The Washington Informer - September 26, 2013 by The Washington Informer

“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” – Havelock Ellis

Edelman Discusses Need for Gun Control, See Page 28 •

C e l e b r a t i n g 4 8 Ye a r s o f S e r v i c e

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Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area / Vol. 48, No. 50 Sept. 26 - Oct. 2 2013

House Vote Could Worsen Food Insecurity By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer

‘Your struggle for our freedom was not in vain’

Hundreds of former South Africa anti-aparthied activists celebrated the unveiling of the Nelson Mandela statue in front of the newly renovated Embassy of South Africa on Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. on Sat., September 22. Celebrants who reflected on the tumultuous battle to end the racial system of apartheid in South Africa included Ebrahim Rasool, South African Ambassador to the U.S., Randall Robinson, founder of TransAfrica; William Lucy, former AFSCME official; D.C. Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, along with presidents of the African National Congress and the Africa Union. Mandela’s daughter, Zindzi, gave an update on the health of her ailing father and thanked Americans for participating in the struggle to free South Africans. / Photo by Roy Lewis

A vote by a majority of Republican members of the House of Representatives to cut $40 billion from the Supplemental Nutritional Assistant Program (SNAP) could further jeopardize millions of people receiving assistance. Last Thursday, Sept. 19, the House passed HR 3102, by a 217210 vote. The bill would gouge $4 billion a year from SNAP for the next 10 years. While Senate leaders indicate that the bill won’t pass in their chamber and President Barack Obama has promised to veto the measure, the vote has unnerved social justice advocates, non-profits, and the operators of soup kitchens and food banks. “When the House passed the bill last week, it was the next step in the Farm Bill,” said Christine Ashley, a policy analyst with Bread for the World. “The Senate proposed $4 billion in cuts to SNAP and we weren’t happy. That would affect 400,000 people.” Ashley said she’s not sure what will happen to the bill but said representatives from the Senate and House will arrive at a compromise in a conference committee. “I don’t expect $40 billion in cuts from the conference committee, but it will cause hardships anyway,” she said. “Unfortunately, the budget situation means

Visit us online for daily updates and much more @ www.washingtoninformer.com. Black Spending Power Analyzed by Nielsen Page 4

Trauma Victim Encourages Others Page 16

Sports Highlights Page 36

that large programs like SNAP would come under scrutiny.” Ashley said four million SNAP recipients could potentially lose their benefits, while 210,000 children would lose free school meals and 850,000 individuals and households would see their monthly benefits reduced by $90. Already, she added, every household receiving SNAP will see cuts to benefits on Nov. 1. House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Virginia), said removing these benefits from those who’re unemployed would “put people on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.” “This bill is designed to give people a hand when they need it most,” he said in remarks made prior to the vote. “Most people don’t choose to be on food stamps. Most people want a job. Most people want to go out and be productive so that they can earn a living, so that they can support a family, so that they can have hope for a more prosperous future. They want what we want.” Yet critics of the bill have assailed those supporters of the measure, calling them everything from misguided and cynical to unfeeling. Bread for the World is one of many social justice, advocacy and anti-hunger organizations lobbying Congress in an attempt to stave off cuts to welfare and

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The CoLumn

17th Annual Celebration Of Leadership in the Fine Arts The Congressional Black Caucus Spouses hosted the Leadership in the Fine Arts event with an award ceremony held at the the National Museum of Women in the Arts in Washington, DC. This event was developed to recognize African-American accomplishments in the arts and this year their 17th continued to recognize the contributions of individuals who have influenced our history and inspired generations. But the ultimate purpose of the event was to raise scholarship funds for students who have demonstrated an exceptional level of talent in the Arts. Awards were given to ten students for the Heineken USA performing arts scholarship; Film director and producer Antoine Fuqua, visual artist Carrie Mae Weems and author Tananarive Due were honored. Attorney Mereda Davis Johnson is the CBC Spouses Chair and Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings was the events chair.

Emcee Doris McMillon

Spousal Support - Honorable Elijah Cummings (D-MD) with his wife Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings Events Chair

Honoree Artist Carrie Mae Weems (The Hampton Project Review Series)

Attorney Mereda Davis Johnson (CBC Spouses Chair), Honoree Antoine Fuqua, & Dr. Maya Cummings (Event Chair

Honoree Director Antoine Fuqua (Training Day/The Equalizer/Olympus Has Fallen)

(L-R) Atty. Mereda Davis Johnson, Honoree Carrie Mae Weems, Dr. Cummings & Honoree Tananarive Due

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Dr. Maya Rockeymoore Cummings CBC Spouses Event Chair

Honoree Author Tananarive Due (“The Living Blood”, “Ghost Summer”)

Dr. Cummings with Honorees Tananarive Due & Carrie Mae Weems

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9/26/2013 – 10/2/2013 AROUND THE REGION Black Facts Page 6 PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY Page 14 BUSINESS William Reed’s Business Exchange Page 19 COMMENTARIES Pages 28-29 SPORTS HIGHLIGHTS Pages 36-37

Danielle Collins, 19 on tuba, George Wilkes, 17, and David Reed, 20, both trumpeters, gathered Thursday, Sept. 19 on a street corner in Northwest to entertain passersby. /Photo by Nancy Shia

RELIGION Lyndia Grant’s Religion Column Page 39

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

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SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

around the region the Cycle of Women Break Domestic Violence New Report Details By Tia Carol Jones

Black Spending Power

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year- domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, Visit our updated Web site old daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families and give us your comments of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene Players on behalf of a vicNielsen, NNPA say African Americans are Major Economic for a chance to win a gift from life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessThe Washington Informer she knew something By Stacy M. Brownhad to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further done. Out of herWriter frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement WI Contributing with law enforcement's handling Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecEmail comments to: of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselIf there were ever any doubt rburke@ start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. about paign. the relevancy or the buy- case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiwashingtoninformer.com ing“Itpower seemsoftothe be African-Amera vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must ican consumer, latest and end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. that won't turnthemy family most comprehensive consumer loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicreport likely will do much dis- logue about domestic violence. shared her story with thetoauditim and the batterer,” Marlow pel anyat myths suggestingHeights blacks ence the District Also present at the event was said. Domestic Violence Symposium are not major economic players. Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like to see onThe May Nielsen 7 at the District Heights Company has wife of John Allen Muhammad, programs designed to raise Municipal The sympoteamed withCenter. the National News- who was sentenced to six consec- awareness among children in We represent victims of major sium was sponsored by the utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She paper Publishers Association medical malpractice such as Family Youth (NNPA), and a trade groupServices repre- by a Maryland jury for his role in feels children need to be educatSandra Robinson Jack Olender cerebral palsy. Center of theblack city community of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. senting 200 All 5 lawyers were again elected Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pas“Best Lawyers in America” 2012 newspapers, for the third conUp of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilsecutive year producing, “ReKaren Evans is a nurse/attorney Marlow hasin written a book, Cheryl Pearson-McNeil Courtesy an organization that /helps thephotodren about domestic violence,” silient, Receptive and Relevant: Attorney/Pediatrician Harlow Case Karen Evans Melissa Rhea “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. Robert Chabon, M.D., J.D. is The African-American Consumstory about four generations of and children. Marlow break Of Counsel. The top has five worked programstoamong tion their Center in Northwest Washer 2013 Report,” noted domestic violence. which The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, ington, D.C., revealed that 53 black viewers, between the age that the by buying power of blacks years inspired her own experiences, in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she percent of the 43 million blacks of 18 and 49, are “Love & Hip likelythose will increase from its cur- not and of her grandmother, an easy thing to come out is pushing for will start that Hop Atlanta 2,” “Scandal,” in the her and herto daughter. rent mother $1 trillion level $1.3 mil- of,” sheUnited said. States are under process. Husbands Hollywood,” age of 35, and the African She said every time she reads theMildred Muhammad said “Real lion by 2017. “I plan to take of these policies to “Real Housewives of Atlanta,” In Memoriam Americanwho population is growing excerpts her book, she still want to help a Congress and implore them to “The from consumer insights this people Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. and “T.I.our andlaws,” Tiny 3.” 40 percentviolence faster than any other can believeofthe came domestic victim must change Marlow said. year not are some the words most varied Wilhelmina J. Rolark also noted from Butterfly” be group. careful of how they go into “I The will 32-page not stopreport until these poliyet,” her. said “Color Cheryl Me Pearson-McThe Washington Informer Newspaper that African Americans purchase won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” Beyond the business impact THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER Neil, senior vice president of Memoriam Books” Award. beauty NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is InDenise mayonbethein economy, “survival more Tia ethnic Carol Jones canand be groomreached blacksshehave Rolark Barnes public affairs and government that Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. published weekly on each Thursday. “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. ingtiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net products, read more financial at the report also provides more relations at the Nielsenand ComWilhelmina STAFFJ. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washingmy eye first blackened my granular “Beforeinsights you getinto to 'I'm going magazines, and spend twice the its popupany in New York. “From store to ton,THE D.C. and additional mailing of- NEWSPAPER WASHINGTON INFORMER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published lips bled,” Marlow said. Denise W. Barnes, Editor kill you,' it started as a verbal WIat personal websites than lation growth, and demograph- time fices. Newsonand advertising deadlinepostage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional brand to top watched weekly Thursday. Periodicals Elaineloyalty, Davis-Nickens, presiothers. Shantella Y. Sherman, Assistant Editor mailing prior offices.to News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday publication. Antelevision mo- ic uniqueness, said A. Shuanise dent of thenetworks, Nationalwhich Hook-Up “We are more likely to read Announcements be received weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The nouncements must must be received two twoRon Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director bile apps are most popular, of Black Women, said there isthis no Washington, president and chief Washington Informer. All rights weeks prior to event. Copyright 2013reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressForbes and other financial magais a deep dive intoway how blacks executive officer of the Congresconsistency in the domestic to The Washington Informer,All 3117Lafayette Martin Luther King,IV, Jr. Ave., S.E. Photo Washington, Barnes, Assistant Editor by esThe Washington Informer. zines,” Pearson-McNeil said. D.C. 20032.POSTMASTER: No part of this Send publication may be reproduced without written permisviolence issues are time, dealt and withhow by sional Black Caucus Foundation spend their digital rights reserved. Khalid Naji-Allah, Photographer Eighty-one percent of Afrision from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannotStaff guarantee the return of change of addresses to The Washcompanies can reach 10 million (CBCF), in Northwest Washing- can-American consumers bephotographs. Subscription rates are $30 per year, twoFreitas, years $45. Papers willEditor be received John E. De Sports Photo ington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther black consumers. This report is ton, D.C. not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. Dorothy Rowley, Online Editor “The CBCF’s mission is to lieve products advertised in really a compelling read for both black media are more relevant 20032. No part of this publication may THE WASHINGTON INFORMER advance the global black comBrian Young, Design & Layout advertisers and marketers.” be reproduced without written permis3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 to them, the report revealed. This report lists the premier munity by developing leaders, in- Yet, advertisers dedicated only 3 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 Bookkeeper 574-3785 sion from the publisher.Phone: The Informer Mable Neville, news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guaranteeE-mail: the return 50 companies in the top five cat- forming policy and educating the percent, or $2.24 billion, of the Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist www.washingtoninformer.com of photographs. Subscription rates are egories committed to the black public,” Washington said. “Niel- $75 billion spent with all media $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Stacey Palmer, Social Media Specialist community economically, said sen’s report will prove helpful in 2012. Further, the study noted be received not more than a week after PUBLISHER Angie Johnson, Circulation Cloves Campbell, chairman of as we continue our efforts to that advertisers erroneously bepublication. Make checks payable to: Denise Rolark Barnes the NNPA and publisher of the improve the socioeconomic cir- lieve the absence of a language STAFF REPORTERS REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON INFORMER cumstances of African Amer- barrier justifies their one-sizeArizona Informant. Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Carla PeayLuther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, icans and other underserved fits-all approach to reaching “This type of information Stacy Brown, P.K. Collins, Washington, Ron BurkeD.C. 20032 Advertising and Marketing MarySam Wells, Joseph YoungMichelle communities.” helps the NNPA continue our Phipps-Evans, Eve Ferguson, Gale Horton Phone: 202 561-4100 black consumers. Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper The report noted that blacks Administration Gay, EltonPHOTOGRAPHERS J. Hayes, Njunga Kabugi, Stacey efforts to create conscious conFax:LaNita 202 Wrenn 574-3785 Black businesses, agencies and John E. De Freitas Sports Palmer, Editor Dorothy LafayetteRowley, Barnes, IV, Barrington Salmon, news@washingtoninformer.com outpaced the general public in media continue to wrestle with sumers who better understand Victor Holt Photo Margaret Editor John E. De Charles Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, Summers, E. Sutton, James www.washingtoninformer.com how their economic power has a television viewership, smart- this disparity as it’s not reflective Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Wright Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt direct impact on the marketplace phone ownership and annual of the overall, high consumption L.Y. Marlow overall and that kind of infor- shopping trips. patterns and behavioral trends CIRCULATION Pearson-McNeil said blacks, of the African-American conmation is invaluable,” Campbell PHOTOGRAPHERS Paul Trantham John E. De Freitas, Roy Lewis, who tend to watch more reali- sumer, the report noted. said. Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter The report, released on Thurs- ty shows than any other group, “So, this is where we need to day, Sept. 19, during the Con- need to demand better television flex the muscle we have finangressional Black Caucus Annual programming. “Among the top cially,” said Raymond Huggins, 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com Legislative Conference at the shows we watch are reality-based Walter E. Washington Conven- programs,” she said. See NIELSEN on Page 5

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WI Staff Writer

“

We have to stop being passive-aggressive with poor children about domestic violence. I plan to take these policies to Congress and implore them to change our laws. I will not stop until these policies are passed.

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an economist from Southeast Washington, D.C. “This is where we stand up, collectively as a people, and demand more because $1 trillion isn’t anything to sneeze at and we can command corporate America’s attention in a heartbeat,” said Huggins, 58. Pearson-McNeil said the report should be a tool to help awaken the conscious of the African-American consumer. “This study shows that we, as African Americans, need to be more

pragmatic about how we spend every penny. We really have to understand what it is that we’re doing,” she said. “Nielsen can keep printing this report year after year, but nothing will change if we don’t change our behavior as consumers. We need to change how we spend. We need to teach our children to be conscious consumers. Otherwise, the report isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.” Additionally, Pearson-McNeil said blacks should ask themselves five questions before patronizing a business. Those questions include,

whether African Americans had to travel outside of their community to purchase a good or service and does the company they are patronizing hire African Americans to positions of authority. Also, blacks should ask themselves whether the image reflected by the company counts as positive, she said. “Why am I willing to spend any money if any of the answers are negative? We need to communicate to people that we don’t like something,” Pearson-McNeil said. “Otherwise, we’re given away our economic power.”wi

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

WEEK OF SEPT 26 TO oct 2

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BUYING RECORDS

September 26 1907 – The People’s Savings Bank is incorporated in Philadelphia by one of the nation’s early Black Congressman George H. White. White had been pretty much forced out of Congress as Jim Crow laws led to the increasing disenfranchisement of Black voters after Reconstruction. After leaving Congress, he turned his attention to Black economic advancement. His bank helped thousands of Blacks buy homes. 1929 – Ida Stephens Owens is born. She would become the nation’s first Black female biochemist. September 27 1817 - Hiram R. Revels is born free in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Revels becomes the first black to serve in the United States Senate shortly after the Civil War. 1876 – Edward Mitchell Bannister upsets racist whites who believe blacks have no artistic skill by winning a bronze medal for a painting he displayed at the American Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. 1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks is awarded Pulitzer Prize for her book of poetry – “Annie Allen.” She was the first black so honored. 1950 – Ralph J. Bunch is awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his work in mediating a conflict between Palestinians and the newly established Jewish state of Israel. Arabs had gone to war arguing the Jewish state had been established on land, which rightfully belonged to the Palestinians.

war for independence from England. 1868 – The Opelousas Massacre occurs. Racist whites launch a terror campaign in St. Landry Parrish, Louisiana resulting in the deaths of at least 200 blacks. 1895 – The National Baptist Convention is founded. September 29 1940 - First U.S. merchant ship commanded by a black captain – Hugh Mulzac – is launched in Wilmington, Delaware. The ship is named the “Booker T. Washington.” 1962 - President John F. Kennedy finally sends federal troops to force the integration of the University of Mississippi. 2001 – Mabel Fairbanks dies at 85. She was the first black woman to be inducted into the Figure Skating Hall of Fame. She coached Olympic greats Tai Babilonia and Randy Gardner. September 30 1962 – White students riot as

federal marshals escort James Meredith into the University of Mississippi to force integration. October 1 1841 - Fannie M. Richards is born. She becomes one of the nation’s early civil rights advocates as well as a prominent educator. 1872 – Morgan State College is founded in Maryland. 1966 - The Black Panther Party for Self Defense is founded in Oakland, California by Huey Newton and Bobby Seale. October 2 1986 – The U.S. Senate imposes economic sanctions on the then white minority government in South Africa. The sanctions were imposed only after the Senate overrode a veto of the measure by President Ronald Reagan. Reagan had angered Blacks and progressive whites by favoring a policy he referred to as “constructive engagement” with the racist South African regime. Black majority rule was not achieved in South Africa until 1994.

September 28 1785 - Abolitionist and writer David Walker is born. Walker is best known for his powerful anti-slavery pamphlet “David Walker’s Appeal.” The “Appeal” was published on this same day in 1829. 1833 – Rev. Lemuel Haynes dies at 88. He was one of the leading black veterans of America’s Mabel Fairbanks / Courtesy photo

Buying Vinyl Records from 1950 to 1986, Jazz, Rock-n-Roll, R&B, Disco, Soul, Reggae, Blues, Gospel, and record format 33 1/3, 45s, and some of the older 78s. Prefer larger collections of at least 100.

CALL JOHN @ 301-596-6201 6 September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

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around the region

INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY LINDEN

Viewp int Claudia Crichlow Washington, D.C. We are in the middle of a financial recession still and there are many people in this country suffering economic hardships. People believe in the stereotypical face of someone who is on food stamps, but there are a lot of different people who are not doing well financially and who depend on the food stamp program. Cutting $40 billion from the program without much insight of how it will impact Americans is just really irresponsible on the part of politicians.

Brandon Barnette Silver Spring, Md. It’s impractical and I don’t think it’s a good idea. There are people out there who really need the assistance and who depend on the food stamp program. A lot of people today are struggling financially – life might not have gone as planned for them, and it has taken longer than expected to recover.

THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES LAST WEEK VOTED 217-210 TO CUT $40 BILLION FROM THE FOOD STAMP PROGRAM OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THE CUTS, OR THINK IT WILL BE DETRIMENTAL TO THOSE WHO DEPEND ON IT?

Sherri Stewart Washington, D.C. If the lawmakers are going to cut money from the program that provides food for the hungry, they’re going to end up using funds from other budgets to make up for it in the long run. Despite what the lawmakers claim people who are truly struggling and need food to survive will not go hungry – they’re not going to be allowed to starve. Funds will eventually have to be reallocated to make up for the cuts they voted to implement.

Shanna Lim Washington, D.C. The cuts will really impact the families on the food stamp program that try to eat organic and healthy foods that aren’t genetically modified or sprayed with pesticides, which have been proven to negatively affect one’s health. If lawmakers do to cut billions of dollars from the food stamp program, I really hope they will offer [organic] healthy food at food banks as an option.

Suzette Gardner Takoma Park, Md. I think it’s an unfortunate situation, but I am also not surprised. During Mitt Romney’s presidential campaign, he was caught saying that too many people were entitled to food benefits. While he lost the election, many radical conservatives did take office and have carried out his agenda. The cuts will affect the most vulnerable members of society. It’s sad and unfortunate that as a society, our elected officials are comfortable seeing their fellow Americans go hungry.

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other safety net programs. Bread for the World President David Beckmann said advocates and those concerned about the cuts sent more than 3,000 emails and made hundreds of telephone calls to Congress to make clear their opposition to the cuts. “Despite our best efforts, this nutrition bill passed by a vote of 217 to 210 on the House floor. The seven-vote margin reflects the pressure you exerted on your representatives,” he said on the organization’s website. “Now it is critical that you hold your representative accountable—let him or her know you were watching. Find out how House members voted and then call your representative. Either thank your representative for voting ‘no’ or express your outrage over a ‘yes’ vote.” Beckmann said if the cuts are implemented, charities and churches would have to nearly double their food assistance to make up the difference. Following the vote, the Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus – comprised of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) – denounced the bill. “With this vote, Republicans chose to remove the assistance that millions of Americans rely on to feed their families each day. At a time when national unemployment remains high, we should be supporting these programs; not cutting them,” said CBC Chairman Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-OH). “This vote does not reflect the values and principles of our nation. We lose our direction when we turn our backs on millions of Americans in need. I am confident that we will be able to restore funding to

the SNAP program in Conference and protect the integrity of one of our most important anti-poverty programs.” Her CAPAC colleague agreed. “Once again, House Republicans have put struggling families on the chopping block,” said Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA). “These cuts have a profound impact on the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community. In the wake of the Great Recession, the number of AAPIs in poverty has increased by 38 percent, and [more than] 10 percent of our community relies on SNAP benefits to survive. It’s time for the Republican leadership to stop playing games with the most vulnerable among us. They are literally taking the food out of hungry mouths. CHC Chairman Rep. Ruben Hinojosa (D-TX) castigated his Republican colleagues for betraying families, military veterans, the disabled, seniors and children who will be drastically affected by the bill. “It will literally be taking food out of the mouths of our most vulnerable residents. SNAP is a vital tool to fight hunger and help struggling Americans feed their families as they seek new employment, send their children to school, and get themselves back on their feet,” he said. These cuts and the continued assault on social welfare programs by the Tea Party and GOP conservatives come at a time when churches, food banks and charities are staggering under the weight of the fallout from the 2008 economic meltdown, a lingering recession and a job market that left more than 12 million people out of work. More than $85 billion in across-the-board cuts caused by the Sequester last year has only exacerbated the problem for those dependent

See ASSISTANCE on Page 9 www.washingtoninformer.com

around the region

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com Although food stamps can only be used to purchase food, the GOP believes food stamps create welfare dependency. /Courtesy Photo

Food stamps are accepted by some corner stores. /Courtesy Photo

ASSISTANCE continued from Page 8 on programs like SNAP and the Women with Infant Children (WIC) Program. Democrats and Republicans in Congress have already sliced about $800 from social welfare programs as a result of contentious debates over the debt ceiling and the Sequester. Those cuts meant that 600,000 women, infants, and children lost or stood to lose WIC services; 70,000 children were disallowed from taking advantage of Head Start programs; and medical staff at community health centers saw 900,000 fewer patients, said Brian Smedley, Ph.D., vice president of the Joint Center and director of its Health Policy Institute, during a panel discussion in March. Non-whites and the poor continue to be disproportionately affected by the actions of Congress. According to two reports produced by the Bread for the World Institute, hunger www.washingtoninformer.com

and poverty are putting more African-American women and children at risk of malnutrition. More blacks live in poverty and are likely to go hungry and for women and children that means that one-third of all black children live in poverty. Further, nearly 50 percent of households headed by a single woman exist in poverty. Recently released data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates that 25.1 percent of African-American households are food insecure and among households with children that number stands at 29.1 percent. The principal cause of hunger is the inability to afford sufficient and nutritious food. Despite the challenges Ashley said, she and other advocates will continue to fight on behalf of the most vulnerable. “If the vote is any indication, it was a close vote. Advocacy is working. We have to keep making noise, let them know that these cuts are unacceptable,” she said.wi

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

AROUND THE REGION

D.C. Political Roundup By James Wright WI Staff Writer

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Nadeau Wants to Represent Ward 1 Former Ward 1 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Brianne Nadeau is running for the Democratic Party nomination for the Ward 1 D.C. Council seat. The primary will be held on April 1, 2014 and Nadeau thinks that it is time for new leadership representing the ward in the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest. “It is time for a new approach and I want to empower the new voices in Ward 1,” Nadeau, 32, said. “I want to improve the quality of life in Ward 1 in the areas of education, expanding affordable housing, and making life easier with better transit options and access to retail centers. Residents in Ward 1 want a good place to raise their kids and for seniors to age in place.” Nadeau is also concerned about the ethics scandals that have plagued District politics in recent years. “I want to help get rid of the bad actors in D.C. politics,” she said bluntly. Nadeau, who works as a public relations professional, served as the commissioner for 1B05 from 2007-2011, representing a district that covered the growing U Street corridor. She is also the vice chairperson of the Ward 1 Democrats. Ward 1 is the most racially-diverse political jurisdiction in the city with a bare majority of white residents. It also has the largest bloc of Latino voters and has a growing Asian population, according to census statistics. Nadeau embraces the ward’s diversity, saying that she will communicate with all of the ward’s residents. “I am working to get to know the Latino community better and I want to know how to make their lives better in the city,” she said. If elected to the D.C. Council, Nadeau wants to support small businesses by making sure that the District government is responsive to their needs. She also wants to strengthen schools by practicing oversight on the District education budget and by bringing together parents, teachers, school administrators and community leaders to improve the educational experience of young residents. Nadeau recognizes that if elected, she will deal with citywide issues. She said that the economic concerns of residents east of the Anacostia River will not be ignored. “There has not been a lot of The Washington Informer

Brianne Nadeau is the vice chairperson of the Ward 1 Democrats. / Courtesy photo-Brianne Nadeau.

Robert Bobb is a nationally-known city administrator. / Courtesy photo

[economic] opportunity in that part of the city but that is changing,” Nadeau, pointing out the proposed D.C. United Stadium in Southwest as an example of possible job and business opportunities for eastern Washington residents. “Everyone should benefit from the economic growth that is taking place in the city and I will work to see that.” Bobb is Mum on Mayoral Run Former D.C. City Administrator Robert Bobb hears the whispers around the city that he may be a candidate for mayor in 2014 but he is not revealing what, if any, his plans are. “I don’t know if I am going to run for mayor,” Bobb, 68, said. “People across the District have approached me about running.” Bobb served as the District’s city administrator during the mayoral administration of Anthony Williams from 2003-2006. He has managed such cities as Kalamazoo, Mich., Santa Ana, Calif., Richmond, Va., and Oakland, Calif. Bobb is considered one of the

most experienced city managers in the country and has a reputation in the District as a no-nonsense leader who focuses on getting things done. He entered politics in 2006 when he was elected as the president of the D.C. Board of Education. In a move that was surprising to some District residents, Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) appointed Bobb as the emergency financial manager of the Detroit public schools in March 2009. He served in that capacity until March 2011, and is credited for using $500 million in federal stimulus money to improve facilities that led to a successful enrollment drive, increasing the student population by 900. Bobb is the president and chief executive officer of The Robert Bobb Group of Northwest, a company that focuses on public sector management and advisory services. Bobb said that he will not rule out running for mayor in 2014. “I am weighing all of my options,” he said with a smile.wi www.washingtoninformer.com

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

AROUND THE REGION

Williams Elected to Lead Ward 8 Democrats By James Wright WI Staff Writer A rising star in District political circles was recently elected to one of the city’s most high-profile Democratic Party ward presidencies. Natalie Williams, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for 8A07 in Southeast, defeated two candidates to win the presidency of the Ward 8 Democrats on Sat., Sept. 21 at its biennial convention at the Imagine Public Charter School in Southeast. Williams, 43, said that she is ready to roll up her sleeves and work to promote the Democratic Party in the ward. “Democrats in Ward 8 have a lot of work to do,” Williams said. “I am going to work to unite our community. We have to get the word out about what the Democratic Party is doing.” Williams comfortably won over Derrick Colbert, an advisory neighborhood commissioner for 8C03 and political activist Angela White. In other races,

Barbara Jones defeated Ronald Williams to be the first vice president, while D.C. State Board of Education member Trayon White easily won his election as second vice president. “I am here to serve the people,” White, 28, said. The Ward 8 Democrats’ new recording secretary, Theresa Kelly is joined by Delores Walker in assuming office in her role as the next corresponding secretary. Darryl Ross was uncontested in his bid for another term as treasurer. Hundreds of Ward 8 Democrats turned out to vote in the elections. There were tables promoting the mayoral candidacies of D.C. Council members Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4), Jack Evans (D-Ward 2) and Reta Jo Lewis. Bowser, Evans and Lewis handed out literature and talked to residents. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) also made an appearance at the event along with D.C. Council members Anita Bonds (D-At

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Natalie Williams / Courtesy photo

Large), Vincent Orange (DAt Large) and Tommy Wells (D-Ward 6), who is running for mayor. Williams is the spokeswoman for the United Medical Center in Southeast and serves as its corporate secretary. A seasoned public relations professional, Williams has worked as the spokeswoman for D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) and ran against Barry in 2012 for his seat in the Democratic

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two years will be important for the Ward 8 Democrats. “The outgoing leadership of this organization did the very best that it could but Ward 8 is changing,” she said. “Ward 8 is changing and we are young and old, Black and white; however, very few people are participating in this organization. We have over 50,000 registered Democrats in this ward and I will work to see that they are active.”wi

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primary. She was later elected as a commissioner. Williams ran for the presidency in 2011 but was defeated by the Rev. Joyce Scott. Scott resigned her position in July this year and first vice president Markus Batchelor took the reins of the organization. Williams and her leadership team are set to be sworn in on Sat., Oct. 20, tentatively. Williams said that the next

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Norton Backs Street Activism on D.C. Statehood By James Wright WI Staff Writer The District’s delegate to the U.S. Congress said recently that she supports D.C. statehood activists taking aggressive, yet peaceful actions to obtain full citizenship. D.C. Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), who is known for her methodical and professional manner in conducting business, said at her Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s 43rd Annual Legislative Conference’s issue forum on D.C. statehood on Thu., Sept. 19, that if District residents peacefully demonstrate at the U.S. Capitol to fight for their rights as citizens, she is behind them fully. “Women won the right to vote in 1920 because they took to the streets and protested,” Norton, 75, said. “Grassroots activists in this city need to go to the Capitol to let the Congress know that we in the District do not accept second-class citizenship.” Since the District won the right to limited self-government in 1973, there have been public demonstrations for D.C. statehood that have largely been peaceful. In 1993, D.C. Mayor

Sharon Pratt Kelly was arrested on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol for protesting on behalf of D.C. statehood. In April 2011, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray and some members of the D.C. Council and District residents were arrested next to the Dirksen Senate Office Building for supporting D.C. statehood. While these incidents have drawn some attention from the international media, no momentum for District statehood has been sustained and the movement has gone back to its lethargic state. D.C. Council member Marion Barry (D-Ward 8) has similarly suggested several times that the best way to get the attention of U.S. representatives and senators are to go to their offices and stage a sit-in. It is an idea that of which Norton is open. “People have to remember that I am a member of Congress and I cannot lobby on behalf of statehood,” she said. “It is the citizens who need to do that.” Kimberly Perry, executive director of DC Vote, an organization that is working to get Congress to grant District residents full citizenship, spoke at the issue forum on the legislative and legal

AROUND THE REGION

D.C. Del.Eleanor Holmes Norton has represented the District in the U.S. Congress since 1991. / Courtesy photo

history of the fight for D.C. voting and statehood. Perry, 42, talked about the 1978 constitutional amendment that fell short of ratification and the historic 1993 D.C. Statehood bill sponsored by Norton that did not pass but generated a Project1_Layout 1 8/27/13 9:53 AM great deal of discussion, in addition to others that did not pass.

Perry said that a mass protest by District residents on the U.S. Capitol is a great idea but participation would be needed. “We would need bodies in order to do that,” she said. “Right now, our organization is focused on educating people about statePage 1 hood.” Perry said that it is not right

for the nation’s leaders not to talk about the District having full citizenship. “You cannot talk about democracy in Egypt and Ethiopia and not talk about democracy here in the city,” Perry said. Norton expressed disappointment that President Obama did not talk about D.C. statehood-which he does support-at the Wed., Aug. 28 March on Washington, but praised former president Jimmy Carter who did. She also said that retrocession of the District into Maryland “made no sense.” “Maryland does not want the District and you cannot impose something like that on a state without its approval,” she said. Perry said that if statehood is achieved, it will be because of the efforts of the average District resident. “Each District resident is an ambassador for D.C. voting rights,” she said. “We beg you; go spread the word to your family and friends across the country.”wi

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY BRIEFS

Council Members Ingrid Turner and Karen R. Toles among 2013 Academy for Excellence in Local Government Fellows Prince George’s County Council Members Ingrid Turner (D) – District 4 and Karen R. Toles (D) – District 7, were among the more than 100 public officials across the State of Maryland honored during the 2013 graduation ceremony for University of Maryland Academy of Excellence in Local Governance Fellows. The ceremony took place on Sunday, September 15, 2013, at the Memorial Chapel, on the University of Maryland College Park campus. Academy Fellows completed required core and elective classes designed to meet their professional needs as municipal or county officials in local govern-

ment. Through the program, Academy Fellows not only enhanced their understanding of local government issues and ethical standards for public service, but also developed a foundation for informed policy-making and effective governance. Prince George’s County Council Chair Andrea C. Harrison (D) – District 5, congratulates Council colleagues Ingrid Turner and Karen Toles, and all Academy Fellows on their recent accomplishment. “Participation in the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance is a wonderful opportunity for public officials to work across jurisdictional lines and

Ingrid Turner (left) and Karen R. Toles (right) / Courtesy photo

increase their local government knowledge base. My colleagues’ participation in the program will greatly benefit the residents of Prince George’s County and all Marylanders, and we look forward to their continuing work as Academy Fellows.” University of Maryland School of Public Policy Dean Donald F. Kettl said, “This graduation celebrates the important

commitment to public service that these public officials have made. Their work in the Academy not only prepares them for even greater service in the future it lays the foundation for excellence in Maryland’s government in the future. We’re very proud of this important effort.” Prince George’s County Council Deputy Administrator, William M. Hunt, and Chief of

Staff to Council Member Ingrid Turner, Tomeka C. Bumbry also graduated as 2013 Academy Fellows. The Academy of Excellence in Local Government is a collaborative effort between the University of Maryland School of Public Policy, the Maryland Municipal League, and the Maryland Association of Counties. wi

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-Md.-7th District) with Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker III, attend the Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards Dinner held at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center on Saturday, Sept. 21 in Northwest. /Photo by Roy Lewis

14 September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

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Alexandria Unveils New Tourism “Brand” By Margaret Summers WI Contributing Writer A man holds a woman close as they kiss passionately on Alexandria’s Captain’s Row cobblestone streets. A painting of a woman sitting on a rooster appears to have legs, and it is pictured walking down a sidewalk. A tall, attractive model sports a black sleeveless dress with a short, flared skirt made entirely of shopping bags. These images are all part of Alexandria’s new marketing campaign and “brand,” “Extraordinary Alexandria,” designed to generate more tourist traffic to the city. “Extraordinary Alexandria” was showcased in a program held recently in the city’s restored and remodeled Old Town Theater on King Street. The brand was created by the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association (ACVA), a private nonprofit membership organization which generates tourism and conventions that promote Alexandria, and increase the city’s revenue. The event was attended by approximately 200 people, including Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, City Council members, and other local officials. “It’s been five years since the city had a new brand,” explained Patricia Washington, ACVA’s president and CEO. “Alexandria has undergone many changes in that time. New hotels, restaurants and boutiques have opened. The city has the Free King Street Trolley. We needed a brand that reflects those changes.” “Diversity is a very strong theme,” said Washington. “Alexandria has always been a diverse city, and the campaign reflects that diversity.” Euille, 63, told the audience that he is a “huge proponent” of tourism. “I take time off when I can to travel to different countries to market Alexandria,” he said. “Every dollar we invest in tourism comes back to Alexandria.” Euille noted that in 2012, tourists to the

city generated $23.7 million in tax receipts. “Thousands of jobs are created through tourism when new hotels and shops are built. Tourism improves the city’s quality of life. Our new brand captures the spirit of the new Alexandria.” To rebrand Alexandria for tourists, Washington said, “We had to make people think of the city as a ‘top-of-mind,’ ‘must-experience’ destination.” In addition to the city’s reputation as being rich in history, Washington said, the brand also highlights Alexandria’s arts, shopping and dining locations. It markets Alexandria as a romantic destination, through the image of the passionate couple. One poster featuring the image bears the caption, “Let’s get carried away.” Washington said market research was conducted to determine the ways in which Alexandria appeals to tourists. “We interviewed 100 local people who live in Alexandria,” she said. “We also interviewed people from the ‘theater markets’ of Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York. And we surveyed 1,000 visitors online.” The online respondents were from 47 states and 23 countries, she said. The primary target audiences for the new brand, said Washington, are what she called “cosmopolitan and discerning affluent adults” between the ages of 45 and 64; young urban professionals ages 25 to 40 who seek enriching and new experiences; international travelers; meeting planners who want to hold large meetings and events in the city; and business travelers. Media strategies for reaching these target audiences with the new brand were updated, said Washington. “We used to conduct 80% of our advertising in print and 20% in digital,” she said. “Now as Internet and social media use has increased, we conduct 60% of our advertising in digital, and 40% in print.” One example of the effect of social media on

tourism and travel, said Washington, is that 52% of all travelers click “Like” on Facebook pages specific to their impending vacations, which influences other prospective tourists looking for interesting locations to visit.

“You can help us extend the brand,” Washington told the audience. Individuals can join the “Extraordinary Alexandria” campaign, by using the hashtag #ExtraordinaryALX when they Tweet on Twitter, post on Facebook or

No. VIRGINIA take Instagram photos of their experiences in the city. Every week, a #ExtraordinaryALX story will be featured on the Alexandria Convention & Visitors Association’s Facebook page, VisitAlexandriaVA. wi

Patricia Washington, director of ACVA. / Courtesy photo

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

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Jacqueline Kellibrew was murdered in front of her son, William, who went on to develop trauma-related behavioral issues. / Courtesy photo

District resident advocates against violence Victim of unspeakable crime seeks to help others By Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Writer Aaron Alexis, likely to be known forever as the Navy Yard shooter, probably fought many demons. But, his biggest obstacle to overcome could likely have been humiliation. That’s according to someone who knows a little about mental health illnesses and being humiliated. “Everyone, the news media, authorities and people in general have focused on the shooter’s anger, but the key behind many acts of violence is humiliation,” said William Kellibrew, a Northeast resident and president of the William Kellibrew Foundation, an organization located in Northwest that seeks to help break the cycle of violence within local communities. Kellibrew, an international trauma and recovery advocate, and motivational speaker, planned to attend the Voice Awards in Hollywood on Wednesday, Sept. 25, where officials from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration were scheduled to pay tribute to him. “The honor they are bestowing upon me is important because it gives another voice to mental health and domestic violence,” said Kellibrew, 39, who suffers from depression. “At some point, which is what happened to me and to one of my

16 September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

The Washington Informer

brothers who is now serving 99 years in prison, humiliation gets the best of us and we do violent things,” Kellibrew said of Alexis, who allegedly shot and killed 13 people in a rampage at the Navy Yard in Southeast on Monday, Sept. 16. At the age of 10, Kellibrew witnessed the shooting deaths of his mother, Jacqueline Kellibrew, and his 13-year-old brother, Anthony Cephas, at the hands of parolee Marshall Brent Williams, his mother’s abusive boyfriend. Kellibrew said he escaped only after pleading for his life. The very next day, after being taken in by his grandparents, Kellibrew said his grandfather flew into a rage with a neighbor and Kellibrew watched him shoot another man. Eventually, Kellibrew grew up under the guidance of a loving grandmother, he said. “So much had happened and so fast. I watched helplessly as my mother and brother were shot at point blank range. The killer then released me and he committed suicide,” Kellibrew said. “I was scarred for life. I look back on that day quite often and the humiliation still exists. Because of it, I did things I should not have and I know one of my brothers did, which is why he’s serving all of those years in prison now.” Kellibrew himself considered and attempted suicide. He said an assistant principal at his school, Charles Christian, and a

William Kellibrew / Courtesy photo

social worker, Christine Pierre, eventually came to his rescue, providing him with the kind of therapy he needed. “I got to a point where I thought I could not live anymore, I had lost my mom and my confidante, so it was the investment of Christian and Pierre, and that of my grandmother that made a big difference,” he said. The horrifying experience of witnessing the murders eventually led to Kellibrew dedicating himself to helping others who battle with mental health, domestic violence and other issues. Traumatic experiences can be dehumanizing, shocking or terrifying, singular or multiple compounding events over time, and often include betrayal of a trusted person or institution and

See TRAUMA on Page 17 www.washingtoninformer.com

health

Jacqueline Kellibrew left behind young children, whose lives were impacted severely by the loss of their mother. / Courtesy photo.

TRAUMA continued from Page 16 a loss of safety, according to officials at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Center for Trauma-Informed Care in Alexandria, Va. More than 57 million people in the United States ages 18 and older suffer from a form of mental illness, according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence in Denver, Colo. Over 50 percent of women who live with a mental illness have previously experienced some sort of trauma as physical or sexual abuse and domestic violence can cause an adverse and ripple effect on the emotional and psychological state of a survivor, coalition officials said. Information provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in Southwest, show that survivors of domestic violence face high rates of depression, sleep disturbances, anxiety, flashbacks, and other emotional distress. Domestic violence, which costs more than $37 billion a year in law enforcement involvement, legal work, medical and mental health treatment, and lost productivity at companies, contributes to poor health for many survivors, including heart disease and, females who witness domestic violence are more vulnerable to abuse as teens and adults while, without assistance, males who witness domestic violence are far more likely to bewww.washingtoninformer.com

come abusers of their partners or children as adults, HUD officials said. “I was, maybe, 4 years-old when I began to realize what was happening,” said Reynaldo Leoncini, a survivor of child abuse and gang violence. Leoncini, 49, of Silver Spring, Md., said he spent a good portion of his adult life being angry over the beatings and trauma he suffered at the hands of his stepfather. “It wasn’t until years later that I was able to extricate myself from that situation. I joined a street gang; I took my frustrations and anger out on anyone who crossed my path, even those who I professed to love.” Kellibrew said as a survivor and victim advocate, he doesn’t seek recognition or applause. The White House has recognized his courage by toasting him as a “Champion of Change,” in 2011, and he was hand-picked by superstar entertainer, Bill Cosby, to help push the message of mental health and domestic violence survival. The two appeared together on the Oprah Winfrey show. “If we survive violence, we can take that pain, hurt, anger and channel it to make sure that others do not have to travel the same path,” Kellibrew said. “We can bounce back from adversity and restore our lives through resiliency.”wi

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Payday loans – the small loans that come with big fees and triple-digit annual interest rates – pose serious threats to the financial well-being of borrowers. That was the conclusion reached by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL). “Whether they receive the loans online, in storefronts or through banks, the vast majority of borrowers cannot both repay the loan and cover all their basic living expenses until their next payday,” states the report. “Payday loans create a debt treadmill that makes struggling families worse off than they were before they received a payday loan.” The newest chapters of CRL’s research series, The State of Lending in America, covering payday loans find these products continue to create a cycle of debt in which borrowers take out a loan, ostensibly pay it back, and then run out of money and have to take out numerous additional loans to afford their living expenses. In fact, even though payday loans are marketed as a convenient way to handle unexpected emergencies, the vast majority of borrowers use the loans for everyday expenses. Borrowers across the country pay more than $3.4 billion in fees. Further, more than two-thirds of these fees – at least $2.6 billion – are the direct result of payday loan “churning” or rapid and successive re-borrowing. Any of five factors can create borrower problems and can lead to payday lending’s debt treadmill: Lack of underwriting for affordability – the lending model relies on borrowers’ inability to afford their loans; High fees –

often at an annual percentage rates of 400 percent or more; Short-term due dates – usually a borrower’s next payday, generally around two weeks; Single, balloon payment – the entire principal and related fees are due at the same time; and Collateral in the form of a post-dated check or access to a bank account – the lender is first in line to be repaid, leaving many borrowers short of funds for living expenses. After years of consumer-focused reforms, 22 states, including the District of Columbia have enacted laws to curb or eliminate payday’s debt trap. In recent years, states with varying locales and demographics have rejected payday lending’s triple digit rates and imposed rate caps: Arizona, Montana, and Ohio. In 2006, enactment of the Military Lending Act created a 36 percent rate limit and prohibited the holding of a post-dated check from active-duty military and their families. Now, more payday-related developments are occurring at the federal level. Two regulators, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation and the Office of the Comptroller, are developing guidance to crack down on payday lending by the banks they supervise. Additionally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) recently issued a comprehensive report that reviewed more than 15 million accounts. CFPB is considering rules to address its own finding that the typical borrower is indebted for nearly 200 days in a year. Even so, today 29 states still have no substantive restriction on payday lending.

By Charlene Crowell Payday lenders in just 10 states collect 83 percent of all fees. Nationwide, there are 16,341 store locations; but only nine major operators control nearly 50 percent of these stores. Leading the list of states with the most payday lending activity are Texas and California followed by a host of Southern states including Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Tennessee. In the area of bank payday lending, CRL found that: Bank payday borrowers are two times more likely to incur overdraft fees than are bank customers as a whole; More than one-quarter of bank payday borrowers are Social Security recipients; and Bank payday loans carry an annual percentage rate that averages 225-300 percent. Clearly continued state and federal reforms are needed. For a nation that prides itself on freedom, predatory debt is simply un-American. For more information on the new chapters, interested readers, CRL’s web at: http://rspnsb. li/16pWoLB.wi Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com The Washington Informer

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business Business Exchange

What’s The Deal with Wal-Mart? If you don’t know about it, there is an ongoing fight between the WalMart Company and the union movement. The political battle fought in Washington, D.C. is over the “living wage bill”. But that is just the latest ploy of a longer war in years to come between the retail giant and America’s primarily-Black, democratic-and-union-controlled urban enclaves. The retail behemoth won its game of chicken with the D.C. city council over a living wage bill it had passed requiring large retailers operating in the District to pay its workers a “living wage” minimum of $12.50 an hour (minimum wage in D.C. is $8.25 an hour). Despite strong ties with unions, Mayor Vincent Gray vetoed the council’s bill on the premise WalMart will open six stories there, creating an estimated 1,800 much-needed jobs. The consumer majority has won. The promise of jobs - even low wage ones - and cheap consumer goods proved more attractive to D.C. residents than the wage issue. Depicted as the Grinch who stole Christmas, Wal-Mart is simply a successful business operation that has been subjected to criticism by numerous groups and individuals. Among these are labor unions, community groups, grassroots organizations, religious organizations and environmental groups that have spent years protesting against Wal-Mart, the company’s policies and business practices, including charges of racial and gender discrimination. A major factor in the issue is that Wal-Mart currently faces its most serious unionization threat since its founding in 1962. For decades, the company’s strategy of placing stores in small towns and rural areas kept it largely free of exposure to unions. But in recent years, Wal-Mart has been pushing into the heavily unionized supermarket industry, as well as into big cities where workers are more familiar with organized labor. In 2009, Wal-Mart generated 51 percent of its $258 billion sales in the U.S. from their grocery businesses. In the grocery business, union members average $30,000-a-year wages and benefits. In 2005, labor unions created new organizations and websites to influence public opinion against Wal-Mart, including Wake Up Wal-Mart (United Food and Commercial Workers) and Wal-Mart Watch (Service Employees International Union). Wal-Mart is a dominant force in www.washingtoninformer.com

By William Reed the world. Wal-Mart has 8,500 stores in 15 countries, under 55 different names. Wal-Mart is the largest private employer in the U.S., with nearly 1.4 million workers in 4,602 stores. The company’s efficiency in stores and throughout its supply chain has remade the retail industry. Wal-Mart is a success because it sells products that people want to buy at low prices, satisfying customers’ wants and needs. However, Wal-Mart’s critics argue that Wal-Mart’s lower prices draw customers away from other smaller businesses, hurting the community. They also claim that Wal-Mart hurts the U.S. economy because of excessive reliance on Chinese products. Wal-Mart is the largest importer in the U.S. among most categories like electronics (fast-moving consumer goods). Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., branded as Wal-Mart. The company was founded by Sam Walton in 1962 and is headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas. Wal-Mart is primarily a family-owned business and is controlled by the Walton family, who own a 48 percent stake. The Company operates in three business segments: WalMart U.S., Wal-Mart International, and Sam’s Clubs. The Sam’s Club retail warehouses in North America are under the leadership of an African woman, CEO Rosalind Brewer. When will Blacks realize that there are bigger stakes for them in entrepreneurship than squandering resources on “minimum wage” entry-level jobs? It’s a matter of mindset. Instead of protesting Wal-Mart, wouldn’t it make sense to invest in the world’s fastest-growing retailer? Black investment clubs may find that WalMart is a good place for their money. During the late 1980s and early 1990s Wal-Mart rose from a regional to national giant. By 1988, Wal-Mart was the most profitable retailer in the U.S. and by October 1989 it had become the largest in terms of revenue. Unions and the Democratic Party are frequently allied in urban settings, but “living wage” minimums are not economic development strategies that will yield the kind of benefits urban residents need or desire.wi William Reed is publisher of “Who’s Who in Black Corporate America” and available for projects via the BaileyGroup.org

STARTS FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 AT A THEATRE NEAR YOU CHECk LOCAL LISTINgS FOR THEATRES AND SHOwTIMES

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education

Advocacy Group Concerned about Catania Legislation By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Stressing belief that in the coming months District leaders and residents will be engulfed in a formidable debate over education policy, an advocacy group led by attorney Matthew Frumin, has developed a report detailing their analysis of D.C. Council member David Catania’s seven-bill school reform legislation. Among the group’s chief concerns are challenges that hinder properly educating DCPS students. The group also wants adequate funding and management of schools so that students aren’t frequently “either willingly or with a push,” moving from school to school. Catania, who has chaired the council’s newly-revamped education committee since January,

introduced the wide-ranging legislation that’s currently before the 13-member council, saying the bills serve as a blueprint for the future of public education in the nation’s capital. Among Catania’s focus areas are funding, school accountability, assessments, facilities, parental engagement, school lotteries, and governance. “There are parts that we’re in favor of, so it’s hard to say that we’re against or for it, but we crafted what we think is essential in seeing where the city goes with education,” Frumin said of the 22-page document. “People who have endorsed it, gave it a lot of thought,” he said, adding that the endorsers went through the seven bills one-by-one, and laid out their views and concerns, then offered recommendations. Frumin admitted however,

/Courtesy Photo

that the most challenging part of the legislation is that it contains multiple bills. Eboni-Rose Thompson, president of the Ward 7 Education Council, who signed the report on behalf of her organization, said that when they

heard about Catania’s legislation they immediately decided to get involved. “There are seven [bills], not one,” Thompson said. “At one point there were like 11 education bills before the council because our council member

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BILL continued from Page 20 at analyzing one piece of legislation, and that as a result, members of her committee pondered how they might look at the legislation more comprehensively. “Several of the schools that were closed were written into the legislation to be surplus [property],” she said, alluding to the facilities bill. “Because we have such a large charter population in Wards 7, 8 and probably 5, that [bill] was written for parts of the city like ours. We’re the ones who are bearing the brunt of the school closures, and we’re the places that when charter schools say there’s a need, they approach the charter school board and say they want to locate in Ward 7 or 8,” Thompson said. “But there’s no kind of planning to say where they should actually locate.” Thompson also harped on the legislation’s fair funding bill, saying it “cuts out” funding in areas with the greatest need. “I don’t think there’s a bill written that doesn’t affect Wards 7 and 8 in some way, because together, we comprise about 50 percent of DCPS’s population.” Overall, the legislation has been described as the council’s most aggressive effort to overhaul the District’s 111 schools since 2007 when they fell under mayoral control. Catania was not immediately available for comment, but his spokesperson Ben Young, said they’ve already held five hearings, hosted public meetings on the legislation in every ward and that the first two hearings were slated for a mark-up on Sept. 25. Young said that while Frumin attended all the meetings, he didn’t raise any of his group’s concerns, despite agreeing for the most part, to the legislation. He also said that Catania’s staff will include many of the suggestions and recommendations that were expressed at the hearings and community meetings. “Like all processes that the council goes through, bills get amended and adjusted,” Young said. “You solicit the public’s input and make the changes [we] agree with, and that sometimes, [we] don’t agree with it. That’s just the way the process works.” wi www.washingtoninformer.com

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resilient, receptive And relevAnt The AfricAn-AmericAn consumer

2013 rePort Nielsen and the National Newspaper Publishers Association have strategically collaborated for three years to present an annual in-depth analytical report on the African-American consumer. The reports have become widely respected throughout the industry, and have created more conscious consumers. The following four pages are excerpts from the full 32-page report, which is available for download at www.nielsen.com.

Overview Black buying power continues to increase, rising from its current $1 trillion level to a forecasted $1.3 trillion by 2017.1 AfricanAmericans have unique preferences from the total U.S. population that makes them an important group to watch. Of the $75 billion spent on television, radio, internet, and magazine advertising only $2.24 billion spent with media focused on Black audiences. Black businesses, agencies, and media continue to wrestle with this disparity as it is not reflective of the overall high consumption patterns and behavioral trends of the Black consumer.

demOgrAphics

43 million blaCks live in the u.s.

53%

of blaCk population is under the age of 35

The Black population, on average, is three years younger than their peers, with an average age of 35 compared to 38. More than half of the population, 53%, is under the age of 35, compared to 47% of the Total Market population.

54%

of adult blaCk population is female

Selig Center of Economic Growth, 2012 U.S. Census Bureau, 2011 American Community Survey

of blaCks live in the south

cities with high AFricAN-AMericAN PoPulAtioNs

New York, NY Chicago, IL

Major Metropolitan Areas

Black women continue to grow their importance to the Black community. Black women Head of Households represent 29% of all Black households, compared to 20% for the overall population.2 Women control 43% of the annual spending power for the Black population, and own the majority of Black businesses.

55%

Surprisingly, the southern migration is not limited solely to older retirees. Young, educated, and forward-thinking Black professionals are deciding to call the South home as well.

Philadelphia, PA Baltimore, MD Washington, DC

Southern Cities Memphis, TN

Raleigh, NC Columbia, SC Atlanta, GA

Jackson, MS

All demographic information derived from Nielsen Pop-Facts Premier, 2013 update

diverse intelligenCe insights series www.washingtoninformer.com

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September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

1 23

brand loyalt y

Buy where bl aCks shop On average, Black households shop more frequently (8 trips more) than Total Market households and are more likely to frequent dollar stores (7 trips more), convenience stores (2 trips more) and drug stores (1 trip more), but spend an average of $8 less per trip. Retail channels where Blacks make fewer trips are grocery stores (3 less), warehouse clubs (3 less) and mass merchandisers (2 less). This could be a direct result of the “retail deserts” phenomenon which suggests some urban and rural communities are lacking in the number and size of certain retail outlets, especially large chains, compared to other communities, which leads to a further issue of “food deserts”. Annual commitments from mass merchandisers like Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS to carry more fresh produce will help to alleviate this problem.1 Blacks consistently place a higher emphasis on grooming and beauty categories and at the top of that list is Ethnic Hair and Beauty Aids (HABA) which Blacks purchase nine times more than others.

Blacks spend 18% of their annual retail dollars on store brands, or private label items. Out of the top 20 store brand product categories purchased by Blacks and White Non-Hispanics there are six categories unique to AfricanAmericans: Frozen Prepared Foods Frozen Vegetables Bottled Water

Shelf Stable Juices & Drinks Nuts Sugar/Sugar Substitutes

Source: Nielsen Homescan, Total U.S., 52 weeks ending 12/29/2012, UPC-coded

African-Americans also have notable preferences for Quick Service Restaurants (QSRs), that differ from Total Market. toP 5 Qsr s blAcK households hAve ordered FroM iN lAst 3 MoNths McDonald’s: 65% —Total Households 60% Burger King: 44% —Total Households 36% Subway: 43% —Total Households 40% KFC: 37% —Total Households 26% Wendy’s: 36% —Total Households 30% Source: Nielsen Homescan, Online Views surveys, June 2013 (n=45546) Ranked by African-Americans’ visits.

blAcK households’ ANNuAl sPeNdiNg with beAuty suPPly stores by hh iNcoMe average spend: $94

$40,000 -$49,999: $103

under $20,000: $89

$50,000 - $69,999: $94

$20,000 - $29,999: $63

$70,000 - $99,999: $118

$30,000 - $39,999: $94

$10,0000+: $132

wAtch

Source: Nielsen Homescan, Total U.S., 52 weeks ending 12/29/2012, UPC-coded

cAtegories heAvily PurchAsed by AFricAN-AMericANs Unprepared Meat/Frozen Seafood

Dry Vegetables & Grains

Refrigerated Juices & Drinks

Spices/ Seasoning/ Extracts

Shortening/ Oil

Blacks watch 37% more television than any other group, spending seven hours and 17 minutes per day viewing TV, compared to five hours and 18 minutes of total viewing for Total Market. Black Women, especially those 18-49, tend to be heavier viewers than their male counterparts. blAcKs’ toP Five PreFerred NetworKs

Ethnic Hair and Beauty Aids

Feminine Hygiene

Fresheners/ Deodorizers

Personal Soap/Bath Needs

Women’s Fragrances

Edible Non-Edible Source: Nielsen Homescan, Total U.S., 52 weeks ending 12/29/2012, UPC-coded 1 The Washington Post. 2011 “Michelle Obama Joins Forces with Walmart, Walgreens to Battle Food Deserts”

Channel/ networks

% blaCk viewers household

total blaCk viewers (000) household

BET

84%

327

VH1

59%

144

TV ONE

87%

107

BOUNCE TV

83%

CENTRIC

85%

Source: Nielsen 12/31/2012-6/30/2013, Total Day, L+7 Projections. Viewers shown in millions.

diverse intelligenCe insights series

24 September 26, 2013 - October 2, 2013

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blAcKs’ toP ProgrAMMiNg program

Blacks are 44% more likely than Total Market consumers to create a social media profile.

originator

total viewers aa 18-49

Love & Hip Hop Atlanta 2

VH1

2.1

•

45-64 year-olds spend the most time on Facebook.

Scandal

ABC

2.1

•

35-44 year-olds are more likely to spend more time on Tumblr.

Real Husbands 0f Hollywood

BET

1.7

•

BRAVO

1.4

18-34 year-olds spend 11% more time on Twitter than those 35-44 and 45-64 combined.

VH1

1.4

Real Housewives 0f Atlanta T.I. and Tiny 3

Source: Nielsen 12/31/2012-6/30/2012, Prime Day Part, Live +7 Days, Persons 18-49, excluding specials, sport events, and award shows. Viewers shown in millions.

blaCks are more likely to read forbes and fortune magazines than the total market

digital

mobile

African-Americans’ overall online category usage reveals some notable behavioral distinctions between Blacks and other consumer groups.

71%

of blaCks own smarthpones

Most African-Americans use Androids (73%) vs. iPhones (27%).

blaCks spend

44%

more time on eduCation and Career sites than total market

toP 5 Mobile APPs PreFerred by blAcKs bAsed oN tiMe sPeNt hours : minutes spent

app

Instagram