to come very alive for Art All Night.”

CREATING A ‘CENTER STAGE’ FOR PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE

On Pennsylvania Avenue, PAEMS – a member of DC Main Streets, which revitalizes communities with business recruitment, commercial development and consumer attraction – is implementing the theme “Art to the Future” in Ward 7. This activation will represent the legacy of the community while shining a light on the intersection between art and technology.

“[We] wanted to integrate the arts, but also the art of technology and see how that plays into where we're going next. Art is evolving, and as art

5 On Sept. 19, D.C. Guaranteed Income Coalition member Veronica Tucker (center) called on members of the D.C. Council to address the benefits cliff issue, saying that every dollar counts for families struggling to survive and thrive in the District. (Sam P.K. Collins/The Washington Informer)

BLACK MOTHERS Page 54

— Will O., Trinidad

EDUCATION

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) Updates

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

PGCPS ADVANCES TO NEXT STAGE OF NEW SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) and Progressive Education Partners (PEP) have reached a financial close on the PGCPS Blueprint Schools Phase II Project. This project will include the construction of eight new school facilities by 2028, including six elementary schools and two pre-Kindergarten through 8th Grade academies.

New school sites were selected based on the condition of existing

schools and population growth in Prince George’s.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were held at several of the schools, including Landover’s Templeton Elementary and New Carrollton’s Margaret Brent Elementary.

PEP will now begin the design and building stage. Jones, Lang, and LaSalle (JLL) is the lead consultant and financial advisor on this public-private partnership.

“Blueprint Schools Phase II is an unprecedented demonstration of true collaboration across all levels of government: the Board of Education, County, County Council and the state legislature,” said PGCPS Superintendent Millard House II. “Once again, PGCPS is at the forefront of utilizing this innova-

tive alternative delivery approach to deliver much-needed schools our students deserve, as quickly as possible.”

Highlights of Phase II include state matching funds for construction and pre-Kindergarten classrooms in all schools.

All eight institutions will be delivered as net zero schools.

PEP will also be responsible for maintenance and rehabilitation for each school throughout the 30-year operating term.

While the schools in Phase 1 were all completed in the same year, these eight schools will be completed across three delivery dates in the summer of 2026, the summer of 2027, and the summer of 2028.

“Over the next four years, the second phase of Blueprint Schools will create more than 8,000 seats in eight schools across the county,” said Prince George’s County Board of Education Chair Lolita E. Walker. “These new buildings are critical, and will replace and/or rightsize 14 schools as we continue to modernize our facilities… Ensuring this plan is fully funded is one of our top priorities and is integral to the success of our scholars.”

3 Officer Frank Turner leads the Prince George’s County Public Schools office of Integrity and Compliance, who will investigate waste, fraud, and abuse within the school system. (Courtesy Photo)

PGCPS OFFICE OF INTEGRITY AND COMPLIANCE TALKS PLANS TO INVESTIGATE SCHOOL SYSTEM

Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) now has an office of Integrity and Compliance who will investigate waste, fraud, and abuse within the school system. The office’s Officer Frank Turner announced intentions to hold school leaders accountable at a Sept. 16 press conference alongside Prince George’s County Councilmembers Jolene Ivey (D- District 5), Wanika Fisher (D- District 2) and Sydney Harrison (D- District 9).

Turner, who has been in his current role since February, has decades of experience investigating financial crimes with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). He is planning to publish online reports with his findings and requests that whistleblowers submit information anonymously, and is hiring a new investigator for his office.

“They’ll always be confidential,” promised Turner. “The law also talks about a duty to report, and it talks about addressing that

at no time will retaliation for reporting to the Office of Integrity and Compliance be tolerated, and it would be against the law as well.” The office is based in Largo and is separate from the school system’s offices in Upper Marlboro.

Turner said he spent months trying to take attention regarding former Board of Education Member David Murray’s absence at Board meetings. Murray resigned from the Board of Education in July. Turner is now planning to audit school construction contracts, following a concern raised by a Councilmember.

This office was created by a state law introduced by Senator Alonzo Washington (D- District 22) and passed last session. Washington encouraged people to participate with Turner and his efforts.

“Over the past decade, our school system has been unfortunately plagued by high profile cases of fraud, waste and abuse, and financial mismanagement. Mismanagement causing the taxpayers millions of dollars here in Prince George’s County,” said Washington. “This is law. It’s in the best interest of our school system that our school board, our superintendent, accepts this office with open arms and works together to resolve these issues.” WI

5 The Prince George’s County Public Schools Blueprint Schools Phase II Project will include the construction of eight new school facilities by 2028. (WI File Photo)

EDUCATION

Biden-Harris Administration Commits Record $17

Billion to HBCUs, Driving Unprecedented Educational and Economic Impact

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Biden-Harris administration’s mission to strengthen educational equity and economic opportunity was on full display again as the White House announced an additional $1.3 billion in federal investments for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The new funding brings the administration’s total investment in HBCUs to an unprecedented $17 billion since Fiscal Year 2021, setting a new record and further displaying the administration’s commitment to institutions that have long served as beacons of opportunity and excellence for Black Americans.

Though representing only 3% of all U.S. colleges and universities, HBCUs play a crucial role in fostering economic mobility.

According to White House officials, HBCUs enroll twice as many Pell Grant-eligible low—and middle-income students as non-HBCU institutions, producing a significant percentage of Black professionals in critical fields: 40% of engineers, 50% of teachers, 70% of doctors and dentists, and 80% of judges.

Officials touted Vice President Kamala Harris, an alumna of Howard University, as an example of these institutions’ profound impact on shaping national leadership.

A White House fact sheet highlighted how HBCUs are not just educational powerhouses but also drivers of economic growth. Research by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) shows that HBCUs help more than five times as many students move from the bottom 40% to the top 60% of U.S. households, compared to Ivy League and other elite non-HBCU institutions. Further, a report from the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) links HBCU enrollment with higher graduation rates and

increased household incomes, affirming their role in advancing social and economic equity.

Economically, according to the UNCF, HBCUs contribute $16.5 billion annually to the U.S. economy, generate over 136,000 jobs, and produce $146 billion in lifetime earnings for their graduates.

The administration’s investments aim to amplify this impact, particularly by enhancing HBCUs’ research and development (R&D) capacities in STEM fields.

The new $1.3 billion investment includes $188 million in competitive grants for R&D capacity building and $1.1 billion in funding to support students directly through need-based grants and programs like Pell Grants. According to the fact sheet, this action builds on a series of initiatives launched to expand HBCUs’ influence and capabilities, including:

• Innovation in Defense: The Department of Defense created the first-ever HBCU-led University Affiliated Research Center (UARC). Howard University, leading a $90 million program over five years, focuses on advancing autonomous technologies for Air Force missions.

• Bridging the Digital Divide: The Department of Commerce’s Connecting-Minority-Communities program funds 43 HBCUs to secure high-speed internet, equipment, and IT personnel, directly addressing the digital divide.

• Leading in Clean Energy: The Department of Energy’s $7.75 million HBCU Clean Energy Education Prize is designed to enhance STEM education and inspire future leaders in clean energy fields.

• Diversity in Agriculture: The Department of Agriculture’s $262.5 million investment supports 33 projects to train over 20,000 future food and agricultural leaders, emphasizing diversity in the agricultural sector.

Officials said that the unprece-

dented support for HBCUs reflects the administration’s broader agenda to promote educational excellence and equity. Reestablishing the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through HBCUs further signifies this commitment, they said.

The new funding coincides with Forbes magazine’s recent ranking of HBCUs.

Forbes named Howard University the number one HBCU. It was ranked 273rd among the top 500 colleges and universities, ahead of Spelman, Morehouse, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical Uni-

versity (FAMU), North Carolina A&T, and Hampton University. The rankings showcase HBCUs’ ability to produce high-earning, influential graduates from diverse economic backgrounds, often with lower student debt. WI

5 The White House announced an additional $1.3 billion in federal investments for historically Black colleges and universities. (WI File Photo/Ja’Mon Jackson)

Global Diplomacy is a Career Option for Local Youth

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, President Joe Biden officially opened the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) with an address to the deliberative body.

The United Nations (UN) has 193 member states, and the UNGA is the world’s most deliberative body with universal representation.

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield is the current Permanent Representative of the United States to the UN. She is a career service diplomat. Her previous posts include Assistant Secretary of State for Africa and U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Liberia under former President Barack Obama.

Global diplomacy is a career option for local youth.

In addition to the U.S. Department of State and the UN, other government opportunities for diplomatic careers can be found at the Peace Corps and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), to name a few.

The District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia high school students have many examples of local African Americans who distinguished themselves in diplomacy.

For example, abolitionist and orator Frederick Douglass was ap-

pointed by President Benjamin Harrison as the Consul General to the Republic of Haiti.

General Colin Powell, who died in 2021, served as chairman of the Joint Chiefs to the late President George H. W. Bush and U.S. Secretary of Staff to former President George W. Bush.

With over 24 years of diplomacy, President Biden has nominated Dana L. Banks as the next U.S. executive director of the African Development Bank (AfDB).

High school students in Wards 7 and 8 can learn more about careers in global diplomacy through the International Ambassadors Program (IAP) and U.S. Foreign Service Initiative (USFSI) of the William O. Lockridge Community Foundation.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield often tells young people, “Dream big enough to scare you. You’re going to get to someplace you might not have imagined yourself getting to.”

Undoubtedly, there is a future president of the United States, a U.S. Ambassador to the UN, an American Secretary of State, or a U.S. Executive Director of the AfDB among us. WI

As the D.C. Council Proceeds with Independent Investigation of Councilmember Trayon White, the Biggest Losers will Inevitably be District’s

Residents

As the problems and challenges for Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White Sr. continue after he pled not guilty to a bribery charge on Sept. 12 during an arraignment in U.S. District Court, his future and those who reside in Southeast, D.C. remains uncertain but potentially tragic.

Metaphorically, White and his constituents find themselves hanging on for dear life, like that fragile, egg-ensconced, fairy tale character Humpty Dumpty who feared falling from his perch on

Just dropping a note of appreciation for my favorite newspaper! The paper continues to be free and provides a great service to our community. Thank you for all that you do!

James Craig Washington, D.C.

a wall and finding his outer shell shattered by the impact. But this is not fiction – it’s the real deal. And White is not the only figure who stands to lose.

Last Tuesday, after returning from their summer hiatus, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson and his colleagues moved quickly, removing White as chairman of the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, reassigning his duties under the guidance of two subcommittees that will be overseen by other

councilmembers. In the meantime, as White remains innocent until proven guilty, he will be allowed to vote on legislation and other Council matters.

But the council also decided to hire a law firm to conduct an independent investigation of White which they say will cost D.C. taxpayers a whopping $400,000.

We understand the council’s attempt to obtain the facts and either confirm or discredit the prosecution’s allegations against White, who claim he agreed to steer lucrative government contracts to unnamed business owners in exchange for cash payments and other gifts. We also understand

TO THE EDITOR

Rest easy to the legends Tito Jackson and Frankie Beverly. These Black American icons have contributed much to our musical history and culture. We must continue their legacies and keep their spirits alive.

Glo Hinton Washington, D.C.

that the council feels compelled to ascertain if White may have violated a law which requires all councilmembers to live in the ward to which they have been elected.

However, with the clock ticking until the Nov. 5 election, which in addition to White who has refused to step down from his reelection campaign, now includes four write-in candidates and the winner of the Republican primary, we don’t see the cost benefits of an independent investigation.

Allegedly, the investigation will be completed in less than 90 days, an estimate we were unable to confirm at press time. By that time the election will be over.

And given the grand jury’s decision to indict White and with a team of federal prosecutors already assigned to the case, we question whether it’s really necessary for District taxpayers to shell out $400,000 for a parallel investigation.

White, who has refused to accept a plea deal, continues to maintain his innocence. We hope after the dust clears, he will be found not guilty. As for his colleagues on the council, we urge them to focus on the long list of agenda items before them and to rethink their decision to drain the city’s coffers with money that could be spent for far better uses. WI

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

$148 Million Returned to Consumers in Two CFPB Actions

Recent back-to-back financial enforcement actions taken by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) underscore why the nation’s sole agency dedicated to consumer financial fairness retains broad and strong voter support.

On Sept. 11, TD Bank, the nation’s 10th largest commercial bank with 1,200 branches and 2,600 ATMs in 15

states and the District of Columbia was ordered for the second time by CFPB to pay restitution to thousands of consumers for illegally tarnishing credit reports of tens of thousands consumers. It repeatedly provided consumer credit bureaus with inaccurate information on its customers about personal bankruptcies and credit card delinquencies. It also failed to properly investigate and resolve customer disputes linked to the faulty information. Given the widespread use of credit reports, the bank’s actions threatened customers’ ability to get a loan, job, or housing.

Under the terms of the recent order, the bank will return $7.76 million to its harmed consumers and pay a $20 million penalty as well.

"The CFPB’s investigation found that TD Bank illegally threatened the consumer reports of its customers with fraudulent information and then barely lifted a finger to fix it," said CFPB Director Rohit Chopra. "Rather than treating its customers fairly and following the law, TD Bank’s management clearly cared more about growth and expanding its empire through mergers. Regulators will need to focus major

attention on TD Bank to change its course."

On the following day, Sept. 12, CFPB ordered another repeat offender, Navient – formerly known as Sallie Mae — to pay more restitution and banned it from ever servicing student loans again. Under the terms of the order, Navient would have to pay $100 million to harmed borrowers, and a $20 million penalty.

The efforts to remove Navient from future student loan servicing followed several previous enforcement actions including:

• A 2014 $100 million joint order by the Department of Justice and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation for illegally overcharging nearly 78,000 military servicemembers.

• A 2021 order from the Department of Education to return more than $22 million in overcharges.

• In 2022, a $1.85 billion settlement brought by 39 state attorneys general for originating predatory student loans in addition to its forbearance steering practices.

CROWELL Page 57

James Earl Jones and Tito Jackson Helped Shift Perception of Black Culture and History

entertainment industry in recent days.

"I look at it this way: anybody can carry a picket sign, but I think you should be able to articulate what that sign means … Don't get me wrong. I believe in the same things that all those people demonstrating believe in, but I just look for plays or movies that say the same thing and play characters in them."

— James Earl Jones

America

Unequal access to high-quality health services is one of the most pervasive problems in America's health care system. Far too often, communities of color face reduced access, higher costs, and less comprehensive care and support than their predominately white counterparts.

While this has been a growing cause for concern for decades, several factors

James Earl Jones was a generation older than Tito Jackson, but both hit the peak of their fame in the 1970s and played a major role in shifting perception of Black culture and history.

Jones' distinctive bass voice, which brought him his greatest fame in roles where his face was not even seen, brought a remarkable gravitas and dignity to characters whose race was of pivotal importance.

Jackson, who performed with his brothers as the Jackson 5, was part of the first Black pop band to achieve

mainstream teen idol status and paved the way for later "boy bands" of all races and ethnicities like New Edition, Menudo and Backstreet Boys.

Some even cite the popularity of the Jackson 5 as a factor in the election of the first Black U.S. president, reasoning that the children who "got comfortable imitating a Black kid named Michael Jackson" grew up to be comfortable with voting for Barack Obama.

The second-oldest Jackson brother after Jackie, Tito was just 17 when "Jacksonmania" exploded into the

American pop scene, bringing with it a distinctively Black visual style.

A Rolling Stone review of a raucous Madison Square Garden concert in 1970 noted in particular Tito's "enormous, hot pink shoeshine boy's cap with jumpsuit."

Although considered "the quiet one" of the group, it was Tito who was responsible for the formation of the Jackson 5. As a 10-year-old, he risked his father Joe's notorious wrath when he broke a string playing Joe's guitar.

But after hearing Tito play, Joe bought him his own guitar, and convinced

Tito, Jackie and Jermaine to form a singing group.

While the Jackson 5 were breaking teenage girls' hearts in 1970, Jones was already an acclaimed theater actor in 1970 when he astounded film audiences with his performance as Jack Jefferson in "The Great White Hope." The film was based on the life of the first Black world heavyweight boxing champion, Jack Johnson, and the furor of racial resentment he ignited with his success, further stoked by his

— including the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, ongoing supply chain issues, the increasing cost of providing medical care, high inflation, and a growing health care workforce shortage — have brought health equity issues to the fore. Add to that a broken Medicare physician payment system that is reducing access to care nationwide, and you have a recipe for disaster.

Throughout the Los Angeles region,

there are a troubling number of federally designated Health Professional Shortage Areas, with disproportionately low-income, Black and Latino neighborhoods seeing the greatest need. According to the California Health Care Foundation, low-income Californians are the least likely to have access to a regular health care provider, and Black and Latino Californians are more likely than white Californians to report waiting longer than reasonable

for a doctor's appointment. California is not the only place that will experience improvements in health care access with the passage of HR 2474, but its diverse population give us an idea of which populations will gain most if it will successfully pass.

According to a study by the Commonwealth Foundation, Black Medicare beneficiaries are more likely than white ones to be hospitalized or seek care in an emergency department setting to treat health conditions that could be manageable if they had appropriate access to primary care. This

dire lack of primary care is forcing many patients of color to seek out the care they need in higher-cost settings like hospitals and emergency rooms, further compounding the access and affordability issues with which these vulnerable patients must contend.

A survey conducted by the Pew Research Center found that more than six in 10 Black adults say less access to quality medical care in the communities is a "major reason" why Black Americans generally have worse health care out-

lost two Black icons of the

Marc H. Morial

Julianne Malveaux

Charlene Crowell

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Is Misleading Different from Lying?

she found her cat in her basement, that was not good enough for JD or his boss.

I've always thought there might be a difference between misleading and lying, but J.D. Vance has acknowledged that he was lying about Haitian immigrants when he admitted the story was intentionally fabricated! Even when one of his constituents apologized to her neighbors about their supposedly taking her cat for a meal, and

Such despicable behavior from two men who want people to vote for them! They want to instill fear in children whose school they interrupted, as well as their parents, and city and state officials!

I thought about my 6-year-old nephew who just spent his first few days in first grade. He has been so excited about leaving pre-K and K and moving up to first grade! To have his school so disrupted so

Rejecting Hate

In the middle of another national debate demonizing immigrant communities, one family has been speaking up in the midst of their own devastating tragedy to say they do not want their child's legacy chained to hate. Eleven-year-old Aiden Clark was killed in a traffic accident in August 2023 in Springfield, Ohio,

quickly would have been devastating.

It's very challenging for some of the little ones to leave home, spend the day away from their mom, and just as they find out school is not so bad while making new friends, they are told that school is a scary place! Their parents have to admit to them there may be bad people on the way or around the school who want to hurt them!

Do grown men who do that to children deserve to be on a ballot with the possibility of becoming

what may be called leaders?

We must admit that many candidates running for office are despicable people masquerading as leaders but are only a disgrace to the America they claim to love more than the rest of us who work so hard to be mentors and examples of good behavior. I am talking about their parents, grandparents, their teachers, and others.

I can understand why so many young people are confused about what is good and what is bad!

Do you remember when we were taught the 10 Commandments? The Golden Rule? To say "Yes Ma'am" and "No Ma'am"; "Yes, Sir" and "No, Sir"? "Please" and "thank you"? You remember when truth mattered and we were less likely to be punished if we told the truth about doing or saying something we shouldn't have? Everything about the good old days was not good for everybody, but we had the hope of making

Page 58

when the school bus he was riding in on the first day of school was hit by a minivan. The van's driver was a Haitian immigrant, and Aiden's death has become part of a larger hate- and conspiracy-filled campaign targeting his community's immigrant residents. At the driver's sentencing hearing in May, Aiden's father, Nathan Clark, pleaded for this to stop, saying, "In capital letters and bold print, we do not want our son's name to be associated with hate." He spoke again at a Springfield City Com-

mission meeting last week, just before more false rumors escalated the national attention on their town and led to school closings and bomb threats, reiterating his family's painful, powerful message: "I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-yearold White man. I bet you never thought anyone would ever say something so blunt. But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone. The last thing that we need is to have

the worst day of our lives violently and constantly shoved in our faces. Even that's not good enough for them. They take it one step further. They make it seem as though our wonderful Aiden appreciates your hate. … We have to get up here and beg them to stop."

Nathan Clark continued: "In order to live like Aiden, you need to accept everyone, choose to shine, make the difference, lead the way, and be the inspiration. What many people in this community and state and nation are

It's Time for the COVID Vaccine and You Have Choices

A few weeks ago, I brought home an unwelcome "souvenir" from a summer vacation — COVID. Yep, like most of us, I wanted to forget about COVID forever. However, soon after our return, everyone in my household was taking a COVID test. With my other medical issues, this bout could have been seri-

The good news is that I have fully recovered and my awful experience is motivating and empowering me to share this simple message: It's not over. Get the COVID vaccine.

My doctor and the CDC recommend the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccines to help protect against serious illness and hospitalization during the fall and winter.

When selecting a COVID vaccine, there are different op-

tions available, including mRNA and protein-based non-mRNA vaccines. The mRNA vaccines, developed by Pfizer and Moderna, teach our cells how to make copies of the spike protein, which triggers an immune response.

The non-mRNA protein-based vaccine, developed by Novavax, uses protein fragments of the virus that causes COVID along with an ingredient called an adjuvant to help the immune system respond to the spike protein in the future.

It's safe to mix and match COVID vaccines, so if you previously received an mRNA vaccine, your next dose can be the non-mRNA protein-based vaccine.

New COVID-19 variants continue to evolve over time, which is why manufacturers have developed updated COVID vaccines for the 2024-2025 immunization season. If you're like me and you've had COVID, you should still get an updated COVID vaccine, according to the CDC.

doing is the opposite of what you should be doing. Sure, we have our problems here in Springfield and in the U.S., but does Aiden Clark have anything to do with that? Did you know that an 11-year-old boy could be passionate about gardening, that he could haggle for a better price at a yard sale? Did you know that he researched different cultures to better appreciate and understand people that he interacted with? Did you know that

Getting COVID does not mean you're immune.

As the NAACP and others have reported, health disparities resulted in Black Americans being more vulnerable to contracting COVID-19 and dying from it at higher rates; in fact, nearly two times greater than their share of the population. To quote the Men's Health Network on its website dedicated to vaccine education: we can get with "this"

WILLIAMS

Marian Wright Edelman

Jimmie Williams

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

Explore the DMV this weekend with a handful of the many events happening near you, including artistic exhibitions and big top entertainment, as well as creative celebrations of music, film and culture.

Keep your outlook vibrant and remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life- lit. Check out all the things to do on the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, SEPT. 26

AFI Latin American Film Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. | $15.00

AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, 8633 Colesville Rd, Silver Spring, MD 20910

The AFI Latin American Film Festival is one of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema.

Now in its 35th year, the Festival is one of Washington’s top cultural events and features award-winning films, in-person conversations with filmmaker guests and exciting Embassy-hosted parties.

With the inclusion of films from

Spain and Portugal, the festival celebrates Ibero-American cultural connections during National Hispanic Heritage Month.

Don’t miss the chance to see film-festival favorites, local box-office hits and debut works by promising new talents. Join a diverse audience of film lovers from now until Oct. 10!

DC Theatre Week

All day | $20.00+ (Pricing varies based on venue, performance, and event)

Various Washington, D.C. locations

Dive into District theatre through DC Theatre Week: try it, experience it, talk about it, feel the vibrancy of the community. Theatre-makers and theatre-lovers unite, exploring what D.C. has to offer on and off stage.

Throughout Theatre Week, immerse yourself in the full world of DC-area theatre. See theatre from a new perspective, celebrate the community, and get to know more about the amazing theatre happening in your backyard.

While D.C. Theater Week officially begins on Thursday, Sept. 26, don’t miss the 2024 Theatre Week Kickoff Fest at Arena Stage on Saturday, Sept. 28. With interactive exhibits and happenings, performances, panel discussions,

and more, this free event offers an exploratory experience of what's happening on DC-area stages this season.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 27

The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour 7:30 p.m. | $42.00+

Jiffy Lube Live, 7800 Cellar Door Dr, Bristow, VA 20136

Reunited on The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour, Marley Brothers-- Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian – honor their father’s worldwide impact by performing both individual hits and classic Bob Marley songs during a momentous year for the genre.

As the world nears what would have been Bob Marley’s 80th birthday in 2025, his sons are carrying on his enduring influence across popular culture.

VisArts Exhibition - Dunnie Onasanya: Arise & Thrive Midnight | Free VisArts, 155 Gibbs St, Rockville, MD 20850

Until Sept. 29, immerse yourself in an ode to divine femininity, where Dunnie Onasanya’s labor of love comes to life, inviting all to embrace the sacred essence of unwavering faith, ethereal beauty, transformation, motherhood, self love, and goddess frequency. Explore the depths of the artist’s soul through her collection of mindfully adorned abstract artwork installed alongside editorial

photography collaborations. Each piece of affirming artwork is a testament to the brilliance and power of making the mindful decision to, as the name of the exhibit reminds audiences to do, “Arise & Thrive!”

SATURDAY, SEPT. 28

Season Opening Gala Concert

7 p.m. | $184.00+ Kennedy Center, 2700 F St NW, Washington, D.C., 20566

Audiences can prepare for a night of glamor and romance as classical music's newest rock star Yunchan Lim performs one of the world's greatest masterpieces, Rachmaninoff's sweeping “Piano Concerto No. 2.” Experience Lim's electrifying NSO debut at this dynamic concert that also features Ravel's lyrical “La Valse” and Carlos Simon's celebratory “Four Black American Dances.”

SUNDAY, SEPT. 29

Circus Vazquez

1 p.m. - 3 p.m. | $35.00 for Child, $100.00 for Adult (11+) Tysons II, 8025 Galleria Dr, Tysons, VA 22102

Circus Vazquez, America’s largest family-owned big top circus, brings its thrilling new 2024 production to Tysons, Virginia. Blending the modern with the traditional, and featuring a brand new cast of extraordinary circus superstars, Circus Vazquez presents unforgettable entertainment that is fun for all ages. Its distinctive air-conditioned blue and white tent is the largest of its kind

currently touring the U.S. For 55 years, Circus Vazquez has entertained several generations of families with an awe-inspiring, death-defying, hilarious, authentic, and affordable circus experience. This year’s show carries on that legacy and is one not to be missed.

Tickets are $35.00 for children ages 2-10, $100.00 for anyone 11 years old and older. Doors open at 12:30 p.m.

Dale Elliott Jr: No Hard Feelings 7 p.m. | $55.00

DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, D.C., 20036

Jamaican-born comedian Dale Elliott Jr. is back with brand new material for the latest dates of his internationally sold-out "No Hard Feelings" tour. On the heels of over 500k views of his debut Problem Child: Bad Pickney comedy special on Youtube, Dale shares more tales of the hilarious scenarios encountered as a Jamaican immigrant navigating the inevitable and neverending culture shocks in his new American life. His perspective on the surprising similarities and startling differences promises to leave audiences reeling with laughter.

Fame, family, race, making money. Big city hustle, and small town life - all topics are on the table as he shares an inside look behind the scenes of his growing fame as a stand-up comedian. Just remember, whoever gets offended..."no hard feelings - a so it guh!" WI

5The Marley Brothers – Ziggy, Stephen, Julian, Ky-Mani and Damian – will stop at Jiffy Lube Live in Virginia on Friday, Sept. 27 as part of “The Marley Brothers: The Legacy Tour,” their first outing together in two decades. Produced by Live Nation, the 22date tour honors their father’s worldwide impact by performing both individual hits and classic Bob Marley songs. (Courtesy Photo/ Marley Brothers, Instagram)

Yours to discover this fall

Paris 1874: The Impressionist Moment

Through January 19, 2025

Through January 12, 2025

LIFESTYLE

Terri Lyne Carrington Exhibition Elevates the View of Female Music Artists

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

The spirit of the 20th Anniversary DC JazzFest continues with the exhibition “New Standards: Shifting The Narrative,” now at Arena Stage in Southwest D.C. until Oct. 13. Curated by Terri Lyne Carrington, drummer, composer, producer, educator, and Sirius XM host, the exhibit opened on the festival's final night and includes mixed-media works that address the theme“Jazz and Gender Justice.”

Contributing artists explore the intersection of history, gender, race, and innovation with provocative multimedia art, music, and video.

Carrington’s vision for the “New Standards” came through her role as founder and artistic director of the Berklee Institute of Jazz and Gender Justice. The multi-nominated Grammy winner and National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Master was included

in the exhibition of works created by multidisciplinary jazz artists.

On display in “New Standards” are pieces by three top jazz vocalists. Visitors will see three pictures by Cécile McClorin Salvant, sculptures created by Carmen Lundy, and a dress made by Jazzmeia Horn, also a textile artist. Several other artists are included, giving their views on gender in music.

Items for “New Standards” incorporated a different approach to displaying.

“Nothing could be mounted on the walls for the exhibition to be at Arena Stage. Items were placed on these large rocks already here,” said Carrington.

“New Standards: Shifting The Narrative” is on view at Arena Stage, 1101 6th Street SW, Washington D.C. 20024, third floor. The exhibition is on view daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. until Oct. 13.

WI @bcscomm

5One of the first seen upon entering “New Standards: Shifting The Narrative” is a quilt titled “Mary Lou Meets Geri Allen” by the artist Ramsess. The quilt honors Mary Lou Williams and Allen, both pianists and composers. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

6 Tips for Investing for Your Financial Future

Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase

Where do you see yourself five years from now? How about 10? Maybe you plan to purchase a home by then or hope to fund a loved one’s college education. You might be considering longer-term goals as well, like building wealth to establish a legacy or enjoying a dream retirement.

No matter your future plans, investing can help you achieve those goals. Here are six tips to help you get started and take your planning to the next level:

1) Build an emergency fund.

Saving and investing are both important strategies for reaching your financial goals, but they have different purposes. Saving cash can help keep you covered in the short term, while investing can help you potentially grow your money to reach your long-term goals. Consider saving an emergency fund to cover 3-6 months of expenses, or perhaps a bit longer, depending on your situation, for any unexpected emergencies. You don’t want to be in a situation where you’re forced to sell your investments to cover an emergency.

2) Pay down high-interest debt.

Not all debt is created equal. It’s possible to invest for the future while you're paying down debt. A good practice is to pay down any high-interest debt before starting to invest, but you can consider investing if you’re paying down low-interest debt.

3) Create a plan for your specific goals.

Identifying your goals is an important first step. But you should also build a plan for how you’re going to work towards those goals. Retirement might be a long-term goal, while a major purchase like a home could be something you’d like to achieve in the next five years. Once you’ve defined your various goals and the timeframe needed to achieve them, you can decide how you want to invest and create your roadmap. J.P. Morgan Wealth Plan, a free digital money coach available in the Chase app and on Chase.com, can help you set goals and create a plan to work towards them.

4) Choose how to invest.

You can work with a financial advisor, invest on your own or do a combination of both. Everyone has their own preference. For some people, working with a professional can be beneficial. An advisor can help you create a financial strategy that is customized around your personal situation and needs, and they can work with you to adjust that strategy as your life and priorities change. Money can be emotional, especially during times of market volatility. An advisor can provide an unbiased perspective and help you navigate the markets, stay disciplined and focus on your long-term financial strategy.

5) Remember to diversify.

Everyone’s financial situation is different. Your investment strategy will depend on your personal goals, your investing timeline and your tolerance for risk. Investors should also remember the importance of diversification. You don’t want to have all of your eggs in one basket. Diversification can help even out your portfolio’s returns during periods of volatility.

6) Stay invested.

Once you have a plan in place, it’s important to stay focused on your long-term strategy and avoid impulse reactions. Markets go up and down, and while volatility can be painful, it’s a natural part of investing. Having a wellbuilt, long-term strategy can help prepare you for market volatility. And remember, it’s about time in the market, not timing the market. The amount of time you are invested in the market is one of the most important factors in growing your wealth.

Start investing in your future

Anyone can become an investor – you don’t need to be wealthy or have access to a large sum of money to get started. Simply deducting a small percentage from each paycheck into an investment account can help bring you closer to your goals. Ready to get started? Visit chase.com/personal/investments or stop by your local Chase branch to speak with an advisor who can help you begin your investment journey.

J.P. Morgan Wealth Management is a business of JPMorgan Chase & Co., which offers investment products and services through J.P. Morgan Securities LLC (JPMS), a registered broker-dealer and investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC.

Film Students from High School through College Create Their First Films

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Unimagined dreams are seen through filmmaking and recently students screened their films through various outlets. Some students make their first films through a history project in North Carolina, while another group has their finished films exposed at a local film festival.

Check out how some of these experiences came to be.

TRACKING BLACK HISTORY IN NORTH CAROLINA

“Coming Home” is a short film that takes viewers to the inaugural Princeville Homecoming, which celebrates the history of the first town in the nation chartered by Black people.

The AfroPop Digital Series presents the film for a journey to North Carolina to a historic Black town.

Princeville has been on the frontlines of climate change and has endured flooding for hundreds

of years. The homecoming, a twoday festival of music, food, and culture, was a testament to survival and showed that this community can still celebrate. Here is a trailer for the film.

The film project was from the inaugural Freedom Hill Youth Media Camp, a four-week documentary film program in Princeville, North Carolina.

Filmmaker Resita Cox founded the program, which is connected with her environmental short film Freedom Hill. Now in its third year, students from around the country aged 14 to 19 come to North Carolina to study various aspects of filmmaking.

“Coming Home” is available on Black Public Media’s YouTube channel. Black Public Media is a Harlem-based national nonprofit that has funded and distributed films about the Black experience since 1979.

DC BLACK FILM FESTIVAL PERFECT FOR EMERGING FILMMAKERS

Rest in Peace James A. Banks “Jimmy”

Whether a short film or a fulllength movie, the DC Black Film Festival (DCBFF) is one of the best end-of-summer offerings for the metro area. Celebrating its eighth year, this festival brings together new and veteran filmmakers with films screened at the Miracle Theatre in Barracks Row in the Capitol Hill area of the District.

The audience viewed seven short films written, produced, and directed by university filmmakers in a track called “The Future is Bright.”

• “Miss Virginia’s Masterclass” is a dramatic comedy about an intergenerational friendship between two African American women. It's a love letter to all the elders who have helped us on our journeys.

• “Petty Zoo” shows an African American woman adjusting to a workplace where a White female supervisor creates an awkward and hostile environment. The supervisor is puzzled by natural hair.

STUDENT FILM Page 39

On Friday, September 13, 2024. Beloved husband of Lisa Banks (of 24 years); Jimmy is predeceased by parents Earl and Shirley Banks and brother Earl Gregory Banks. He is also survived by brothers David Banks and John Banks; sisters-in-law Gloria Graham Banks, Gladys Banks, Brenda Taylor, Anna Taylor and Helen Taylor; brothers-in-law Richard, Steven, Geoffrey, and Earl Taylor; mother-in-law Dolores Taylor; devoted niece and nephews Tonya Crawford, Erick Banks (Ericka), Denzel Banks and Aaron Banks (Sharonna) and Aaron Banks, Jr.; devoted cousins, neighbors and many friends, especially childhood friend of 60 years, Donald “Bae-Bae” Isaac. Jimmy was a graduate of HD Woodson High and Howard University class of 1980. Funeral Service will be held at Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery on October 5, 2024, at 3401 Bladensburg Road, Brentwood, MD 20722. Visitation at 10:00am. Funeral service at 11:00am. Arrangements by Fort Lincoln Funeral Home & Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, green plants may be sent to Fort Lincoln Funeral Home.

OSGEMEOS’ ‘Endless Story’ Takes Over the Hirshhorn A Journey Through Fantasy and Reality

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

The Hirshhorn Museum has opened its doors to an expansive, surreal, and whimsical world with the U.S. debut of OSGEMEOS’ largest exhibition to date, “Endless Story.”

Brazilian twin brothers Gustavo and Otavio Pandolfo, known collectively as OSGEMEOS, invite visitors into their vividly imaginative universe, where larger-than-life figures, music and dreamlike landscapes come alive.

“This show pulsates with their collaborations with artists, and with one another,” said Melissa Chiu, director of the Hirshhorn Museum. “The wonderful thing about this building is that you can experience this show over and over again.”

The exhibition spans their early childhood works to their more recent large-scale installations, comprising nearly 1,000 artworks. It’s a culmination of over four decades of creativity, fusing visual art, music, and the culture of their native São Paulo. Visitors are not merely spectators but are transported into the mythical world of “Três Três,” a fantasy land that has been central to OSGEMEOS’ artistic narrative since childhood.

The preview event brought together a dynamic community of artists and cultural figures.

“What we see here is the development of their society,” explained curator Marina Isgro during the narrated gallery tour. “Even if you look at the shower wall, you see their style

mature and change until you get to the very recent work at the end of the gallery.”

INSPIRATION

BEHIND THE ART

OSGEMEOS’ works draw from several inspirations.

“We are very connected to music,” Gustavo Pandolfo remarked, highlighting the synergy between their visual art and music. "When we see our painting, we see, like, dancing… there is a music behind it."

For the Pandolfo brothers, their art is deeply tied to their experience of growing up in the vibrant and tumultuous streets of São Paulo. Many of the works are infused with the culture of graffiti and hip-hop, movements that shaped their artistic voice.

“This wall is very special in the show because it's like where we come from,” Gustavo Pandolfo reflected. “We come from this city somehow.” With works that evoke a sense of nostalgia, playfulness, and awe, “Endless Story” invites viewers into a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. Whether it’s through murals, sculptures, or music, OSGEMEOS continues to push the boundaries of what it means to create art in today’s world.

The exhibition is on view through February, with free admission for all visitors, who are also encouraged to return to the exhibit and revisit works.

As Chiu remarked: “We look forward to welcoming you back to experience this again.” WI

5A vibrant installation by OSGEMEOS, featuring their signature yellow characters integrated into a colorful and surreal architectural environment. The installation immerses viewers in a dreamlike world, merging sculpture with mural work.

(Andrew Jacobson/The Washington Informer)

‘Hit the Lights’ for Annual DC Theatre Week

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

DC Theatre Week, from Sept. 26 to Oct. 13, is a tradition that annually ushers in the fall season. Now in its seventh year, the metro DC area’s love for the theater will have more than 30 stage productions that will excite audiences for what to expect for the 2024-25 theater season.

During DC Theatre Week, prepare for original productions, pre-Broadway plays, and Tony Award-winning stagings. Specially-price tickets will be available.

“There will be some incredible artists from D.C. doing amazing things around the city,” said Felicia Curry, popular local theater actress and television host.

Saturday, Sept. 28, is the official kickoff event for DC Theatre Week.

Several afternoon programs at Arena Stage and unique offerings around town will showcase D.C.’s theater life.

Look forward to bike rides with behind-the-scenes access, a walking tour of historic venues, a powerhouse musical theatre concert on the Southwest Wharf, and a season preview with local theatre critics. For more information on this year’s DC Theatre Week, visit theatreweek. org. WI @bcscomm

FILM from Page 38

• “Riley’s Hill” finds two estranged half-brothers reconnecting at their childhood home after their father's death.

• “Spare Me” shows an African American man struggling with a flat tire while remembering an elder's warnings about sundown laws, where it was dangerous in some areas to be out after dark.

• “Rhythm & Blues” finds a young male music producer working with his female vocalist as their personal relationship puts a kink in how things move forward.

• “Simmer” is about an emotionally distraught African American high school teen who navigates through the relationship with his father, school and his creative talents.

• “Like Me” explores the ageold question of whether attending a historically Black college or university (HBCU) or a predominantly White institution (PWI) is better for your future.

Join the DCBFF email list and add this film festival to your list. Go to dcbff.org/ WI

Anacostia Community Museum hosts CulturalDC Mobile

Art Gallery starting October 5

Rooted in Reflection: Murjoni Merriweather’s latest exhibition S E E D Explores Growth, Identity, and the Power of Self-Care

By Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

CulturalDC is proud to present S E E D, an immersive exhibition by local artist Murjoni Merriweather, opening on Saturday, October 5, at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum. A PG County native, Merriweather’s installation takes visitors on a journey through her personal reflections on growth, identity, and the power of selfcare.

S E E D transforms CulturalDC’s Mobile Art Gallery into an earthy, meditative space where Merriweather's clay sculptures rise from mounds of soil, representing themes of patience and transformation. The space also includes an interactive area where visitors can dig in the dirt and uncover hidden items to take with them that are made by the artist, inspiring moments of self-reflection and calm. “Rooted in Reflection,” as Merriweather explains, “this exhibition pushes beyond the traditional busts I’ve created, evolving into a space that encourages self-reflection and calm. My goal is for visitors to literally dig in the dirt and connect with the concept of growth—both physically and spiritually.”

The exhibition is free to experience and will run from October 5 to December 22 at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum, located at 1901 Fort Pl SE, Washington, DC, 20020. The opening celebration, sponsored in part by the Anacostia BID, will take place on Saturday, October 5th, from 12-5 PM, featuring live DJs, games, and other surprises. The gallery will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 AM to 5 PM, with a brief closure for lunch from 1-1:30 PM. Alongside the exhibition, a series of programs will be offered, including an artist talk on Saturday, November 23, from 12-2 PM, and a hands-on clay workshop led by Merriweather on December 14, from 12-2 PM.

The Mobile Art Gallery comes to the Anacostia Community Museum during the museum’s theme year of “Our Education, Our Future,” in which the museum is examining the topic of education equity and the arts in the Washington metropolitan area. On view in ACM’s main gallery is the exhibition “A Bold and Beautiful Vision: A Century of Black Arts Education in Washington, D.C., 1900–2000,” which features captivating artworks, artifacts and rare video footage. It tells the story of the teachers, students and activists who made Washington, D.C., a center for Black arts education.

The Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum is open daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (except Christmas Day) and is located at 1901 Fort Place SE. You can learn more about programs and other events at anacostia.si.edu. To learn more about S E E D and the work of CuluralDC visit www.culturaldc.org.

5Anacostia Community Museum hosts CulturalDC Mobile Art Gallery starting October 5. Murjoni Merriweather’s (pictured here) latest exhibition S E E D Explores Growth, Identity, and the Power of Self-Care.

Photo Credit: Yana Mazurkevich

5The seventh annual DC Theatre Week is Sept. 26 to Oct. 13. (Courtesy photo/ DC Theatre Week)

STUDENT

Michael Jackson’s Thriving Estate Targeted in $213 Million ‘Shakedown’ Effort ‘Enough Is Enough’ Say Representatives to Latest Attempt

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Michael Jackson’s legacy continues to dominate the entertainment industry, with his various projects collectively surpassing $2 billion in global ticket sales. The King of Pop’s influence remains unmatched, from groundbreaking concert films to sold-out Broadway shows, making his the most successful celebrity estate ever. However, the greater its success the more it has faced attempts from those seeking to shake down the estate for money.

The most recent case resulted in the Michael Jackson Estate having to go so far as to contact law enforcement officials while filing an arbitration claim in response to threats from a few longtime friends and former associates of the pop icon. The Informer has learned that they are now demanding $213 million from the estate threatening to release false, damaging information about Jackson if their demands are not met, even though for decades they have stated Jackson did nothing to them.

Co-Executor of the estate John Branca has described their actions as a blatant attempt to exploit Jackson’s legacy for financial gain at no risk of defamation because those laws don’t protect the deceased. These threats come amidst the estate’s enormous financial success, having generated $3 billion for beneficiaries.

For 25 years these associates have steadfastly maintained Jackson’s innocence. In his book, one member of the group defended Jackson, writing: “Michael had never acted in any way even approximating inappropriate toward us. Michael was being attacked by liars. There was nothing ambiguous about the whole thing. These people were after Michael’s money. But he was innocent.”

He reiterated this stance in numerous media appearances, including interviews with Oprah Winfrey and Wendy Williams.

“I’m gonna tell you what sleepovers were like,” he told Williams. “Everybody in a room, me, and others, we

would just sit up talking, us on the floor, talking until four o’clock in the morning; let’s go raid the kitchen.”

In a group sit down with Oprah, another member insisted, “Michael couldn’t harm a fly. He’s such a kind and gentle soul. Michael was a target.”

Despite their public support for Jackson, the individual is engaging in the very behavior he once condemned.

In 2019, following HBO’s release of the controversial documentary “Leaving Neverland,” the Jackson estate was under significant pressure due to the media frenzy that spawned calls to “cancel” the superstar. Representatives sought the group’s support given they, for years, vouched for Jackson’s character, and that’s when they turned.

As fiduciaries, the executors’ mission is to generate income for Jackson’s beneficiaries. So, they had two goals: preserve the upcoming projects, while shielding his loved ones from further pain of having to endure another round of salacious, unproven allegations. The estate reached a private settlement with the group including $3 million for each of the five individuals. Both sides mutually agreed to keep the agreement under wraps to where even its existence couldn’t be divulged.

“In 2019, there was ‘Leaving Neverland,’ which was a complete surprise hit job,” Branca said in an exclusive interview with the Black Press of America’s Let It Be Known. “We didn’t know it was coming and weren’t asked for comment. And the media didn’t want to hear Michael’s story. MGM was threatening to cancel the Cirque show. We wouldn’t have been able to mount a Broadway show. There were a lot of things that would have gone south. We have a fiduciary responsibility to maximize the income of the estate, and our counsel insisted we sign the agreement. So, we did it with a mutual nondisclosure. And they didn’t want it disclosed either because Michael’s fans would have gone after these people.”

The estate’s mutual nondisclosure agreement with the associates was vi-

JACKSON Page 41

5Jamaal Fields-Green as 'MJ' and the cast of “MJ the Musical,” which ran at the National Theatre until early September. A few longtime friends and former associates of Michael Jackson’s are now demanding $213 million from his estate, threatening to release false, damaging information about the pop icon if their demands are not met, even though for decades they have stated he did nothing to them. (Courtesy Photo/Matthew Murphy)

from Page 40

tal in keeping the matter private and allowing the estate to move forward with projects that that would ensure that future generations could share in Michael’s musical and creative legacy and that could prove lucrative for Michael’s three children, the King of Pop’s heirs.

“We and they signed this nondisclosure agreement, and the nondisclosure said you can’t even tell people there’s an agreement,” Branca explained. “It was awkward because we were making a movie with Antoine Fuqua and Graham King. And we couldn’t tell anybody about it, including the filmmakers.”

The recent demand for $213 million and the threat of making salacious claims have pushed the estate to take legal action.

Branca commented, “The associate’s lawyer even said to us, if you don’t meet our demands, we’re going to have to share these allegations with a wider group of people. It was a shakedown. Enough is enough.”

The estate has reported the extortion attempt to authorities and is filing an arbitration proceeding against the associates for civil extortion. Branca noted the challenge of protecting Jackson’s legacy after his death, as libel laws that protect the living do not extend to those who have passed away.

When asked, Branca addressed the racial element in the treatment of Jackson, pointing out the media’s bias.

“I definitely believe there’s a racist element in the media coverage of Michael Jackson since the 1980s. I was there. Michael got so big many were jealous, especially when he bought the Beatles catalog. I remember James

Baldwin having that famous quote: ‘Michael will forever pay the price for his success.’”

Jackson himself was acutely aware of the racial undertones in how he was perceived.

Branca recalled Jackson saying,

“Branca commented, “The associate’s lawyer even said to us, if you don’t meet our demands, we’re going to have to share these allegations with a wider group of people. It was a shakedown. Enough is enough.”

“‘Sinatra’s the chairman of the board. Elvis is the king. Springsteen is the boss. But what do they call me? They call me the Gloved One.’ And he says, ‘You know that’s racist. They’re trying to keep me down… I don’t think they would do this to Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon or Elvis for that matter.’”

The co-executor has played a pivotal role in Jackson’s legacy, including his involvement in the 1985 acquisition of the vaunted ATV catalog that included the Beatles and music from other artists.

“The music catalog was something that carried him through good times and bad,” Branca noted. “Michael was somewhat of a visionary because some of his advisers were saying it was too expensive. And Michael said, ‘Branca, get that catalog.’”

That move proved to be one of the most strategic decisions in Jackson’s career, solidifying his financial future and expanding his influence in the music industry.

The partnership between Branca and Jackson extended beyond financial dealings. They shared a mutual appreciation for creativity and entertainment.

“He and I attended a Cirque du Soleil show together in Santa Monica. And he said, ‘Branca, we gotta go backstage and meet everybody,’” Branca remembered.

This shared vision later led to successful collaborations, including the Cirque shows centered around Jackson’s music.

Despite vast challenges and unproven allegations, the executors have transformed Jackson’s estate into a financial powerhouse. Following Jackson’s death in 2009, the estate was nearly half a billion dollars in debt. Through strategic deals and projects, they turned it into a multi-billion-dollar enterprise. This included a blockbuster $600 million sale of 50% of Jackson’s music catalog to Sony wherein the estate maintained control and the success of projects like “Michael Jackson’s This Is It,” the highest-gross-

ing concert film in history.

Upcoming endeavors, such as the Antoine Fuqua biopic “MICHAEL,” starring Jackson’s nephew Jaafar Jackson, aim to solidify Jackson’s enduring influence in popular culture.

The estate has also diligently ensured the well-being of Jackson’s family. Branca confirmed that Jackson’s mother, Katherine, is well cared for. Earlier reports suggested that Katherine has received more than $60 million from the estate since her son’s tragic death in 2009.

“She’s got two beautiful homes,” Branca stated, “full-time security and a private chef. Mrs. Jackson, as she should be, is well taken care of.”

Branca reflected on the estate’s role in maintaining Jackson’s vision:

“We’re not Michael. We would never pretend to be. But we know what he loves. A lot of it is trying to execute Michael’s vision.”

Despite the hurdles, he remains steadfast in his commitment to protecting and preserving Jackson’s legacy.

“We will continue to manage the estate with the integrity and dedication that Michael deserved,” Branca affirmed. “Attempts like this to tarnish his memory for financial gain will not succeed.” WI

AndreWagner

JACKSON

Culinary Talent Receives $10,000 for Business: 'They helped me keep the Faith' Greater Washington Urban League's By Our Hands Throws a Lifeline to Food Service Businesses

By Eden Harris WI Contributing Writer

Greater Washington Urban League's By Our Hands hosted an award ceremony to grant eight culinary talents $10,000 to help sustain their businesses amid a rocky economy on Sept. 21.

The event had an overarching message to attendees and business owners: "We are strong together."

The program leader drilled down several times how important it is for businesses to have communal support, translating into societal change.

"When we sustain our food business, we sustain our community in so many ways," Furard Tate, the executive director of entrepreneurship at the Greater Washington Urban League told The Washington Informer. "It brings us together and helps us to elevate so that we can change the world.”

Besides the encouraging words from the leader, many recipients who received the money did so with tears in their eyes.

Oluwatoyin Pyne, the owner of Power Foods, who provides on-thego healthy treats, praised the nonprofit for its unwavering support when she needed it the most.

"It takes a village to raise a child,

but it also takes a village to start a business. I couldn't get with it when they kept saying 'we're family,' but as you go through some things, through the class and you have to really find yourself, they encouraged me many times when I was not sure. They helped me to keep the faith," Pyne said during her acceptance speech.

Another recipient of the award was Oluwatobi Osobukola, the owner of Fritters and Roast, a food and drink company that offers Nigerian street food flavors. These items can be found in five Union Kitchen locations, such as Eckington in Washington, D.C., and Dulles Airport in Sterling, Virginia. A complete list is viewable on the website.

Besides Saturday awardees, the nonprofit allowed a previous winner to showcase their food and compete again this year for $10,000. Although she didn't win the money, Michelle Phipps-Evans, the owner of Vickey's Trinidad & Tobago Kitchen, won in spirit. She was eager to share how the nonprofit helped her business thrive while building her confidence as a business owner.

"I was one of the lucky ones who received the award last year, and it made a huge difference in my bottom line, so I started working with courage. Having that mon-

ey showed me that this was really viable, and I shouldn't be afraid," she said. “Some of the other things I was able to do were customer acquisitions; I worked on more manufacturing, bought more things in bulk and I got more manufacturing products."

Phipps-Evans reiterated that the program helped her build confidence as a business owner. She is still looking for additional funding to scale her business and says that in 2024, she had four vending opportunities, an increase from the single opportunity in 2023.

A Stanford University report on financing Black-owned businesses states: "Entrepreneurship is often viewed as a path for promoting economic growth, wealth and jobs in minority communities, a tool for alleviating these differences."

The report also states that starting a business requires financial support and acknowledges the disadvantages faced by Black entrepreneurs, a challenge Tate is tackling through his program.

Tate said he aims to raise more money to continue transforming the lives of culinary talents like Pyne, Phipps-Evans and Osobukola "because our food services businesses need support."

Photo of Danzell Massenburg by Christopher Mueller

5Furard Tate, executive director of entrepreneurship at the Greater Washington Urban League at the By Our Hands award ceremony on Sept. 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5Furard Tate, executive director of entrepreneurship at the Greater Washington Urban League, awards Joseph McPherson, Reese Dixon, Leah Todd and Michelle Phipps with chef's tunics at the By Our Hands award ceremony on Sept. 21. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

The idiom money talks means people often listen and pay attention to someone who has a lot of money. It suggests that money gives people power.

More Money Talk: A Two-in-One Activity!

Use

Then draw a line from each

Don’t Cry Over Spilled Milk

Idioms Are Fun!

Money idioms aren’t the only type of idioms. Look at the pictures below and see if you can translate them into the idioms they represent. Add the missing vowels to nd out what the pictures are saying.

Money Words

Look through the newspaper for an idiom. Draw a picture showing the literal meaning of the idiom. Then discuss what the actual meaning is or could be.

Standards Link: Explain common idioms.

review wi book

"The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi"

By Wright Thompson

c.2024, Penguin Press

$35 / 448 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You've driven past it so many times, that you haven't actually seen it in ages. After all these years, it's just a part of the scenery, something you barely even notice anymore. But what's its story? Why is it there? As in the new book "The Barn" by Wright Thompson, could that landmark hold a horrible history?

Through the years, Wright Thompson has drawn a map of his Mississippi homeland dozens of times. Drive down this road, turn here, there, and you're at a spot that was laid out over two centuries ago, Township 22 North, Range 4 West. It's an area where the Blues were born, the civil rights movement was sparked, and the Klan began.

Inside that 36-mile square is the barn where Emmett Till was murdered.

Ask anyone in that area of Mississippi where this story all started and they'll point you toward a derelict building that was once a grocery store. Supposedly, 14-year-old Till whistled at a white woman there. He was kidnapped that night, snatched from his bed, and taken away in a green and white pickup truck. Thompson says he's studied this crime for years, and he thinks eight white men were involved in the subsequent beating death of Till.

So why has the barn — a place that Thompson has visited hundreds of times, a place that holds Christmas decorations, lawn equipment, and ghosts — been largely ignored? People knew what happened there. People heard things, and were intimidated into keeping quiet. Others bravely confronted Till's murderers in court.

Why, in the years after the trial that freed those killers, did the barn go back to being just a barn?

No doubt, you know this story. You had nightmares about it for years. Be prepared to sleep with the lights on again, then, once you've read "The Barn."

Much like a love letter written in arsenic, author Wright Thompson describes his beloved home area in lush words with horror behind them, which is both good and bad. You'll almost be able to feel the gumbo mud, but — ever actually been to this square of Mississippi? If not, there's a lot of geographical information inside this book, and it's not going to mean much to you.

No, the meaning lies in the rest of the story of a murder that changed American history and that still has the power to make readers shudder. Thompson uses a narrow barn as a pivot point to reach back in history, to Reconstruction and slavery, Jim Crow and differences in racism in the North and South, Delta culture, and the biography of a boy, in a story that's both personal and local, and that'll keep you glued to your seat.

It'll also help you see how a decades-old murder can be solved, but never put to rest.

"The Barn" is a tale that's hard to read, but also one you can't look away from. If you need an update, or a book to help you better understand the Till case, you'll want to see this one.

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE

SEPT. 26 - OCT. 2, 2024

ARIES You could find yourself reflecting on your roots and domestic sphere early in the week. Your idea of ideal roots and security, both professional and personal, might be evolving in some way that's initially hard to pinpoint. Being open to the tide shifting is key to making the most of the moment. Later, if you've been feeling compelled to create change in your professional path. Lucky Numbers: 7, 15, 24

TAURUS Whether you've been thinking about ways you can reshape your personal goals or how you can work on your self-image, it's time to put the wheels in motion when the week begins. The cosmos can fuel your drive to create tangible changes and momentum in any part of your life you feel has stagnated. Later in the week is a time when hard work is rewarded with a feeling of empowerment. Lucky Numbers: 11, 21, 32

GEMINI A horizon-broadening experience might be exactly what your heart is yearning for when the week begins. Plan a date night or simply spend time with a loved one getting out of your comfort zone, and you could feel swept up in something that feels magical and downright perspective shifting. Later, you've reached a culmination in your professional path and begin moving in a new direction. Lucky Numbers: 19, 25, 55

CANCER As the week starts, it's a time for change and, in turn, personal growth. Although you might be telling yourself that you're content with the direction you're heading in personally, in terms of your health, your career, your life goals, you're encouraged to reflect on that and consider tweaks or turns in the road that would make you feel even more fulfilled. Let your intuition guide you. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 24

LEO At the week's start, your mind is sure to be buzzing with ways you can take your current self-improvement strategy to the next level. Take advantage of the moment by doing research or having animated conversations with friends or experts. The information you gather now could amplify your confidence and help you soar. Lucky Numbers: 2, 19, 29

VIRGO If you've been wanting to share how you feel with your significant other or another special someone, you'd do well to zero in on the early part of the week. The cosmos boosts your confidence in sharing what's in your heart in a way that feels right to you and can make a lasting, emotional impression. Later, a team project is coming to a close and you sense a stimulating change related to communities and groups you've become an integral part of. Lucky Numbers: 7, 16, 53

LIBRA The start of the week is a gorgeous time to break free of your typical routine and connect with someone special in a spontaneous, flirtatious way. Allow yourself to get in touch with your inner playful, fairytale-loving spirit, letting that energy guide your social plans. It will make the sparks fly! Later, it's time to get clear on what you want professionally. It's quite possible that recognition is at the top of your list. Lucky Numbers: 11, 30, 57

SCORPIO Although you tend to be a creature of habit, you won't be content to stay on the same old track in your everyday environment early in the week. You want to travel, explore, experience new places, meet new people, and acquire knowledge that helps you feel as though you're moving forward. Give in to your urge to move out of your comfort zone and you'll find transformation is within reach. Lucky Numbers: 15, 22, 26

SAGITTARIUS You'll be soul-searching and reflecting on your closest relationships early in the week. It's time to take a hard look at reciprocity and the mental load that one of you might be carrying or the emotional labor that one of you is doing that the other is not. If you feel like any of this is out of whack, calling attention to it now is necessary to keep your bond healthy, thriving, and gratifying for you both. Lucky Numbers: 20, 22, 29

CAPRICORN At the week's start, you can anticipate major changes in a close bond that is inextricably tied to your self-image. Whether you've been putting too much energy in a toxic friendship or it's time for you and your significant other to get serious about a future game plan, this could be an intense moment for identifying how you want to proceed in the relationship. Thinking about how this connection is affecting you as an individual isn't only advisable, it's necessary now. Lucky Numbers: 28, 40, 47

AQUARIUS Pleasurable, artistic, beauty-loving experiences with dear friends and a significant other come naturally early in the week. Whether you're taking in art at a museum, seeing a play, or enjoying entertaining conversation at a party, the light-hearted moment can infuse your bond with a renewed sense of vitality and connection. Later, making significant changes to your routine in order to improve your work/life balance might be necessary. Lucky Numbers: 8, 30, 45

PISCES Your emotional intelligence and ability to apply that to your social and professional connections are elevated as the week begins. Take advantage by working with others on a team project or attending a class (like meditation or yoga) that allows you to share ideas, learn, and grow alongside others who are committed to holding space for one another. Lucky Numbers: 29, 34, 53

SPORTS

Hampton Prevails Over Howard in the Battle for 'the Real HU'

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

When Howard University and Hampton University got together for the Truth and Service Classic this past Saturday, it marked the 100th time that the two rivals have met on the gridiron. The game was played at Audi Field before a crowd of 16,813. While guests are never sure who will come out victorious, one thing is for certain: the game will always be an intense affair between the two historically Black universities in their battle for who is “the real HU.”

"I have been a part of this program for the past three years," noted Hampton interim head coach Trent Boykin.

"We just played our big rival, Norfolk State last week and Virginia Union earlier. But there is something unique and special about this Real HU game. Our fans, alumni and the team get especially excited about this game. You can feel the energy in practice."

The rivalry started back in 1908 and has featured several memorable games. It started when they both became members of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA).

When Howard went to the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), the rivalry continued to grow. Hampton, formerly Hampton Institute, is now a member of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), while Howard is still a member of the MEAC. Despite the change of affiliations over the years, the fight for bragging rights has continued.

The Hampton Pirates came into the game with a 56-42-1 advantage. The last two meetings were thrillers with Hampton prevailing by a combined total of four points.

This year, Hampton (3-1 overall, 0-0 in the CAA) came out early and dominated, jumping out to a 14-0 lead through the first two quarters, using its vaunted running attack and its stout defense to control the game.

Howard (2-2 overall, 0-0 in the MEAC) found a spark that led to a 95yard drive just before halftime to cut the deficit in half at 14-7. The drive featured a spectacular play from wide receiver senior Richie Ilarraza, following a reverse as he found teammate, senior Kasey Hawthorne from 24 yards.

Using the score for momentum, Howard finally was sparked by the

running of junior running back Eden James who capped off the drive with a 16-yard jaunt to tie the game at 14 with 3:04 left in the third quarter. Hampton, however, would respond less than three minutes later when junior red-shirt reserve running back Ja'Quan Snipes bolted 53 yards and raced untouched to help his team regain the lead at 21-14, with just 14 ticks before the end of the third quarter.,

Then, the Bison drove smartly down the field, using 12 plays to cover 76 yards, setting up a fourth and goal from the Hampton one-yard line. Graduate running back Jarett Hunter, normally a sure-handed runner, fumbled in an attempt to cross the goal line, giving the Pirates the ball at their own three-yard line. In an all-too-familiar script in this rivalry, the Pirates would turn the mistake into an 87yard drive that ended with Snipes

scoring his second touchdown, this time from five yards.

What would have been a morale boosting touchdown for Howard quickly turned into a momentum changer for the Pirates.

Hampton missed the point after touchdown, but led 27-14 with 8:34 on the clock in the fourth quarter.

The resilient Bison would respond, this time taking 12 plays to go 73 yards with senior quarterback Jaylen Tolbert scoring untouched from two yards out with 4:12 still remaining. The Bison attempted the two-point conversion, missed and trailed 27-20.

Hampton then turned to its running game and picked up two key first downs to run out the clock and secure its eighth straight win over the Bison in the heated series.

In assessing Howard coming up short, Head Coach Larry Scott said: "This team's never-say-die attitude comes from the belief that they are never out of a game, no matter the circumstances, we are never out of any game. We play to the last whistle is blown."

Ilarazza had his best all-around effort in a losing performance. He caught four passes for 58 yards, returned two punts and threw his first-ever touchdown pass.

"I felt good about the [touchdown] pass," said Ilarazza, who has caught over 100 passes in his career. "But we as a team came up short against them again. I'm not sure but there is something different about this game. But teams put a lot into this game. You want so badly to win."

James, son of former NFL great, running back Edgerrin James. had his best game of the season, leading all

rushers with 107 yards on 14 carries. Hunter chipped in with 65 on 14 carries. Tolbert, in only the third start of his career, was 18 of 26 passing for 201 yards.

All American safety Kenny Gallop, Jr. had yet another one of his signature games, with 10 solo tackles and a fumble recovery. Junior defensive tackle Noah Miles continues to be a factor as he finished with five tackles, all solos, and a forced fumble.

Hampton was led by Snipes (10 carries, 107 yards, two touchdowns) and senior Elijah Burris (16 carries, 78 yards). Defensively, Hampton was led by graduate Xavier Marshall (eights tackles and a forced fumble

For Howard, the setback would serve as a positive takeaway.

"As a team, we realized that we left some plays on the field," said Scott at his weekly press conference. "We missed some things, open receivers and the defense out of position. The team held a meeting after the game, acknowledged their mistakes and will work hard this week on getting them corrected."

Following the game, an unidentified Hampton alum in her 60s picked out a Howard supporter as they were walking out the stadium and hitting him with the dig, "We really kicked Howard's butt today."

The man wearing his Howard gear, appeared taken aback, before mustering a response.

"It was not that bad. It was only seven points,” he said before adding a parting comment. "We'll see y'all again next year.”

The rivalry continues. WI

5Hampton University Pirates tackle a member of the Howard Bison football team on Sept. 21 during the Truth and Service Classic, often called the battle of “the real HU.” The Pirates defeated the Bison 27-20. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

5Howard University’s band and dancers perform during the Truth and Service Classic on Sept. 21. (Abdullah Konte/The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

The 19th H Street Festival on Sept. 21 offered festival-goers 12 blocks of fun, food and festivities. With 15 staging areas, the festival also included live musical, dance, fashion, heritage arts and poetry performances.

(Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Bishop Reginald Jackson: AME Church 2nd Episcopal District Gets a New Leader

Jackson Meets with Faith Leaders at Ebenezer AME to Discuss Vision

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

The politically active prelate, Bishop Reginald Jackson has been named the new leader of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME)

Church’s Second Episcopal District. Jackson, the 132nd Bishop elected to the African Methodist Episcopal Church, served in Africa, New Jersey, Georgia, and now in the Second Episcopal District, which includes the District of Columbia,

Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.

“We are excited to have him as bishop of the most powerful city in the world,” said the Rev. Grainger Browning, pastor of the Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington, Maryland. “All that God has led him to do in his life in ministry, God has brought him to the Second Episcopal District for such a time as this.”

1960---2024

Family, friends and the community are gathering Saturday October 19, 2024 at the 4500 block of Bladensburg Rd. Md. @ 2:pm. We are paying tribute and honoring the life of Susan Woodard who was fatally struck at the location by a hit and run driver August 21, 2024 We will pray, speak and release ballons. To reach out to the family- (202) 531-9002. For more information (202) 615-2139

JACKSON MEETS WITH FAITH LEADERS AT EBENEZER

Bishop Jackson recently met with the pastors and elders in the Second Episcopal District at Ebenezer AME, where he laid out his vision for the district and how he plans to govern as a leader.

“I am not a micromanager. There is a line that we should follow,” Jackson emphasized. “Go through your presiding elders.”

A few minutes later, about a dozen men and women stood around the newly minted Second Episcopal District leader and said, “We are proud to be here with you Bishop Jackson.”

Jackson’s ministry is beyond the pulpit, and the bishop has been very

active in freedom fighting and politics, including in Georgia during the 2020 Presidential election. As he enters into his new role, he weighed in on rights for Washingtonians.

“If we can control the Congress and the White House we should get statehood for the people of the District of Columbia,” he told The Informer.

Just before he concluded the Sec-

ARTS from Page 26

evolves, I want to make sure that we get those experiences right here in the community,” said Mary Blackford, site manager and curator for Pennsylvania Avenue East Main Street’s 2024 Art All Night. “So we integrated traditional art, medium, visual arts, painting, drawing, performance art, but then also some really cool technology advancements into this actual Art All Night experience, including a virtual reality museum, virtual reality gaming, virtual adventures.”

Established in 2020, the comprehensive Pennsylvania branch program combats structural issues to achieve economic prosperity and business engagement, with events like Art All Night serving as a testament to the need for arts and economic education.

“It's going to happen with or without us. The saying goes, ‘If you don't have a seat at the table, chances are you are on the table.’ So, if we're not at the table, that means we're not getting our voices heard. That means critical components of our needs and our desires are missing out of the conversation…We need developments

ond Episcopal District meeting, he challenged the church leaders.

“We have low expectations for the church but the church leaders ought to try to do anything that you can do with God,” he said. “Let us ask that he would power us by his spirit. Brothers and sisters, let us do great things in the Lord's name.” WI

that serve us,” Atkins explained. In his docuseries “Ward 7 Rising,” which will host a first-of-its-kind brief screening on Sept. 27 at DC Dream Center, Paul Grant of Ascendor Communication analyzes the evolution of political leadership and values in the District. He hopes the presentation will both push viewers toward civic engagement, as well as expand the future of filmmakers in the area.

“When we think of the arts in the D.C. area, a lot of times, the first thing that comes up, and rightfully so, is Go-Go music. But there's a rich film community here,” Grant said. “I think that Art All Night and events like [it] allow for a showcase of the best and brightest of the east of the river, and you'll get a chance to come and see a community that you probably didn't know existed.”

As each ward gears up for transformative Art All Night installations, Blackford emphasized the significance of arts education and creative spaces where artistry thrives and the future of D.C. culture reigns supreme. WI

Fanning the Flames of the Diabetes Epidemic, 7th Edition (Pt. 5) the religion corner

enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and washing clothes. Although she raised nine children of her own, she always had room for other needy children.

In our early years, during the 1960s, Mother was the wife of our sharecropper father in North Carolina. They moved the family in 1965 to Washington, D.C., where we lived for more than 30 years.

We learned of Mother's Type 2 diabetes after she suffered a major stroke in 1989. She lived only 11 years after the diagnosis. My sisters and I pledged to begin an educational prevention campaign while caring for our mother during her last year of life.

Mother and Father moved back to North Carolina, where she enjoyed her later years peacefully. We purchased her a new home and took over the mortgage payments, which made her happy. Mother Grant enjoyed living on the 226-acre farm near Kinston, where she was one of the heirs to the land left by Floyd Hill, her father and my grandfather. She enjoyed walking around the farm, following my father as he worked.

Mother suffered many additional strokes; during one, she lost the use of her tongue and couldn't speak. Her kidneys failed, requiring dialysis for the last two years of her life. She had high blood pressure for many years, and both of her legs were amputated above the knees.

We wanted to know more about the disease that took our mother in such

a brutal fashion. There was so much pain and suffering prior to her death. Mother Grant was a Christian and an evangelist who preached the gospel in churches throughout the D.C. area. Everyone loved her and called her "Ma."

As her oldest daughter, I promised to educate millions of people about the causes and prevention of Type 2 diabetes. By sharing with the general public, I feel much better now, knowing that my mother's life will not have been in vain.

As discussed in part two of this series, we discovered that the problem stems from our diet, lack of exercise, and genetics. Many from the same family may not be born with Type 2 diabetes tendencies. However, out of our family of nine children, three are known to have contracted Type 2 diabetes.

Today, there is a treatment with the advent of Ozempic. Research on this medication began in 1977. Many steps have been taken, and although some research is not positive, the potential consequences of living with untreated Type 2 diabetes are worse, in my opinion.

If you're looking for a Women's Day or Black History Month speaker, please consider me, Lyndia Grant, a trained inspirational and motivational speaker. My phone number is provided at the end of my column each week. Look for the conclusion of my series on Type 2 diabetes next week. WI

RELIGION

MCCOLLUM & ASSOCIATES, LLC

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

My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. — Hosea 4:6

RELIGION

Church with a past to remember

and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 Fax : 202-338-4958

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

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Froffice@firstrising.org Website: 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 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

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

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

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 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 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 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 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

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

2024 ADM 001004

Joanne Williams Lott Decedent

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

Carmine Barton, whose address is 445 Oakwood Street SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne Williams Lott who died on 6/24/2024 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/12/2025. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 3/12/2025, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 9/12/2024

Carmine D. Barton

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 001103

Cheryl Diane Summers Decedent

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

Robert Lee Summers Jr., whose address is 2950 2nd Street, SE, Apt. 31, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cheryl Diane Summers who died on 8/24/2024 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Robert Lee Summers Jr. 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

2024 FEP 000107

July 2, 2015

Date of Death

Corinne Raymond Gantt Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Gloria Raymond whose address is 7200 East Spring St., Landover, MD 20785 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Corinne Raymond Gantt, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 9/1/2016.

Service of process may be made upon Franklin D. Hicks, 4272 E. Capitol Street, NE Apt. 101, Washington, DC whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate.

242 57th Place, NE, Washington, DC 20019. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 9/26/2024

Gloria D. Raymond Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2015 SEB 328 2024 ADM 001068

Ferdie H. Williams aka Ferdie Henry Williams Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716

Attorney

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

Teresa Marie Seldon, whose address is 400 Oglethorpe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ferdie H. Williams aka Ferdie Henry Williams who died on May 2, 2015 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Teresa Marie Seldon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

2024 ADM 001079

Dorothy G. Collins aka Dorothy Grace Collins Decedent

Joan M. Wilbon, Attorney at Law 1629 K Street, NW, Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Hyacinth Collins, whose address is 300 M Street, SW, Unit N. 615, Washington DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy G. Collins aka Dorothy Grace Collins who died on March 20, 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Hyacinth Collins 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 001085

Frederic Tcheliebou Decedent

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

Erwin Nouwezem Tcheliebou, whose address is 2005 Maryland Ave., NE, Apt. 105, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederic Tcheliebou who died on June 12th 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Erwin Nouwezem Tcheliebou 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 001062

Eleanor Craft Decedent

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

Bridget Lawrence, whose address is 1209 20th PL, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eleanor Craft who died on 3/4/2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Bridget Lawrence 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 001076

Gilda Sherrod-Ali Decedent

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Zindzi Malika Ali, whose address is 3233 Pope Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gilda Sherrod-Ali who died on June 25, 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Zindzi Malika Ali 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 000382

Ellen McKinney Decedent

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

Saretta McKinney, whose address is 5047 13th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ellen McKinney who died on 11/15/2023 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Saretta McKinney

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 001044

James W. Johnson Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008 Attorney

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

Henrietta Thomas, whose address is 207 49th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James W. Johnson who died on May 3, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Henrietta Thomas Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 968

Lateessha Terry Decedent

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

Traye Laster, whose address is 1418 Howard Rd, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lateessha Terry who died on November 7, 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Traye Laster 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 1073

Lee Andrew Pearson Decedent

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

Brandi Sharice Zimmerman, whose address is 612 Knightsbridge Drive, Hagerstown, MD 21740, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lee Andrew Pearson who died on June 17, 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Brandi Sharice Zimmerman 612 Knightsbridge Drive Hagerstown, MD 21740 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

2023 ADM 000694

Phillip Doyle Decedent

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

J. Anthony Concino III, Esq., whose address is 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 400, Washington, DC 20015, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Phillip Doyle who died on July 31, 2019 without a Will. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

J. Anthony Concino III

Personal Representative

Nicole

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2024 ADM 1050

Quanda Renee King Decedent

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

Jacqueline King, whose address is 19352 Sandy Lake Dr., Gaithersburg, MD 20879, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Quanda Renee King who died on May 15, 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 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Jacqueline King

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

2024 ADM 001099

Virginia H. Washington Decedent

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

Alan G. Washington, whose address is 1226 Faraday Place, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia H. Washington who died on 8/29/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Alan G. Washington

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Henry Pirtle IV© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ HENRY PIRTLE IV ", corp.sole Dba.: " HENRY PIRTLE; PIRTLE IV, HENRY; PIRTLE, HENRY© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: American Moor, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as an: American Moor. am that I am: " Henry Pirtle IV© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " kalifa pharoh bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: County of Los Angeles Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk Office : STATE FILE NUMBER: 10481423374: " HENRY PIRTLE IV© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Muuristic Empire Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "Kalifa pharoh bey© ", nom deguerre: " Henry Pirtle IV© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Muuristic Empire Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: " Maria Chevelli’a Caldwell© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ MARIA CHEVELLI’A CALDWELL ", corp.sole Dba.: " MARIA C CALDWELL; CALDWELL, MARIA C; CALDWELL, MARIA CHEVELLI’A© ", having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: American Moor, but not a citizen of the United States. declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as an: American Moor. I am that I am: " Maria Chevelli’a Caldwell© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " yemaya bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: The Wisconsin Vital Records Office : STATE FILE NUMBER: 1990066709: " MARIA CHEVELLIA CALDWELL© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Goddess Warriors Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "yemaya bey© ", nom deguerre: " Maria Chevelli’a Caldwell© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Goddess Warriors Trust© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

2024 ADM 001084

Reginald Ray Bynum Decedent

Howard Haley, Esq. 7600 Georgia Ave., NW #416 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

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

Fatima Lewis, whose address is 336 55th St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Reginald Ray Bynum who died on 8/29/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 3/26/2025. 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 3/26/2025, 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: 9/26/2024

Fatima Lewis Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

The Illinois General Assembly passed a law requiring it to seek, among other provisions, federal waivers for income eligibility requirements. Melody Webb, an attorney and executive director of Mothers Outreach Network said the Illinois General Assembly can serve as a model for the D.C. Council as it navigates that issue in the realms of public housing and other public benefits.

“Guaranteed basic income galvanized the conversation around the benefits cliff [and] how we can use our public safety net to act as a support for people as they dip their toe back into the job market after having been out of it for various reasons,” Webb said. “The cost of living in D.C. is astronomically high. The way these programs are structured with federal designs, we need to get those rules changed. D.C. does have the power to change the rules [for some programs] and they have done that.”

In the coming weeks, Mothers Outreach Network will launch a campaign to challenge negative perceptions about low and moderate-income Black mothers who receive government assistance. That campaign follows a collaboration with the Access to Justice Lab at Harvard University, through which Mothers Outreach Network’s Mother Up guaranteed income research pilot started disbursing monthly payments of $500 to a dozen mothers who have recently or are currently entangled in D.C.’s child welfare system.

Webb told The Informer that direct cash pilot programs, such as Mother Up and the publicly funded direct cash program Strong Families, Strong Futures, can only become permanent policy once the wider public can compel local and federal government officials to come to grips with what she described as this society’s deep-seated disdain for the marginalized.

“We have a strong culture of deservedness in this country and believe, based on race and class, that people have to earn their keep and they don’t deserve help,” Webb said. “We’re committed to jumping out there and changing the narrative. We believe in leveling the playing field and giving people a hand to make things even. Policy change will follow a change of heart, and if we can get rid of the larger divisive political discourse, then we have a shot at that.”

WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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EMPATHY from Page 1

However, some people, like Marcus Ellis, find such suggestions shortsighted, and without any appreciation for what he calls a proven, data-driven approach to violence prevention and reduction.

Ellis, executive director of Peace for D.C., once served as chief of staff at the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement (ONSE). For years, ONSE shepherded the men and women most at risk of perpetrating and becoming victims of violence through the Pathways Program, a transitional employment program that aims to decrease involvement in the criminal justice system.

The Pathways Program model bears similarity to Peace for D.C.’s D.C. Peace Academy, which will soon reach a milestone of 200 graduates, all of whom will enter their communities as credible voices in the fight against violence.

“I’m most proud that we offered the Pathways Program to directly speak with the population that perpetuates gun violence,” Ellis said as he reflected on his involvement in ONSE. “We saw young men come into that program with heavy baggage and a large number changed the trajectory of their lives to the extent that some of them are working in ONSE and other spots. Some of them turned to entrepreneurs. We know that prevention works.”

Ellis has since mulled over the possibility of engaging Pemberton in dialogue about the merits of violence interruption programs in the local public safety ecosystem.

“Whenever there’s a disagreement or difference of opinion, what’s valuable is conversation,” Ellis said. “Finger pointing isn’t going to get us far. Even though we’re going about our work in different ways, we aim to save lives.”

Pemberton didn’t immediately return a request for comment.

THE LATEST CHAPTER IN A LONGTIME FIGHT ABOUT PUBLIC SAFETY APPROACHES

Pemberton’s comments come just days after the Office of D.C. Auditor (ODCA)’s police staffing report, much to the chagrin of MPD officials, recommended a reallocation of available patrol officers on D.C. streets rather than an influx of new recruits. It also comes weeks after the police-involved shooting death of Justin Robinson, a 26-year-old violence interrupter

who worked with Cure the Streets in the Office of the Attorney General (OAG).

White, who hasn’t said much about his federal bribery charge, counted among those who took to the streets in the hours after Robinson’s death. Meanwhile, ONSE, an agency mentioned in charging documents filed against the Ward 8 council member, continues to face much scrutiny.

This fall, D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) will conduct oversight hearings for ONSE, as part of an effort, as she described in a communique to constituents, to review performance and outcomes, facilitate programmatic improvements, and ensure integrity in the issuance of grants.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) too revealed plans to conduct an internal review of White’s interaction with violence interruption programs.

ONSE was established in 2016, when the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Neighborhood Engagement Achieves Results (NEAR) Act without Bowser’s signature. The Bowser administration has since been slow to fully enact the legislation, which not only mandates the establishment of the Office of Violence Prevention and Health Equity within the Metropolitan Police Department’s (MPD) Department of Health and a Community Crime Prevention Team, but requires MPD’s collection of stopand-frisk data, use-for-force data and data about custody deaths.

In 2022, ODCA determined that the Bowser administration didn’t follow through on the launch of the Office of Violence Prevention and Health Equity. As outlined in its report, D.C. Health also spent less than 40% of funds the D.C. Council allocated toward a public information campaign about the effects of violence and violence cessation strategies.

The ODCA also shed light on how

its returning citizens.

Its negative impacts are a story Herbert Robinson, a survivor of solitary confinement and advocate with Unlock the Block, knows too well.

Robinson said being locked away in solitary confinement for over a year in federal prison changed how he socialized with his friends and family when he was released.

using solitary confinement and the cause of the death of Sincere Howard, a 23-year-old found unresponsive in their facility on Thursday, May 16. Information surrounding Howard’s death is still unknown. The Informer didn’t receive a comment.

MPD, Department of Behavioral Health and Department of Human Services didn’t establish the Community Crime Prevention Team program. By 2023, MPD’s compliance with an order to launch a Community Policing Working Group had declined, according to another ODCA report. While the 2023 report confirmed that MPD provided “extensive” police useof-force data; it said gaps remained in the areas of: the number of subjects involved in use of force incidents; the number and outcome of civilian complaints filed to MPD for excessive use of force; and the charge given after an arrest.

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to gather comment from Bowser’s office before publishing time about the NEAR Act or her level of support for violence interruption programs.

In recent years, ONSE has also been under the microscope.

While ODCA, in its 2022 report, acknowledged that ONSE’s implementation of a public health approach to violence prevention that identified the people most at risk, the auditor’s office said that the violence prevention program’s impact remains unclear. In the same report, ODCA said that ONSE complied with “most, but not all” reporting requirements needed to fully assess the activities and outcomes of the Pathways Program.

Other issue areas outlined in the auditor’s report concerned violence interrupters being spread too thin and falling short in consistently establishing close ties with community leaders. ODCA suggested a merger of ONSE and OAG’s violence intervention programs as an ideal means of incorporating the best aspects of each program and improving outcomes.

SOLITARY CONFINEMENT CONSIDERED ‘TORTURE’

Robinson said his solitary confinement experience felt like "torture," a word the United Nations also uses to describe the practice.

According to the United Nations, the act of subjecting individuals to solitary confinement for a duration exceeding 15 consecutive days is recognized as a form of torture.

Robinson said, "There are returning citizens that will tell you they did multiple years [in solitary confinement].”

He also said that he is currently in contact with a male inmate who told him solitary confinement is "still happening" in D.C. Jail.

To protect the inmate, Robinson doesn't want to reveal his name but explained the inmate told him that he recently did over 20 days in solitary confinement for a claim that ended up being baseless.

The Informer reached out to the D.C. Department of Corrections for a comment on whether they are still

Dr. Terry Kupers, a psychiatrist and author of the book "Prison Madness: The Mental Health Crisis Behind Bars and What We Must Do About It," said in a New York Times report that solitary confinement results in the decline of both mental and physical well-being. He also said it leads to conditions such as psychosis, depression, heart disease and even mortality.

Robinson echoed the report, chronicling his own experiences.

"You lose that social, emotional, intelligence and awareness about you, Robinson said.

He also referenced the death of inmates in D.C. Jail and is now is calling for the implementation of the ERASE (Eliminating Restrictive and Segregated Enclosure) Act, which was introduced in October 2023 by D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1).

Nadeau spoke at the rally, referencing the United Nation's findings around solitary confinement, saying it's "happening right here in the D.C. Jail— torture and a violation of human rights."

The councilwoman told the crowd that after inmates leave solitary confinement, their mental health is severely compromised, and she argued it makes the rehabilitation of the person nearly impossible.

"Our returning citizens are released directly back into our communities after spending years in isolation, and we wonder why they don't immediately thrive," she said.

WI Read more on washingtinformer.com.

5People at the Representation for the Bottom event on Sept. 5. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5Attendees holding up signs to end solitary confinement in DC Jail at Foundry United Methodist Church in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 19. (Eden Harris/The Washington Informer)

CROWELL from Page 32

Consumer advocates also applauded the most recent Navient order.

"This is a step toward accountability and sends a powerful message to all student loan servicers that such behavior will not be condoned," said Jaylon Herbin, director of federal campaigns at the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). "For decades, Navient used deceptive tactics to steer borrowers into high-cost, long-term forbearances instead of placing them in affordable income-driven repayment (IDR) plans, leaving countless borrowers — many of whom were borrowers of color and low-income students — trapped in a cycle of debt."

These and other actions together demonstrate governmental support for financial fairness and are underscored in findings from a recent survey. Fresh data shows that voters of all or no political affiliations support the CFPB’s crackdown on junk fees, discrimination, and other harmful actions from financial firms.

A bipartisan polling team from Lake Research Partners and Chesapeake

MORIAL from Page 32

relationships with white women. He further explored the role of racism in sports with his portrayal of Negro Leagues catcher Josh Gibson in "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars

MALVEAUX from Page 32

comes than other adults.

Smart public policy should help increase access to primary care to improve patient outcomes, reduce health care costs, and prevent underserved communities from relying on hospitals and emergency departments to treat a range of health conditions that could be better and more affordably managed by physicians.

Unfortunately, however, current Medicare policy is doing just the opposite. Longstanding issues in Medicare's physician payment system have put the program on an unstable, unsustainable path, threatening to further undermine access to primary care — particularly in underserved communities that are already reeling from a shortage of doctors.

You might think that the federal government would be doing everything it can to get more doctors into the field, especially in Health Professional Shortage Areas — but in fact, Medicare reimbursement to doctors has declined by 29% since 2001, when adjusted for

Beach Consulting conducted the survey commissioned by Americans for Financial Reform (AFR) and CRL.

Released on Sept. 9, the survey showed:

Nine in 10 voters (91%) believe it is important to regulate financial services to ensure they are fair for consumers; this includes 95% of Democrats, 87% of Republicans, and 88% of independents;

After reading information about overdraft fees, 84% of voters support limiting the price banks can charge to only what the overdraft costs them, with no additional profit; a majority support this policy strongly; 82% support the CFPB using all the tools available to hold financial companies accountable for discrimination in lending, with over three quarters in support across party lines; 82% of voters support government regulators capping credit card late fees at $8 per month, down from $32 per month; at least three-quarters of voters across party lines are supportive, with at least half strongly supporting the cap; and

After hearing a short description of the CFPB and its mission, four in five

and Motor Kings." Though the comedy "sometimes glides over the obvious pain and injustice these players went through," according to New York Magazine, Jones conveyed the "rage and hurt simmering underneath."

Tito Jackson was rarely the front-

inflation in practice costs, according to the American Medical Association.

As if that wasn't bad enough, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to chip away at the already-low reimbursements physicians do receive. After imposing cuts on doctors five years in a row, CMS is again proposing to slash Medicare reimbursement by 2.8% in 2025.

By failing to properly reimburse physicians for the true cost of providing care, CMS is forcing many independent physician practices to stop seeing new Medicare patients, scale back staffing or the services they provide, accept buyout offers from larger hospitals and health systems, or else close their doors. Any one of these scenarios is detrimental to patients, particularly in communities of color, where access is already scarce. Failure to fix this problem will only make it harder for Black, Latino and low-income seniors to get medical care.

There are many solutions that could help improve access to primary care for communities and patients of color, but one thing lawmakers could do im-

voters (81%) express support for the agency; favorability for the Consumer Bureau has been consistently very high over the past decade, ticking up slightly in 2020 and remaining at an elevated level.

"Whether the subject is credit card late fees, medical debt, or private equity’s growing impact in health care, voters favor tough regulation and oversight of the financial sector," said Lisa Donner, executive director at Americans for Financial Reform.

Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending, reiterated the agency's importance:

"Voters of all political persuasions understand the need for the Consumer Bureau — a government watchdog that protects consumers from financial firms’ junk fees, illegal discrimination, and other misconduct. This poll reaffirms that politicians, regardless of their political affiliation, would best represent their constituents by supporting the Consumer Bureau and by keeping their hands off its funding structure."