The Washington Informer - April 11, 2019 by The Washington Informer

VOL. 54, NO. 26 • APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

Emancipation Day Gears Up Saturday: Celebrate, Learn, Share Our History

UDC Hosts Food Justice Youth Summit / Page 20

District Poised Boko Haram Survivor’s Urgent Plea: ‘Do Not Forget Us’ Rep. Wilson Continues for Annual Advocacy for Chibok Emancipation Girls, Five Years Later Day Festivities By D. Kevin McNeir

Family-friendly Fete includes Parade, Fireworks, Star-studded Entertainment

WI Editor @dkevinmcneir

By D. Kevin McNeir WI Editor @dkevinmcneir The venerable citizens of Washington, D.C. have proven that they’re masters at throwing a party and what better reason to host a celebration than showcasing the annual, historic recounting of Emancipation Day which honors the courage and struggle of those who fought to end slavery and the

EMANCIPATION Page 33

5 Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL) hugging former Chibok girl Patience Bulus with Dr. Margee Ensign, president of Dickinson College, where Bulus is a current student during a panel discussion on Capitol Hill Tuesday, April 9. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

#DontMuteDC Movement Counters Protests over Go-Go Landmark Noise Complaints Viewed as Further Evidence of Continued Gentrification By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins For nearly a quarter century, the MetroPCS store on the corner of Florida Avenue and 7th Street in Northwest has kept residents and passersby alike jamming to the sounds of go-go, solidifying its status as a staple of authentic, homegrown D.C. culture. And it hasn’t stopped even in light of changes within the Shaw community – changes that many believe to be more evidence of gentrification

which continues to displace longtime residents and businesses in the District. However, the writing appears to be on the wall as T-Mobile’s corporate office recently told the local MetroPCS branch to cut off the music, allegedly in response to complaints from residents in nearby condos about the volume. Upon hearing the news on Monday, local activists, go-go aficionados and others rallied against what they considered as the latest assault on their way of life. “When I left school, I would fall

DONTMUTEDC Page 38

5 #DontMuteDC creators and Howard University students Julien Broomfield and Asia Grant letting their voices be heard at the intersection of 7th & Florida Ave in Northwest. (Ja’Mon Jackson/WI Bridge)

It’s probably impossible to imagine having one’s daughter, still in braces and perhaps having just entered that awkward period of puberty, snatched away without warning – gone in an instance and with little hopes of every seeing her again. But that’s what happened to scores of Nigerian families when nearly five years (April 14, 2016), 276 Nigerian schoolgirls in the country’s Chibok province, days away from taking their exams, suddenly became captives of the Islamic terrorist group Boko Haram after being kidnapped during the night. Some of the girls, fully aware that if they survived, they’d be forced into lives as slaves or concubines, somehow summoned the courage and ingenuity to escape – leaping from moving trucks as they sped through the forests. Others would eventually be released by their captors. But five years later, 112 of the girls still remain missing – presumably lost forever and torn from families and friends whose lives have never been the same. And as a means of remembering those still in captivity and to applaud the efforts of former Chibok girls, now young women, who continue to rebuild their lives, Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) hosted a panel discussion wrought with emotion

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Around the Region............ 4-11 PG County....................... 12-13 Business............................ 15-16 National............................ 18-19 Health ............................. 20-21 International........................ 24 Education ....................... 26-27 OpEd.................................29-31 Lifestyle..........................32-43 Mueller Invistigation National / Page 16

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Food Justice Youth Summit Health / Page 20

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April 13, 1997 – Golf great Tiger Woods wins the Masters, becoming the youngest and the first non-white player to win the tournament. Black Facts / Page 6

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 3 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

around the region

Women the Cycle of wi hotBreak topics Domestic Violence Gray Sounds Alarm on AG Racine Seeks Justice

COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR, WI EDITOR, WILL FORD, WI STAFF WRITER AND JAMES WRIGHT, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

SOMETHING NEW EVERYDAY

law enforcement. SheUnited said they Medical threat,” she said. Center for Traumatized Youth had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow

By Tia Carol Jones

www.washingtoninformer.com

WI Staff Writer

sense of Attorney uniformity in D.C. the way wants to see implemented are D.C. Councilmember When L.Y. Marlow's 23-year-General domestic violence and restraining order policies, Karl A. Ra- victims Vincent Gray stricter has repeatold daughter told her the fathercine has survivors treated. edly said that residents more rights taken are a stand of for victim's families of her daughter threatened heron an “She's her own personal to intervene incidentusing occurthe East End of the Dis- on behalf of a viclife, and the life of their child,ring story, own personal to tim, need a domestic violence assessMarchher 30 during trictpain of Columbia a she knew something had to bewhich push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further police officers new hospital and D.C. done. Out of her frustrationhandcuffed said about Marlow. training for law enforcement a 10-yearMayor Muriel Bowser’s with law enforcement's handlingold child. Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life ProtecEmail comments to: should of the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's administration book will tion Act and mandatory counsel“A boy, robbed at make it happen at end of 2021. Gray made rburke@ start the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing forthe batterers. gunpoint in a viothe pronouncement as the United Medical Center paign. such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradiwashingtoninformer.com lent case andin traumatic the District’s only hospital, contin“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She(UMC), said at the cate domesticpublic violence, we must incident, like all victims crime, deserves justice. This to lose and services. that won't turn my offamily end of the day, the ues book will money look at both sides of the coin. means holding offenders accountable, giving the vic“We have toWe keep UMC open,” both Gray,the who loose,” Marlowthesaid. Marlow help people begin to have a dianeed to address vic-chairs tim and his family a voice and doing what is necessary to the D.C. Council’s Committee on Health. “But it’s shared her story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow ensureatthat community is safe,” he said, adding that important that we recognize that we are putting ence thetheDistrict Heights Also present at the event was said. his office bears the responsibility into a building that needs to be razed. Domestic Violence Symposiumof prosecuting Mildred juvenile Muhammad,money the exMarlow would also like to see It’s crime City.District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, a very old building. That’sdesigned why we have capital on Mayin7the at the programs to the raise Racine added police acted inwho accordance with to budget; that money shouldamong be moved up so the Municipal Center.that The sympowas sentenced six consecawareness children in new MPDwas policies and procedures and that, afterlife reviewing hospital can bepublic built and Dec. 31, sium sponsored by the utive terms without parole and opened private by schools. She2021 surveillance has concluded youth is tothan year 2023 as currently proposed.” Family andvideos, Youth Services that bythe a Maryland jury forrather his role in fiscal feels children need to be educattally innocent. Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks Gray has supporterviolence. of the UMC and in been ed both abouta domestic “Typically, weNational do not publicly any of Muhammad Heights and the Hook- comment the building a newhave hospital on being the campus 2002. on Mildred is of “We to stop pas- of ourofjuvenile cases because District lawsthe protect the of conUp Black Women. St.Trauma, Elizabeths sive-aggressive East in Congress Heights. The new founder After the with poor chilfidentiality of allwritten juvenilesainvolved the organization justice system that hospital Marlow has book, inan helps the woulddren ultimately UMC. about replace domestic violence,” . . . ButMe [inButterfly,” this case it] which is necessary in theofcourt “Color is a because survivors domestic With violence Marlow said. the recent announcement that its basic canstory about four this generations of and their of public opinion innocent 10-year-old was deemed children. cer clinic will close Marlow worked to break withinhasthree months, residents domestic The book is guilty andviolence. criminalized.” “I lived in fear for sixinyears. cycle in her family,facilwardsSix 7 andthe 8 will be of leftabuse without a medical inspired by statements her own experiences, “Public were made about hisinalleged years fear isin-a long ity time. It is and confident the impacted policies she in Southeast thatis can treat those by the and those of herarmed grandmother, an not easycomthing to disease. come out volvement in an robbery whichnot he did is pushing forbeen willclosed start functionthat Its obstetrics unit has her her daughter. said. car process. mit.mother Pictures and and video of him being of,” led toshe a police ally since August 2017, forcing area residents to go She said every time shecirculated. reads WeMildred said “I plan to take theseThe policies to cuts in handcuffs were widely owe it to Muhammad the west of the river for related services. service In Memoriam excerpts from of herthis book, she still thepeople whohurt want to help as a Providence Congress Hospital and implore them to young victim crime to hold people who continue in Ward 5 prepares Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. can believe thehewords domestic violence must itschange our laws,” Marlow himnot accountable,” added,came admonishing the press to victim Wilhelmina J. Rolark to terminate final services on April 30. said. from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they “We go into willthe notmoney stop until these polibe mindful of the need to protect children’s privacy. have to“Ifind somewhere to help The Washington Informer Newspaper won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand cies are passed.” the hospital in this tough budget environment,” THE WASHINGTON INFORMER InPUBLISHER Memoriam Books” Award. that she may be inGray “survival Tia Carol Jones can be reached NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is added. Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. Denise Rolark Barnes at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark my eye first blackened and my Periodicals postage paid at Washing“Before you get to 'I'm going ton, THE D.C.WASHINGTON and additional mailing ofINFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI STAFF fices.weekly News on andThursday. advertising deadline postage Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Elaine Davis-Nickens, presiis Monday to News publication. AnD. Kevin Editor mailing prior offices. and advertising deadlineMcNeir, is Monday prior to publication. dent of the National Hook-Up nouncements must be received two two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Announcements must be received Ron Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director of Black Women, weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressEducation hassaid there is no Maryland House Washington Informer. All rights Lassiter, Photo Editor by es The Washington Informer. consistency in the way domestic to The Washington Informer,All3117Shevry Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, become one of Speaker Michael BusrightsD.C. reserved. 20032.POSTMASTER: No part of thisSend publication may be Barnes, reproduced without written Lafayette IV, Assistant PhotopermisEditor violence issues are dealt with by the major topics ch, affectionately called change addresses to TheThe Washsionoffrom the publisher. Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of John E. De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor ington Informer, 3117 Martin rates Luther in Maryland with “coach” after he coached photographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received King,notJr.more Ave.,than S.E.a Washington, D.C. Rowley, Online state lawmakweek after publication.Dorothy Make checks payable to: Editor high school football and 20032. No part of this publication may ers approving a worked with both DemZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout be reproduced without written permisTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER two-year plan ocratic and Republican sion from the3117 publisher. The Informer Neville, Bookkeeper Martin Luther King, Jr.Mable Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 Newspaper cannot guarantee the return to boost teacher lawmakers, died SunPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 Dr. Charles Vincent, Social Sightings columnist of photographs. Subscription rates are E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com salaries, expand early childhood and incorporate colday, April 7. He got admitted into a local hospital Tatiana Moten, Social Media Specialist $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will www.washingtoninformer.com lege and career readiness programs. To that end, Reid last week after diagnosed with pneumonia. He was be received not more than a week after Angie Johnson, Circulation publication. Make checks payable to: Temple AME of Glenn Dale will host “Coffee and 72 years old. This year, he pushed for support the PUBLISHER Conversations: the state of Prince George’s County state’s education plan, legislation to protect the oysTHE WASHINGTON INFORMER Denise Rolark Barnes REPORTERS Public Schools” at Sat., April 13, 8 a.m. The county ter population at the Chesapeake Bay and universal 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E STAFF REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, proposes to allocate nearly $2.1 billion toward educahealth care. During his absence last week, Del. AdriWashington, D.C. 20032 Brooke N. Garner Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Phone: 202 561-4100 Timothy Cox, Will Ford (Prince George’s tion in the $4.2 billion fiscal year 2020 budget. School, enne Jones (D-Baltimore County) led the House as Carla Peay Assistant Managing Editor Odell B. Ruffin, Larry Saxton, Fax: 202 574-3785 Ron Burke Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young county and student leaders and advocacy groups are County Writer), Jacqueline Fuller, Hamil speaker pro-tem. People posted heartfelt wishes on news@washingtoninformer.com Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper scheduled to attend with a central focus on whether social media and released statements about Busch, Harris, D. Kevin McNeir, Dorothy Rowley, www.washingtoninformer.com LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS the school system should receive more money or better who served the longest tenure as House speaker in John E. De Freitas Sports Brenda Editor Siler, Sarafina Wright, James Wright Lafayette Barnes, IV, Victor Holt Photo Editor manage current funds. School board Chairman Alvin John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, state’s history since 2003. Gov. Larry Hogan ordered Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic PHOTOGRAPHERS Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert Thornton, scheduled to attend, said the TAG proMaryland flags to fly at half-staff. “Speaker Busch Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt Lassiter, John E. DeFreitas, Shevry gram at schools such as Glenarden Woods Elementary, and I came from different sides of the aisle, but we L.Y. Marlow Roy Lewis,CIRCULATION Jr., Mark Mahonny also a Blue-Ribbon award winner, must be replicated often came together in the best interests of the peoPaul Trantham throughout the county. ple of Maryland. He served with the decency and “What we have to do is not only take this and spread good nature of a teacher, a coach and a family man. it, but also engrave it into the community,” he said. I was honored to know him and to work closely with “Otherwise, schools are just anchors where kids come, him.” Busch is survived by his wife, two daughters get educated and leave.” and three sisters. 4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com

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Maryland’s Longtime House Speaker Dies

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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AROUND THE REGION

Female Hip-Hop Duo Espouses Peace and Unity Local Sensations Seek to Expand Their Reach

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins For the past several years, D.C. hip-hop artists Kenilworth Katrina and Keylow Black have performed together on local stages and organized showcases bringing some of the city’s most talented musicians before a diverse array of audiences. Now, as they enter the eighth year of a thriving business relationship and sisterhood, the two say they want to expand their reach beyond the Beltway and bring along like-minded musicians for what they predict will become a global movement. “We want to do six showcases in the north [going all the way up to Canada] and six in the south. We’re trying to network with these artists; that way they’ll be there when we come back and do a showcase,” said Kenilworth Katrina, a founding member of Resurrecting Queenz, a collective of female rap artists. During the latter part of March, Kenilworth Katrina and Resurrecting Queenz co-founder Keylow Black stayed true to their craft, bringing together a slew of musical acts to Sandovan Restaurant & Lounge on Georgia Avenue in Northwest. That event, the first of several scheduled to take place throughout the year, featured fellow Resurrecting Queenz member Kristie Yamagucci along with Trife Gang, T-Spazz, New Jeruse, Dutchie Dutch and 808Pryme. Kenilworth Katrina recruited artists while Keylow Black managed logistics. “We know a lot of artists we do shows with; it’s a real team

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effort,” Kenilworth Katrina, a Northeast resident, continued. “These artists have to have good music, stage presence and personality.” Since appearing on the local hip-hop scene in the early 2000s, the duo have utilized their lyrical prowess to tell vivid stories about their communities east of the Anacostia River. Keylow Black, hailing from Southeast, eulogized deceased family members and reflected on her past strife on “Need an Angel,” a single she released earlier this year. Last summer, a hype, yet cool, Kenilworth Katrina harmonized over the instrumental for Childish Gambino’s “This is America,” explaining how she and her peers navigate what she describes as a violent and over-policed neighborhood. In recent years, a deep concern for neighborhood violence and other issues affecting teens have led them to employ more unconventional methods. The pair attempted to bridge the gap between residents and the Metropolitan Police Department when they spoke with and performed before an audience of D.C. police officers and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser in 2016. Heavy involvement in the restorative justice arena followed that opportunity. Last year, they mentored inmates at the youth detention center and encouraged childhood literacy during appearances at Kenilworth Day. The Resurrecting Queenz movement, which they describe as an effort to unite D.C. female artists and dignify the ways youth address one another, stands at the foundation of their collective passion for peace and cohesion. In 2015, they, along with

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nearly two dozen other female creatives, remixed the popular anti-violence anthem “Self-Destruction.” “This is needed for the community. There’s nothing like [this type of ] integration,” said Keylow Black. “We grew up in Wards 7 and 8 where youth as young as 16 [are losing their lives.] Lives are getting shorter and shorter and our message has to be positive and transparent. We’re bringing true artistry to the table, so the ‘youngins’ see that they don’t have to be all ‘shoot em up, bang bang’ in order to be successful.” WI

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AROUND THE REGION

black facts APRIL 1

1881 – Spelman College, one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities, is founded in Atlanta. 1899 – Percy Julian, a pioneering African-American research chemist, is born in Montgomery, Alabama. 1908 – Jane Boldin, the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the United States, is born in Poughkeepsie, New York. 1966 – Emmett Ashford becomes the first Black umpire in Major League Baseball. 1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act, which outlawed discrimination in the sale, rental or leasing of housing.

APRIL 12

1975 – Famed singer and entertainer Josephine Baker dies of a cerebral hemorrhage in Paris at 68. 1981 – Heavyweight boxing great Joe Louis dies of cardiac arrest in a Las Vegas-area hospital at 66. 1983 – Harold Washington becomes the first African-American mayor of Chicago.

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1873 – The Colfax Riot, the largest racial massacre in U.S. history, takes place in Colfax, Louisiana, where approximately 150 Black men

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are killed by whites amid a highly contested gubernatorial election. 1964 – Sidney Poitier becomes the first African American to win the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as a construction worker who helps build a chapel in “Lilies of the Field.” 1997 – Golf great Tiger Woods wins the Masters, becoming the the youngest and the first non-white player to win the tournament.

APRIL 14

1775 – The Society for the Relief of Free Negroes Unlawfully Held in Bondage, the first American abolition society, is founded in Philadelphia.

APRIL 15

1889 – Social and civil activist A. Philip Randolph, who organized and led the first predominantly Black labor union, is born in Crescent City, Florida. 1896 – Booker T. Washington receives an honorary degree from Harvard University. 1915 – Walter Washington, the first mayor of Washington, D.C., is born in Dawson, Georgia. 1926 – Norma Sklarek, the first Black woman to be licensed as an architect in the United States, is born in Harlem, New York.

APRIL 16

1862 – The District of Columbia Compensated Emancipation Act, or simply Compensated Emancipation Act, a law that ended slavery in D.C. by paying slave owners for releasing their slaves, is signed by President Abraham Lincoln. 1864 – Internationally known singer Flora Batson, known as “The Double-Voiced Queen of Song,” is born in Washington, D.C. 1947 – Basketball Hall of Fame center Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is born in New York City. 1994 – Ralph Ellison, author of “Invisible Man,” dies in New York City at 81 of pancreatic cancer.

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1983 – Alice Walker wins the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her novel “The Color Purple.” WI

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BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Owners of the Metro PCS store at the intersection of Georgia and Florida avenues in the Shaw neighborhood say they can no longer play go-go music outside the store due to noise complaints from residents of the Shay Apartments. The news has prompted the #DontMuteDC hashtag on social media. What are your thoughts?

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Stop moving to the city, then complaining about the culture. Ruining a tradition of over two decades because of some rich hurt feelings. I say y’all go outside that store with your own speakers and blast some Rare Essence just because. To hell with the Shay and anyone complaining that lives there.

AMBER GABRIELLE / BALTIMORE, MARYLAND

I go to Shaw a lot, [and] hearing the gogo outside Metro PCS wakes me up and makes me happy. Put it back on!

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Some of the churches in D.C. have moved to Maryland, including mine, [but] before we moved, there were complaints about the choir being too loud during rehearsals.

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ANTONIESE RUFFIN / WASHINGTON, D.C.

This has been going on for some time. … I remember hearing about this a while ago. These kinds of things are obviously happening all over the city. I think people feel like they really don’t have a voice.

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 7 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

AROUND THE REGION The World According to Dominic BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR / WI EDITOR / @DKEVINMCNEIR

‘The Root Cause of Nipsey Hussle’s Murder: The Absence of Black Self-Confidence’

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The callous, calculated murder of the popular and talented L.A. rapper, community activist and entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle at the hands of Eric Holder, another Black man whose evil deed was captured on camera, has fueled longstanding suppositions routinely posited by the white press, white politicians, white law enforcement officials – even the majority of white Americans – as yet another example of dysfunctional Blacks and their propensity toward acts of violence. Whenever one Black man kills another Black man, whites, whether well-intentioned or more biased, card-carrying members of the “alt-right,” frequently cite America’s so-called ongoing dilemma of Black-onBlack crime as the cause. Given the proliferation of media reports, it’s easy to agree with the rhetoric of Blacks being more inherently prone toward violence and less capable than other races, whites serving as the bastion of excellence, to peacefully co-exist in society. Indeed, most Blacks, so we’re told, continue to prove that we’re mentally troubled, emotionally

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unbalanced and genetically inferior to the melanin-deficient, more enlightened, intellectual astute and erudite residents of the planet Earth who adamantly refuse to relinquish the power, prestige and privilege they’ve captured and maintained for so long – that is, white folk. But no one talks about whiteon-white crime, even though they’re just as prevalent – alive, well and deadly in American society. Consider the FBI’s uniform crime-reporting data for 2016 which shows that 90.1 percent of Black homicide victims were killed by other Blacks, closely followed by a rate of 83.5 – the percentage of white-on-white crimes. In other words, most victims of crime, as in the case of Nipsey Hussle, know their assailant, regardless of race. Experts called upon to analyze such occurrences, including sociologists and criminologists, concur that violent crime is a complicated socioeconomic phenomenon having far less to do with race than with access to wealth – that is dollars and cents or the lack thereof. Simply stated, it’s poverty that drives people by a 2:1 margin to commit crime. They, who belong to a long history of people living in squalor, overwhelmed by disease and want, the recipients of substandard education – prime candidates to become the frequent visitors and inhabitants of America’s highly-profitable prison industrial complex. It’s poverty which most effectively leads to the demoralization of one’s spirit and mind, diminishing the ability to dream or even believe in the remote possibility of a brighter future. Unlike Little Orphan Annie, those trapped in poverty, disproportionately represented by those who are Black, cannot fathom a world in which “the sun will come out tomorrow.” I cannot say with certainty what led Nipsey Hussle’s murderer to pull the trigger. Perhaps

it had something to do with an argument gone bad. Perhaps. But I tend to believe that in this case, as in so many others, the shooter took aim because he could not see his own life ever reflecting the celebrated rise of accomplishments that Hussle in his short life had already achieved. Instead, life remained a cataclysmic, downward spiral, dominated by frustration, repeated failure and countless closed doors. Envy and jealously drove him, I wager, to the brink. Once in a great while, the Black community takes pause in its discovery of one among us who has turned their back on committing destructive actions, embracing a new attitude in which they seek to perform acts of kindness, becoming a positive force within their community – one who cares about the “least of these.” When these shining stars appear, we must protect them at all costs, particularly from those for whom hope has been reduced to little more than a stranger in the night. Perhaps the reflections of Langston Hughes as elucidated in his seminal poem, “Dream Deferred,” more effectively summarizes the crisis of paralyzing despair, fueled by excessive greed and avarice – “man’s inhumanity to man” – which have collectively, effectively and efficiently plagued and thwarted even the basic needs and desires of Blacks families and communities, both here in America and beyond, for hundreds if not thousands of years. “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore – And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over – Like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags Like a heavy load. Or does it explode?” WI

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AROUND THE REGION

Future of Returning Citizens’ Reentry in Question By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins

If the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) doesn’t approve a contract for a new local residential reentry center before the end of the month, federal inmates from the District would most likely have to serve out the remainder of their sentences as far away as Baltimore. Despite some thoughts to the contrary, returning-citizens advocate Ron Moten said such a scenario spells out disaster for people returning home from prison and their families. Since the beginning of the year, he and others have rallied up support for a new facility on New York Avenue in Northeast. “It’s not that we wouldn’t want to see things get better, but Hope Village isn’t acknowledging that they have a problem,” said Moten, owner of Check-It Enterprises in Southeast, as he touched on the drug abuse, assaults, and denial of resources he said returning citizens often endured at the Southeast-based halfway house and initial point of return for inmates leaving the federal prison system for decades. In November, after a series of complaints, BOP gave a 5-year, $60 million contract to CORE DC LLC for the facilitation of a District-based residential reentry center with more than 110 beds for male and female returning citizens. That center, located at 3400 New York Avenue in Northeast, had been scheduled to open on March 1. However, the Government Accountability Office, out of a concern that CORE hadn’t secured permission to use the property, recommended that BOP revise its requirements for contractors or restart the bidding process. In the interim, BOP chose to extend Hope Village’s contract until April 30. Moten, the Rev. Graylan Hagler, and others had since been in a race against time to convince relevant parties of CORE’s redeeming qualities. “CORE is owned by people of color who are culturally competent,” Moten said. “It’s not just about money. They understand you need programs of quality that help people not go back to prison. Hope Village isn’t safe. People are getting robbed. People are selling and doing drugs in the facility. It’s not an option.” On Wednesday, Moten and members of the returning citizens and clergy community hosted a

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Davison charges fees for services 5 Ron Moten, a returning citizens advocate, says Hope Village is not safe and wants to convince the Bureau of Prisons to award a contract to CORE. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

meeting at Bethesda Baptist Church in Northeast, not only to address the ongoing contractual conflict, but also tackle what he described as a reentry crisis exacerbated by prejudice against returning citizens. Since February, three prior town halls had taken place in parts of Ward 5 and 8 to counter some residents’ efforts to stop the new residential reentry center from opening in their neighborhood. In December, about the time that Douglas Development, the owner of 3400 New York Avenue Northeast, announced that it wouldn’t move forward with the residential reentry center, Attorney Donald Temple filled a lawsuit against the District alleging that neither Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C), Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D), or Ward 5 residents had been notified about BOP’s contract with CORE. McDuffie, who often touts his record of championing returning citizens’ causes, expressed his appre-

hension about opening a residential reentry center at 3400 New York Avenue NE without community support. Two letters he sent FOP acting Director Hugh J. Hurwitz in November said that CORE damaged any potential for a congenial relationship when representatives didn’t reach out to him or Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Jacqueline Manning (5C04). “The success of any residential reentry center depends largely on the provision of adequate government resources as well as support from the surrounding community, which itself begins with meaningful community engagement,” McDuffie said. “CORE DC’s efforts certainly fell short in this regard. I support having a quality, well-resourced residential reentry center located in the District and remain optimistic that a Bureau of Prisons contractor will identify a suitable site, provided the community is engaged in a meaningful way from the beginning,” he added. WI

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AROUND THE REGION CAPTURE THE MOMENT

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“Greatness demands purpose – in the face of upended expectations and extreme setbacks, even more so. I have faced the toughest loss I can imagine and I know I will lose again and again. But I will never fail to try.”

– Stacey Abrams, “Lead From the Outside,” in the preface to her 2018 paperback, reflecting on her failed gubernatorial bid for the state of Georgia by a margin of 1.5 percent.

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AROUND THE REGION Returning Citizens Embrace Core DC

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

District residents are heavily debating the merits of a new halfway house in the city instead of staying with the present facility, and many returning citizens’ activists want change. CORE DC wants to locate a new men’s halfway house facility in Ward 5 that would replace Hope Village in Ward 8. In November, the Federal Bureau of Prisons awarded CORE DC a contract to open a reentry center in Ward 5 to the chagrin of those in the neighborhood. Opposing forces mounted a challenge to CORE DC’s halfway house victory on Feb. 21, taking the issue to the General Accountability Office of the U.S. Comptroller of the United States. CORE DC CEO Jack Brown wrote in an op-ed in. the Jan. 14, 2019, edition of The Washington Informer about the desire of his organization to operate a safe, neighborhood friendly halfway house in Ward 5. “Mission-driven, our organization helps former inmates, homeless families, runaway youth and others transform their lives for the better by providing structured, transitional housing and access to critical social and supportive services,” Brown wrote. Brown said residents of the halfway house will be assisted by case managers and social service coordinators with a comprehensive assessment and develop a reentry plan in addition to being paired with a full-time job placement specialists “who help them secure livable wages and meaningful employment.” He also said halfway house residents will be taught skills such as relationship and financial management. Brown said he realizes there are critics of his organization. “Unfortunately, misinformation and falsehoods have circulated and stood in the way of a fruitful dialogue with members of the community who had questions about public safety,” he said. “While I cannot speak to the security conditions at transitional reentry centers operated by other providers, I can proudly assure you that CORE works tirelessly to achieve the absolute highest standard of security. In fact, our New York City facility has been lauded in regular reviews by Federal Bureau of Prisons for the high quality of our community

relations and CORE’s success in maintaining accountability of the residents.” He said transitional reentry centers bring a socioeconomic benefit to the communities they, serve by facilitating the transition from inmate to stable, wage-earning members of their families and communities. Debra Rowe, the executive director of Returning Citizens United, supports CORE DC. “I have been aware of problems at Hope Village for a long time,” Rowe said. “We label it ‘Hopeless Village’ and we have even talked to [D.C. Del.] Eleanor Holmes Norton about it, but no action has been taken. A returning citizens’ advocate, Courtney Stewart, visited a CORE facility in New York and was impressed with what he saw. We also did our research and found that CORE DC is the best in terms of running the new men’s facility.” Rowe said she had heard stories about inmates being treated horribly. She said low morale among the inmates and the lack of professionalism among the staff are pervasive throughout Hope Village. “It is my understanding that the majority of the staff is female and they don’t know how to relate to the inmates so some of them talk down to them,” Rowe said. “In addition, the inmates have to deal with Hope Village contractors in the areas of mental health and employment and the inmates should have the right to choose with whom they want to deal with.” Eric Weaver serves as the chairman of the National Association for the Advancement of Returning Citizens. Weaver said he has been in Hope Village and thinks CORE DC has better ideas on how inmates are treated. “Hope Village needs to upgrade in the areas of its personnel and its programs,” Weaver said. “I like CORE DC because they have been transparent in what they want to do and their program, I think, is better than Hope Village’s. Hope Village has a lot of problems it needs to fix.” The Rev. Graylan S. Hagler, senior pastor at the Plymouth Congregational United Church of Christ, participated in the April 2 broadcast of the “Crossroads” radio show hosted by returning-citizens activist Roach Brown. Hagler said CORE DC won the contract “fairly” and

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“some ol’ boy politics and the ol’ boy system” seek to deny them the contract. “Hope Village refuses to deal with sex offenders and that is why they lost out,” Hagler said. Hagler works as a part of an ad hoc group that seeks to make sure CORE DC gets its contract. The group includes leading District pastors such as the Rev. William H. Lamar IV of Metropolitan AME Church, the Rev. Frank D. Tucker of the First Baptist Church and the Rev. Marvin Owens of the Michigan Park Christian Church as well as returning citizens advocates Rowe, Ron Moten, Al-Malik Farrakhan and Tyrone Parker of The Alliance of Concerned Men. WI

5 The Rev. Graylan S. Hagler wants CORE DC to operate D.C.’s halfway house for men, replacing Hope Village. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 11 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Busch Mourned as Md. General Assembly Ends By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill The last day of the Maryland General Assembly, known as “Sine Die,” usually showcases lawmakers who celebrate the end of the 90-day session of debating, deleting and approving thousands of pieces of legisla-

tion. At midnight, high school students who work as pages drop balloons and confetti inside both chambers from upstairs. But on Monday, a somber mood permeated the state capital, as many mourned the death of the state’s longest-serving House speaker. Michael Busch, 72, died Sun-

5 Del. Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County) speaks with reporters after the House of Delegates adjourned from the first session of the last day of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, April 8. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

day, April 7 at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore of pneumonia following complications from a 2017 liver

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transplant. Del. Adrienne Jones (D-Baltimore County), who also serves as speaker pro tem, hugged Busch’s wife and their two daughters, who received a standing ovation. Black bunting and white flowers covered part of the rostrum to honor the man called “coach,” “mentor,” “friend” and “our speaker,” as lawmakers told personal and professional stories of Busch’s wide-ranging influence. Del. Talmadge Branch (D-Baltimore City) said Busch stayed the entire time at his grandson’s fu-

neral and even had a state trooper stay alongside Branch. “An unbelievable man with an unbelievable heart,” he said. Busch, of Anne Arundel County, even garnered respect from Republicans. Minority Leader Nick Kipke, a fellow Anne Arundel County resident, said Busch remembered Kipke’s father, who helped defeat the high school football team Busch coached. “Initially I thought this connec-

BUSCH Page 26

Speed Cameras Coming to Prince George’s County By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill Prince George’s County representatives pushed for several state initiatives that stronger enforcement on dumping bulky trash and tax credit for companies that open grocery stores in low-income neighborhoods. One particular bill regarding speed camera became of the county’s top priorities because of crashes in southern Prince George’s along Route 210, considered one of the most dangerous highways in the region. The Senate approved the legislation Monday, April 8, the last day of the session known as “Sine Die” and heads to the governor’s desk for a signature It allows the county to install no more than three cameras, formerly called speed monitor-

ing systems, along the highway. So far this year, police have issued more than 3700 citations and 18 DUI arrests along Route 210. “The state of Maryland worked very closely with Prince George’s County to ensure that it was OK to put these speed cameras on 210,” said Sen. Joanne C. Benson (D-District 24) of Landover. “If we do something on 210, it will also have a ripple effect on Branch Avenue…[and other highways].” Before installation of each camera, the county must publish a notice on its website and newspaper of general circulation and indicate its use within a school zone. Businesses, trees and some residences are near the highway. Sen. Edward Reilly (R-Anne

CAMERAS Page 13

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PGCPS BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

GLENARDEN WOODS ELEMENTARY HONORED

Maryland State Department of Education leaders recently visited Glenarden Woods Elementary, one of six 2018-19 Maryland Blue Ribbon Schools. The education department commended students and staff for exceeding academic performance standards, excellence in talented and gifted education, a 5-star state report card and more at Glenarden Woods,

CAMERAS from Page 12 Arundel County) asked would this legislation supersede the posting of speed cameras only near schools and construction zones. Sen. Jim Rosapepe (D-District 21), who represents both Prince George’s and Anne Arundel counties, said a current camera exists on the highway. It faces southbound at Route 210 and Old Fort Road near the Livingston Square shopping center in Fort Washington. “It’s very serious issue in that area,” Rosapepe said. “This bill is not precedent setting. Number two, this is actually a good example of looking at … oversight by the General Assembly to make sure we are doing this in thoughtful way.” The bill also requests the state Highway Administration and county’s Department of Public Works and Transportation to examine Route 210 on solutions to combat motor vehicle crashes, injuries and fatalities. A report should be provided to the governor and General Assembly by May 31, 2021. County Councilwoman Monique Anderson-Walker (D-District 8) of Fort Washington leads a driving initiative called “#DrivingItHome,”

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY a two-time Blue-Ribbon winner and exemplary high-performing school.

RUSSIAN CONTEST WINNER

Central High School senior Henriette Moue has been awarded the silver medal award by The American Council of Teachers of Russian for her submission in the National Russian Essay Contest. Henriette competed against Russian language learners from public and private schools nationwide

DUAL ENROLLMENT COURSES

The Dual Enrollment Program is now accepting applications for summer and fall semesters. Application packets are due to high school counselors by April 25. Students should see their high school counselor or COAST adviser for assistance.

SUMMER PROGRAMS

PGCPS’ Summer Programs offer students opportunities for acceleration, enrichment, credit recovery or which aims to change drivers’ habits by targeting six areas: seat belt use, texting and driving, driver distractions, drunk driving, highway speeds and aggressive driving. State lawmakers also approved legislation sponsored by those from Prince George’s. Del. Jazz Lewis (D-District 24) of Landover authored legislation to end solitary confinement, also known as “restrictive housing,” for juveniles. Minors are placed in solitary confinement if there’s an immediate risk to themselves, other inmates or staff, according to the legislation. However, the official of a facility must find “clear and convincing evidence” to do so. In addition, the bill states that person must receive “daily physical and mental health assessments to determine whether the minor may be released from restrictive housing.” One reason the bill resonated with colleagues, he said, is a virtual reality demonstration of a 6-by-9 cell with no windows and only one overhead light “that never turns off.” It also helped that Akeem Browder traveled from New York City to testify last month before the House Judiciary Committee about his younger brother, Kalief Browder, 22, who hanged himself in 2015

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5 PGCPS is seeking dynamic educators from across the nation who believe all children can achieve greatness. (Courtesy of PGCPS)

original credit. The 2019 Summer Programs guide should be used to review the available options and learn how to apply. Program availability will depend on enrollment. Participants are advised to apply early since space is limited. The programs guide is available at www1.pgcps.org/summerschool. For more details, consult with school counselors or contact the Summer Programs Office by phone at 301808-1124 email at summerschool@ pgcps.org after spending two of his three years housed at Rikers Island in solitary confinement while awaiting trial for allegedly stealing a backpack at the age of 16. “I think this sends a message out to other states that we think enough of our children and the long-term damaging effects that solitary has to not place them in that environment,” Lewis said. “Our children won’t be placed in that environment anymore.” WI

PARENT SURVEY

Parents or guardians of children receiving special education and related services have been mailed the Maryland Special Education Parent Involvement Survey from the Maryland State Department of Education, Division of Special Education/ Early Intervention Services. Parents are asked to complete the survey and return it in the postage paid envelope by May 17. The survey may also be completed online, so please, look for details in the survey packet. Parental feedback will help guide efforts to improve special education and related services in the local school system. For more information, go to https://www.mdparentsurvey.com.

BUILDING RENAMED

School and community leaders recently gathered to rename the Facilities Administration Building in honor of the late Louis Wilson Sr., the first African-American director of plant operations. Wilson was known for his years of service, tireless commitment and

exemplary achievement. The renaming ceremony the week of April 3, featured remarks by elected officials, administrators and family members. Wilson’s son and grandsons were also in attendance, representing three generations of PGCPS employees and families.

TEACHER RECRUITMENT

PGCPS is seeking dynamic educators from across the nation who believe all children can achieve greatness. Hiring officials are looking for talented educators who are committed, focused on making a difference, and hold (or are eligible for) a teacher certificate issued by the Maryland State Department of Education. Interested persons are encouraged to submit an application online. Human Resources reviews applications, credentials and other pertinent details frequently. A candidate selected for an interview will be contacted by an HR partner or administrator. WI

This mulch is primarily derived from the Christmas tree collections. For more information, please call County Click 3-1-1.

A skid loader will be available to load mulch into pickup trucks.

Prince George’s County Organics Composting Facility 6550 S.E. Crain Highway, Upper Marlboro, MD

(From Crain Highway, proceed on Maude Savoy Brown Road to Facility)

8 am to 1 pm Citizens and residents transporting mulch by car should bring their own containers and shovels or pitchforks.

Learn to reduce water usage, prevent soil erosion and reduce the use of herbicides in your home gardens by applying mulch.

RESTRICTIONS:

• Prince George’s County residents only • Only non-commercial vehicles, 3/4 ton maximum weight • No business vehicle signage will be permitted, all commercial signs should be covered or removed prior to entering the site

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 13 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

14 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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BUSINESS MLK Deli’s Tyrone White to Offer Seafood in Ward 7 By James Wright WI Staff Writer It has long been an example of a thriving enterprise when a business decides to expand and Tyrone White, a successful carryout owner in Ward 8, will be doing so soon. White, owner of the popular MLK Deli on Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue SE, will open up another carryout on Sheriff Road NE in the summer. With the continued success of the MLK Deli, White wanted to branch out in a different direction, not only in another part of the city but with a new cuisine. “I wanted to go to Ward 7 with a new business and a different concept,” he said. “I wanted to try a seafood carryout that catered to customers who wanted their food fast but in a casual type of setting.” The MLK Deli, founded approximately three decades ago, has received widespread praise for its soul and deli food types of offerings such as wings, crab cakes, freshly baked cakes, burgers and sandwiches that includes the famous Marion Barry Salmon Cakes, named after the late D.C. political icon. White took control of MLK Deli a few years ago. People have been known to line up through the front door to taste MLK Deli’s cuisine and its customer base represents regulars and newcomers, both in large numbers. With such a consistent and strong customer base, White felt comfortable moving forward with his business enterprise. “The MLK Deli has its own legs,” he said. MLK Deli has gotten a lot of publicity for its food offering, with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) trying a crab cake in November 2017 as a part of its #ShopSmallDC initiative designed to bring attention to the District’s bustling small business owners. The MLK Deli also has a spot in the Entertainment & Sports Arena located on the grounds of St. Elizabeth East in Congress Heights.

Opening a seafood establishment seem to be a good direction for White to go for his second carryout given that Blacks in the District love that type of fare and waterways such as the Potomac, Chesapeake Bay, the Atlantic Ocean and in some places, the Anacostia River, are good for fishing and close to the city. Plus, the District has received rave reviews from residents and tourists for its stellar seafood restaurants that include Legal Sea Foods, Hank’s Oyster Bar, Tony & Joe’s Seafood Place and the Sequoia. White contemplated opening his seafood carryout in Ward 8 but ultimately looked at Ward 7. “I live in Ward 8 but I was raised in Ward 7,” White said. “I wanted to bring something back to home. There are Chinese carryouts in Ward 7 and while I don’t have a problem with that, I think the people in Ward 7 need more options. “Besides, I want the people of Ward 7 to be able to get good seafood close to home without going downtown,” he said. “You have to dress up to go to the downtown seafood restaurants and sometimes people don’t want to do that.” White signed the deal to acquire Jumpin Out of the Pan, located at 4505 Sheriff Road NE in the Deanwood section of Ward 7, from the owner. He plans to call the new carryout Scales and early July will be its opening. Anthony Lorenzo Green, who represents single-member district 7C04 on the 7C advisory neighborhood commission that encompasses White’s new carryout, expressed satisfaction at White’s move. “When I saw that Tyrone took over the Jumpin Pan on Instagram last month, I was very happy,” he said. “That means that I can go get my crab cakes with my slippers on.” Green said White’s actions are a part of neighborhood leaders’ efforts to bring more amenities to Deanwood. “I’m excited about more retail

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being located on Sheriff Road,” he said. “The more retail offerings that come to Sheriff Road, the more attractive Deanwood becomes.” White, who graduated from H.D. Woodson High School and received assistance in purchasing the MLK Deli from the Congress Heights Community Development and Training Program led by executive director Monica Ray, said he seeks to uplift Ward 7. “I want to create more jobs in Ward 7 and 8,” White said. “There are a lot of areas in Ward 7 that are poverty stricken and this is my way of giving back.” WI

5 MLK Deli owner Tyrone White looks forward to setting up his second carryout, Scales, on Sheriff Road NE in Ward 7. (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

Adult Guardianship and Conservatorship Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., Unfortunately for many people there comes a time when he or she is not able to make decisions for him or herself. This is a challenging time as we all like to be masters of our own fate. We like making decisions for ourselves. Yet we see circumstances when a traumatic accident may create a circumstance that leaves a person unable to make the decisions that will keep him or her safe. We like to prepare for that possibility by appointing someone to serve as Power of Attorney for business and financial matters in addition to appointing someone to serve as Health Care Proxy. This is a decision that can only be made when someone has legal capacity to do so. The DC statute holds the following definition, “Incapacitated individual” means an adult whose ability to receive and evaluate information effectively or to communicate decisions is impaired to such an extent that he or she lacks the capacity to manage all or some of his or her financial resources or to meet all or some essential requirements for his or her physical health, safety, habilitation, or therapeutic needs without court-ordered assistance or the appointment of a guardian or conservator. The DC code identifies “Incapacitated individual for health-care decisions” means an adult individual who lacks sufficient mental capacity to: (A) Appreciate the nature and implications of a health-care decision; (B) Make a choice regarding the alternatives presented; or (C) Communicate that choice in an unambiguous manner If the steps for less restrictive support have not been taken and the person does not have a capacity to make those appointments the court must intervene to oversee and appoint a person to serve as guardian. Guardianship has different levels of intervention. There is a permanent general guardian who is appointed without limitations of time or duty. The limited guardian may be appointed with specific areas of is responsibility and/or limitations on time. The court will seek to question whether there have been other less intrusive considerations attempted. There is recognition that guardianship is an intrusion to the privacy of the incapacitated adult. Once appointed as guardian, the guardian must develop a guardianship plan in consultation with person s/ he is supporting. The guardian must be informed of the needs of the person and visit at least one time a month The severity of the impact of loss of self-determination by being adjudicated incapacitated there are safeguards put in place by the court. The suggested incapacitated person is appointed an attorney to represent their interests. This attorney will meet with the person to provide a neutral opinion to the court regarding capacity. Guardianship of the property is required to manage the resources of the person who is deemed incapacitated. To be approved to manage the assets the guardian or conservator must secure a bond at an amount that is determined by the court. This assurance will insure the interests of the incapacitated person. This coupled with the annual reporting to the court insures that the asset of the person who is incapacitated is only used for his or her best interest. The Guardianship process is significant. Planning for incapacitation is a lot better than fighting through the process. Aimee D. Griffin, Esq., The Griffin Firm, PLLC www.yourestateplanningattorney.com (202)379-4738 5335 Wisconsin Ave NW Suite 440 Washington DC 20015 1401 Mercantile Lane Suite 383 Upper Marlboro MD 20774 100 International Drive 23rd Floor Baltimore MD 21202 1100 Peachtree ST NE Suite 200 Atlanta GA 30309 2530 Meridian Parkway Suite 300 Durham NC 27713

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 15 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

BUSINESS Area Churches Look to Youth During Annual Conference By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Rev. Jonathan Weaver will never forget how in the fall of 1992, Greater Mount Nebo AME’s inability to get a $50,000 loan motivated him and other pastors to challenge local banks as to why so many houses of faith were being denied loans for various building projects. After pastors threatened to pull their tithes and offerings out of the largest banks in the area, they signed a “covenant” with several financial institutions and formed the Collective Banking Group that lead hundreds of church leaders improve their financial literacy, build relationships with banks and get needed funding to build large sanctuaries primarily in Prince George’s County. More than 25 years later, a new generation of about 60 church leaders sat Saturday in a conference room of the Sanctuary in in Capitol Heights’ Kingdom Square Shopping Center, where speakers talked about how to start community development corporations, non-

profit groups and to build housing without any money of their own at a time when church budgets have dwindled and tithes and offerings aren’t what they once were. “Every church has to have a new stream of income,” said Rev. Marcellus Buckner, president of the Collective Empowerment Group, which held the annual economic conference. “The baby boomers are dying off and the tithes and offering are not and we have to find a new way to finance our ministries.” Jeffrey Wright, president and CEO of Urban Ministries Inc. in Chicago, compared the plight of many churches today to the Old Testament story of Joseph, who thrived even though he was in the palace of an oppressive leader. “You are in a palace that you didn’t choose to be in and if you are in the palace, what are you there for?” Wright said. “God used Joseph to feed the people. It may not be about fixing the palace but [rather] helping people outside the palace. Too many of us operate like we are on a cruise ship where we can eat 24 hours a day and go shopping. Maybe should be on a battleship or

on a mercy ship. It isn’t about you.” As Wright spoke, the majority of the people in the room were women and young adults, save for Bishop-elect Anthony G. Maclin, a founding member of the organization and pastor of the Sanctuary. In the early 1990s, Maclin and his flock, then Glendale Baptist Church, met in a sanctuary built out of an old car dealership, a familiar pattern among many of the large churches that moved into the county from the District. First Baptist Church of Glenarden once worshipped in an old Hechinger building, while From the Heart Church Ministries converted a school and eventually a Safeway. And while Maclin went onto purchase an entire shopping center and Weaver would move his church from an Upper Marlboro warehouse to stand alone sanctuary, Maclin said it is time for the churches in the organization to do more than secure bank loans for building projects. “The Collective Empowerment B:9.5”than 20 years, Group, after more is more than justT:9.5” banking,” Maclin said. “We are trying S:9.5” to make sure

5 Jeffrey Wright, Urban Ministries Inc. of Chicago

that our partner and people connected to us have the wonderful opportunity to have resources in the community.” In addition to their annual conference, the group partners with area bankers, government officials and businesses in a variety of ways. and the organization comprises about 200 faith and business leaders. According to their brochure, they host: First Friday Pastors Breakfast Meetings - Addressing issues of concern to members, parishioners and the community, these meetings provide clergy members with infor-

mation from expert practitioners for enlightenment, discussion and practical ideas for implementation of corrective actions. Liaisons Program - Assist the pastor with dissemination, promotion and implementation of CEG-endorsed programs within the local church. Anniversary Awards Celebration - A celebration of the organization’s yearly achievements and the contributions of those persons and organizations who have participated in a significant way in the economic empowerment of our community.

YOUTH Page 20

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April Greetings from DC Department of Aging and Community Living Laura Newland, Director Department of Aging and Community Living Last month, Mayor Muriel Bowser released her fiscal year 2020 Proposed Budget and Financial Plan, continuing her commitment to ensuring every Washingtonian has a fair shot of living a good life here in the District. This year, Mayor Bowser challenged us to think bigger and bolder about what we can accomplish as a city if we are not afraid to fail. I want to thank all of you who participated in the Mayor’s Budget Engagement Forums and shared your vision about what we could and should accomplish

together. The Mayor has been committed to ensuring our government agencies work for our residents. What this means for our seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers is that there’s continuity of services under one roof. So, in FY20 the Adult Protective Services (APS) Division, which currently operates within the Department of Human Services, will become a part of the Department of Aging and Community Living. For our residents, this transition will be seamless--while the address will change, the core mission of APS, to investigate alleged cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation of adults, will remain the same.

In fact, this change will create more streamlined access to services and supports for older residents and vulnerable adults—in times of crises, and for the long-term. This will also enable DACL to better identify the trends around exploitation, abuse, and neglect, and allow the District to move quickly and effectively to protect our residents. We’re excited to welcome the dedicated APS staff to our Department, and I know you are looking forward to seeing all that we can accomplish together. In addition, the Mayor continues to make historic investments in affordable housing. In her budget, Mayor Bowser has made it clear that supporting our seniors in their homes and in their communities is a top priority for her administration. In FY20, the Mayor has increased the Safe at Home budget by $2 million for a total annual investment of over $6 million, ensuring more and more seniors and adults with disabilities can age well in the safety of their own homes and communities. In addition, a $5.2 million investment will help more seniors remain in their homes by expanding the Keep Housing Affordable Tax Credit for eligible District seniors. We heard from seniors that you don’t want to wait for big projects like the new senior wellness site in Ward 8. So, the Mayor has expedited, by two years, construction plans for the new Citywide Senior Wellness Center. With this capital investment of $11.4 million, we are delivering more wellness in more places, and we’ll be working with the community on plans for the new site. We are excited for the many changes that are happening within the agency and the historic investments in making sure DC continues to be an age-friendly city for all. Over the first two weeks of April, I’ll be holding a series of budget town halls to discuss more in-depth all the investments made to ensure our seniors, adults with disabilities, and caregivers have the services and supports to age well in DC. I hope you will join me for this town hall. This will be your opportunity to share with me your ideas, and what you envision for the Department as we continue to work together to make DC the best city in the world to age! Friday, April 12, 12:45pm–1:45pm Vida Senior Center, 1842 Calvert Street NW (Spanish interpretation will be provided) To find out more about our town halls, reach out to us at 202-724-5626. Also, on Thursday, April 25, I’ll be representing DACL at our annual Budget Oversight Hearing. I hope you will join us and share your thoughts on DACL’s programs and our proposed FY20 budget. If you’re interested in testifying, call 202-724-8198. I can’t wait to see you out in the community! Aging is Living!

Looking for Ms. Senior D.C. 2019

Are you a D.C. resident who is age 60 or older and interested in representing your peers as Ms. Senior D.C. 2019? Are you actively involved in your community? Consider becoming a contestant in the next Ms. Senior D.C. Pageant! We are searching for the elegant lady who will represent the District of Columbia as Ms. Senior D.C. Contestants are judged on a personal interview, their philosophy of life and their talent and evening gown presentations. The winner will represent the District of Columbia and compete in the Ms. Senior America Pageant.

Ms. Senior DC Pageant Application, submission deadline April 30, 2019 Contestant Orientation, May 1, 2019

Office Hours

Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm

Connect With Us

500 K Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 Phone: (202) 724-5626 Fax: (202) 724-2008 TTY: 711 Email: dcoa@dc.gov

Contestant Rehearsals will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays during the months of May and June from 1--3 pm at Model Cities Senior Wellness Center, 1901 Evarts, Street, NE.

For more information on how to sign up, please call DCOA at (202) 724-5626, email darlene.nowlin@dc.gov or visit www.dcoa.dc.gov to complete an application. WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 17 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

NATIONAL Baltimore Native, Educator, Chosen as PA College President

Roger W. Davis Rises from Humble Beginnings By Timothy Cox Special to the Washington Informer On a cold winter morning in 1972, a Baltimore woman says she remembers seeing an adorable Black boy featured on a TV show about children hoping to be adopted, “A Child Is Waiting.” Four decades later, that same child recently took over as president of the Community College of Beaver County [CCBC], located in the Pittsburgh area of Monaca. Roger Wilson Davis, 49, a Baltimore native, has enjoyed an illustrious career as an educator, including nine months as the college’s acting president, prior

5 Dr. Roger W. Davis has been named president of CCBC in Western Pennsylvania. (Photo courtesy Community College of Beaver County).

to being named to the top position in late February. The college’s nine-member board of directors unanimously elected him as their ninth president – the first Black to head the 53-year-old institution. Genetha Woods-Short, an African-American board member, delivered the news during the February meeting. Davis says the excitement she exhibited took him by surprise. “She was so choked-up with emotions, she could hardly make the announcement,” Davis said. “I’m so humbled and really excited about what the future holds for all of us.” Davis grew up in the Woodmoor section of Baltimore County as a single child of his late fa-

ther, Belford Davis and Marian Davis, 90. He describes his childhood as healthy and loving. A meeting with his biological mother when he was 22, helped him secure answers to questions that had bothered him for years. “She explained that she was in an abusive relationship and couldn’t raise four young children,” he said. “I told her I was okay and had no regrets or blame toward her and that God had led my path.” While attending Milford Mill High School, he played on the tennis team and realized the value of strong academics. He matriculated to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore in Princess Anne where he earned a bachelor’s

degree in English. From there he returned to Baltimore to secure a master’s degree in Adult Education from Coppin State University and an Ed. D. in Urban Educational Leadership from Morgan State University. He celebrates the chance to direct CCBC which marks renewed interest due, he believes, to a recent economic surge in Beaver County. The construction of a $6 billion utility factory by Shell has resulted in significant job-growth in a region that has suffered for decades following the closing of multiple steel mills. “The county is in a changing pattern and new industries, including a possible medical marijuana plant, could be on the

horizon,” he said. “It’s definitely a resurgent and reinventive spirit going on throughout the entire (Beaver) Valley. There’s even talk of a casino that could bring even more jobs in the near future.” Davis remains unmarried so he has plenty of time for his four godsons and for other downtime activities including international travel, tennis and keeping up with the latest movies. “I’ve always been career-minded and in time I’m sure that will all come to fruition,” he said. One day he hopes to go back home to Charm City. “I have a heart for Baltimore; it’s the foundation of my educational training. It’s still the place I call home,” he said. WI

Interfaith Event Driven by Spirit of MLK By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Chuck Hicks could hardly contain his emotions Sunday afternoon while standing in front of the New York Avenue Presbyterian Church, as people of many races and religions locked hands and sang “We Shall Overcome.” The event, “Dr. King’s Vision: Humanity Tied in a Single Garment of Destiny,” brought together several hundred people to the Northwest church for program hosted by the InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington and the Council of Churches of Greater Washington. “In the Black church this what you do — call and response,” said Hicks, 74, a longtime civil rights veteran. Hicks stood up and clapped as the Artists Group Chorale of

18 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

Washington sang the Mahalia Jackson-penned spiritual “Troubles of the World.” At a time when President Trump dominates the national media in a city once known for its humanity and diversity, Hicks and those gathered savored every minute of an event moderated by WJLA-TV (Channel 7) news anchor Sam Ford that promoted racial unity across the spectrum of faith. “This interfaith service is a testament to the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King,” said Rev. Brenda Girton-Mitchell, whose keynote speech quoted everything from King to Bible verses like Galatians 3:26-28: “So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”

That theme of unity was emphasized throughout the event, particularly through songs performed by the 2019 Interfaith Youth Choir that featured singers from eight religions. Rabbi Gerry Serotta, executive director of the InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, without mentioning Trump by name, said “we do have a moral emergency in this country.” “Dr. King would say [that is] what made America great in the first place,” Serotta said. Imam Dr. Talib M. Shareef, president of Masjid Muhammad Inc. in D.C., said afterward that the world was truly represented. “This was an important event because this was the globe,” Shareef said. “In this city, you have people from different parts of the world and now they are in America.” WI

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 Chuck Hicks (Hamil R. Harris/The Washington Informer)

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

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Tax Day and the Tattoo: What Americans Would Do to Avoid Filing By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Americans spend 8.1 billion hours doing taxes each year and the average person spends 11 hours and $200 completing their 1040 form, according to a new report released just ahead of the April 15 deadline to file federal income taxes. And, as noted in the District-based WalletHub report, many taxpayers are already wondering how that will affect their finances. Since the tax code is so complicated and has rules based on individual household characteristics, it’s hard for the average person to tell, WalletHub experts said. And with a new tax code taking effect this year, 2019 taxes will be quite different than last year’s. One simple ratio known as the “tax burden” helps cut through the confusion. Unlike tax rates, which vary widely based on an individual’s circumstances, tax burden measures the proportion of total personal income that res-

idents pay toward state and local taxes. And it isn’t uniform across the U.S., either. To determine the residents with the biggest tax burdens, WalletHub compared the 50 states across the three tax types of state tax burdens — property taxes, individual income taxes and sales and excise taxes — as a share of total personal income in the state. With a 12.97 percent total tax burden, New York has the highest burden of any state, followed by Hawaii (11.71 percent), Maine (10.84 percent), Vermont (10.77 percent) and Minnesota (10.25 percent). Alaska enjoyed the lowest overall tax burden at 5.10 percent, followed by Delaware (5.55 percent), Tennessee (6.28 percent), Florida (6.56 percent) and New Hampshire (6.86 percent). Maryland came in at No. 13 with an overall tax rate of 9.26 percent and Virginia finished at No. 38 with a 7.80 percent overall tax burden on residents. The national survey from WalletHub also noted some interesting facts and quirkiness about American taxpayers, including:

• 4.6 million fewer taxpayers will get a federal tax refund this year. • The average refund in 2019 is $2,957, as of 3/15/2019. • Nearly one-third of people (31 percent) say their biggest Tax Day fear is making a math mistake on their taxes, topping not having enough money (28 percent), identity theft (24 percent) and getting audited (17 percent). • 36 percent of Americans would move to a different country and 24 percent would get an “IRS” tattoo for a tax-free future. • 50 percent of people would rather do jury duty than their taxes. • One in 5 would prefer talking to their kids about sex. • More than 10 percent would swim with sharks, spend the night in jail and drink expired milk. • Fewer than 4 in 10 people

5 Americans spend 8.1 billion hours doing taxes each year. (Courtesy photo)

are happy with President Donald Trump’s tax reforms. • 70 percent think they benefit the rich more than the middle class. • 89 percent of people think

the government currently does not spend their tax dollars wisely. To view the full report, go to wallethub.com. WI

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 19 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

HEALTH UDC to Host Food Justice Youth Summit By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

The University of the District of Columbia’s College of Agriculture, Urban Sustainability and Environmental Sciences (CAUSES), in collaboration with Capital City Public Charter School, will host its fifth annual Food Justice Youth Summit this week. The event, scheduled for 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday at the Student Center at 4200 Connecticut Avenue NW, provides an opportunity for D.C. youth to share their research, ideas and recommendations on food justice issues as they work with other youth and food justice activists to build a citywide movement for sus-

tainable food systems, officials said in a news release. The summit also aims to connect the dots between local and global struggles and move together toward a more fair and sustainable food system. The event will include youth-led workshops focusing on issues of food justice and topics are expected to feature food sourcing, food policy and laws, food production, food waste and composting, school lunches and food access. Millions of individuals in low-income neighborhoods across the nation experience food insecurity, or the availability of fresh, healthy and culturally appropriate food, according to experts. Zoe Hollomon, a Green For All

Academy Fellow Candidate, wrote that most people don’t understand how Food Justice and Food Security relate to Social Justice and Environmental Justice. For a Green For All blog, Hollomon related the story of Kimmy, a single mom living in extreme poverty with her three small children on the west side of Buffalo. She works two jobs just to pay for the basics and to keep her family afloat. “Every day after school, her three children play outside until she gets home,” Hollomon said. “She quickly cooks dinner for them and the nextdoor neighbor’s two kids in exchange for her kids’ evening care while she goes to her night job. “Each week she tries to go to the grocery store but must take two buses and her small children with her as well as a small cart for her groceries,” Hollomon said. “The trip usually takes about four hours and she can only get what she can carry in her cart.” Most weeks, because of Kimmy’s busy work schedule, she must get food from the corner store, which is mainly mac ‘n’ cheese, microwave dinners, packaged noodles or canned foods. Otherwise her choices are one of the five fast-food restaurants in her neighborhood. “She knows the options aren’t

5 UDC will host a summit on food justice for youth. (Courtesy Bread for the World)

good but they allow her to get by, given her hectic schedule,” Hollomon added. “Her kids usually come home from school hungry and go to the corner store for chips and soda since they are cheap and readily available.” She said the story is one of millions of people in low-income neighborhoods across the nation. “It is however, a fact of life and a major health and economic issue for many Americans living in low-income communities,” she said. For Friday’s Food Justice Summit, officials said there are several ways to participate: • Bring your students to be audience members during the youth-led workshops focusing

on food justice issues. • If your students are researching a food justice issue for their science fair project, encourage them to lead a workshop during the summit. • Does your school have an extracurricular club related to food justice? Encourage them to engage in a project that ends in presenting at the summit. • If your students are researching a food justice issue for their National History Day project, encourage them to lead a workshop during the summit. • Are you planning an extension activity? Plan a research project around a food justice issue and encourage your students to lead a workshop during the summit. WI

YOUTH from Page 17

at the center of communities.” One of most interesting panels featured four young adult ministers who talked about what the church could do to its improve outreach to young people. “As a millennial, it is important that we have conversations that will cross generations so that we could better understand each other [and] the best way to reach the new generation,” said Rev. Chania Dillard, youth minister at Greater Mount Nebo. “You have to understand where they are now.” Rev. Tameka McFadden, young adult minister at Greater Mount Nebo in Bowie, agreed. “I wanted to be here to understand more about the Collective Empowerment Group and also what the CDC are going to do in their respective communities as it relates to inter-generation [connections] and how is that going to look,” she said. WI

CEG Training Institute - The umbrella program for all educational workshops, seminars and forums that provide technical assistance, training and apprise participants of financial services available. The organization also has the Reverend Jonathan L. Weaver Scholarship, a $1,500 prize available to high school seniors of the Collective Empowerment Group. The crowd at Saturday’s conference came with many ideas and questions for the speakers that included Chicago pastor and rapper Julian “J.Kwest” DeShazier. “Churches during the civil rights movement were less places of worship but were community centers where more important conversations could happen,” said DeShazier, who also has a large ministry in Chicago. “Part of my vision is not to do anything new, but to return to a place where churches are really 315656_6_x_6.5.indd 1

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5 The water quality of the Potomac River estuary needs improvement. (Courtesy of NOAA)

Maryland Water Reportedly Among the Worst in the United States By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia Maryland’s Montgomery County continues to consider tougher lead standards for public school drinking water, equivalent to the federal standard for bottled water. And a bill advancing in Maryland’s General Assembly in Annapolis would require the same change at all Maryland public schools, according to WTOP. Montgomery County Council member Tom Hucker’s bill, introduced in February, would apply to the county’s public schools. “Scientists know much more today than they did when the assembly passed the current statewide lead standard of 20 parts per billion back in 2006,” Hucker said ahead of a public hearing on the bill last month. It’s still just one step in what experts said are many needed throughout the state. A recent report from the District-based financial website WalletHub revealed that Maryland was tied with Oklahoma, Louisiana and Kentucky for the worst water quality in the country proved just one of many studies to bare out those facts. In December, the Maryland Board of Public Works ap-

proved more than $76 million in grants and loans to reduce pollution, save energy and improve drinking water systems. The board is composed of Governor Larry Hogan, Treasurer Nancy K. Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot. “These are smart investments to protect public health and the environment while saving money and energy in Maryland communities,” said Maryland Environment Secretary Ben Grumbles. “Upgrading the Westminster sewage treatment plant and septic systems across the state will help us to green and grow the state’s economy and lead in the race to protect and restore Chesapeake Bay watersheds.” Making matters worse, earlier this month in Prince George’s County, a broken water main along Indian Head Highway led to water gushing onto the roadway, causing a boil-water advisory that rattled some residents. One environmentally concerned couple donated their fishing boat for use as part of a new program to test water quality on a weekly basis. “If you’ve ever seen D.C. on a Saturday in July, there’s just boats out there, and people are on stand-up paddle boards, falling in the water,” Dean Naujoks of the Potomac Riverkeeper Network told the

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DCist. “I just think people have a right to know whether it’s safe to go in or not.” The 42-foot boat was donated to the Potomac Riverkeeper Network by retired Navy Adm. Paul Reason and his wife, Diane Reason. “The Potomac is my home river, I’m a native Washingtonian,” said Reason, who was the Navy’s first Black four-star admiral and commanded the Atlantic Fleet, DCist reported. The Reasons had the boat built in 2006. “It’s a traditional-hulled Chesapeake Bay deadrise,” Reason said. A deadrise is a long, lowslung fishing boat – designed for the bay’s particular winds and currents and shallow waters. “We’ve been building these boats on the Chesapeake Bay for hundreds of years,” he said. Grumbles called the boat a “kind of a pollution hound” to make sure the Potomac River continues to improve. “It’s more important now than ever before, when the federal government is not as focused on clean and safe water to have states, like Maryland, and localities, and communities and nonprofit organizations increase the number of eyes and ears on the water,” he said. WI

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RESPONSIBLY MEETING AMERICA’S ENERGY NEEDS America’s natural gas and oil use advanced technologies to produce affordable energy that powers the modern conveniences of our daily lives. We’re committed to safer and more environmentally responsible ways to access America’s offshore natural resources. Spurring investment and supporting millions of American jobs, America’s natural gas and oil are safely, reliably and securely meeting America’s energy needs.

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100 Years of American Energy 5 U.S. success demonstrates the reality that people can reduce emissions and increase production of the energy that powers economies and supports modern daily living. (Photo: iStockphoto / NNPA)

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA Newswire Correspondent @StacyBrownMedia Historically, the oil and gas industry hasn’t been known for diversity and inclusion efforts with its businesses regularly comprising of a demographic that’s about 90 percent white and male. However, the American Petroleum Institute (API) which counts as the largest U.S. trade association for the oil and natural gas industry, has worked to change the landscape by putting in place strategic and definitive initiatives that address diversity and inclusion. 2019 marks the 100th anniversary of API, which has established industry standards and disseminates best practices across the industry, nationwide and globally. With alliances with NNPA, – the Black Press of America with more than 215 African American owned newspapers and media companies – and the National Association of Hispanic Publications, the American Association of Blacks in Energy and others, API hopes to encourage minorities and women to be petroleum engineers, geologists, welders, electricians, accountants, business managers and fill other necessary posts. “The Black Press, probably more than any organization in the nation has a history of communications with the Black community, reaching policy leaders in the community as well as young folks,” said Frank Stewart, a con-

sultant for API and president of Frank M. Stewart & Company. “We believe we have a unique opportunity and the way to reach the community is by [aligning] with the people they trust,” Stewart said. “The analogy is also with the Hispanic Press,” said Dr. Carlos Rodriguez, also an API consultant. Additionally, API has an Energy Research Collaborative (ERC) with strategic partners focused on workforce development and engagement with nontraditional allies. The ERC also includes Asian Americans in Energy, the Environment and Commerce, the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, Hispanics in Energy, National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development, The Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers, United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and others. The group meets regularly and continues to provide feedback and recommendations to API, which traces its beginning to World War I, when Congress and the domestic oil and natural gas industry worked together to help the war effort. “The U.S. energy industry has always been at the forefront of powering positive change – from supporting the war effort during World War I to the energy revolution that has made the U.S. the world’s leading producer, refiner,

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and exporter of natural gas, and No. 1 reducer of emissions,” said API President and CEO Mike Sommers during a recent celebration of the organization’s 100th anniversary. API’s member companies still play a central role in America’s security, Sommers said. API establishes industry standards and disseminates best practices across the industry, nationwide and globally. Partnering with the best and brightest technical experts from government, academia, and industry, API has developed almost 700 standards to enhance the safety of our workers and protect the community and environment. Certification programs developed by API’s Global Industry Services division help companies operationalize standards, providing consistency, interoperability, and reliability.

The United States leads the world in production of natural gas and oil, and in reduction of carbon dioxide emissions – supplying affordable, reliable energy while serving as the world’s gold standard for safe, environmentally responsible energy development. The U.S. has reduced CO2 emissions to their lowest levels in a generation while the rest of the world’s emissions have dramatically risen. The energy landscape is evolving to meet consumer needs in cleaner, safer and more reliable ways. Just 15 years increasing imports and peak oil were a focus, and some didn’t even mention clean U.S. natural gas as an electricity source, Sommers said. Due to dramatic technological innovations, the US now leads the world in natural gas and oil production, fueling the world’s growth and adhering to the safest and most environmentally responsible standards in the world, he said. Affordable energy gives U.S. manufacturers and major competitive advantage, and is a key factor revitalizing communities across the nation. The U.S. energy industry is producing energy at record levels – meeting record demand and decreasing reliance on foreign sup-

pliers. The EIA forecasts that the United States will be a net exporter of crude oil and petroleum products by 2020 – boosting economic growth and enhancing energy security for the United States and allies. Projections confirm a need for more natural gas and oil, not less, in the decades ahead, Sommers said. U.S. success demonstrates the reality that people can reduce emissions and increase production of the energy that powers economies and supports modern daily living. Growing energy demand means better, safer quality of life for billions living in poverty around the globe, API officials said. Nearly 1 billion people in the world don’t have access to electricity, and 2.1 billion live without safe drinking water at home. “Energy is the key to improving health, security and opportunity for millions. And the United States is the world leader in meeting demand growth safely and cleanly,” Sommers said. “With API’s leadership, we’ve set the world’s goal standard for safe, environmentally responsible operations and enhanced America’s energy security. As we honor a century of industry-driven progress, we also look ahead to a future made safer, brighter, and more prosperous for communities around the world by continued energy innovation,” he said.

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 23 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

INTERNATIONAL

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Zimbabwe Clears Path for Investors Zimbabwe’s government has gazetted the Zimbabwe Investment Development Agency Bill, which seeks to establish a one-stop shop for investors. The bill was published in Saturday’s Government Gazette and is part of the government’s efforts to create an investor-friendly environment, The Herald reported April 7. According to the legislation, the role of the agency will be to facilitate entry of investment projects. “The primary function of the agency is to facilitate entry and implementation of investment projects, as well as to coordinate investment programs and strategies,” the bill read. The bill also provides for organizations that would constitute the agency. “Clause 5 (a) establishes a one-stop shop investment centre which shall have representatives of entities that play a role in the licensing, establishment and operationalization of investments,” the bill read. “These entities are the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, the Environmental Management Agency, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, the National Social Security Authority, the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, the State Enterprises Restructuring Agency and specialised investment units and other relevant line ministries. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for both investors and the establishment of ZIDA is part of the ongoing reforms. The government’s move to establish the agency follows Mnangagwa’s visit last year to Rwanda, where he was impressed by the strides made by the Central African country since the 1994 genocide.

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The Trinidad and Tobago government said it would not follow its Caribbean Community (CARICOM) neighbor, Barbados, in implementing a gun amnesty aimed at curbing gun-related crimes on the twin island republic. “A gun amnesty works in certain countries and certain circumstances. We don’t think that is applicable to Trinidad and Tobago,” National Security Minister Stuart Young said at an April 4 a news conference following the weekly Cabinet meeting. Last week, the Barbados government announced a weeklong gun amnesty with Attorney General Dale Marshall telling legislators that the amnesty would begin Saturday. “If you have ammunition and you know you have no lawful reason to have, take it to a police station day or night, no questions asked,” Marshall told Parliament during the debate on the amendment to the Bail Act. Young told reporters that in Trinidad and Tobago, the “guns are being used to carry out criminal enterprises.” “This is not as in the old days, someone having a rusty old revolver with two rounds of ammunition,” he said. “There are very sophisticated weapons that, unfortunately, are here in Trinidad and Tobago and we don’t think there is a benefit to a gun amnesty.” WI

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40 Years of Service – DCHFA This year the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is celebrating its 40th year of serving the housing needs of Washington, D.C. residents. The DCHFA was established on March 3, 1979 to stimulate and expand homeownership and rental housing opportunities in the District. The Agency’s mission is to advance the District of Columbia’s housing priorities. The Agency invests in affordable housing and neighborhood development, which provides pathways for D.C. residents to transform their lives. The DCHFA accomplishes its mission by delivering the most efficient and effective sources of capital available in the market to finance rental housing and to create homeownership opportunities. During its 40 years, the Agency has funded the development of over 50,368 units of affordable housing throughout the District’s eight wards. DCHFA’s Multifamily Lending and Neighborhood Investments programs offer financing to create and preserve affordable rental apartment homes throughout the District. The program offers private for-profit and non-profit developers low cost construction and permanent financing that supports the new construction, acquisition, and rehabilitation of rental housing. The Agency has expanded beyond traditional bond and tax credit financing with the Housing Investment Platform (HIP) Single Family Investment Fund which partners with emerging developers to construct homes priced for middle income workforce families earning up to 120 percent of the area median income. The first development, Ward 8’s Elvans Road Townhomes welcomed new homeowners during the summer of 2018 and the second HIP development, Cynthia Townhomes is under construction in Ward 7. DCHFA’s Single Family Programs division manages all of the Agency’s homeownership programs with the goal of expanding and retaining homeownership opportunities in Washington, D.C. The Agency’s homeownership programs DC Open Doors and the Mortgage Credit Certificate along with its co-administration of the

Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) help to create new homeowners. The foreclosure prevention programs HomeSaver and the Reverse Mortgage Insurance and Tax Payment Program (ReMIT) help residents facing foreclosure retain homeownership. Under the leadership of Executive Director and CEO Todd A. Lee since 2016, DCHFA has undergone several innovations to increase community engagement and provide more efficient housing solutions to Washingtonians. Lee has implemented new technologies, launched new housing products, and led the Agency’s team through a rebranding, which have been instrumental in the growth of DCHFA. In 2018, Lee was awarded Washington Business Journal’s Minority Business Leader Award, and most recently he was named the 2019 Government Sector Awardee by the District of Columba Building Industry Association. “You can only innovate if you have support from above. We have the support of our Board of Directors; we are also blessed enough to have a mayor who sees housing as one of the number one priorities in this city,” said Lee. Already in 2019, the Agency has launched the DC Mortgage Assistance Program (DC MAP) for furloughed federal employees and ReMIT. DC MAP was created to assist federal employees who could not pay their mortgages due to the partial federal government shutdown. DCHFA launched ReMIT to provide assistance to seniors facing foreclosure because of delinquent tax and insurance payments associated with their reverse mortgages. Anita Bonds, Concilmember at-Large and Chairperson Committee on Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization, secured funding in the FY19 Budget Support Act. The DCHFA’s investment in communities extends to supporting local education enrichment, youth and senior programs through the Agency’s Community Engagement Initiative. The Agency’s goal is to spend its 40th year and many years to follow continuing to provide solutions in affordable housing for the residents of the District of Columbia.

DCHFA Timeline 1979: Legislation was passed by the Council of the District of Columbia and signed by Mayor Marion Barry to create the DC Housing Finance Agency

2013: DC Open Doors is launched and provides down payment and closing cost assistance loans to DC homebuyers

1982: DCHFA financed its first affordable multifamily housing development

2016: Launches Mortgage Credit Certificate program and DC Open Doors reaches $200 million in mortgage loans

1996: The Council of the District of Columbia, Mayor, DC Control Board and U.S. Congress eliminated DCHFA’s appropriated debt, allowing the Agency to become an independent agency.

2017: DCHFA named co-administrator of the Home Purchasing Assistance Program (HPAP) and launches the Housing Investment Platform (HIP)

1999: The Home Resource Center was opened to provide free housing counseling services to potential buyers

2018: DCHFA closes first HUD Level I 50/50 risk share transaction by financing the preservation of 176 affordable units in Ward 8

2008: DCHFA reaches $1 billion mark in multifamily affordable housing finance in Washington, D.C. 2010: DCHFA is awarded over $20 million to help District homeowners prevent foreclosures through the HomeSaver Program

2019: DCHFA launches DC Mortgage Assistance Program (DC MAP) for furloughed federal government employees and the Reverse Mortgage Insurance and Tax Payment Program(ReMIT) for District residents at risk of foreclosure

L E A R N H O W YO U C A N P U RC H A S E YO U R HOME IN D.C . USING A D C OPEN D OOR S MO RTG AG E P RO DU C T, H PA P A N D/O R THE MORTGAGE C R ED IT C ERTIFIC ATE

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 25 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

EDUCATION Maryland Education Plan Seeks Improvements in Prince George’s County By William J. Ford WI Staff Writer @jabariwill For being one of six Maryland schools to receive a Blue Ribbon honor for education excellence, Glenarden Woods Elementary will receive $2,000 from the state Department of Education, $1,000 gift certificate and a cookie party for its 491 students. The talented-and-gifted school in Glenarden showcased its $7,500 interactive Smartboard when state and county officials visited the school Thursday, April 4. After the nearly hourlong celebration for its second Blue Ribbon designation, during which students said the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish, Principal Cecelia Bowlding said the school can become even better. For instance, the school must pay for an assistant principal instead of having funds for the position allocated in the budget. Also, a media specialist and an art teacher work only part-time at the school, which incorporates art into the core subjects of sci-

ence, technology, math and reading. “Human capital is always the best capital,” Bowlding said. “The question is: ‘Do you need more when you’re doing so well?’ We would probably soar even higher if we had more staff.” The school could possibly receive help, thanks to state lawmakers approving a statewide education plan known as the “Education Blueprint for Maryland’s Future.” The two-year plan would boost teacher salaries by 1.5 percent from the state if counties and Baltimore City provide 3 percent, incorporate a college- and career-readiness standard by the end of 10th grade and offer additional resources for students with disabilities. Schools that had at least 80 percent of the student population receive free or reduced lunch in the most recent two school years are eligible to receive a variety of services, including grants to hire a full-time health practitioner during school hours and to incorporate school-based health centers and in-school and after-school programming. The education package is based

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5 Glenarden Woods Elementary students hold thank-you signs after state and county officials and other dignitaries visit the school on April 4 to award it with the Blue Ribbon honor for education excellence. (William J. Ford/The Washington Informer)

on two years of recommendations by the Commission on Innovation and Excellence in Education, also known as the Kirwan Commission, led by William E. “Brit” Kirwan, former chancellor of the University of Maryland System. The legislature already approved an additional $255 million in the budget toward the Kirwan recommendations. The measure, which now heads to Gov. Larry Hogan’s desk for signature, allocates $725 million through 2022 with an additional $130 million if lawmakers can pass legislation next year on how to pay for additional programming. One school that qualifies for the 80 percent lunch baseline is

William Wirt Middle School in Riverdale, which is located in Del. Alonzo Washington’s district. “It’s a high area with a concentration of immigrants and minorities,” said Washington (D-District 22), who serves on the 25-member Kirwan commission. “This bill would specifically wraparound services not only for the students, but also the families in that community. It’s huge for us.” In Prince George’s County, nearly 50 schools could be eligible under the free and reduced lunch guideline and other wraparound services. To help pay for those needs, the legislation highlights each school would receive a

grant of nearly $250,000 in fiscal 2020 and 2021. According to the legislation during that timeframe, the county would receive the highest percentage of state funding at 15 percent for students with disabilities. “We’re the second-largest jurisdiction in the state of Maryland that will get funding to help our schools,” said Monica Goldson, interim CEO of Prince George’s County Public Schools. “That begins to close the equitable gap that exists in terms of financing a school district that’s 91 percent children of color and 60 percent on free and reduced lunch.” WI

BUSCH from Page 12

president Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr., who described his longtime friend and colleague as a “very decent, compassionate man.” Lawmakers also passed another Busch priority to revamp the University of Maryland Medical System’s board of directors which has faced scrutiny after allegations of personal conduct. Although news reports published many of the board members used connections for personal financial gain, Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh received the biggest outcry that included a $500,000 contract for self-published “Healthy Holly” children’s books. Pugh said through a spokesman Saturday, April 6 that she plans to return to office after she recovers from a case of pneumonia. But on Monday, the Baltimore City delegation held an impromptu press conference to also call for

Pugh’s resignation. The city council also requested the mayor step down. “We would encourage her to reconsider that position because we do not believe it’s in the best interest for the city of Baltimore,” said Del. Cheryl Glenn, as members of the city’s delegation stood behind her in the State House. “The position of mayor is not a revolving door. We need some continuity in the city of Baltimore.” ‘Terrific Job’ The majority-Democratic legislature passed a plethora of bills at the session’s close, such as gradually increasing the state’s minimum hourly wage to $15, a nearly $1 billion, two-year education plan, and banning the sale of polystyrene service products, or items sold in foam cups, containers and food packages.

tion might help down there [in Annapolis],” Kipke quipped. “But obviously, he never forgot about losing that game.” Del. Jazz Lewis (D-District 24) of Landover, who also serves as vice chairman of the House Democratic Caucus, confirmed a new speaker wouldn’t be chosen until after Busch’s funeral. A special session would need to held to choose a person, but Lewis said that could take up to several weeks. As for approval of last-minute legislation Monday, the Senate conducted its first order of business: a 29-16 vote to override a veto by Gov. Larry Hogan to create oyster sanctuaries in five tributaries in the Chesapeake Bay, a Busch-sponsored piece of legislation. “We need to proceed as best we can in his honor,” said Senate

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BUSCH Page 27

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DCPS

BRIEFS Compiled by Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

DCPS SPRING BREAK

There are no classes for students and teachers from April 15-19.

ESSA TASK FORCE UPDATE

The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) education task force will make recommendations in June to the State Board on equity in education in the areas of academic rigor, leadership, and school resources and funding. The task force meets on the second Tuesday of each month from now until June 2019. While members of the public may attend and observe all task force meetings, they are not permitted to speak or participate during these sessions. Individuals and representatives of organizations may submit written testimony or information for consideration by the task force by emailing sboe@ dc.gov. For the latest updates on the task force’s work, go to sboe.dc.gov/essa.

BUSCH from Page 26 Prince George’s County saw a change in statewide leadership. Del. Michael A. Jackson, a Democrat who represents portions of Prince George’s and Calvert counties, served as the new chair of the Prince George’s House delegation. He worked alongside leadership elected in November: County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and six of the 11 members on the County Council. Although a county bill to authorize a $25 million school construction fund, lawmakers did approve for Prince George’s officials to start another fund for a similar effort. A report released last month from a transition team for Alsobrooks outlines nearly $1 billion in school construction over a seven-year period through public and private partnerships.

ADULT COLLEGE COMPLETION FAIR

The Office of the State Superintendent of Education (OSSE) recently held its fifth Adult College Completion Fair at Judiciary Square in Northwest. The fair encouraged adult learners who are interested in attending college for the first time or left college without obtaining a degree to earn their postsecondary credential. This year’s fair featured adult-friendly postsecondary institutions and community-based organizations in the D.C. metropolitan area. Participating institutions offer degree programs that are flexible, affordable and student-centered, and offer opportunities for tuition assistance, credit for prior learning, and partnerships with workforce development programs. Attendees also learned how to earn a degree for $3,000 or less at Southern New Hampshire University’s College for America, an online competency-based program.

INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS

Interscholastic sports are offered at all levels — elementary, middle, and high school. DCPS students can begin honing competitive skills at a young age.\ For example, fall sports offerings include volleyball, football, soccer, cheerleading and cross-country to students across all grade levels. Even archery is offered for middle school students.

TMA SHINING STAR GALA

Thurgood Marshall Academy in Southeast will hold its for the public Star Gala on Thursday, May 2 to celebrate its educators, highlight school successes, thank donors and have attendees interact with their

5 Interscholastic sports within the DCPS system are offered at all levels — elementary, middle and high school. (Courtesy of DCPS)

students. The gala will provide attendees the opportunity to step into classrooms, tour the school and

observe the teachers and staff who help ensure that TMA students are prepared to succeed in college and actively engage in society. WI

Howard University School of Education

SCHOOL YEAR ENROLLMENT

In collaboration with the Policy and Legal Strategy Team, the Enrollment DCPS Team has finalized the SY19-20 Enrollment and Lottery Handbook. Updated annually, the handbook details policies and procedures governing DCPS student enrollment. Enrollment for the new school year can be accomplished in three steps: Provide proof of D.C. residency, review residency verification “With all the new [leadership] coming in I think we did a terrific job,” Jackson said. “We had an active session and plan to come back next year and do more.” This year’s legislature saw a record 72 women serving in office, with several new lawmakers such as Del. Lily Qi (D-Montgomery County), an Asian American who immigrated from China and celebrated 30 years as a U.S. citizen during the session Feb. 22. Qi will try again next year to rally support for legislation to ease restrictions for unaffiliated or independent voters to partake in future primary elections by allowing them to change their political affiliation to Democrat or Republican. “I think all the new delegates are still trying to find out where they can offer value,” Qi said Monday. “I know pushing for change is not comfortable for some people. Change usually takes time.” WI

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guidelines, and bring the completed enrollment packet to the school. For questions, email enroll@ dc.gov or dcps.policy@dc.gov.

EDUCATION

JOB FAIR FOR EDUCATORS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC WHEN: WHERE:

April 18, 2019 | Noon – 4:00 PM Banneker High School 800 Euclid Street NW, Washington, DC 20059 (across the street from the main campus)

2441 4th Street NW | Washington, DC 20059 Excellence in Truth and Service

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 27 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

EDITORIAL Trump’s Mocking of Rep. Ilhan Omar – Disturbing, Dangerous and Un-presidential Patrick Carlineo, 55, a self-acknowledged U.S. patriot from upstate New York and a proud “lover of Donald Trump” who hates radical Muslims and recently leveled a death threat against Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) saying,” I’ll put a bullet in her [expletive] skull,” has been arrested and charged by the FBI. And as we’ve grown accustomed to seeing over the past two years, the president, rather than denouncing the evil plan of the clearly crazed man, has sided with him – or at least made light of what could have been a heinous deed. Just one day after the arrest, Trump, while speaking to a conservative Jewish group in Las Vegas, made light of the threat, choosing instead to point a crooked finger at Omar for allegedly disliking Israel and who, since her election, has been a thorn in the president’s side. Trump may have meant to be jovial but his standup comedic routine and his provocative comments were anything but funny. Neither were they appropriate given his role as the president of the United States. So far, he has yet to condemn the threat made by the “hopeful assassin.” Instead, he has publicly attacked Omar, poking fun at her while denigrating her character and her criticisms of American foreign policy and the current relationship between the U.S. and Israel. Once again, as he did when murder and mayhem took centerstage in Charlottesville, he has confirmed his ambivalence and utter lack of diplomacy and commonsense, stoking the flames of hatred for Muslims, socialists – those viewed as “the others” – to the delight of his base of diehard supporters who seem willing to follow him no matter what – like cows mindlessly grazing on the fields of their beloved shepherd. “A special thanks to Rep. Omar” he said to members of the Republican Jewish Coalition. “Oh, I forgot,” he smirked as some audience members booed. “She doesn’t like Israel. I forgot. I’m so sorry. No she doesn’t like Israel, does she? Please, I apologize.” Omar, since her election, has faced death threats and a backlash for her alleged anti-Semitic comments. And while we may not agree with her views, in country that claims to be a democracy, all citizens should be allowed to express their beliefs without threat of injury or death. Trump needs to lead by example and leave the inappropriate, non-presidential slurs, innuendoes and chicanery for a time when he no longer represents our nation. That would be the ultimate way to truly “made America great again.” WI

The Inspirational Life of Nipsey Hussle Ermias Joseph Asghedom, the rapper and entrepreneur known as Nipsey Hussle, was laid to rest today. Hussle, 33, was gunned down in broad daylight on the afternoon of March 31 in front of the clothing business he owned, Marathon, in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Los Angeles. Thousands of fellow artists, fans and admirers poured into the Staples Arena in Los Angeles to pay tribute and say farewell. Others joined a 25-mile procession that led participants past Marathon, at the intersection of Slauson and Crenshaw in South LA, which has since been renamed Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom Square by the LA City Council after they received petitions totaling more than 500,000 signatures. It was a homegoing fit for a man loved and respected by so many. Hussle, a former Crips gang member, became the hope for a new day in a community beleaguered by decades of gang violence. Hussle spent his professional music career seeking to redefine the world of gangs. He wanted to end the destruction of gang violence and launched efforts to use the minds and skills of gang members, even those who opposed each other, to build businesses, therefore creating a stake in the communities they once terrorized. What Hussle attempted to achieve in his short lifetime is materializing in the shadow of his death. Feuding gang members laid down their weapons to attend the funeral and called a truce as they marched together last Sunday, in solidarity and in honor of Hussle. They left candles, flowers and embraced each other while posting the historic moment on social media – something that reportedly hasn’t occurred since 1994 following the beating of Rodney King by Los Angeles police. They gathered again at Hussle’s funeral and left after catching a glimpse of what could happen if Hussle’s spirit was allowed to live on within each of them. But memories are short and habits are hard to change. Many hope this kumbaya moment of peaceful brotherhood and sisterhood will take hold and last forever – the reality is it may be short-lived. Hussle was unlike entertainers known for having deep pockets. He was committed to the community from which he came. He envisioned a future where gang affiliations could be used to build and prosper as opposed to destroy and deplete. In a podcast interview last December, the Grammy-nominated artist told listeners, “The highest human act is to inspire. Good music inspires you to dance, to get some money, to fall in love, to motivate you. My goal is to inspire you!” Mission accomplished! WI

TO THE EDITOR Bring Back Our Girls

Giving Ida B. Wells Her Due

To see that picture of Relisha Rudd, really touched my heart. I can’t believe that its been so many years since she’s gone missing and I know there has been foul play. Why hasn’t there been any follow-ups? Maybe there have been and I don’t know. Please, Informer, look into this and keep our community updated with ALL the missing Black and brown girls. Please!

I know it’s not a big deal to a lot of people, but as a student of history I am overjoyed to see a middle school named after the great Ida B. Wells. She was a phenomenal Black woman, a change-maker, someone who doesn’t get enough credit for her contributions to African-American history! Way to go, D.C.!

Mary Simmons Washington, D.C.

Levette Armstrong Washington, D.C.

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 29 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By Julianne Malveaux

Unfit, Unprepared, Unworthy: Betsy Devoid and the Department of Education

etsy “Devoid” (of good sense), also known as Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, is an aberration, an abomination, an abscess on the complexion of educational policy and equity. She has been so egregious that at least two members of Congress, Katherine Clark (D-Mass.) and Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), have called for her

resignation because of her abject indifference to young people, especially those who are Black, brown and poor. Additionally, Ronald. J. Mason, president of the University of the District of Columbia, has written an open letter to DeVoid, challenging her interpretation of meritocracy. The letter, published in a recent issue of Diverse Issues of Higher Education, suggests that education can be a bridge to maximize human potential, but only if we are open to the contributions of every human being and

especially every young person who aspires to greatness. Instead of supporting our young people, DeVoid has attacked them. There are alarming statistics that the Obama administration attempted to deal with. Black boys are three times as likely to be suspended as their white counterparts. More disturbingly, Black girls are 12 (12!) times more likely to be suspended than white girls. Why? Because Black girls have no girlhood, no presumption of innocence. We are the recipients of Af-

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ro-phobia, or the fear of Black people. President Obama didn’t do much for Black folks, but he did introduce civil rights division protections for these overly suspended students. DeVoid would roll them back. That’s not the only thing she’d roll back. She wants to change the rules on campus enforcement of sexual harassment, giving the attacker the “presumption of innocence,” and more jarringly the right for a rapist to question his (usually, could be her) accuser. And she wants to protect

for-profit colleges while President Obama said that students should be protected against these predators. Understand this. These for-profit colleges only exist to take people’s student loan money. They provide little in services and even less in educational support. But DeVoid, whose family seems to benefit from their involvement in the for-profit college space, is protecting her own interest. That’s not unusual in an administration where

ly clear that there was no link between MMR and autism. For example, a study in the British Medical Journal found that autism rates continued to climb in areas where MMR vaccination rates were not increasing. Another study found no association with MMR and autism or gastrointestinal disorders. Other studies showed no difference in the diagnosis rate of autism either before or after the MMR vaccine was administered, or between vaccinated and unvaccinated children. Most recently, a study found that there was no decrease in autism rates following removal of the MMR vaccine in Japan. In 2001, the Institute of Medicine

(IOM) reviewed all of the MMR-autism data available to date and concluded that there was no association and essentially closed the case — a conclusion confirmed by still later studies. If Wakefield had simply been wrong in his preliminary findings, he would be innocent of any wrongdoing — scientists are not faulted if their early findings are not later vindicated. However, in May 2004, 10 of Wakefield’s co-authors on his original paper withdrew their support for its conclusions. The editors of Lancet also announced that they withdrew their endorsement of the paper (the first time

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By Glenn Ellis

Why Are We Still Questioning Vaccines?

Measles cases have cropped up across 12 states over the past 10 weeks — nearly two decades since the highly contagious disease was said to be eradicated in the U.S. Temple University in Philadelphia has reported over 100 cases of mumps in an outbreak, and more cases are spreading across the Philadelphia region. Regrettably, I believe we are at the tip of the iceberg, thanks to the enormous amount of false and misleading misinformation from the anti-vaccine movement.

Vaccines are one of the most successful programs in modern health care, reducing — and in some cases even eliminating — serious infectious diseases. Public support for the vaccination program remains strong, especially in the United States where vaccination rates are currently at an all-time high of more than 95 percent of the population. Yet, despite a long history of safety and effectiveness, vaccines have always had their critics: some parents and a tiny fringe of doctors question whether vaccinating children is worth what they perceive as the risks. In recent years, the anti-vaccination movement, largely based on poor science and fear-mongering, has become

more vocal and even hostile. In January alone, measles were confirmed in 10 states: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Texas and Washington, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of course, vaccines are not without risk (no medical intervention is), but the benefits far outweigh those risks. In 1998, researcher Andrew Wakefield and some of his colleagues published a study in the prestigious English medical journal Lancet that claimed to show a connection between the measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine and autism. As the follow-up studies began to be published, however, it became increasing-

Guest Columnist

ELLIS Page 53

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

The Politics Behind Trump’s Empty Border Threats

Donald Trump’s flailing on immigration and the Mexican border continue to spiral into chaos. First, he threatened to close the border with Mexico. One week later, he walked that back. He declares a national emergency about the “invasion” of people seeking asylum from Central American countries, and then says he’s stopped all aid to those countries, which can only worsen the conditions that cause people to leave. He says he’s already building a wall. That isn’t true. He torpedoes bipartisan measures that

30 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

might begin to make things better. It’s increasingly clear Trump wants a crisis that he can use politically, not a solution that can ease human suffering. Two weeks ago, Trump’s threat was clear: “If Mexico doesn’t immediately stop ALL illegal immigration coming into the United States through [sic] our Southern Border,” he tweeted, “I will be CLOSING...the Border, or large sections of the Border, next week.” His aides said he was deadly serious. Trump’s leading mouthpiece, Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, told ABC News that it would take “something dramatic” to stop him from doing it. Less than a week later, Trump reversed himself. He suddenly praised Mexico as being “very nice,” claiming

that Mexico had changed its policy toward the asylum seekers, which a befuddled Mexican government quickly denied. He retreated by issuing new bluster: “We’re going to give them a one-year warning, and if the drugs don’t stop, or largely stop, we’re going to put tariffs on Mexico and products, in particular cars. And if that doesn’t work, we’re going to close the border. You know I will do it. I don’t play games,” Trump warned, playing games with his threats. What was the “something dramatic” that convinced the president to take back his threat? He was mugged by reality. Closing our 2,000-mile border with Mexico would be an economic

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catastrophe, a moral blight, inconceivably inane and literally impossible. A combined 15 million people live along the border. Some $1.7 billion of twoway trade and hundreds of thousands of legal travelers cross the border each day. Mexico is the second-largest market for U.S.-made products (Canada is first). It is our third-largest trading partner (after Canada and China). It is the fourth-largest supplier of foreign crude oil to the United States. It is the top destination for U.S. travelers. Trump lives in a universe that he shares only with rabid Fox News commentators, but, in this case, he was forcibly reminded of reality by Republican business leaders and by the conservative U.S. Chamber of

Commerce, which warned that closing the border would “inflict severe economic harm on American families.” Even Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who usually wags his tail at whatever the president tweets, warned of “potentially catastrophic economic damage.” Trump’s threats are just posturing, but his policy is a chaotic calamity. He declares a national emergency to claim money for his wall (largely from the military) against the will of the bipartisan majority in both houses of Congress. He rails about the import of drugs, ignoring the reality that virtually all of the hard drugs come

JACKSON Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

By E. Faye Williams

Grateful

While I have for the most part had a blessed life. I don’t mean that I didn’t grow up in poverty, that I didn’t face racism or sexism or that I did not experience bad breaks in life. I’ve experienced all of those things, but I was never bogged down in ungratefulness. As a matter of fact, no matter how little I’ve ever had, I’ve felt a need to share what I had with someone who may have had less. I’ve never asked to be served by

others, but I’ve felt compelled to be of service to anyone who needed my help. I’ve often given my best and my last to help others. I’ve always been energetic, willing to study many things so that I could qualify to help more people even when some didn’t show that they were grateful for the help I often gave. I know that I’m by no means the perfect servant. Others have given far more than I have, but I’m pretty satisfied that I’ve given my best whenever someone needed my help. Sometimes I gave family help, church help, organizational help,

Guest Columnist

financial help, living space help, counseling help, legal help, advisory help, clothing help, help with food, help with advice, you name it. I was always grateful that I had the ability to help. Sometimes people said thank you. Sometimes they didn’t, but even when they didn’t and came for my help again, I’ve tried to be there. However, recently the time came that I began to feel totally worn out, realizing that I was helping everyone I could, while not always helping myself. An elderly neighbor once said to me, “Be grateful that you’re the one giving the help rather than always

needing the help.” I think that’s good advice, but sometimes you just feel that you need someone to give you some of those things you’ve so often given to others — your time and attention. Sometimes givers need help, but never ask. I’m taking it upon myself to speak for those who serve and never ask others to do for them. Givers rarely ask for anything from others, but it doesn’t mean the smallest gift of gratefulness does not lift the giver’s spirit. My spirits were lifted beyond measure when Hazel Trice Edney, president and CEO of Trice Edney Newswire, con-

tacted several of us who write, publish and appear on radio or television to tell us we were being honored for our service with the Stateswomen of the Black Press Award. I’m sure I speak for my sisters who received the award to say that we’re grateful and proud of the recognition of our efforts to plead our own cause day after day. We feel that it is our duty to do so. The day after receiving that award, I received the Champions of Peace and Nonviolence Award

WILLIAMS Page 54

By Charlene Crowell

After 51 Years, Fair Housing Still an Unfinished Journey

Fifty-one years this month, the Fair Housing Act was enacted to ensure that housing discrimination was illegal. Yet just days before the annual observance of Fair Housing Month began, several news articles reminded the nation that housing discrimination still exists. For example, on March 19, the Office of the Comptroller of the

Currency fined Citibank $25 million for violations related to mortgage lending. At issue was Citibank’s “relationship pricing” program that afforded mortgage applicants either a credit on closing costs or a reduced interest rate. These cost breaks were intended to be offered to customers on the basis of their deposits and investment balances. According to the office’s examination at Citibank, these ‘relationships” did not include all eligible customers — particularly people of color. The regulator’s conclusion

Askia-At-Large

was that the bank’s practices led to racial disparities. The settlement calls for all 24,000 consumers affected to receive $24 million in restitution. Days later on March 28, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) charged Facebook with violating the Act by enabling its advertisers to discriminate on its social media platform. According to the lawsuit, Facebook enabled advertisers to exclude people based on their neighborhood — a high tech version of

the historical redlining of neighborhoods where people of color lived. With 210 million Facebook users in the United States and Canada alone, the social media mogul took in $8.246 billion in advertising in just the last financial quarter of 2018. As April’s annual observance of Fair Housing Month began, the chair of the House Financial Services Committee used that leadership post to bring attention to the nagging challenges that deny fair housing for all. In her opening

statement at the hearing held April 2, Chairwoman Maxine Waters set the tone and focus of the public forum. “According to the National Fair Housing Alliance, individuals filed 28,843 housing discrimination complaints in 2017,” Waters said. “Under the Trump administration, fair housing protections are under attack. … According to news reports, [HUD Secretary Ben] Carson proposed taking the words ‘free

CROWELL Page 54

By Askia Muhammad

Donald Trump, a ‘Deplorable’ Person — and Then Some

Donald J. Trump is (in alphabetical order): a deplorable, despicable, horrible, terrible, wretched human being, if there ever was one. And he is president of the United States. He sits up in his meetings, his arms folded defiantly across his bosom, his lips puckered in that disgusting whistle shape he seems to like. Or he signs a worthless piece of paper he calls a proclamation, which has authority only where the Big Guy’s shadow falls, then he shows everyone in the

room his signature, as though his felt-marker-written name is a disgusting celebrity like himself. What’s worse is that a loyal constituency will ride or die with him right into the pit of hell, and they will try to bring the entire U.S. population — indeed the entire known world — into the destruction with themselves. Whatever happened to the distinguished public servants like Dwight D. Eisenhower, a retired five-star general in the Army, and commander of allied troops, or presidents like Jimmy Carter, who was a commander of a nuclear-armed submarine, or George H.W. Bush, who was

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injured in combat during World War II? This dude disparages wounded, captured and killed service members like they were used disposable diapers. Trump’s own service record is disgusting. He dodged the draft by getting a doctor to lie and say he had a bone spur “injury” which disqualified him from military service. He claims he’s the smartest president ever, but won’t let any of his high school or college records or transcripts be released to the public. He claims to be a billionaire but refuses to permit anyone see his doctored up income tax returns. He’s had a ton

of bankruptcies and he’s ruined the lives of thousands who paid their life savings to attend his fake “Trump University.” He governs by chaos. Among his Cabinet, the positions heading the Defense Department, Department of Homeland Security, FEMA, Secret Service, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement are all vacant, as are U.N. ambassador and the DHS deputy director. Meanwhile the POTUS is present every day but can hardly account for what he does. A shocking 60 percent of his schedule is filled with unstructured “executive time.” I guess that’s watching his friends

on Faux News. He selects the worst, most toxic figures he can find to manage (or mismanage) the federal agencies. He and his acolytes hate the government for what it can do to equalize the lives of this country’s (and the world’s) needy with the lives of the “other half.” The worst thing about all of this, in my opinion, is that so many people are content with this less than mediocre leadership. They seem to revel in every stupid, disgusting, insult he tweets or speaks, and now his “MAGA”-mania is seen as a sym-

ASKIA Page 54

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 31 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE D.C. Emancipation Day Raises Questions of Economic Viability By Sam P.K.Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins As residents, government officials, organizers and artists gear up for D.C. Emancipation Day festivities this weekend, there’s much anticipation around what many predict will be another action-packed celebration along Pennsylvania Avenue and at Freedom Plaza, both located in Northwest. For some D.C. residents however,

32 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

not even the commemoration of a historically and culturally significant event could calm what, to them, seems like the never-ending anxiety about their future, and that of the city’s last-standing majority-Black communities. “Celebration is empty without having a plan to make sure that you are viable,” said ANC Commissioner Mustafa Abdul-Salaam (8C05), also head of Community Economic Development Partners. “I hope that as we’re celebrating emancipation,

5 Doug E Fresh is one of the performers expected to take the stage at Freedom Plaza in Northwest in celebration of Emancipation Day 2019. (Courtesy photo/Gee James@CMediaUSA)

we’re planning so that we don’t lose that emancipation by being displaced out of a community that we’ve been in for generations.” Abdul-Salaam, whose constituency includes people living in areas along the South Capitol corridor, revealed his intentions to organize Ward 8 residents around a plan to secure a portion of the $10 billion in development dollars expected to enter the ward within the next few

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years. Part of that endeavor includes Ward 8’s senior population with whom he has been meeting and planning for two years. An upcoming community meeting in May will follow an earlier gathering in March at Union Temple Baptist Church where residents broke into working groups focusing on cooperative economic development – a mechanism through which Abdul-Salaam says working-class people can pool resources and maintain a hold on their community. “In light of emancipation, our focus should be economics,” Abdul-Salaam added. “The fact that we have a significant gap in wealth accumulation shows that emancipation has been just on paper. This is the challenge and opportunity.” D.C. Emancipation Day commemorates the signing and passage of legislation to free 3,000 enslaved Africans in the District in 1862. Nearly 160 years later, with a surging cost of living, the District has experienced a demographic shift that’s made the term “Chocolate City” more of a misnomer than an affirmation of D.C.’s uniquely-Black culture. A study released this spring by National Community Reinvestment Coalition determined that 20,000 Black D.C. residents had been displaced between 2000 and 2013. By 2015, Black Washingtonians accounted for less than 50 percent of the population. “Nothing feels emancipated. We’re the demographic that’s rising with college graduates but still in debt as a race,” said a fourth-generation native Washingtonian who requested anonymity. Earlier this month, the millennial and photographer struggled for words after learning that her family would have to move out of the District, relocating to nearby Fort Washington. “Slavery ended in D.C. in 1892

but we’re still feeling its effects,” she said. “I haven’t seen any [substantive] financial success in communities still being underserved. Everything feels unattainable. This is supposed to be a day of freedom; it doesn’t feel like it. Gentrification is a beast.” A few miles away on Capitol Hill, Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) stands in a position to secure statehood for the District, a decades-long battle that has revealed racial and political schisms, some say fueled by D.C.’s one-time status as a majority-Black city. Last month, the House of Representatives endorsed D.C. statehood, as outlined in Norton’s For the People Act in a 234-193 vote. Some people, like Sharece Crawford, said they would like to see similar attention given to reparations for descendants of Africans enslaved in the U.S. Passing H.R. 40, a reparations study bill that’s been in congressional limbo for 30 years, counts among Crawford’s top policy objectives as an at-large D.C. Democratic Party committeewoman. “There has to be restorative justice for those who’ve struggled the most in this city. If we’re not having this conversation, then we’re missing out,” Crawford said. During a Democratic presidential candidates town hall, Crawford and other young Democrats pressured Sen. Bernie Sanders (I) to speak about the polarizing topic, to no avail. As the issue of reparations gains steam nationally, she said she has her sights set on local affairs. “We want D.C. statehood but [it’s also about] getting Congress to pass H.R. 40, for the study of reparations, that’s been sitting too long,” Crawford said. “If Congress isn’t going to do it, the D.C. Council needs to introduce it. Unless the council shows up, there won’t be true emancipation.” WI

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EMANCIPATION from Page 1 liberation of over 3,000 Blacks in the District on April 16, 1862? This year’s family-friendly festivities kickoff on Saturday, April 13 at Freedom Plaza (Pennsylvania Ave., NW between 13th and 14th Streets) with a parade (2 p.m.), a concert replete with the sounds of hip-hop, R&B and D.C.’s homegrown go-go groove (3 – 8 p.m.) and fabulous fireworks (8:30 p.m.). And with a musical lineup that includes EU featuring Sugar Bear

LIFESTYLE

– the go-go band whose original members all hailed from Ballou High in Southeast and struck gold with their megahit “Da Butt” – Kenny Lattimore, MYA, Doug E. Fresh and Master Gee of Sugar Hill Gang who made history 40 years ago with the now-iconic “Rappers Delight,” you’d be wise to bring your dancing shoes, a firm lawn chair, a well-packed picnic basket and an ample supply of bottled water. Organizers say they’re keeping their fingers crossed for blue skies and warm winds but they

A musical lineup that includes EU featuring Sugar Bear – the go-go band whose original members all hailed from Ballou High in Southeast and struck gold with

their megahit “Da Butt” – Kenny Lattimore, MYA, Doug E. Fresh and Master Gee of Sugar Hill Gang who made history 40 years ago with the now-iconic “Rappers Delight,”

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can guarantee that safety will remain the first priority. “Last year’s weather was perfect and we had record-breaking crowds – well over 4,000 participants at any given time over the course of the day – and our goal is to exceed last year’s attendance numbers and have even more citizens come out for the party,” said Angie Gates, director for the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment [OCTFME], the point person for Emancipation Day 2019 who prior to her appointment, served as Mayor Muriel Bowser’s director of inauguration for both her first and second term inaugurations. “Logistics are key when so many people are expected to occupy a relatively small space and we’ve planned ahead with barriers and fences to facilitate easy movement and safety, as well as being ADA-compliant for those who require additional assistance getting around,” she said. This year’s celebration marks the 157th anniversary of the freeing of slaves in the District – eight months before Abraham

Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation freed Blacks in the South. One caveat worth mentioning: the District bears the distinction of being the only part of the U.S. that compensated slave owners for freeing those whom they once held and owned. And to make sure young minds know the history of their hometown, schools throughout the District have been provided age-appropriate educational components so that children understand the significance of Emancipation Day in D.C. “The parade will be great fun especially for children with local school bands, members of the armed forces, dancing troupes and cheerleaders and of course you’ve got to have fireworks if you really want a top-notch celebration,” Gates added. “In addition, the entertainment showcases a diversity of artists, both local favorites and nationally-renowned celebrities so there’s something for everyone.” Gates advises people to come early and mark their spot. She adds that District officials will also be on hand from both her department and the mayor’s office to an-

swer questions about City services including updates on the progress of the “For the People Act” (H.R. 1) which focuses on voting rights, ethics reforms and fair elections and ongoing efforts for District statehood, as well as opportunities for employment within OCTFME including those who may want to be part of next year’s parade or lineup of entertainers. Grammy Hall of Fame inductee DJ Master Gee, who took the mic as part of the Sugar Hill Gang who made history on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand as the first hip-hop act featured on the popular music show four decades ago, continues to travel the world as a solo disc jockey, sharing his vocal gifts and storytelling prowess in over 100 shows a year. And he says he has no plans to slow down any time soon. “I’m far from finished,” he said during a recent interview with members of the local media. “I’m so thankful for the past and embrace life every day, doing my best to bring great joy and positive emotion wherever I perform.” WI

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 33 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE

Stacey Abrams Sets Sights on Next Political Pursuit Says She’ll Make Decision and Announcement in the Near Future

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Stacey Abrams recently announced that she will decide by the end of April if she will become a candidate for the Georgia Senate in the upcoming 2020 elections. If so, she’ll face incumbent Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga). Abrams responded to questions about a possible bid by CNN Anchor Brooke Baldwin before a packed audience at the University of the District of Columbia [UDC] on Tuesday, April 9. “I’ve told Chuck Schumer that I will make a decision and he will know what I am going to do as soon as possible,” said Abrams followed by an eruption of audience applause. Abrams continues to tour the

country to promote her new book, “Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change.” The paperback serves as a revision of her 2018 autobiography, “Minority Leader: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change.” This new version provides an overview of Abrams’ upbringing which has shaped her personal, business and political vision. It’s also a navigational guide for those outside of the power cliques who aspire to climb the ladder of success. Each chapter concludes with a series of skill-sharpening exercises. The former gubernatorial candidate wears many hats: attorney, entrepreneur, politician, activist, author and de-

ABRAMS Page 41

D.C. MEN’S ADVOCACY GROUP HONORED FOR GOOD WORK Setting historical records with over 500 attendees, 100 Fathers, Inc.’s CEO Frank Malone accepts an award for the organization’s participation in The Men’s Challenge during the recent Momentum Conference. The D.C.-based group has expanded its reach, programming and advocacy efforts into Prince George’s County at the Camelot. Malone said, “A tremendous statement has been made that men need to hold men accountable for perpetrating all forms of domestic violence.” Attendees included: students from Anacostia and the Kuumba schools in the District as well as Prince George’s County Schools. Pictured left to right: Elio Wade; Ms. Elon-Butler, Family Division director; 100 Fathers Inc. CEO Frank Malone; Deputy Jackie Brooks; and WHUR’s Barbara Mandrill. (Photo courtesy 100 Fathers, Inc.)

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To merchants who have accepted Visa and Mastercard at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019: Notice of a class action settlement of approximately $5.54-6.24 Billion. Si desea leer este aviso en español, llámenos o visite nuestro sitio web, www.PaymentCardSettlement.com. Notice of a class action settlement authorized by the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York. This notice is authorized by the Court to inform you about an agreement to settle a class action lawsuit that may affect you. The lawsuit claims that Visa and Mastercard, separately, and together with certain banks, violated antitrust laws and caused merchants to pay excessive fees for accepting Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards, including by: • Agreeing to set, apply, and enforce rules about merchant fees (called default interchange fees); • Limiting what merchants could do to encourage their customers to use other forms of payment; and • Continuing that conduct after Visa and Mastercard changed their corporate structures. The defendants say they have done nothing wrong. They say that their business practices are legal and the result of competition, and have benefitted merchants and consumers. The Court has not decided who is right because the parties agreed to a settlement. The Court has given preliminary approval to this settlement.

The SeTTlemenT Under the settlement, Visa, Mastercard, and the bank defendants have agreed to provide approximately $6.24 billion in class settlement funds. Those funds are subject to a deduction to account for certain merchants that exclude themselves from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, but in no event will the deduction be greater than $700 million. The net class settlement fund will be used to pay valid claims of merchants that accepted Visa or Mastercard credit or debit cards at any time between January 1, 2004 and January 25, 2019. This settlement creates the following Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class: All persons, businesses, and other entities that have accepted any Visa-Branded Cards and/or Mastercard-Branded Cards in the United States at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019, except that the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class shall not include (a) the Dismissed Plaintiffs, (b) the United States government, (c) the named Defendants in this Action or their directors, officers, or members of their families, or (d) financial institutions that have issued Visa-Branded Cards or Mastercard-Branded Cards or acquired Visa-Branded Card transactions or Mastercard-Branded Card transactions at any time from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019. The Dismissed Plaintiffs are plaintiffs that previously settled and dismissed their own lawsuit against a Defendant, and entities related to those plaintiffs. If you are uncertain about whether you may be a Dismissed Plaintiff, you should call 1-800-625-6440 or visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com for more information. WhaT merchanTS Will geT from The SeTTlemenT Every merchant in the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class that does not exclude itself from the class by the deadline described below and files a valid claim will get money from the class settlement fund. The value of each claim will be based on the actual or estimated interchange fees attributable to the merchant’s Mastercard and Visa payment card transactions from January 1, 2004 to January 25, 2019. Pro rata payments to merchants who file valid claims for a portion of the class settlement fund will be based on: • The amount in the class settlement fund after the deductions described below, • The deduction to account for certain merchants who exclude themselves from the class, • Deductions for the cost of settlement administration and notice, applicable taxes on the settlement fund and any other related tax expenses, money awarded to the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs for their service on behalf of the Class, and attorneys’ fees and expenses, all as approved by the Court, and • The total dollar value of all valid claims filed. Attorneys’ fees and expenses and service awards for the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs: For work done through final approval of the settlement by the district court, Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel will ask the Court for attorneys’ fees in an amount that is a reasonable proportion of the class settlement fund, not to exceed 10% of the class settlement fund, to compensate all of the lawyers and their law firms that have worked on the class case. For additional work to administer the settlement, distribute the funds, and litigate any appeals, Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel may seek reimbursement at their normal hourly rates. Rule 23(b) (3) Class Counsel will also request (i) an award of their litigation expenses (not including the administrative costs of settlement or notice), not to exceed $40 million and (ii) up to $250,000 per

each of the eight Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs in service awards for their efforts on behalf of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class.

hoW To aSk for PaymenT To receive payment, merchants must fill out a claim form. If the Court finally approves the settlement, and you do not exclude yourself from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, you will receive a claim form in the mail or by email. Or you may ask for one at: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com, or call: 1-800-625-6440. legal righTS and oPTionS Merchants who are included in this lawsuit have the legal rights and options explained below. You may: • File a claim to ask for payment. Once you receive a claim form, you can submit it via mail or email, or may file it online at www.PaymentCardSettlement.com. • Exclude yourself from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class. If you exclude yourself, you can individually sue the Defendants on your own at your own expense, if you want to. If you exclude yourself, you will not get any money from this settlement. If you are a merchant and wish to exclude yourself, you must make a written request, place it in an envelope, and mail it with postage prepaid and postmarked no later than July 23, 2019, or send it by overnight delivery shown as sent by July 23, 2019, to Class Administrator, Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, P.O. Box 2530, Portland, OR 97208-2530. Your written request must be signed by a person authorized to do so and provide all of the following information: (1) the words “In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation,” (2) your full name, address, telephone number, and taxpayer identification number, (3) the merchant that wishes to be excluded from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, and what position or authority you have to exclude the merchant, and (4) the business names, brand names, “doing business as” names, taxpayer identification number(s), and addresses of any stores or sales locations whose sales the merchant desires to be excluded. You also are requested to provide for each such business or brand name, if reasonably available: the legal name of any parent (if applicable), dates Visa or Mastercard card acceptance began (if after January 1, 2004) and ended (if prior to January 25, 2019), names of all banks that acquired the Visa or Mastercard card transactions, and acquiring merchant ID(s). • Object to the settlement. The deadline to object is July 23, 2019. To learn how to object, visit www.PaymentCardSettlement.com or call 1-800-625-6440. Note: If you exclude yourself from the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class you cannot object to the settlement. For more information about these rights and options, visit: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com. if

courT aPProveS final SeTTlemenT

The

Members of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class who do not exclude themselves by the deadline will be bound by the terms of this settlement, including the release of claims against the released parties provided in the settlement agreement, whether or not the members file a claim for payment. The settlement will resolve and release claims by class members for monetary compensation or injunctive relief against Visa, Mastercard, or other defendants. The release bars the following claims: • Claims based on conduct and rules that were alleged or raised in the litigation, or that could have been alleged or raised in the litigation relating to its subject matter. This includes any claims based on interchange fees, network fees, merchant discount fees, no-surcharge rules, no-discounting rules, honor-all-cards rules, and certain other conduct and rules. These claims are released if they already have accrued or accrue in the future up to five years following the court’s approval of the settlement and the resolution of all appeals. • Claims based on rules in the future that are substantially similar to – i.e., do not change substantively the nature of – the above-mentioned rules as they existed as of preliminary approval of the settlement. These claims based on future substantially similar rules are released if they accrue up to five years following the court’s approval of the settlement and the resolution of all appeals. The settlement’s resolution and release of these claims is

intended to be consistent with and no broader than federal law on the identical factual predicate doctrine. The release does not extinguish the following claims: • Claims based on conduct or rules that could not have been alleged or raised in the litigation. • Claims based on future rules that are not substantially similar to rules that were or could have been alleged or raised in the litigation. • Any claims that accrue more than five years after the court’s approval of the settlement and the resolution of any appeals. The release also will have the effect of extinguishing all similar or overlapping claims in any other actions, including but not limited to the claims asserted in a California state court class action brought on behalf of California citizen merchants and captioned Nuts for Candy v. Visa, Inc., et al., No. 17-01482 (San Mateo County Superior Court). Pursuant to an agreement between the parties in Nuts for Candy, subject to and upon final approval of the settlement of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class, the plaintiff in Nuts for Candy will request that the California state court dismiss the Nuts for Candy action. Plaintiff’s counsel in Nuts for Candy may seek an award in Nuts for Candy of attorneys’ fees not to exceed $6,226,640.00 and expenses not to exceed $493,697.56. Any fees or expenses awarded in Nuts for Candy will be separately funded and will not reduce the settlement funds available to members of the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class. The release does not bar the injunctive relief claims or the declaratory relief claims that are a predicate for the injunctive relief claims asserted in the pending proposed Rule 23(b) (2) class action captioned Barry’s Cut Rate Stores, Inc., et. al. v. Visa, Inc., et al., MDL No. 1720, Docket No. 05-md-01720-MKB-JO (“Barry’s”). Injunctive relief claims are claims to prohibit or require certain conduct. They do not include claims for payment of money, such as damages, restitution, or disgorgement. As to all such claims for declaratory or injunctive relief in Barry’s, merchants will retain all rights pursuant to Rule 23 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure which they have as a named representative plaintiff or absent class member in Barry’s, except that merchants remaining in the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class will release their right to initiate a new and separate action for the period up to five (5) years following the court’s approval of the settlement and the exhaustion of appeals. The release also does not bar certain claims asserted in the class action captioned B&R Supermarket, Inc., et al. v. Visa, Inc., et al., No. 17-CV-02738 (E.D.N.Y.), or claims based on certain standard commercial disputes arising in the ordinary course of business. For more information on the release, see the full mailed Notice to Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class Members and the settlement agreement at: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com.

The courT hearing abouT ThiS SeTTlemenT On November 7, 2019, there will be a Court hearing to decide whether to approve the proposed settlement. The hearing also will address the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel’s requests for attorneys’ fees and expenses, and awards for the Rule 23(b)(3) Class Plaintiffs for their representation of merchants in MDL 1720, which culminated in the settlement agreement. The hearing will take place at: United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York 225 Cadman Plaza Brooklyn, NY 11201 You do not have to go to the Court hearing or hire an attorney. But you can if you want to, at your own cost. The Court has appointed the law firms of Robins Kaplan LLP, Berger Montague PC, and Robbins Geller Rudman & Dowd LLP as Rule 23(b)(3) Class Counsel to represent the Rule 23(b)(3) Settlement Class.

QueSTionS? For more information about this case (In re Payment Card Interchange Fee and Merchant Discount Antitrust Litigation, MDL 1720), you may: Call toll-free: 1-800-625-6440 Visit: www.PaymentCardSettlement.com Write to the Class Administrator: Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement P.O. Box 2530 Portland, OR 97208-2530 Email: info@PaymentCardSettlement.com Please check www.PaymentCardSettlement.com for any updates relating to the settlement or the settlement approval process.

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 35 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE District Fans Mourn Nipsey Hussle By Sam P.K. Collins WI Contributing Writer @SamPKCollins

Nearly two weeks after a jealous comrade gunned down hiphop artist and social entrepreneur Nipsey Hussle, fans worldwide continue to mourn a man they’ve come to love and respect since his industry debut more than a decade ago. For many, Nipsey’s impact extends well beyond the music industry. Some people, such as Michael Newby, said that Nipsey, by purchasing the buildings and in-

ducing economic activity on his old South Central Los Angeles stomping grounds of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, continued where Tupac Shakur left off in raising the consciousness of the oppressed masses. “When I run back Nipsey’s music, it feels like I’m listening to prophecy over beats,” said Newby, a Northeast resident. Newby recounted reading the news about Nipsey’s March 31 death in a group chat conversation. He and countless others listened closely that evening as news about a shooting in front of Nipsey’s Marathon Clothing

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storefront surfaced. An hour or so later, reporters confirmed Nipsey, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, as the single casualty. Four days later, on the evening of April 4, Newby gathered alongside thousands of grievers who converged on Malcolm X Park in Northwest to vigilize their fallen hero. That event mirrored similar affairs in front of Marathon Clothing, a Dallas park, and other places across the country. At Malcolm X Park, Participants released blue and white balloons, showcased original depictions of the West coast artist, and reflected on his influence on their lives. “Being in that space [in Malcolm X Park], it felt like I was surrounded by love,” said Newby, a Nipsey Hussle fan since college. “”There were a lot of people from the hip-hop and Eritrean community. I could stamp that a lot of people aren’t fans of his music, but that never stopped them from being fans of the caliber of man he was when he walked this earth. Nipsey lived long enough to put what Tupac was talking about into motion and that’s what’s hurting,” On April 11, friends, family, colleagues, and fans with California residency will attend a Nipsey’s funeral at the Staples Center. In February, Nipsey, whose stage name had been inspired by comedian Nipsey Russell, received a Grammy nomination for his debut studio album Victory Lap. In the decade before the release of that critically acclaimed work, Nipsey released a bevy of mixtapes, including the Bullets Ain’t Got No Names series, The Marathon -- from which his clothing store received its name – On April 2, law enforcement officials apprehended and charged Eric Holder, fellow Rollin 60s Crips gang member and government informant, in Nipsey’s murder. News reports revealed Nipsey and Holder’s ongoing conflict as a topic of discussion on a song on Nipsey’s 2018 “Blue Laces 2” mixtape. Ironically, Nipsey had been scheduled to meet with Steve Soboroff, president of the Los Angeles Board of Police Commissioners, on April 1, the day after his death, to discuss how to end gang violence. Last week, Crips and Bloods in South Central Los Angeles,

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

5 A tribute to Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle was held in Malcolm X Park in Northwest on April 3. (Courtesy photo/WUSA)

perhaps inspired by Nipsey’s life, initiated a truce, the footage of which circulated on social media outlets. The cease-fire sparked discussion about the potential for similar action in District, where 55 homicides had taken place since the beginning of the year. D.C.-based entrepreneur and Los Angeles native Patricia Patton said Nipsey’s death, though unfortunate, stood along a continuum of events long put in place to push Black people in countering the effects of gentrification and other structural inequities that spur intraracial violence in Los Angeles, D.C. and other American cities. “It was senseless and irresponsible, and reminded me of Auset and Ausar,” said Patton, alluding to the older, Kemetic version of the Christian resurrection story. In that narrative, a jealous man named Set killed his brother Ausar, a man-god who taught Egyptians writing, agriculture, and construction, before chopping up his body and scattering the pieces through all corners of the world. Ausar’s wife Auset would later collect all but one fragment of her husband’s body to create the first mummy. Ausar’s spirit would continue to live through Heru, who scholars consider the Kemetic version of Jesus Christ. “The lesson in that is that jealousy and envy will be there but who you truly are as a spirit will be everlasting, said Patton, host of Truth2Power on We Act Radio, an independent radio station based in Anacostia. “We have to know who we are as a direct manifestation of

the creator. After that story, you have the Transatlantic slave trade and all of these things that make us hate ourselves. They pit us against one another, and it still hasn’t been healed.” Nipsey Hussle, the son of an African-American woman and Eritrean man, spent much of his adult life helping his people rise above their circumstances. A three-month trip to Eritrea in 2004, during which he saw people with his skin tone owning and running their communities, inspired his foray into social entrepreneurship. Since Nipsey’s death, members of the Eritrean community in D.C. had taken part in a ritual called Hazen, where mourners gather in a space and cry cathartically for as long as two weeks. Yafet Girmay, a Pan-Africanist of Eritrean descent, paralleled his experiences with his fallen brother Nipsey. “I have an appreciation for the fact that Nipsey went back to Eritrea,” said Girmay, vice chairperson of international affairs for the D.C. chapter of the National Black United Front and head of Tomorrow’s Black Men, a local mentorship program. “It changed his life as much as me going back in 2006,” Girmay said. “Anytime someone goes to Africa, it changes them. The people you interact with. You learn something from that as well. Nipsey was renewing his identity and his father and mother had a huge part in that. He was preaching entrepreneurship at 21, and his focus was his community and uplifting his people where poverty is prevalent.” WI

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LIFESTYLE

DONTMUTEDC from Page 1

asleep in my mother’s car and wake up by the music at MetroPCS,” said Tyrell Brunson, a local producer and alumnus of the now-shuttered Gage-Eckington Elementary School. He counted among more than 50 participants at a protest in the parking lot of the CVS Pharmacy across the street from MetroPCS Monday evening, April 8. Brunson, who says Backyard Band influenced his sound, jumped into action after reading a Twitter post from the award-winning producer Tone P. He and other friends converged in the nearby parking lot, listening to several testimonies shared by Tone P, Kymone Freeman of We Act Radio, DJ D-Money, Swamp Guinee, Dusty of Tru Expressionz and a host of other musicians and activists – each attesting to the impact that Shaw area go-go landmark has had on their lives. “I went to go-go’s from the age of 14 until the city tried to eliminate it,” Brunson, 28, said. “This is

a bigger issue than the music. They’re shutting down our culture. A lot of people are here. I understood the strength in numbers and this won’t be the end of it.” Donald Campbell, who owns the MetroPCS branch under Central Communications, reportedly received threats of a lawsuit from nearby residents about the music blasting from the store’s speakers. As recently as two weeks ago, T-Mobile’s corporate office gave orders for Campbell to turn off the loudspeakers, despite confirmation from the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs [DCRA] that his store’s sound levels had not exceeded 65 decibels. On Monday, Campbell denied our interview request, asking that the Informer email him questions which he promised to answer. By Tuesday night, an online petition circulating under the auspices of the #DontMuteDC movement garnered more than 50,000 signatures. Julianne Bluefield, a Howard University student from New Jersey,

created the hashtag which characterizes the sentiments of native Washingtonians and other supporters of go-go music. During his and Tone P’s appearance on 93.9 WKYS-FM Tuesday morning, Ron Moten, the creator of the petition, acknowledged Bluefield for her contribution to the cause. Later that day, the Take Ova Band, also known as TOB, Bo of TCB and Mental Attraction Band performed on the corner of 14th and U streets near the Frank D. Reeves Municipal Center in Northwest to illustrate the strength of the go-go community. Other speakers included: artists Wale and King Shug, Angie Ange of 93.9 WKYS-FM and Garrett Harris of Pan-African Community Action. Councilmember Robert White (D-At-large) counted among the onlookers, even livestreaming the event. On Wednesday morning, Campbell hosted a press conference just as The Informer went to press. On Thursday, Check-It Enterprises and We Act Radio had been scheduled

5 A crowd gathers at MetroPCS on 7th & U during a protest of their corporate office’s threat to shutter the store if the music doesn’t stop. (Ja’Mon Jackson/WI Bridge)

to host a town hall discussion. D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1) has also chimed in on the controversy which continues to unfold within her jurisdiction. She sent a letter to T-Mobile USA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs Kathleen Ham on Monday asking that the corporation reverse its order and honor DCRA’s determination that no noise violations had occurred. Later that evening, Nadeau and White, a fifth-generation Washingtonian, spoke words of support to their constituents. “Go-go is something that we need to hang on to as MetroPCS keeps that alive,” Nadeau said. “I live just up Georgia Avenue and see people getting some music and jamming out. Ward 1 is vibrant and diverse and we love music. It’s not the government that shut this down. We have to figure out how to restore music in the corridor. We have to do more work in our communities and help people appreciate what we have.” In a statement released Tuesday, Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White (D) spoke about the economic significance of the go-go industry. “Go-go music has many societal functions. Historically it has provided a means for D.C. natives to thrive in the music industry and empower our city’s collective economic well-being. This attack on go-go music is not only an attack on our city’s cultural heritage but also creates adverse impacts to our local economy and music industry.”

Since 1995, Campbell’s MetroPCS store has gained a reputation as one of the largest retailers of cell phones in the D.C. area and a provider of go-go music. At one point, Campbell opened four locations, including one on 4th and R Streets in Northeast next to a barbershop owned by the late Polo of TCB. For Dusty, founder and lead mic of the Tru Expressionz Band, 7th Street and Florida Avenue has a different level of significance for him as an entrepreneur and go-go fan. He reflected on what the current battle means for go-go bands and the industry at large. “The spot [across the street from the MetroPCS store] used to be the late-night spot with the photo booths,” Dusty said. In recent years, Tru Expressionz, which Dusty started as a teenager, has kept bands grooving at Peace Lounge near Howard University and Fire Station 1 Restaurant & Bar in Silver Spring. “Even though you got new folks coming in, you got people who live and are from here,” Dusty noted. “It’s about the store, but in general this is one of the only sections of the city where we got street music. We can’t let that go.” “We just got to continue doing go-go shows on a bigger platform and push the music in a different way. You got cover bands in different areas making money. So, even if your band is doing radio covers or making original music, we can still push our genre. We can’t limit our music when we are so powerful.” WI

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Sibley Hospital’s Ward Infinity Seeks Public Funds An initiative to improve the health outcomes of Ward 7 and 8 residents seeks funds from the D.C. government to expand its work. On April 9, Marissa I. McKeever, director of government and community affairs for Sibley Memorial Hospital, a member of Johns Hopkins Medicine, testified at a budget meeting of the Committee on Health chaired by Council member Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) to convince him that her employer’s initiative needs a District government appropriation. McKeever, joined by Mary Blackford, Market 7 founder, testified to Gray that the Ward Infinity initiative has the potential to make the difference in the lives of East End residents. “Health outcomes across the District are unbalanced, with Wards 7 and 8 carrying the greatest burden,” McKeever said. “Residents in Ward 8 live, on average, 15 years less than residents in Ward 3. According to DC Health’s 2018 Heath Equity Re-

port, for residents of the District, your zip code may be one of the most significant factors influencing your health.” Sibley sits in Ward 3 and has operated as a hospital in the District since 1890. The Ward Infinity initiative marks the first time that Sibley has reached out to the residents of the East End of the city with a major program. McKeever said The Ward Infinity initiative includes the Innovators in Residence program where East End residents and nonprofits partner with Sibley and participate in an innovative training and design program focusing on three themes: Food access, affordable housing and leveraging technology to improve health literacy. The initiative had a class of 2017-2018 and $30,000 worth of scholarships given to eight Community Health Innovators in Residence. McKeever said the second cohort class took form in January and received seed funding, coaching and technical assistance from public health experts at John Hopkins Medicine; learned

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5 Marissa I. McKeever is the director of government and community affairs for Sibley Memorial Hospital. (Courtesy photo)

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5 Politician and author Stacey Abrams (left) is interviewed by CNN Anchor Brooke Baldwin at the University of the District of Columbia on April 9. (Brenda Siler/The Washington Informer)

ABRAMS from Page 34 voted family member. “She is one of the most compelling political figures in America today,” said Lissa Muscatine, co-owner of Politics and Prose Bookstore which co-hosted the event with UDC. “She captivated people across our country with her unwavering efforts to protect voting rights.” A voracious writer and planner, Abrams appears to always take an analytical approach to working through challenges. In her youth, she created a spreadsheet mapping out her life vision. She set her sights on being governor on that spreadsheet. When she pursued that governorship goal with the 2017 start of her campaign, Abrams says she faced a bevy of skepticism – something that did not surprise her. “We are told that we are bound by our race, our gen-

der, our age, our economics,” Abrams said. “It’s a daring thing to say you want something.” After a grueling governor’s race, Abrams has since turned her attentions to her newly-formed organization, “Fair Fight Action.” “We know that the 2018 elections in Georgia were rife with mismanagement and irregularities,” she writes on the organization’s website. “That’s why I’m making it my mission to advocate for free and fair elections.” Abrams gave actionable life guidance during a Q&A session at the end of her conversation with Baldwin. When asked to share advice for young women who want to make a difference in America, Abrams offered a realistic approach. “You can’t solve every problem,” she said. “But you can work on the problem that worries you the most.” WI

the Sibley Innovation Method, a human-centered design process; collaborated to design and test creative solutions across the three priority areas; and received guidance from an advisory council of government and community leaders. McKeever acknowledged that Gray and other District leaders call for transformational change to improve health outcomes across the city and said Ward Infinity is ”a pathway to that change.” “But this sort of progress cannot persist on its own,” she said. “We are asking for funding to support the long-term sustainability of Ward Infinity. An investment of $350,000 in local funds will allow us to scale and deploy interventions that have been tested, and to support the graduates of this program as they work to continue the progress they have already made in a short time.” McKeever introduced Black-

LIFESTYLE ford’s project as a “creative, indoor marketplace that offers a new opportunity for urban farmers, that increases access to healthy, fresh foods and at the same time builds an ecosystem of support for minority entrepreneurs.” Blackford told Gray she participated in the Sibley program in 2017, its inaugural year, and that Ward Infinity has been useful. “During our time in the program, we were able to learn many things about how to address the systemic food access issues through a community health lens,” Blackford said. “After nearly a year of testing our business prototype, we discovered quite a bit about how our community is affected by retail options.” Blackford noted that East End residents spend as much money as residents west of the Anacostia River but still end up dying 15 years earlier. Nevertheless, she said, East End residents are making it work despite hurdles, adding that Ward 1 had 50 busi-

nesses participating in the District’s “Great Street” program that directs city dollars to businesses on leading corridors while Ward 7 only had 12. “All the while we have community cafes preparing food in community centers, juice bars operating out of churches, and my pop-up operating out of an abandoned tire shop just to make ends meet,” Blackford said. Blackford said 69 percent of Ward 7 residents shop for food in neighboring Ward 6 and 24 percent go to Maryland, but said Market 7 wants to meet the needs of Ward 7 residents, too. Gray, a Ward 7 resident, said he would take into consideration support $350,000 for the Ward Infinity initiative. He bemoaned that just three full-service grocery stores serve 150,000 residents who live in Wards 7 and 8. He complimented Sibley for launching the initiative, saying it “has made serious and substantive investments in Wards 7 and 8.” WI

5 Politician and author Stacey Abrams (left) shares the spotlight with CNN Anchor Brooke Baldwin during an interview at the University of the District of Columbia on April 9. (Brenda Siler/The Washington Informer)

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 41 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LIFESTYLE What to Do if You Can’t Pay Taxes By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer @StacyBrownMedia

Not paying your taxes is not an option, and as Tax Filing Day, April 15, approaches, many Americans are beginning to sweat. However, the District-based personal finance website WalletHub has highlighted a number of ways that those who owe the government can minimize unnecessary complications as well as buy themselves time to pay. “Seek help immediately,” said Sarah B. D’Alessandro, a WalletHub expert and visiting assistant clinical professor and director of the Tax and Transactions Clinic at Albany Law School. “Tax debt is one of the worst

kinds of debt to carry and the IRS is a formidable creditor with lots of power,” D’Alessandro said. “Reassess your ability to pay. If you cannot, there are options such as payment plans, settling the debt and asking for a hold on collection activity.” D’Alessandro added that eligibility for these options is dependent upon the facts and circumstances, so not all options will work for everyone. “There is actually a lot of information on the IRS website,” she said. Also, for those who lack the funds needed to pay an upcoming tax obligation, it’s important to know that payment arrangements can be made, said Goldburn P. Maynard Jr., a WalletHub expert and assistant professor of law in the Brandeis School of Law at the University of

Louisville. “This is much preferable than waiting for more draconian actions like wage garnishment,” Maynard said. “If you can foresee genuine cash flow concerns, make sure that your employer is withholding enough.” Also, it may be worth it to overpay the government if you will not have the funds to cover an underpayment, Maynard said. “If it’s too late and you cannot plan ahead, then negotiate with the IRS,” he said. “If no one is being responsive, then contact the National Taxpayer Advocate.” WalletHub also offers the following universal tips: • Don’t Try to Hide: You’re simply not going to slip through the cracks. And the IRS has proven far more willing to work with people who are straightforward about their inability to meet tax obligations. So submit your return by the April 15 deadline even if you don’t have the money to pay and open a dialogue with the IRS regarding your status. • File a Return No Matter What: The IRS charges two different fees for failing to pay taxes and failing to file a tax return. At minimum, you want to avoid the latter if you can help it. • Leverage Free Advice: You’re already on the right track by researching your options online, and we highly recommend that you continue. For example, many universities have free “tax clinics” staffed by third-year law students. Many experienced accountants and lawyers offer free consultations. And you can get free tax help from IRS-certi-

5 Filing day is April 15. (Courtesy of Defender Network)

fied volunteers through nationwide programs such as VITA, TCE and AARP Tax Aide. • Watch Out for Scams: There are plenty of businesses promising miracle fixes to even the most severe tax problems. Be intensely skeptical of these. Make sure to thoroughly research anyone you consider working with before enlisting their services. And remember, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. • Reevaluate Withholdings: A large tax bill in April could mean that too little was subtracted from your gross pay during the year. In other words, you were getting a big-

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ger paycheck from your employer in exchange for a higher tax bill when you file your return. • To fix this, fill out a new Form W-4, opt for fewer allowances and submit it to your employer. Your paycheck will be smaller, but you’ll be far less likely to have a surprise tax bill, too. You may even get a refund. • Improve Your Budgeting: Owing money to Uncle Sam underscores the importance of financial planning and a carefully constructed budget. So take this opportunity to cut your spending on everything but the necessities and keep close track of your performance. This will help you build positive habits for the future and repay the IRS as quickly as possible. WI

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LIFESTYLE

wi book review “The League of Wives” by Heath Hardage Lee

c.2019, St. Martin’s Press $28.99 ($37.99 Canada) 323 pages

By Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer To love, honor, and cherish. That’s what you vowed, in sickness and health, ‘til death do you part. They’re promises you’ll keep forever — especially, as in the new book “The League of Wives” by Heath Hardage Lee, when one of you fights on the other’s behalf. When a woman married a military man in the 1960s, she quickly learned that her life would never be the same. There was, first of all, a book she was given to help her learn the rules she’d be expected to follow. Says Lee, “a pilot needed the right wife” if he wanted a career in the military; her actions in dress and public decorum impacted his chances for promotion, and her social standing “mirrored her husband’s rank.” By this reckoning, Sybil Stockdale was the highest-ranking wife at her husband’s naval base in California in 1964. Highly esteemed by other Navy wives, she was married to Commander James Stockdale and “had grown proficient at the military game.” That familiarity helped her in months to come. In September 1965, Jim Stockdale was shot down over the Gulf of Tonkin and captured. He wasn’t the first U.S. pilot to be taken as a prisoner of war, and Sybil wasn’t the first wife of a Vietnam POW, but her rank conferred leadership and as the war continued, she reached out to other POW wives in what became a “reluctant sorority.” By latter 1966, those wives began to realize that “they were low priority on the Johnson administration agenda.” Johnson wouldn’t meet with them and “the State Department all but ignored” them, even as their numbers grew. They were told that speaking out could jeopardize their husbands’ survival. They began to think that government officials wished they’d go away. The one exception: the liaison assigned to them, a man who later was lauded for his help. He seemed to understand that there was one way for the women to get their husbands home, and he told them: “Organize.” And so they did … Somewhere on a shelf in your home, you might have a stack of thrillers you’ve read and loved and will read again. Add “The League of Wives” to that pile; it’s is as thrilling as any novel, but it’s all true. Yes, you know how this story ends, but the getting-there’s the appeal. Author Heath Hardage Lee brings readers a real-life account of politics, espionage, and secrets, inside a tale of a changing world and an unpopular war, inside a story of one small corner of the history of women’s rights. While that might seem like a lot to take (and Lee may appear to lean a bit), it’s a comfortable read with urgent surprises — the kind you’d get if you discovered a pile of old women’s magazines in your grandmother’s attic, with espionage codes stuck among the pages. That adds up to a tale that’s just-right-told, especially if you’re a politico, history buff, veteran, military wife, or feminist. For you, and you love a good thriller, “The League of Wives” could become a cherished story. WI WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

horoscopes

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

ARIES As the radiant sun angles toward cautious Saturn and powerful Pluto, the desire to steer clear of responsibilities and onerous tasks that need doing could reach a peak this week. You may feel pressure from certain quarters to get a move on, yet despite knowing the urgency involved, a part of you could be resisting doing anything about it. Lucky Numbers: 19, 37, 42 TAURUS Tuesday brings a romantic quality into the picture, which could see you enjoying a special date with a loved one or connecting with someone you’ve admired for some time. The days ahead also include more edgy transits, enabling you to see how certain beliefs have been holding you back for some while. Lucky Numbers: 1, 10, 20 GEMINI A focus on the topmost sector of your chart could inspire you to put effort into helping others and perhaps publicize a charity event or other similar opportunity. At the same time, you could experience some awkward social situations as the sun in your friendship zone faces off with cautious Saturn and radical Pluto. Lucky Numbers: 26, 48, 52 CANCER While you may dream of faraway places and opportunities to kick back and enjoy a pleasant vacation, this week you might need to knuckle down and tackle key responsibilities. This shouldn’t prevent you from booking a trip, however. It will give you something to look forward to. Lucky Numbers: 9, 15, 22 LEO Adventurous Jupiter goes into reverse in your sector of leisure and self-expression, which could be an opportunity to learn more about yourself. What do you really love to do? Discovering what brings out your playful side and what recharges you most could help you get better acquainted with your inner child. Lucky Numbers: 4, 14, 50 VIRGO There seems to be a certain sweetness about a relationship, especially around Tuesday, when a romantic influence could cast a dreamy spell. This might be an opportunity to spend quality time with the one you love or go on a date with a new love interest. You want to see change in your life, and yet you resist doing whatever is necessary to make it happen. With the sun in your sector of transformation angling toward cautious Saturn and intensive Pluto, a side of you may prefer sticking with the status quo to embracing the new. Lucky Numbers: 19, 33, 40 LIBRA Tuesday has a romantic flavor that hints at a developing bond, which could occur at work or in another everyday setting. While this isn’t enough in itself to kick-start a relationship, it could plant a seed. An awkward tie between the sun, sobering Saturn, and potent Pluto could coincide with difficulties regarding home and family matters. Perhaps your partner or new lover is at loggerheads with family members, which could be a cause of arguments and intense feelings. One way to navigate through this would be to keep the conversation going. It’s much better than not speaking at all. Lucky Numbers: 3, 39, 43 SCORPIO A romantic date might have an extra-special quality on Tuesday with a lovely lineup in your leisure zone. Whether single and going on a first date or spoken for and hoping to rekindle your bond, you could have a very memorable time. You could get bogged down in overthinking, though, even though a task should be relatively straightforward. This is one of those times when you could be blocking the natural flow. Lucky Numbers: 12, 15, 46 SAGITTARIUS As fiery Mars continues its journey through Gemini and your partnership zone, it could act as a catalyst for all kinds of conversations. It might also stir up ideas, bring up new information, and inspire you to be more socially active. Lucky Numbers: 6, 23, 50 CAPRICORN You may be ready to change your habits and sharpen up your exercise or diet routine as dynamic Mars continues its journey through your lifestyle zone. New information could help build confidence or inspire you to try new ways of getting results, whether at work or on your wellness journey. At the same time, you could experience a clash with family members if you aren’t willing to be flexible. If you find it hard to let go of control in a certain situation, it could cause bad feeling. Lucky Numbers: 13, 43, 45 AQUARIUS Much as you might like to forge ahead with goals and plans, you may be unconsciously holding yourself back. You could be sabotaging your plans without even realizing it. This week, with the illuminating sun angling toward prudent Saturn and radical Pluto, you could have an insight that allows you to see what’s going on. This revelation could begin a journey that inspires you to heal this issue. Lucky Numbers: 5, 17, 38 PISCES A delightful tie between sultry Venus and nebulous Neptune on Tuesday is perfect for a romantic evening out or spending time with someone you care about. You may understand each other without having to say much at all, and this could be a very intimate experience. Lucky Numbers: 2, 16, 32

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 43 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

SPORTS For more photos go to washingtoninformer.com

Spurs Knock off Wizards

5 Washington Wizards center Thomas Bryant attempts to shoot over San Antonio Spurs center Jakob Poeltl during San Antonio’s 129-112 win at Capital One Arena in D.C. on Friday, April 5. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 3 Washington Wizards forward Sam Dekker is defended by San Antonio Spurs forward Davis Bertans during San Antonio’s 129-112 win at Capital One Arena in D.C. on Friday, April 5. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

LAFC Shuts Out United 4 LAFC midfielder Edward Atuesta wins the ball from D.C. United forward Leonardo Jara during L.A.’s 4-0 win at Omni Field in D.C. on Saturday, April 6. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer) 6 D.C. United midfielder Lucas Rodríguez attempts a slide tackle on LAFC forward Latif Blessing during L.A.’s 4-0 win at Omni Field in D.C. on Saturday, April 6. (John E. De Freitas/The Washington Informer)

44 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

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46 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

5 (L-R) Congresswoman Frederica Wilson (D-FL), former Chibok girl and Dickson College student Patience Bulus, Dr. Margee Ensign, Dickinson College president and Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, Visiting International Scholar at Dickinson College during a panel discussion on Capitol Hill Tuesday, April 9. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

GIRLS from Page 1 on Capitol Hill, Tuesday, April 9. The discussion, which featured two of Wilson’s colleagues both of whom have traveled with Wilson to Nigeria and supported her initiatives from the start, Rep. Lois Frankel (DFL) and Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), also included two educators, Dickinson College president and international visiting scholar, Dr. Margee Ensign and Dr. Jacob Udo-Udo Jacob, respectively. Jacob serves as the academic director for Dickinson’s Bridge Program which assists displaced students from other countries whose education has been interrupted due to war or natural disasters and prepares them for the academic challenges they must face upon their matriculation in American colleges. Patience Bulus, one-of-four Chibok young women currently enrolled in the Bridge Program, began her studies in April 2018) and joined the speakers, reflecting on her painful past, the changes she’s tackled since coming to the U.S. and her plans for the future. “So many girls have been forced to obey Boko Haram, no longer free and without a voice,” she said. “Many have no way of knowing if those still missing are even alive. I know a lot of parents who have died from broken hearts. Even after escaping and being fortunate to come to America in 2014, I had more sadness to overcome as my

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mother and then my father died within months of each other,” she said through tears that come with such force that Wilson temporarily halted the forum so that she could be consoled. “Women in our country, and in other parts of the world, are treated like second-class citizens. Even before we were kidnapped, we heard the guns. We heard the explosions and screams. But I didn’t want to tell my parents because I wanted to finish my education and I knew they’d make me come back home. Then we were kidnapped. Education is not accepted as something that girls should be allowed to pursue. Many of the elders refuse to let their girls go to school. My parents were different. I hope one day that will change so any girl who wants to learn, can learn. That day still has not come.” “It’s important that leaders of the world do more to fight terrorism. They should also make education free for all who desire it. Most important, I hope and pray that you will not turn your backs on the many refugees who continue to come to America seeking a better life. As for me and my other friends from Chibok, I ask that you never forget us. I owe so much to Congresswoman Wilson and her colleagues who have opened doors and changed my life for the better forever. One day, I want to become a counselor so I also help others, especially youth like me,” said Patience, displaying her competency of a language completely foreign to her upon her arrival to America’s shores five years earlier.

Ensign, formerly employed as president of the American University of Nigeria, emphasized the significance of education as the primary means of overcoming poverty and oppression, particularly for young girls like Patience. “We have much to learn about the strength and courage exhibited by Patience and her friends who were brave enough to escape from Boko Haram,” she said. “Their progress and dedication continues to serve as an inspiration for other girls who have been denied the opportunity for learning because of traditions or customs.” Wilson shared similar conclusions. “The spirit of these girls and their refusal to give up or give in, is nothing short of amazing,” she said. “And with my colleagues here [Frankel and Jackson Lee] and others in Congress, we’re going to keep finding ways to help them financially, emotionally – any way we can. They deserve the chance to succeed.” “Every week, mirroring the daily efforts of Nigerian women who face constant forms of harassment for speaking up and attempting to bring about long-needed change, women in Congress participate in Wear Something Red Wednesday. But it’s not just for the girls of Chibok. It’s also to keep the spotlight on the atrocities committed by Boko Haram. It’s about ending terrorism, no matter what the country may be, so that all people can finally live their lives without fear.” WI

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Twelve Things That Make Men Rich, Pt. 2 In this second article in a fourpart series, you will see the next three of the 12 things that make men rich. Don’t confuse these things with the 13 principles to success, which Napoleon Hill, the author of “Think and Grow Rich,” studied from many angles over his 20 years of research. Not only did he discover over and over again the main principles, he also includes in his book those 12 things that make men rich — and he is not speaking of money only. Here, I share with you the next five ways we must all adhere to. The fourth thing is “You have freedom from fear,” which simply means you are not allowing those fears that so easily beset us all to impede your progress. In fact, as Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, though you cannot see the stair in front you, you must be ready, willing and determined to take that next step — even if you fall. Anyone seeking to take their life to a higher level must first practice the fifth principle, which is having hope in one’s plans for future achievement. Hope is the opposite of fear. What is fear? I define it as the opposite of faith — faith in reverse, if you will. The sixth principle is having the capacity for applied faith. Mt. Zion Baptist Church Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold”

who help othApplied faith ers are helped.” means not only must one be able Fight your fears and Scripture makes clear that God to define the move forward on itblesses us not so principle of faith we can live with as the object of your dreams. Put greed, but so we things hoped for and the eviyour hand in God’s can bless others. God loves dence of things a cheerful giver. not seen, Scriphand, read your When He sees ture also says we must walk Bible and believe. that someone is giving freely by faith and not Believe in your out of love, God by sight. How blesses them can you walk plans, and apply more. by faith, unless We are blessed you actually put your faith. to be a blessing. that faith into God has given action? Every everyone differbusinesswoman or businessman is exercising the ent talents to be used for the benprinciple of applied faith when efit of others. You can be a blessthey open their doors to provide ing to others by speaking kind words, sharing your testimony, a product or service. Business is risky — everyone is praying for someone in need, panot going to make it. However, tiently listening to someone. Finally, are you engaged in everyone who does succeed had to at least get started. And those a labor of love? Would you be who succeed beyond their wildest providing this service even if imagination worked smart and you were not being paid to do not hard. They created a busi- so? (Like I would with my radio ness plan which contains steps show, and this religion column.) In conclusion, fight your in which they can take to carry this goal out, putting faith into fears and move forward on your dreams. Put your hand in God’s action. The seventh thing that makes hand, read your Bible and bemen rich, Hill says, is having a lieve. Believe in your plans, and willingness to share blessings with apply your faith. Always rememothers. Again, this is scriptural. ber that selfishness is that the In the book of Proverbs 11:25, it way, be willing to help others and says, “The one who blesses oth- share your blessing all along the ers is abundantly blessed; those way. WI

(301) 864-6070

www.jmlaw.net

(301) 864-6070

jmccollum@jmlaw.net

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005 Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday “Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

www.mtzbcdc.org

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APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 47 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor 700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., Pastor

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

2498 Alabama Ave., SE - Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 - www.acamec.org

800 I Street, NE - Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 - Fax No. 202-548-0703

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 8:00am and 11:00 AM Sunday Church School - 9:15am & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study 10:30 AM 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study: 10:00 AM Tuesday Topical Bible Study: 6:30 PM Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study: 6:30 PM Wednesday Children’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6:30 PM Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service: 6:30 PM Saturday Adult Bible Study: 10:00 AM “The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Rev. Dr. Alice Greene Interim Pastor

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office 202-638-1803 fax

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com

48 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Services and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM “We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Crusader Baptist Church

E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org “God is Love”

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 AM and 10:30 AM Sunday Church School: 9:20 AM Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 AM Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 PM Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... Dr. Raymond T. Matthews Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Services and Times Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service: 6:45 PM Thur. Bible Study: 7:15 PM

Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

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RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church

All Nations Baptist Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. - Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

2324 Ontario Road, NW Washington, DC 20009 (202) 232-1730

Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com

Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Israel Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office • (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 Fax (202) 483-4009

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

“Where Jesus is the King”

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Eastern Community Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

2001 Brooks Drive District Heights, MD 20744 (240) 838-7074

621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting / Bible Study: Tuesday at 7 PM Theme: “The Kingdom Focused Church with an Emphasis on “Evangelism and Discipleship”

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Email: pastorstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM

Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Christ Embassy DC

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

“Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study

“The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Shiloh Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org

Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Rev. Reginald M. Green Interim Pastor

Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Baptismal Service: 1st Sunday – 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday – 11:00 AM Prayer Meeting & Bible Study: Wednesday -7:30 PM

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 49 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 268

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000291

Administration No. 2019 ADM 284

Joyce La Von Freeman aka Joyce L. Freeman Decedent

Joanna Wood Schot Decedent

Vernell Parker Howley Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 402 Attorney

Joan M. Wilbon, Esq. 1120 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 1020 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

James Larry Frazier 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

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

Barbara J. Cooper and Anita Baker, whose addresses are 1201 Creek Forest LN, Austell, GA 30106 & 267 Lovejoy Cir., Powder Springs, GA 30127, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Joyce La Von Freeman aka Joyce L. Freeman who died on August 30, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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.

Bonnie Wood Gauger, whose address is 2811 S. Asciano CT., New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanna Wood Schot who died on February 8, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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.

Marilyn Diane Gorham, whose address is 6708 Robina Road, Camp Springs, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernell Parker Howley who died on February 14, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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: 3/28/2019

Bonnie Wood Gauger Personal Representative

Marilyn Diane Gorham Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2019 ADM 000237

Date of first publication: 3/28/2019 Barbara J. Cooper Anita Baker Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

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

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2018 ADM 001520 Melvin F. Graves Sr. aka Melvin F. Graves Decedent

Rolande Bazile Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jozianne Bazile, whose address is 6417 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012-2807, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rolande Bazile who died on September 20, 2018 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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: 3/28/2019 Jozianne Bazile Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Marni Graves, whose address is 1015 Jansen Avenue, Capital Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Melvin F. Graves, Sr. aka Melvin F. Graves who died on April 26, 2018 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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: 3/28/2019 Marni Graves Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000294

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000243

Administration No. 2019 ADM 306

Administration No. 2018 ADM 001273

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000269

Hallie Mae Burton Decedent

Doris S. Mitchell Decedent

Margaret C. Goins aka Margaret Cecelia Goins Decedent

Beverly A. Skelton aka Beverly Ann Skelton Decedent

Alfred B. Jackson, Jr. Decedent

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

Evelyn Parchment, Esq. 7826 Eastern Ave. NW Suite 410 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Pearl Delories Parrish, whose address is 7204 Cloverdale Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Hallie Mae Burton who died on March 4, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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: 3/28/2019 Pearl Delories Parrish Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Jai-Ahmal Mitchell, whose address is 216 Jefferson St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris S. Mitchell who died on December 2, 2017 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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.

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

Jai-Ahmal Mitchell Personal Representative

Agnes M. Hawkins, whose address is 7215 25th Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20783, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret C. Goins aka Margaret Cecelia Goins who died on March 25, 2017 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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.

TRUE TEST COPY

Date of first publication: 4/4/2019

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Agnes M. Hawkins Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 3/28/2019

Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

50 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

Anne Meister Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Teia A. Skelton, whose address is 1933 P Street SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Beverly A. Skelton aka Beverly Ann Skelton who died on August 23, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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: 4/4/2019 Teia A. Skelton Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Alfred Barrymore Jackson, III, whose address is 4397 Buckskin Wood Drive, Ellicott City, MD 21402, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred B. Jackson, Jr. who died on December 1, 1993 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/28/2019. 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 9/28/2019, 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: 3/28/2019 Alfred Barrymore Jackson, III Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2019 ADM 000293 Eleanor E. Reid Decedent James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Roland Joyner, whose address is 3420 Rickey Avenue, Apt. 104, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eleanor E. Reid who died on July 13, 2016 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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: 4/4/2019 Roland Joyner Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000271

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000272

Administration No. 2019 ADM 292

2019 ADM 000141

Frankie Elton Dye Decedent

Marcia E. Parkes Decedent

Michael Bernard Platt Decedent

Ethel Mitchell, Esq. 8403 Colesville Road, Suite 1100 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney

James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Angela Glover Burgess, whose address is 1616 Monroe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frankie Elton Dye who died on April 1, 2013 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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.

Trust No. 2019 NRT 13 Theodora McGill Name of Deceased Settlor NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST Theodora McGill, whose address was 3909 17th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018 created a revocable trust on 12/18/2001 with later amendments, which remained in existence on the date of her death on March 15, 2019, and Matthew F. Shannon, Successor Trustee, whose address is 3332 M Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Matthew F. Shannon at 3332 M. Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019. The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 10/4/2019 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) 3/15/2020, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 10/4/2019, 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding. The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification. This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d). Date of First Publication: 4/4/2019 Matthew F. Shannon Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS P. Elizabeth Nicholson, whose address is 4201 Bokeelia Loop, Clermont, FL 34711, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marcia E. Parkes who died on February 9, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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: 4/4/2019 P. Elizabeth Nicholson Personal Representative

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Angela Glover Burgess Personal Representative

Anne Meister Register of Wills

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Date of first publication: 4/4/2019

TRUE TEST COPY

LEGAL NOTICES

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carol A. Beane, whose address is 1468 Chapin Street, NW, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael Bernard Platt who died on January 20, 2019 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/4/2019. 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 10/4/2019, 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: 4/4/2019 Carol A. Beane Personal Representative

Estate of Lawrence Smith, Jr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Patsy Hilliard 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. Admit to probate the Will dated March 29, 2008 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 4/4/2019

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 301 Largo, MD 20774 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000322

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000320

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000277

Administration No. 2017 ADM 001151

Vernice Lorraine Howard Decedent

Susie H. Hammond Decedent

Sallie White aka Sallie Edwards White Decedent

Richard Carroll Tolbert Decedent

Nakia V. Gray, Esq. Gray Legal, P.C. 9701 Apollo Drive, Suite 100 Largo, MD 20774 Attorney

Larry C. Williams 7600 Georgia Avenue NW Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Larry C. Williams, Esq. 7600 Georgia Avenue, NW Suite 405 Washington, DC 20012 Attorney

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Carolyn B. Palmer, whose address is 1915 Woodshade Ct., Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sallie White aka Sallie Edwards White who died on September 19, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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.

Aimee D. Griffin & Paula M. Noble Tolbert, whose addresses are 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Ste 440, WDC 20015 & 113 Cree Drive, Forest Heights, MD 20745, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Richard Carroll Tolbert who died on January 5, 2015 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019

Carolyn B. Palmer Personal Representative

Aimee D. Griffin Paula M. Noble Tolbert Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carl Howard, Jr, whose address is 2525 Iverson Street, Temple Hills, MD 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernice Lorraine Howard who died on December 17, 2018 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019 Carl Howard, Jr Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Philip G. Hammond, whose address is 6903 5th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susie H. Hammond who died on January 7, 2014 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019 Philip G. Hammond Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

APRIL 11 - 17, 2019 51 THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

LEGAL NOTICES

CL ASSIFIEDS

LEGAL NOTICES

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

Administration No. 2019 ADM 000323

Administration No. 2019 ADM 256

Marline Olivia Scott Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Juan Ricardo Scott, whose address is 5120 Queens Stroll Place, SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Marline Olivia Scott who died on June 12, 2014 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019 Juan Ricardo Scott Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

James C. Perry Decedent Kisha L. Woolen, Esq. Tobin O’Connor & Ewing 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW #700 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

Cynthia B. Tucker, whose address is 12113 Elmwood Drive, Brandywine, MD 20613, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James C. Perry who died on August 11, 2004 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., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019 Cynthia B. Tucker Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Administration No. 2019 ADM 310 Ella Frances Weeks Hall aka Frances W. Hall Decedent Rachelle H. Raphael, Esq. 4800 Hampden Lane, Suite 200 Bethesda, MD 20814 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Essmus T. Hall, II, whose address is 3611 Clairton Drive, Bowie, MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ella Frances Weeks Hall aka Frances W. Hall who died on February 8, 2006 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., Building A, 515 5th Street, N.W., Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/11/2019. 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 10/11/2019, 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: 4/11/2019 Essmus T. Hall, II Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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Robert L. Flanagan, whose address is 8727 LaSalle Court, Ellicott City, MD 21043, was appointed Administrator of the estate of Edward S. Flanagan, deceased, by the Superior Court for Chittenden Unit County, State of Vermont, on March 18, 2019. Service of process may be made upon Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq., 5335 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20015 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. 514 2nd Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003. 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.

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Date of first publication: 4/11/2019 Robert L. Flanagan Personal Representative Anne Meister Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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2019 FEP 000023

Anne Meister Register of Wills

52 APRIL 11 - 17, 2019

MEDIABIDS MISCELLANEOUS

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

Anne Meister Register of Wills

Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.

CL ASSIFIEDS

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MALVEAUX from Page 30

strategist, argued that as long as the debate is over immigrants, Trump benefits. Trump uses attacks on immigrants as the centerpiece of his white nationalist appeal. His railing about the crimes of Latin American gang members is simply the updated version of the Willie Horton ad that George Bush used against Mike Dukakis. So don’t worry about Trump closing the border. And don’t expect him to make progress with the humanitarian crisis at the border. Trump is fanning the flames, not putting out the fires. WI

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in through legal ports of entry that his “wall” won’t address. He describes the rising number of people seeking asylum as “an invasion,” scorning both international and U.S. law and basic morals, then directs his State Department to cut off $450 million in aid to Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador, which will surely worsen the conditions that are driving people to seek asylum. He traveled to the California border to celebrate the building of a new section of his promised border wall, when no new building had taken place, only a routine upgrade of old fencing.

He cut off protections for the Dreamers, young people who have grown up in the U.S., and torpedoed the bipartisan agreement that would have protected them and added to border security after he said he’d sign it. He scaled back protections for asylum seekers, helping to create the backlog at the border. Then his administration cruelly separated parents and children at the border, creating a shameful human horror that continues to this day. Clearly Trump wants an issue to run on politically, not a solution to a humanitarian tragedy. Steve Bannon, Trump’s 2016 campaign

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JACKSON from Page 30

kids can be granted “conditional entrance” to school on the promise that they will be vaccinated, but schools don’t always bother to follow up. Even though all 50 states have legislation requiring vaccines for students entering school, almost every state allows exemptions for people with religious beliefs against immunizations, and 17 states grant philosophical exemptions for those opposed to vaccines because of personal or moral beliefs. Two caveats: the legacy of the syphilis study at Tuskegee lingers in the minds of many people, fueling mistrust, and the majority of people supporting the antivaxx movement are highly educated white parents! I’m always amazed at the number of people who claim “religious exemption,” but have never set foot in a church, mosque or synagogue! Facts don’t lie, people do. Truth matters. Remember, I’m not a doctor. I just sound like one. Take good care of yourself and live the best life possible. WI

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in almost 200 years) and cited as part of the reason an undisclosed potential conflict of interest for Wakefield, namely that at the time of its publication he was conducting research for a group of parents of autistic children seeking to sue for damages from MMR vaccine producers (Lancet 2004). It gets worse … The attorneys representing parents in that lawsuit against measles vaccine manufacturers paid Wakefield to fabricate evidence showing that the vaccines were linked to autism. Despite the fact that the paper was quickly retracted, and Wakefield was found guilty of professional misconduct and had his medical license revoked, anti-vaccination sentiment has only become more entrenched in the years since. Wakefield had also applied for patents for an MMR vaccine substitute and treatments for his alleged MMR vaccine-induced gut disorder. So not only was he allegedly paid by lawyers to cast doubt on the MMR vaccine, but he stood to personally gain from

the outcome of his research. It’s not an overstatement to say that measles is one of the most infectious diseases known to mankind. When people aren’t immunized, it’s extremely easy to catch measles. In an unvaccinated population, one person with measles can infect 12 to 18 others. That’s way higher than other viruses such as Ebola, HIV or SARS. (With Ebola, one case usually leads to two others. With HIV and SARS, one case usually leads to another four.) Measles vaccine is 97 percent effective after two doses, which usually also protect against mumps, rubella and sometimes varicella, or chickenpox, according to the CDC. A well-vaccinated population takes on a “herd immunity” that hinders outbreaks. As soon as vaccination coverage drops below 95 percent, outbreaks are inevitable. Most of the people with measles and mumps right now weren’t immunized from the viruses. They all live in places that permit a variety of nonmedical — religious or philosophical — exemptions from vaccines. In 45 states, even without an exemption,

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De nn : Sade

ELLIS from Page 30

Members of Congress can request the DeVoid resignation, but she is fully supported by the man who has enabled her to wreak havoc on our educational system. The blessing in her presence is that she can, perhaps, motivate our activism at the local level. More progressive activists must run for school boards. More progressive activists must reject the ways this administration is attacking education. And we must be clear that it did not start with this administration, but it is amplified and exacerbated by this administration. If we believe that education is a human right, we must resist this nonsense.Betsy DeVoid is the tip of the iceberg that began melting when Black activists attacked school segregation in a series of lawsuits that culminated in Brown v. Board of Education. DeVoid is on the frontline of a cultural war designed to sideline folks who don’t look or spend like her. Are we ready to fight back, resisting a woman who is unfit, unprepared and unworthy of educational policy leadership? WI

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the presidential daughter has garnered patents with China, perhaps influencing our nation’s foreign policy. DeVoid’s ignorance was most recently exhibited when she attempted to defend budget cuts that would affect the differently abled, including cuts to the Special Olympics, our nation’s only deaf-focused university, Gallaudet, and to the National Technical Institute for the Deaf. Really, DeVoid? Don’t you understand that those who are differently abled transcend political party? Don’t you know that these are folks who need special services? Ms. DeVoid’s tepid response to aggressive questioning by Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) among others exhibited her unpreparedness and unfitness. We know that the man who lives in the house that Enslaved People Built is sufficiently uneducated to be clueless about this, but even he had to back up and acknowledge that cuts to the Special Olympics sent the wrong signal.

DeVoid favors charter schools over public schools and would put money into charter schools, taking it away from public schools. DeVoid is someplace past wrong on this, but that woman is doing the work she was sent to do — her job is to dismantle public education in favor of publicly supported private education. If folks want to do private schooling, that’s their business, but should public schools suffer for elitism? And should someone whose biases are so publicly visible be in charge of this? I think not. We knew that DeVoid was unqualified when she narrowly squeaked past senatorial confirmation, only earning it because Vice President Mike Pence cast a historical tie-breaking vote for her. Even Republicans find her out of order, out of line, unqualified, unprepared and unfit. She has spent her time in public office attacking student rights, ignoring students of color, and attacking young people who have experienced sexual assault. She is entirely consistent with the cretin who appointed her, and young people are paying for her ignorance.

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WILLIAMS from Page 31 from The National Women’s History Alliance. In a beautiful ceremony, I met two women who were in Iraq when I was there in an effort to prevent the first Gulf War. That was a pretty emotional meeting for which I’m grateful,

CROWELL from Page 31

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from discrimination’ out of HUD’s mission statement. “He also reportedly halted fair housing investigations, and sidelined top advisors in HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity,” she said. “These are unprecedented attacks on fair housing that must not go unanswered.” Several committee members posed similar concerns and offered comments that echoed those of Waters. Additional issues raised during the hearing spoke to a lack of enforcement, data collection, gentrification, racial redlining, restrictive zoning, and disparate impact. A panel of housing experts provided substantive testimony that responded to many of these issues, while also acknowledging how many fair housing goals have not yet been achieved. Cashauna Hill, executive director of the Greater New Orleans Fair Housing Action Center, provided additional information on delays encountered with HUD’s Fair Housing investigations. Although HUD set a standard for these complaints to be investigated within 100 days, many complaints go well beyond the agency’s own guidelines. Cases older than 100 days are categorized as “aged” in HUD parlance. “In 2017, HUD had 895 cases that became aged during that same year, and it had 941 cases that were already considered aged at the beginning of the fiscal year,” Hill

ASKIA from Page 31

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bol for white hate and xenophobia all over the planet. These white Americans love to ride around in their monster trucks, looking down on folks who don’t have four-wheel-drive

and that taught me how soldiers who were in the same war must feel when they run into each other years later. The Sunday following those two awards, I went to church not knowing they, too, had planned to recognize my work! I have just learned of three more awards

coming soon, so I’m reenergized and grateful that much of my work has not gone unnoticed. I deeply appreciate all of the awards, and I am ready to go back to the drawing board to work just a bit harder to be of service to somebody in need! WI

noted. “During that same time period, Fair Housing Assistance Program agencies had 3,994 cases that became aged and 1,393 cases that were already considered aged at the beginning of the fiscal year. “Practically, what this means for groups like the Fair Housing Action Center is a delay in making victims of discrimination whole, and a delay in correction of housing providers’ discriminatory behavior,” Hill said. Skylar Olsen, the Zillow Group’s director of economic research, cited additional data that underscored racial disparities and problems that continue with access to credit. “Homeownership is a key tool for building wealth, and more than half the overall wealth held by American households is represented by their primary residence,” Olsen said. “But access to homeownership is not shared equally. In 1900, the gap between Black and white homeownership rate was 27.6 percentage points. Today it is 30.3 percentage points.” Olsen said the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) shows that Black borrowers “are denied for conventional home loans 2.5 times more often than white borrowers.” Even among renters, Skylar noted racial disparities in major metro areas such as Atlanta, Detroit, Houston and Oakland, California, adding, “local establishments and amenities including banks, health institutions and recreational facilities are less prevalent in communities of col-

or than white communities.” Debby Goldberg, vice president of housing policy and special project for the National Fair Housing Alliance, was also a panelist. “Not all neighborhoods were created the same,” Goldberg testified. “The long history of housing discrimination and segregation in the U.S. has created neighborhoods that are unequal in their access to opportunities. They are not unequal because of the people who live there. They are unequal because of a series of public and private institutionalized practices that orchestrated a system of American apartheid in our neighborhoods and communities, placing us in separate and unequal spaces.” Goldberg said that racial discrimination included consumers of color with varying incomes. “While many low-income communities, no matter their racial composition, suffer from disinvestment and lack of resources, even wealthier, high-earning communities of color have fewer bank branches, grocery stores, healthy environments, and affordable credit than poorer white areas,” she said. Goldberg also posed a core question that was as basic as it was direct. “How do we ensure that future generations of all backgrounds live in neighborhoods rich with opportunity? Fair housing,” she said. “Fair housing can ultimately dismantle the housing discrimination and segregation that caused these inequities in the first place.” WI

in the winter, or air conditioning in the summer, and they think the world will be like this forever and ever and ever, amen. Not! He is winning the public relations battle right now and is on a glide path to reelection, but everything Donald J. Trump

believes in and advocates for is doomed. This guy’s policies will cause the polar ice caps to melt, flooding the coastal cities, in this country and around the planet. Some low-lying Pacific Island nations will soon be underwater, countries no more. And the more of this swill that Dude pours into the slopjars from which most people get their information, the more they seem to swallow it up, happily heading for the abyss with their fearless, deplorable, despicable, horrible, terrible, wretched human being that they call their president. My mother used to always say, and I say it to the Trumpistas today: “Enjoy yourself. It’s later than you think.” WI

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