The Washington Informer - December 15, 2022

U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Focuses on African Youth

Grassroots Organizers Skeptical about Biden Administration’s Intention

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

African leaders are meeting with Biden administration officials at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest for the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit Dec. 13 to Dec. 15.

With African youth anticipated to account for nearly half of the global youth population within the next decade, young African leaders didn't mince words about what they wanted to come out of these discussions.

"We can't ask Africa to invest in education when we [have to] spend money on debt as our currency depreciates," said David Moinina Sengeh, a millennial and Sierra Leone's minister of basic and senior secondary education.

On Tuesday morning, Sengeh kicked off a panel discussion at the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) with remarks that outlined Sierra Leone's gains in

expanding educational opportunities to schoolaged children.

In the spirit of the panel discussion's theme, "Preparing the Future Workforce for Tomorrow's Careers," Sengeh also issued a charge to his peers.

“We need to make our countries the best spaces for entrepreneurs and make sure our young people can help us solve intractable problems,” Sengeh explained.

"The question shouldn't be if African youth can lead. We should ask ourselves how we enable youth and get out of the way so we can lead."

A BREAKDOWN OF THE U.S.-AFRICA LEADERS SUMMIT

The panel discussion counted among several breakout sessions that took place at NMAAHC during the Young Leaders Forum on Dec. 13. As part of the U.S.- Africa Leaders Summit, the

Duke Ellington School of the Arts Pushes Back Against DCPS

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Within a matter of months, Jonathan Hobbs, like thousands before him, will graduate from the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) with extensive vocal arts training and a bevy of professional experiences guaranteed to prepare him for the next level in his career.

Upon entering DESA’s vocal department in 2019, Jonathan found his niche as a bass baritone under the tutelage of Dr. Monique Spells, a DESA alumna, vocal instructor and director of DESA’s celebrated Show Choir. He did so through several hours of group and individual vocal instruction that kept him

James Wright WI Staff Writer

The overwhelming majority of District residents told members of the D.C. Council at a hearing of the Committee of the Whole on Dec. 13 that they wanted Good Hope Road., S.E. in Ward 8 to be renamed in honor of late mayor and councilmember Marion S. Barry.

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White

Celebrating 58 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

5 Members of the Duke Ellington School of the Arts (DESA) community, including senior vocal student Jonathan Hobbs (pictured), fear that a District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) takeover would eradicate DESA’s dual-curriculum arts programming. (Photo by Robert Roberts)

5 U.S. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken (front row second from left) addresses participants of the U.S.--Africa Leaders Summit African with African Presidents from the Republic of Zambia (front row left) and Republic of Seychelles (front row right). (Courtesy Photo/ U.S. Department of State)

Brittney Griner is Home

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STAFF

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REPORTERS

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

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wi hot topics

D.C. Achievement Centers Open for 2023 Registration

The Achievement Centers, managed by DYRS, offer a range of programming led by expert staff who help young people develop their strengths and confidence. The programming is free of charge and open to all District youth ages 14 to 21.

The seven-week vocational program for 18- to 21-year-olds provides young adults with industry-aligned training to be able to pass recognized industry certifications. The academy employs experts in a variety of fields to teach youth the necessary skill sets to thrive in their chosen vocational field. The training includes preparation for industry-recognized exams and participation in work-based learning experiences that transition into employment opportunities, with a goal of receiving a Certificate of Completion and Job readiness upon completion.

Young adults can register for the vocational program by walking into either Achievement Center or calling (202) 576-7299. The next program begins in January 2023 and will focus on tattoo artistry and microblading. Families and young adults can learn more about the Achievement Center programming by calling or visiting: 2101 Martin Luther King Jr Avenue SE, Phone: (202) 645-5787 or 450 H Street NW, Phone: (202) 576-7299.

Both Achievement Centers also offer a wide range of after-school programming for 14- to 18-year-olds, and both sites currently have openings. WI

2023 Achieving the impossible - Awards Nomination is Now Open!

If you know or are someone who's done remarkable things in your life or in the lives of others, or has years’ worth of accomplishments that have gone unnoticed, WETATi Academy recognizes these efforts and thinks it's high time they are recognized. The impossible Awards Nomination is now accepting applications!

On June 17th, 2023, WETATi Academy- WETATi Next Gen., in partnership with Nyumburu Cultural Center (NCC), University of Maryland (UMCP) will acknowledge, celebrate, highlight, and award those who have made a difference. Nominations for national or international individuals are welcome to apply.

For the Achieving The impossible Awards categories full descriptions, eligibility and criteria please see the award’s page at wetatiacademy.org

Nominations are accepted till March 31st, 2023, at 11:59PM. WI

Free Holiday Lyft Rides to Prevent Drunk Driving

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported that nearly half of all U.S. traffic deaths involve drunk drivers (39%, Christmas; 49%, New Year’s Day – NHTSA, 2020). To prevent these fatalities, the nonprofit Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP), a local nonprofit organization recently announced that free safe rides will be offered to would-be drunk drivers throughout the Washington-metropolitan area during the winter holidays beginning on December 16th.

The 2022 Holiday SoberRide® program will be in operation nightly from 10:00 p.m. until 4:00 a.m. from December 16, 2022 to January 1, 2023 as way to keep local roads safe from impaired drivers during this traditionally high-risk holiday period.

Each evening during this six-hour period, area residents ages 21 and older celebrating with alcohol may download Lyft to their phones, then enter a SoberRide® code in the app’s ‘Promo’ section to receive their no-cost (up to $15) safe transportation home. A separate Holiday SoberRide® promo code will be posted at 9:00 p.m. on December 16, 23 and 31 on www.SoberRide.com. WI

New Device Mandatory for DC Convicted Substance-abuse Driving Offenders

The DC Department of Motor Vehicles (DC DMV) will implement a mandatory ignition interlock device program effective Monday, December 19, 2022. Residents holding a DC driver license, who have been convicted of an alcohol or drug-related driving offense on or after December 19, 2022, will be required to enroll in DC DMV’s Ignition Interlock Device (IID) Program. An ignition interlock device is a breath alcohol analyzer connected to the ignition system of a vehicle.

Once convicted of an alcohol or drug related driving offense, a driver will be required to visit DC DMV’s new online IID Program Portal to complete an application and enroll in the IID program. Residents with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) will be required to downgrade to a non-commercial driver license and enroll in the mandatory IID Program.

Enrollment in the IID Program must be completed within 30 days from the date of conviction and there is a non-refundable $50 application fee. Once enrolled in the IID Program, a driver will be issued a restricted DC DMV driver license and may only operate designated vehicles with an installed ignition interlock device. All vehicles registered to the driver are required to be equipped with an ignition interlock device.

Failure to enroll in the IID Program will result in the indefinite revocation of an individual’s DC driver license and suspension of all vehicles registered to the driver. Residents holding a driver license that has been revoked for more than six months will also be required to retake DC DMV’s knowledge test and road skills test.

Additional information on DC DMV’s IID Program is available https://dmv.dc.gov/service/ignition-interlock-device-program. WI

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

AROUND THE REGION

Community Organizers and Local Leaders Issue Call for No Homicides during the Holidays

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

A group that includes community organizers, a workforce development expert and a father of a murdered youth is calling for peace during the holiday season. These men have also revealed plans to, once again, combine their efforts to combat the District’s epidemic of violent crime.

Their approach consists of partnerships with homeless shelters and community centers, visits to District schools and the launch of a young adult job training program centered on IT, security and CDL certification -- elements the men described as much more proactive and grassroots than what District government officials can facilitate.

"You are looking at four people who have found solutions. We worked with families and made people with a vested interest sit down," said Kenny Barnes, founder of ROOT (Reaching to Others Together), a nonprofit launched in the aftermath of Barnes' son's murder in 2001.

In the years following the murder of Kenny Barnes, Jr., the elder Barnes and others conducted weekly meetings at Shiloh Baptist Church in Northwest.

Those sessions morphed into a grassroots movement to quell intracommunity violence and demand proactive solutions from the District government. Barnes' advocacy, and that of his son’s widow, Annette Gregory Barnes, led to the replacement of the Youth Services Agency with the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services.

Barnes, a clinical psychologist, also developed a questionnaire to better understand District youths' experience with gun violence. On Thursday, he described his collaborative programming as a continuation of that work.

"If you want solutions, look to the people who know [how to develop them] and can speak from a clinical and empirical perspective," Barnes said.

On Thursday, Dec. 8, Barnes pointed out that not much had

changed in the 21 years since a teenager entered his son’s store on U Street in Northwest and killed him with an illegal handgun.

By the time Barnes, Raymond Bell of The Hope Project, David Crocker of the Positive Change Youth Organization and Thomas Blanton, Esq. kicked off their press conference at We Act Radio in Southeast, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recorded more than 190 homicides and more than 1,300 assaults with a deadly weapon in 2022.

Earlier in the week, MPD officials launched a search for a person who brandished a weapon and demanded money from a pedestrian on 14th Street in Northwest. Two days pri or, on Dec. 5, police officers found Dana Bailey, 37, dead at the scene of a shooting in the Fort Dupont neigh borhood of Southeast.

On Thursday, the four men said they’re working in conjunction with Anne Sewell of Grace Haven Bou tique, a Prince George’s County, Maryland organization that addresses domestic abuse, to quell the violence through programming that targets particular populations of marginal ized District residents.

Barnes also said he wanted to en gage MPD Chief Robert Contee III about officers calling for nonviolence from their patrol vehicles over the next few weeks.

When it came to addressing the root causes of violence, Bell, a workforce development specialist, didn't mince words. He criticized the District's response to violent crime, saying that officials focused too much on recreation instead of equipping young people with lu crative skills.

"There is never any serious con versation about jobs. How many people do you see getting arrested for violent crime [when they] make $70,000?," Bell said. "My students are from east of the Anacostia River. We took the kids that nobody wanted to be bothered with. We made lemons out of lemonade. It's about the numbers.”

In regard to numbers, Blanton, a veteran union organizer with experience in raising funds for altruistic

causes, made the rounds this week collecting money that will support ongoing violence prevention programming. He said he tapped into networks that have long supported grassroots nonviolence efforts.

“This is indicative of the type of energy we have in Washington, D.C.,” Blanton said. “When we do this kind of work, we think about the mothers and grandmothers. We are talking about the spirit of the season. We’re promoting healing and jobs.” WI

@SamPKCollins

FITS YOUR life

5 (L-R): Thomas Blanton, Esq., Kenny Barnes and Raymond Bell talk about their efforts to quell violence in the District. (Photo by Marckell Williams

black facts AROUND THE REGION

DEC 15 - 21, 2022

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

1996 – Kofi Annan becomes the first Black secretary-general for the United Nations.

DEC. 18

1865 – The 13th Amendment, which outlawed slavery in the U.S., is ratified.

1946 – Stephen Biko, anti-apartheid activist, is born in Ginsberg Township, South Africa.

1971 – Rev. Jesse Jackson announces the founding of Operation PUSH.

1996 – The Oakland Unified School District school board passes a resolution recognizing Ebonics — or African American Vernacular English — as an African language.

2002 – BET founder Robert Johnson is announced as owner of the NBA's Charlotte expansion franchise, making him the first African American majority owner in major professional sports.

DEC. 19

1875 – Historian, author and journalist Carter G. Woodson, known as the "father of Black history," is born in Canton, Virginia.

1918 – Professor Longhair, a seminal blues singer and pianist, is born in Bogalusa, Louisiana.

1924 – Famed actress Cicely Tyson is born in New York City.

DEC. 20

DEC. 15

1833 – William Augustus Hinton, a doctor and professor who was the first Black to publish an academic textbook and developed the "Hinton Test" for diagnosing syphilis, is born in Chicago.

1934 – African American teacher and businesswoman Maggie Lena Walker, the first female bank president of any race to charter a bank in the United States, dies in Richmond, Virginia, at 70.

1943 – Jazz musician Thomas "Fats" Waller dies in Kansas City, Missouri, of pneumonia at 39.

DEC. 16

1976 – President-elect Jimmy Carter nominates Andrew Young as ambassador to the United Nations.

2000 – Colin Powell is appointed by President George W. Bush as the first African American to serve as secretary of state.

2003 – President George W. Bush signs H.R. 3491, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act, which authorizes the creation of a Smithsonian Institution museum.

DEC. 17

1760 – Deborah Sampson, a woman who disguised herself as a man in order to serve in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War, is born in Plympton, Massachusetts.

1939 – Singer and founding Temptations member Eddie Kendricks is born in Birmingham, Alabama.

1860 – South Carolina becomes the first slave state in the South to secede from the Union, setting in motion the events leading to the Civil War.

1956 – The Montgomery bus boycott, which began Dec. 5, 1955, ends after the Supreme Court declares the Alabama and Montgomery laws requiring segregated buses to be unconstitutional.

1986 – Michael Griffith, a 23-year-old Black man from New York City's Brooklyn borough, is struck and killed by a car in Howard Beach after being chased onto a highway by a white mob who had beaten him and his friends.

1988 – Max Robinson, the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, dies in Washington, D.C., from complications of AIDS at 49.

DEC. 21

1911 – Negro league baseball legend Josh Gibson is born in Buena Vista, Georgia.

1948 – Acclaimed actor Samuel L. Jackson is born in Washington, D.C.

1959 – Track legend and three-time Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith Joyner, considered the fastest woman of all time, is born in Los Angeles.

1976 – Patricia Roberts Harris is announced by President Jimmy Carter as his appointment for secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, becoming the first Black woman to hold a Cabinet position.

WI

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AROUND THE REGION

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WABJ Celebrates Media Prowess at Special Honors Awards Gala

James Wright WI Staff Writer

About 250 people descended upon Eaton DC, a boutique hotel in Northwest Washington on Dec. 10 to celebrate the accomplishments and careers of five of the national capital area’s most noted media professionals at an event sponsored by the Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ), the local chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists.

Dressed in their finest clothes–from men in tuxedos with bow ties or business casual, to gowns, skirts, sparkles or business suits for women— people came ready to celebrate the honorees as well as the hard work of all the leaders and members of WABJ.. Loud conversations took place from the reception with people sipping on cocktails or Coca-Cola while munching on finger food. Folks also sat at designated tables decorated with white cloths and a small bushel of red flowers along with the strategically placed silverware and plates for each diner. The range of conversation included fellow guests wondering, “is that Roland Martin,” to the latest political gossip, such as “what’s wrong with Sinema, honey,” and many people congratulating the honorees. The

atmosphere remained light and giddy.

The evening grew more serious when the program started.

Eugene Daniels, White House correspondent for Politico, and Marissa Mitchell, morning anchor and host of “Lion Lunch Hour” on WTTG-TV (Fox 5) served as the co-hosts.

Khorri Atkinson, the president of WABJ, welcomed the guests to the affair.

“I am thrilled to be among you for our inaugural Special Honors Awards Gala as we celebrate five esteemed local Black journalists and communicators for their distinguished work and outstanding career achievements,” Atkinson, 31, said. “We celebrate you and your stellar careers that are worth emulating. I am proud of our honorees’ tireless and groundbreaking service in pursuit of truth and in defense of democracy.”

Atkinson pointed out that the proceeds of the event will go to WABJ’s professional development programs such as the annual high school journalism institute.

Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser delivered greetings on behalf of their offices and, in the case of

the mayor, the city of Washington.

“Tonight is an amazing night,” Braveboy said. “I know some of the people who are being honored tonight, Hamil Harris and Tracee Wilkins, Prince George’s County’s own.”

Bowser expressed delight in seeing people gathered in person in spite of the coronavirus pandemic’s presence. She praised the African American presence in the news media.

“The Black press gets the information and tells our stories,” the mayor said. “I am proud to talk about the Washington Informer, the Black, female-owned newspaper here in the city that tells our stories.”

Bowser, 50, said the coverage Black-led cities, Black politicians and Democrats receive “differs from anyone else.”

“What I want from the media is the same coverage you give Larry Hogan or Glenn Youngkin,” she said.

After dinner, the honorees received their recognition. All honorees had a short film clip on their careers aired before they actually were presented.

Harris, who worked for two decades at the Washington Post

5 Washington Association of Black Journalists (WABJ) President Khorri Atkinson, presents Washington Informer reporter Hamil Harris with the organization’s Legacy Award at the WABJ Special Honors Awards Gala on Dec. 10. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

WHAT’S NEXT FOR RFK?

D.C. officials, including Mayor Muriel Bowser and EventsDC President and CEO Angie Gates joined former Maryland Lt. Governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and others to celebrate the removal of the last iconic orange seats from the lower bowl of the Robert F. Kenney Memorial Stadium at a ceremony held Thurs., December 8. Opened in 1960 as a multi-purpose venue, RFK hosted baseball, football, soccer, boxing, concerts and more. The memories of events and experiences shared by Kennedy, former Washington Football Super Bowl quarterback Doug Williams, and former D.C. United goalie Bill Hamid, made the occasion bittersweet as they all shared stories describing what RFK meant to them and memories of how those experiences impacted their lives. Bowser said when she walked into the 190 acre facility she said she was “very sad to walk in here to see what was once a vibrant rocking stadium to be in the condition that it is, but like so many things, this is the start to what’s next.” RFK seats and memorabilia can be purchased at FarewellRFK.com /

Photo by Markell Williams

(D-Ward 8) has authored a bill—the Marion Barry Avenue Designation Act of 2022—which calls for Good Hope Road to be renamed officially in honor of Barry.

Officially renaming means that as of the time White’s bill becomes law, the road will take on Barry’s name in city documents and maps, businesses and residences will be encouraged to change their identifications and business materials.

White’s bill has one co-sponsor, Councilmember Elissa Silverman (I-At-Large) and has been co-introduced by Council members Robert White (D-At-Large), Anita Bonds (D-At-Large), Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), Brianne K. Nadeau (D-Ward 1), Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Christina Henderson (I-At-Large), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) and Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5).

White said the hearing “was a formality,” but the public needed to be heard. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson presided over the virtual hearing that had 141 people scheduled to testify.

“Some are attending this hearing for the bill, some are not,” White said. “It is our due diligence to hear from

the public. Marion Barry was a political giant in Washington, D.C. He did a lot for a lot of people. He was a transformational figure. Renaming Good Hope Road in his honor is the least we can do to remember his legacy.”

Good Hope Road runs east to west in the northern section of Ward 8 and intersects Martin Luther King Jr., Ave., S.E. near its western terminus. The road runs a mile and a half and consists largely of small businesses, single-family houses, apartment buildings, carryout food establishments, vacant storefronts and a branch of the District’s library system.

White and his community allies have worked since 2019 to get the avenue renamed in honor of Barry. They have collected names on a petition and secured the support of neighboring advisory neighborhood commissions and civic associations.

The Rev. Willie Wilson, senior pastor emeritus at Union Temple Baptist Church in Ward 8, has become one of the strongest voices for Barry Avenue.

“I lend my voice to the grand chorus to confirm the resolution changing Good Hope Road to Marion Barry Avenue,” Wilson said at the hearing. “I am shocked, insulted and disgusted that someone would op-

pose this resolution.”

Ward 8C advisory neighborhood commission chairman Salim Adofo, who has declared his candidacy for the Ward 8 Council seat in 2024, talked about Barry’s work as the chairman of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and his eventual career as a District politician.

“I urge the Council to pass this legislation,” Adofo said.

Aristotle Theresa, a Ward 8 attor-

ney, viewed the changing of the name of the avenue as a logical move.

“Marion Barry Avenue has to be in Ward 8 and nowhere else in the city,” he said. “Barry was one of our own. Our heroes are to be celebrated in our community.”

Ward 8 advisory neighborhood commissioner Jamila White said she supports the renaming, with conditions.

“We need about a $10 million investment in the avenue from the

city,” she said. “Good Hope Road is one of the most neglected streets in the District. We need the money to bring economic development to the Good Hope area. It will help house the unhoused and help bring drug services to those that need it.”

Jeannette L. Mobley, a Ward 5 political activist and president of the city’s chapter of the Democratic club for women, read a statement from

The Sullivan Foundation hosted a forum at The Pierce School on Dec.12. The theme was “Driving Information and Technology for Africa’s Future.” Speakers included: (L-R) Hope Sullivan, International Lead for Brock Pierce; H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; and Karla Ballard, CEO, YING. (Roy Lewis:The Washington Informer)

Lisa Wvay reads the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Health Advocates Fight For Pregnant and Postpartum Mother's Rights

The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act Highlights Key Issues

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Working mothers and numerous advocacy groups from across the nation recently stood on Capitol Hill to promote the urgent need for the passage of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA), legislation outlined to protect the physical needs and bandwidth of working pregnant mothers and postpartum workers while on their jobs.

While women across the nation work to provide the needs and livelihood of their children, the workforce falls short in nurturing the critical health needs of working mothers for the safety of themselves and their unborn children.

Many organizations including A Better Balance, March of Dimes and American Civil Liberties Union spoke in conjunction with members of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. The advocates emphasizing the need for the legislation echoed the painful peril mothers face in having to choose between economic stability and maintaining proper health during their pregnancies.

“I’m currently pregnant and expecting my second child. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about my health and our family’s finances. It’s truly a joyous time that should never be spent stressing about where your next meal will come from or whether you’ll have to put your health on the line to keep your job,” said A Better Balance Community Advocate Takirah Woods. “The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act is a solution that Black women like me are counting on so we are able to thrive and are not held back by discrimination.”

The bill passed the House of Representatives scoring over 300 votes, along with 60 additional votes needed to solidify Senate passage. Working people, businesses and voters have congregated in support of the PWFA, as its passage will hold workplaces accountable to provide more fair working

conditions, keep more women employed, and help dismantle the factors contributing to the Black maternal health crisis.

If passed, the PWFA would provide support in federal law that will guarantee reasonable accommodations for pregnant and postpartum workers for the better health of themselves and their unborn babies. Many mothers are struck with the daunting load of having to financially provide for their families despite carrying children, often forcing their hands to choose between obliging poor work conditions for the sake of their economic security or abiding by their body’s need to maintain a healthy pregnancy, a safe recovery from childbirth, and even the ability to pump at work.

While everyday physical activities or even exercise can promote a healthy pregnancy for expecting mothers, physical demands at work, similar to; standing for long periods, lifting heavy objects, and repeatedly bending at the waist, can significantly increase a woman’s chances of, miscarriage, preterm birth or injury while pregnant.

Proper precautions suggested by the Mayo Clinic to prevent

potential risks during pregnancy include: exposure to harmful substances, heavy lifting, climbing or carrying, extreme temperatures and excessive noise.

Considering the numerous amount of women, particularly of Black and Latino nationalities, who are overrepresented in essential, frontline jobs including restaurant workers, childcare providers, teachers and healthcare workers to name a few, the basic accommodations of available seating, or extra bathroom breaks can make all the difference between a healthy pregnancy and potentially life-threatening complications. National efforts continue to bring PWFA into fruition as there remains a heavy push in having the bill passed by the end of the 2022 year before any congressional seat changes could potentially crush its chances.

“This bill can happen. We know that millions of women in this country have been struggling to support themselves and their families. We need to keep people who are pregnant and on the job healthy,” said President and CEO of the National Women’s Law Center Fatima Goss Graves.

WI

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Durant Family Foundation Boosts Bowie State With $500,000 Investment

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

NBA Champion and MVP Kevin Durant and his mother Wanda Durant, who he publicly proclaimed was “the real MVP,” are giving back to the basketball star’s hometown once again.

The Durant Family Foundation held a press conference to announce a $500,000 investment to Bowie State University’s Athletics Department, which will go towards installing a new basketball court, expanding seating capacity and improving the press box for the BSU basketball arena, located in the Leonidas S. James Physical Education Complex.

Athletics VP Clyde Doughty Jr. believes that this donation will encourage even more students and community members to attend games

and see the on-campus facilities.

“We are dedicated to providing resources and possibilities to students for higher education, especially in Prince George’s County,” said Wanda Durant, the basketball star’s mother, who runs the Durant Family Foundation. “Bowie State was the perfect place to have meaningful impact.”

State dollars can’t go to athletic programs. Students are often charged athletic fees in addition to tuition to maintain athletic programs, a prohibitive cost for students. By funding this donation, Bowie State will not have the same need for raising athletic fees that other Maryland universities have implemented over the past decade.

“This gift is important because we rely on private dollars to support the operation we have here,” said Bowie

State President Amina Breaux.

Durant also took the moment to offer support for Deion Sanders’ decision to leave Jackson State and go to University of Colorado. She expressed optimism that HBCUs will continue to attract star athletes.

Athletics VP Clyde Doughty Jr. and Breaux both agreed that this donation will enhance the visibility of the university and improve the student experience.

“Athletics is a way to improve the student experience, build student success and bring greater awareness

to the excellence of Bowie State University” President Breaux said in a post-conference interview. “This generosity of this investment will enhance our athletic program by improving the athletic facilities and seating, providing financial support to student athletes, and spreading awareness of our school’s excellence.”

The press conference ended with BSU cheerleaders performing and many in the crowd chanting “BSU!”

Founded in 1865, Bowie State is the oldest and one of four HBCUs in Maryland. The other three are

Morgan State, Coppin State, and University of Maryland- Eastern Shore.

This is not Kevin Durant’s first major community investment. The Seat Pleasant native has also established a College Track at the Durant Center in Suitland to help first-generation and low-income college students. Durant also has donated to refurbish the Seat Pleasant Activity Center at 5720 Addison Road and provided backboards, TVs, and video games for the youth hub that he developed his game in. WI

Burn Box Offers Black-owned Pizza to Mitchellville

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Across Prince George’s County, there are 21 Pizza Huts, 17 Domino’s Pizza and 14 Papa John’s.

Burn Box is a locally-operated, Black-owned alternative founded in 2019 by Ryan Whitfield and Shawndell Pullam. The 1995 Crossland High graduates are proud to emphasize community impact and healthy eating in their business.

“We give away a pizza for every pizza. Get good food and at the same time, you’re feeding someone else,” Whitfield said in an interview.

“The national ones don’t do anything and aren’t seen in the community helping out. You see us at churches and food banks giving things away.”

They currently have 15 employees and are available to order via UberEats and DoorDash. The pizzas are very customizable, with options for different sauces, cheeses and herbs to add. They also offer salad and wings. During an interview at his restaurant, community patrons got pizzas to go while shopping and a Wizards fan sat down to enjoy a pepperoni pizza.

This is not Whitfield’s first business venture. He has owned six Smoothie Kings and his expe -

rience with running an existing franchise has been instrumental in shaping Burn Box. He has closed three of his Smoothie Kings, two in Silver Spring and one in New Jersey, but has been able to dedicate his time and attention to Burn Box.

Burn Box is located in Watkins Plaza Park, near Six Flags. In the same shopping center, you can find a Smoothie King that is also owned and operated by Whitfield and Pullam. He soon is opening a Burn Box in Waldorf this winter, and eventually will expand to other areas of Maryland. He plans to use digital pick up technology similar to Chick Fil-A’s to ensure quality

and timely customer service. His experience with UberEats and DoorDash have shown him limited returns, as the fees are prohibitively high.

Aside from the Build Your Own pizza, the most popular option on the menu is the Meat Me Up: a pepperoni, sausage, and bacon pizza. Whitfield’s personal favorite is the Crab Catcher: a pizza with seafood sauce, jumbo crab, parsley, cherry tomatoes and roasted red peppers. Whitfield cited a better flavor profile, the brick oven’s special spin, and local options like crab pizza as just a few reasons to eat local instead of national.

WI

5 Owner Ryan Whitfield with a pepperoni pizza, fresh out of the brick oven. (Anthony Tilghman/ The Washington Informer)

5 Wanda Durant, Bowie State President Amina Breaux, the Bowie State men’s and women’s basketball teams and a few cheerleaders line up for a celebratory photo. (Richard Elliott/ TheWashington Informer )

BUSINESS

James Wright WI Staff Writer

WILSON JOINS

JPMORGAN CHASE

BANK IN D.C.

JPMorgan Chase officials announced on Dec. 6 that Alicia Wilson, the vice president for economic development and community partnerships at Johns Hopkins University and Johns Hopkins Health System (JHU), will join the bank as its managing director and head of North America for regional philanthropy in its corporate responsibility division. She will work out of Washington, D.C..

Wilson will oversee the bank’s local philanthropic strategies across more than 40 markets in North America and collaborate with seniors in the corporate responsibility division and

others to set up a business footprint in the U.S. and Canada. Her responsibilities include stewarding the $2 billion philanthropic effort as a part of JPMorgan Chase’s broader racial equity commitment.

Wilson will formally join the bank in January. At JHU, Wilson steered the university’s strategy and initiatives as an anchor institution in Baltimore by elevating and expanding its commitment to the city through investments in economic and neighborhood development, healthcare and education.

Before coming to JHU, Wilson served as the senior vice president of impact investments and senior legal counsel for Baltimore’s Port Covington Development team, where she played a role in securing financing for the $5.5 billion project. Plus, she worked as a partner at the law firm of

briefsGordon Feinblatt, serving as the first Black to hold that position.

In 2021, Black Enterprise magazine named Wilson to its 40 Under 40 list for her work to increase economic and social opportunity in Baltimore. Wilson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County and a Juris Doctor from the University of Maryland School of Law.

EX-HOWARD UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR TO LEAD BLACK ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER

Dr. Grant Warner, a former Howard University professor, has been tapped to lead the Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE) based in Atlanta, Black Enterprise magazine’s website reported on Dec. 9.

The CBE is an initiative developed by Spelman College, Morehouse College and the Black Economic Alliance Foundation with a $10 million grant from the Bank of America. Warner served as the director of innovation as well as a professor at Howard, where he developed the HowUinitiative that

is designed to educate people on starting tech companies.

Warner also co-founded the social analytics platform, ConnectYard, and startup consulting firm, XediaLabs.

“I am honored to join the CBE, to build on Spelman’s and Morehouse’s strong legacies of innovation and partner with the Black Economic Alliance to achieve the CBE’s mission,” Warner said in a Spelman release. “I have dedicated my career to identifying and implementing new opportunities for Black entrepreneurs, particularly at HBCUs. I strongly believe in the CBE’s vision of developing commercial pathways for Black entrepreneurs and building an ecosystem of investors and business leaders to support them, and I am excited to help bring the vision to life.”

In addition to working as the executive director of the CBE, he will also become the Bank of America-endowed professor of entrepreneurship.

The CBE will be located at the Arthur M. Blank Innovation Lab at Spelman. Blank, who owns the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United Major League Soccer franchise, donated $10 million for the space

the CBE will occupy.

In addition to Blank’s donation and Bank of America’s initial $10 million gift plus an additional $5 million, Cisco Systems has donated $4 million and Visa has pledged $5 million to the new center.WI

@JamesWrightJr10

PERSONAL BANKING

5 Alicia Wilson will join JPMorgan Chase Bank in D.C. in January. (Courtesy Photo/Facebook)

Checking I Savings I Credit Cards I Lending

AFRICA from Page 1

Young Leaders Forum, was heralded as an effort to foster stronger relationships between the African continent and the Diaspora.

That morning, Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio and Liberian President George M. Weah spoke to attendees and acknowledged the importance of improving the lives of African youth.

Bio and Weah counted among 49 African heads of state who, along with Chairperson for the Commission of the African Union (AU) Moussa Faki Mahamat, are scheduled to attend the summit.

The White House didn't invite Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso and Guinea to the summit, due to the suspension of their AU membership. However, reports surfaced of some engagement with those countries' civil society organizations.

Additionally, select African leaders have been scheduled to engage President Joe Biden (D) in a multilateral discussion about 2023 elections in Congo, Sudan and the newly formed South Sudan.

Throughout much of Tuesday, Biden administration officials met with African leaders in bilateral and multilateral meetings about trade relations, youth affairs, health, climate

change and technology.

During a Congolese protest just feet away from the Washington Convention Center, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding further solidifying American access to natural minerals for the development of electric vehicle battles.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, had also been scheduled to sit down with Gabonese leaders, but that afternoon meeting got cancelled at the last minute.

The Department of Commerce, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, along with the Prosper Africa Initiative, have been scheduled to host the U.S.-Africa Business Forum on Dec. 14. In what’s called the Deal Room, Prosper Africa plans to announce new commitments from the U.S. and African businesses, governments and investors.

GRASSROOTS ORGANIZERS COUNTER THE STATE DEPARTMENT’S NARRATIVE

While the summit has been described as an opportunity to build on shared priorities with African leaders,

some U.S.-based, Pan-African grassroots organizers continue to express skepticism about the U.S. government’s true intentions.

People, like Netfa Freeman, noted that the U.S. wants to counter Russia, and more so China’s, expanding influence on the African continent.

In a move that took some by surprise, China recently announced that its government would forgive 23 interest-free loans issued to 17 African countries and divert $10 billion of its International Monetary Fund (IMF) resources to the African continent.

That development came amid the Senate’s deliberation on legislation that, if passed, would dedicate resources to countering Russian influence on the African continent. Much to the chagrin of U.S. officials, more than a dozen African countries voted against or abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine earlier this year.

This past summer, federal agents raided African People Socialist Party Chariman Omali Yeshitela’s St. Louis, Missouri and St. Petersburg, Florida homes in response to concerns that he colluded with Russianss.

This week, Freeman, a member of Black Alliance for Peace, counts among those who are participating in another set of events, titled “Africa Anti-Imperialist Week of Actions.” As with the summit, activities kicked off on Tuesday afternoon, miles away from the Washington Convention Center at the Institute for Policy Studies, with a forum titled, “Africa Anti-Imperialist Summit: Voices from the Ground.”

Other activities on Dec. 13-16 include rallies and protests, all aimed at further highlighting the U.S.’ military presence in most parts of the African continent via the U.S. Africa Command, more commonly known as AFRICOM.

“This summit obscures the fact that the U.S. has advanced its influence and hegemony on Africa and the rest of the world through force and military coercion, in terms of these military bases,” Freeman said.

“They’ve also done it through financial institutions like the IMF and world banks," he continued.

"African nations are subjected to high interest rates and policies that require them to change their domestic policies like privatization of state-run agencies. This would be for the benefit of foreign interests.”

U.S. OFFICIALS CONTINUE TO MAKE REASSURANCES

Last week, senior administration officials speaking in background said that the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit wouldn't focus on Russia or China. They instead described it as part of an effort to advance the Africa Development Bank’s Agenda 2063 Plan.

The goals of the Agenda 2063 Plan include the creation of tools to ensure the continent’s collective security and interests, and the guarantee of human rights, democracy, gender equality, inclusion and peace for all citizens.

Days before the summit, President Joe Biden (D) revealed plans to visit several African countries in 2023.

National security advisor Jake Sullivan also said earlier this week that the U.S. will commit $58 billion to African nations over three years.

In years past, the U.S. invested in African countries to mitigate the spread of malaria, HIV and COVID. In the realm of education, investments facilitated the launch of the Young African Leaders Initiative, also known as YALI, through which African youth get to spend weeks in the U.S. and develop their leadership skills.

While addressing African youth at NMAAHC on Tuesday, Vice President Kamala Harris (D) said she will work with Congress to secure an additional $100 million to sustain leadership

development and skills development among underrepresented populations in Africa, particularly women.

Harris also announced the launch of the President’s Advisory Council on Africa Diaspora Engagement in the United States. This entity, also known as PAC-ADE, will enhance dialogue between the U.S. government and the African diaspora. In her remarks, the vice president talked about the NMAAHC’s Yoruba-influenced structure and alluded to African Americans’ shared history with the African continent.

Harris also attempted to reassure African youth that they would be able to participate in what she described as a collective endeavor to boost the African continent’s standing in the world.

“The Biden administration intends to be beside you young leaders, knowing it’s the spark and determination of young people that will drive us forward,” Harris said.

She also made a promise to continue investing time and energy to fortify partnerships across Africa “grounded in candor, openness, inclusiveness, shared interest and mutual benefits.”

The vice president emphasized the Biden administration’s goal of true collaboration.

“And overall, our administration will be guided not by what we can do for Africa, but what we can do with Africa.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 David Moinina Sengeh, a millennial and Sierra Leone's minister of basic and senior secondary education. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Congressman Gregory Meeks (D–New York) greets Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

Pre Summit Event Emphasizes Bridging the Business Gap Between U.S. and Africa

Micha Green WI Managing Editor

As a Basketball Africa League player and entrepreneur, D.C. area native Jared Harrington combined his passion for money management and “rebranding Africa. On Dec. 12, a day before the Biden Administration’s three-day U.S.-Africa Summit, Harrington hosted “Innovation Now” a networking event that included panels with a clear message– Africa is abundant in wealth, opportunity and resources.

“I’ve seen millions, I’ve seen so much agriculture, so much private equity,” Harrington said in a WIN-TV interview leading up to the event held at Ivy City Smokehouse in Northeast.

Harrington founded the event’s sponsor organization Beat the Odds, which teaches the simplistics of financial literacy and has programming in Africa, Mexico and the U.S.

To elaborate on some of the opportunities found throughout Africa, Harrington invited speakers: Rep. Oye Owolewa, shadow representative for D.C. in the U.S. House of Representatives; Julius Mwale of Mwale

Medical and Technology City; and Lloyd Ward, CEO and co-founder of Ward Holdings International.

Through the event, Harrington hoped to expose audiences to opportunities in Africa that support those on the continent and awaken Americans to all Africa has to offer.

“We are focused on bridging the gap between African and American business,” said Harrington.

With trips to the continent and people working to trace their African roots on Ancestry.com, Nigerian-American Owolewa said it’s time to put the same enthusiasm behind building business partnerships in Africa.

“We’re trying to match that energy and make sure that our money, resources, our thoughts, our heroes like Jared, our heroes like Lloyd… are able to not only be able to invest in Africa, but bring us with them too.”

“HEROES LIKE JARED… HEROES LIKE LLOYD”

Through Beat the Odds, Harrington, 25, helps people see beyond being a consumer.

“We’re focused on relatable litera-

cy…We offer real world examples,” Harrington said.

“I go a lot of places and I say, ‘How many of you people own an iPhone? And everybody raises their hands or stands up,” the basketball player said.

When posing a question about owning Apple stock, he said little to no people stand or raise their hands.

“We’re consumers, when we could be owners,” Harrington added.

Ward, who was the first Black CEO of Maytag and co-founded Ward Holdings International, Ward Holdings Africa and Ward Holdings Tanzania, shared the gems he’s learned through business ventures domestic and abroad.

The company’s namesake said Ward Holdings is all about working to help make the world a better place, specifically focusing on Africa, because the continent “is so important to the future of this world.”

Ward Holdings co-founder and CFO Martin Johnson said the company builds bridges between the U.S., Africa, China, India and other parts of the world. One way they’ve built opportunities is through TanzaNutz, a partnership with Tanzania’s agricultur-

5 Lloyd Ward, CEO and co-founder of Ward Holdings International, Ward Holdings Africa and Ward Holdings Tanzania, shows off a bag of TanzaNutz, a product birthed from a partnership with Tanzania’s agricultural ministry.

al ministry.

Johnson said Ward knows how to sell products with former executive leadership roles with Maytag, FritoLay, PepsiCo and Procter and Gamble. He explained by virtue of Ward’s background, the duo is confident in the advantage of consumer packaged goods, and implemented that thought with TanzaNutz.

The founders emphasized Tanza-

Nutz will contribute to Tanzania, the country’s farmers and in-country processors. They also plan to pay the company’s Tanzanian employees– 95% of whom are women– competitive rates beyond the $4 to $7 they make now, and offer benefits, retirement and vacations.

“We’ve always said that we will win when Tanzania wins, we will win when Africa wins. Tanzania must win

Why Partnering with Africa is Important to the Biden Administration

Summit at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in the nation’s capital for some 49 African heads of State and the African Union (AU) Chair Commissioner

from Dec. 13 to Dec. 15. This is the first summit since 2014 that focuses on strengthening partnerships between the U.S. and advancing their shared business and economic development priorities. Its outcomes are to enhance the participating nations’ long-term relationships, and leverage U.S. public and private sector resources to support and empower African citizens, institutions, and nations.

After a seven-year hiatus, one must ask why is Africa so important that the White House has decided to host another summit? Several reasons come to mind as African nations represent the largest regional voting bloc in the United Nations, it’s a key geopolitical player, and once fully implemented, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) will connect 55 countries across the continent with a gross domestic

product valued at $3.4 trillion and become the largest free trade market in the world.

African leaders are keenly aware of the continent’s global comparative advantage and are promoting the need for more U.S. support to advance the AU’s Agenda 2063 that was adopted by its members in 2015 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The agenda provides a continental strategy for economic and social development in Africa. Some of its top priorities are to build a highspeed train network that connects to all African capitals and commercial centers, establish the AfCFTA, as well as the Pan African digital data network.

The Biden Administration has adopted the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment and pledged $200 billion over five years to support the AU’s efforts to develop these projects.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to deliver a keynote address at the summit on Dec. 14 and later his administration will provide more details about U.S.- Africa partnerships with the release of its new African Strategy in August 2023.

The Summit and new African Strategy successes will be measured by the government’s capacity to get beyond the rhetoric. The outcomes will be judged on the administration’s ability to appropriate more blended public-private resources that address Africa’s development. Africa faces a variety of challenges such as global climate change, population growth, and workforce development especially among African youth. In addition to growing and sustaining trade between the U.S. and Africa, the U.S. Congress must reauthorize

5 Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education in Sierra Leone, participates in a panel discussion during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

U.S. AFRICA SUMMIT

Lafayette A. Barnes Guest African Affairs Writer

The Biden Administration kicked off its U.S.--Africa Leaders

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The images remain surreal— WNBA Star Brittney Griner walked across a tarmac in Saudi Arabia and met face-to-face with Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Having been incarcerated in Illinois with a 25-year prison sentence, Bout headed back to Moscow. Griner, detained and stuck in a prison colony on a nine-year sentence since her drug conviction earlier this fall, headed to Texas.

“The fact remains that she’s lost months of her life, experienced needless trauma, and she deserves space, privacy and time with her loved ones to recover and heal from her time being wrongfully detained,” President Joe Biden declared.

Biden noted that Griner had never pleaded for special treatment. Instead, she wanted freedom for her, and other Americans unjustly imprisoned in Russia’s harsh Soviet-era style conditions and those detained in other nations.

“She said, ‘please don’t forget about me and the other American detainees,’” Biden shared from his July correspondence with Griner.

She said, ‘please do all you can to bring us home.’”

For varying reasons, Griner’s return home resonated with so many.

“We are taking a collective breath because she’s home,” political expert and strategist Amani Wells-Onyioha, told the Black Press.

“It took much longer than we anticipated, but it was a great and smart move for Biden. Hopefully, he will continue to help make the Black community happy over the next two years because we still think he has a lot to prove,” Wells-Onyioha insisted.

She believes that Biden’s work to free Griner and other efforts to secure a level playing field for African Americans can help Democrats now and in the future.

“I understand the frustration that a lot of Black voters have with the Democratic Party because we are often used as like a big pillar of that vote,” Wells-Onyioha stated, echoing words she wrote in a national column.

“A lot of Black people feel jaded because they feel like once the election is secured, and we come out in record numbers more every year, that not a lot of tangible results are being applied to the lives of everyday Black folks in this country.”

Like Wells-Onyioha, the Biden administration believes allowing Griner adequate recovery time is crucial.

However, unless there’s a resolution to other hostages like former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan, imprisoned in Russia for nearly four years, Griner will remain a hot topic – even a source of outrage from some.

“She will be offered appropriate care and support from the U.S. government, including medical screenings,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre asserted.

When he learned of Griner’s release, Whelan was displeased.

“I am greatly disappointed that more had not been done to secure my release, especially as the four-year anniversary of my arrest is coming up,” Whelan, 52, told CNN from a penal colony.

“I was arrested for a crime that never occurred,” he said, perhaps

a not-too-subtle shot at Griner, who admitted to illegally carrying a small amount of cannabis oil.

“I don’t understand why I’m still sitting here,” Whelan demanded.

Wells-Onyioha said the specter of Whelan still in custody is another issue facing Griner when and if she does a sit-down interview with the media.

“I understand Whelan’s concerns,” Wells-Onyioha noted.

“I think the reason they pressed to get Brittney home was that her arrest was ridiculous,” she said.

“She played basketball over there and won for their team. The arrest clearly was a slap in the face to Biden and a response to Biden backing Ukraine in the war.”

Wells-Onyioha agreed that the prisoner swap sending Bout home wasn’t an equal trade.

“Not for someone who is all about death for all Americans, for someone who just had a little [cannabis oil] on her,” Wells-Onyioha reasoned.

“But Russia needed leverage,” she said.

Jean-Pierre asserted that the Biden administration tried to include Whelan in the swap, but Russian officials said it was Griner or nobody.

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“This was not a choice for us of which American to bring home,” Jean-Pierre said.

“That was not the choice. It was a choice between bringing home one American or bringing home none .”WI

5 Brittney Griner faces a long road to recovery as she’s reunited with her loved ones. (Lorie Shaull/ Wikimedia commons)

The Aftermath of Warnock’s Victory is Less than What Democrats Hoped

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Following Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock’s runoff victory over Republican Herschel Walker in Georgia, Democrats in the U.S. Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden perhaps took a collective sigh of relief.

For two years, Harris has acted as the tie-breaking vote in the evenly split upper chamber. As a result, she’s already participated in a record number of tie-breaking votes on legislation.

But two days after Warnock’s victory, Democrats were forced down to earth when Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema declared that she switched parties and would be an Independent.

Suddenly, the 51-49 advantage for Democrats proved more of a 5049 edge with Sinema in doubt.

Dreams of Democrats with majority control of Senate committees and members being able to quickly push through crucial federal court nominations appear dashed.

With Sinema’s defection, two years of West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin obstructing Biden’s agenda likely continues.

The rebellion also threatens Democrats’ chances of holding power in

2024 when Senate races occur in Republican-leaning states like West Virginia, Ohio and Montana.

“This is the start of a two-yearlong headache for Sen. Schumer,” Jim Manley, a former top aide to the late Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sen. Ted Kennedy (D-Mass.) told The Hill.

“I don’t envy what he is going to have to do to keep on board with the Democratic agenda, but as long as he keeps open the line of communication, it could work.”

Critics immediately seized on Sinema throwing cold water on Warnock’s win and Democrats’ hope.

After all, before Sinema’s sudden defection, Sen. Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York remarked, “With 51 [Democratic Senators], we can go bolder and quicker – to show Americans what Democrats stand for.”

“Apparently, ‘independent’ is the new way to say, ‘corporate lobbyist,’” tweeted radio host Dean Obeidallah.

“Sinema owes her entire career to the Democratic Party, she’s been endlessly indulged by party leadership, but she waits till a moment of celebration for the Democrats to make this announcement,” he said.

5 Arizona Sen. Kyrsten Sinema’s decision to leave the Democratic Party helped to pour cold water on Sen. Raphael Warnock’s Georgia Senate Runoff victory, and the hope of Democrats. (Gage Skidmore/ Wikimedia commons)

Are Black Individuals Like Kanye West, Van Jones and Stephen A. Smith ‘Perpetrating a Fraud?’

Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

“So, you have two types of Negro. The old type and the new type. Most of you know the old type. When you read about him in history during slavery he was called ‘Uncle Tom.’ He was the House Negro.” -Malcolm X

In the 1960s, African Americans embraced a locally fashioned brand of Black pride, and “Black is beautiful” was their traditional motto.

According to writer Ronald E. Hall African Americans mostly embraced the Black pride movement in the 1960s.

“Unfortunately, such activist idealism manifested in Black pride expired with the passing of the times,” Hall asserted.

The author then noted that Black Americans “remain the most despised” among the community of human races, reinforced via media images.

“In response,” Hall determined, “is Black self-hate acted out by the political conservatism of Black

American Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas as an icon.”

In the eyes of many in Black America, Justice Thomas – disparagingly described by some as “Uncle Thomas,” isn’t alone.

Recently, the antics of Republican Georgia Senate Candidate Herschel Walker, hip-hop star Kanye West, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith, CNN contributor Van Jones, and others have drawn the ire of fellow African Americans.

Walker’s campaign against Democratic Sen. Raphael Warnock infuriated Black Americans, many of whom called him a “House Negro,” and an “Uncle Tom.”

“Herschel Walker being in this election is an insult to Black Americans,” Rutgers University Professor Valerie Fitzhugh determined.

“How does he not know he is being used?”

Earlier this month, a photo of Dallas Cowboy owner Jerry Jones surfaced, showing him among the crowd of white people in 1957 who blocked six Black students from desegregating a high school in Arkansas.

Before Jones responded to the criticism, Smith quickly jumped to the owner’s defense, and the uproar from the Black community proved swift.

Most observers noted that in his four decades owning the Cowboys, Jones had never hired a Black head coach.

Further, the owner vociferously blasted former 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick for kneeling during the national anthem.

Kaepernick hasn’t received an NFL job since.

“Sometimes a fruit falls from a tree and rolls so far away from its roots that it’s no longer of the tree,” asserted Brother Jamaal Nelson, the owner of the app Knowledge of Self.

Continuing his quoting of Malcolm X in describing Smith, Nelson said, “the hard fall, and long journey, bruises the fruit so much that it totally changes it. But, unfortunately, it’s the same for some of our people.”

West, the rapper, now known as ‘Ye,” also upset many of his own race with comments ranging from “slavery is a choice” to asserting that George Floyd died of a fentanyl overdose.

He further angered the masses by donning white lives matter shirts alongside Candace Owens, whom many Black people dismiss as a self-loathing individual.

“Many millennials viewed West as an older brother,” writer Minda Honey wrote.

“Losing hope in him can feel like losing hope in ourselves like we’re looking at what’s waiting for us after a few more successes after we find out that white validation is gold-plated and something green and corrosive waits for us beneath it,” Honey, the owner of TAUNT, insisted.

“If West can’t be Black and brilliant in America, someone like me can’t survive it either. So, we’re resistant to giving up on him,” Honey assessed.

As for Jones, the CNN contributor, his “apology” for what he deemed the lack of response by the Black community to West’s anti-Semitic comments drew the ire of nearly all social media.

“Now, I must have missed the meeting where we all came together on Black Twitter and elected Jones the representative of the ‘community,’” Jessica Washington wrote for The Root.

“But, I kind of think I’d remember making the man who said we don’t give Donald Trump “enough credit” for his love of Black people, the supreme leader.”

Washington called white supremacy a threat that impacts all oppressed peoples, and all should take it seriously.

“But trying to make the victims of white supremacy fight like crabs in a barrel does nothing to make the situation better,” she declared.

Dr. Jeff Menzies, a clinical psychologist, said it’s often difficult to label someone an “Uncle Tom” or a “House Negro.”

“Part of [some people’s behavior], I think, is stubbornness,” Dr. Menzies told the Black Press.

“For example, some people are like, ‘you’re not going to move me from my political views.’ Some will point out that Democrats are not that better, just maybe not as condescending,” he said.

Dr. Menzies called self-hate “real.”

“It’s a learned process and learned as a conditioning,” the clinical psychologist continued. “The process

of learning is a deep and systematic concept.”

Dr. David Childs, a History and Black Studies Department professor at Northern Kentucky University, said it’s proper to view West, Smith, Jones, and others in a historical context.

“Since the time of enslavement, there have been African Americans that have sided with white forces that joined up with the enslaver to get benefits,” Dr. Childs said.

“Sometimes I wonder if they believe everything they put forth. But it’s very lucrative to sign up with certain individuals like those with [former President Donald Trump].

“They stand to benefit, reminding me of what Malcolm X said in his speech differentiating between the House Negro and the Field Negro. He talked about how the House Negro benefitted from the master. I see that today. If offered the right amount of money, many people in our community would say and do whatever.”

Sonny Etienne, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, and Certified Addiction Professional said self-hate isn’t always by accident.

“It’s well-orchestrated,” Etienne stated.

“There are folks out there perpetrating fake news. So, the thing you’ve got to ask with Kanye, are there unseen political hands working behind the scenes?”

WI

5 Kanye West counts among those sparking the debate about self-hate. (David Shankbone via Wikimedia commons)

5 Sports Commentator Stephen A. Smith sparked controversy with his defense of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. (Wikimedia commons)

Thinking About Starting a Business in 2023?

Here are Six Steps Before Opening your Doors

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

Black business ownership is surging, fueled by Black women as the nation’s fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs. In fact, over one million new businesses started over the last decade are owned by entrepreneurs of color. It’s a promising trend, as local Black-owned businesses play a significant role in building wealth, creating job opportunities and celebrating diverse cultures.

Starting a business requires planning. You may already have a great business concept, but, before you start selling products or opening stores, consider these six steps to start your business off on the right foot:

1) MAKE IT OFFICIAL…LEGALLY

The first step is establishing your business by choosing between a limited liability corporation (LLC), a limited liability partnership (LLP) or a corporation. Registering your business as an LLC, LLP or corporation is crucial because it makes your business a separate legal entity and forms a financial protection barrier between you as the owner and your business.

2) MAKE YOUR BUSINESS ACCOUNT WORK FOR YOU

Once the business is established, it is essential to determine your business’ spending needs and financial resources. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) recommends all incorporated businesses have a business banking account, and there are several benefits to opening one up. For example, separating your personal finances from those of your business allows you to take full advantage of tax deductions, automate your bookkeeping, protect yourself from business debt liability and establish business credit. Consider speaking with a business banker for more information and available resources.

3) FUND YOUR BUSINESS IDEA

Business credit is one of most common ways for entrepreneurs to fund a new business. It’s also a great way to access the capital that you need to start, run and grow your company. Much like personal credit, business credit signals to lenders how your company handles its debt. Stronger credit scores can increase your purchasing power by potentially making it easier – and, in some cases, cheaper – to secure loans and other forms of financing to cover day-to-day expenses, invest in inventory, hire additional staff and conserve liquid cash. It’s important to remember, though, that using credit responsibly is a crucial component of building any business.

4) TAKE INVENTORY OF YOUR FINANCIAL RESOURCES

What are your income streams and how much could you invest in your business to create more customers, increase sales and produce opportunities for growth? Make a list of all your assets, including savings, retirement,

business accounts, or home equity. Next, list out your liabilities, including credit cards, rent, mortgage, or car payments. Then, find out your net worth by subtracting what you owe from what you own. Work with your financial, legal and tax advisors to run through best and worst-case scenarios and find out what your options are. Financial resources like cash management solutions can be helpful when setting up your business.

5) CREATE YOUR ONLINE PRESENCE

Whether you have a brick-and-mortar business or you’re digital only, your customers need a way to find out more about your business and what you offer. Think about your target customer and what you want them to know about your brand. If you don’t already have a website, creating an online hub for your business is critical to getting your message out there and building a customer base.

6) BUILD YOUR DREAM TEAM

As your business grows, you’ll need to hire people you can trust to get the job done and reach the next level. Assemble a team who brings a strong work ethic and diverse expertise. It’s also essential to hire against your weaknesses and find team members who can make you smarter, more strategic and more effective as you start down the path of growing a successful business.

Visit a local Chase branch and speak with a business banker or check out educational materials at chase.com/business/next-level-biz to learn more about starting and managing your business.

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africa now

Rwanda Leads Global Initiative to End Plastic Pollution

Rwanda is advocating a ‘global multilateral fund’ that will finance efforts by countries to end plastic pollution by 2040, The New Times, Rwanda’s leading daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, Dec. 11.

The proposed fund is part of a global treaty initiated by Rwanda, and later supported by Peru before it was passed as a resolution at the United Nations Environment Assembly held in Nairobi, in March.

The process to draft and negotiate the treaty will take two years.

5 Proposal seeks to develop global treaty to end plastic pollution

The aim is to eliminate plastic waste upstream during production and downstream during waste management.

On Dec. 8, on the sidelines of the World Circular Economy forum in Kigali, Rwanda and Norway are holding a “High Ambition Coalition to end plastic pollution” event to share information about the way forward to end plastic pollution by 2040.

Rwanda banned plastic bags in 2008 and single use plastics in 2019.

Rwanda and Norway are co-chairs of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution which was launched in August, 2022.

Over 50 countries have so far joined the coalition.

Director General of Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) Juliet Kabera, who is also Rwanda’s representative on the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, said that the proposed treaty could stop the fragmented approach on the management of plastics.

“We all have national laws, regulations [and] actions around the circular economy on the management of waste, but we still have leakage and scientific publications that show us that in the near future we are going to have more plastics in the ocean than the fish we have there,” Kabera said. “That is why we took an initiative to have a treaty that stops fragmented approaches on the management of plastic.”

The director general added that preventing further leakage in the environment needs a lifecycle approach.

Plastic consumption is projected to skyrocket in the coming decades, from 460 million tons in 2019 to 1,231 million tons in 2060.

The most significant sectors driving consumption are packaging, vehicles and construction, which will make up twothirds of all use.

More than 140 million tons of plastic waste has already accumulated in rivers, lakes and oceans over the last 70 years. WI

Jamaican Education Minister Seeks Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Jamaica’s Ministry of Education and Youth is committed to ensuring greater inclusion of children with disabilities, says portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams.

Williams, who was addressing a virtual forum on Thursday, Dec. 8, on the topic “Embracing the Disabilities Act Towards Inclusion,” said that no child should be denied registration in school because of a disability.

She said that the Special Education Unit continues to look at ways to ensure that students with disabilities are not left behind.

She noted that there are more than 424 trained special education teachers employed to support students.

“We’re also seeing to the enhancement of the way teachers and support personnel are trained and assigned to the special needs community,” she pointed out.

She said that through the Jamaica Teaching Council Bill, the Ministry will aim to ensure that “all teachers are exposed to some amount of special education training [to] create an environment of greater understanding [of students] with disabilities.”

Chairman of the Jamaica Council for Persons with Disabilities (JCPD), Colin Ebanks, said that the organization remains committed to working with the Ministry to ensure that persons with disabilities are included in all areas of the education system.

“We know the Ministry is fully on board in embracing the Disabilities Act. So, we are sure that all measures will be put in place to guarantee that the necessary support required by the person with disability will be provided to ensure that their education is effectively facilitated in the least restrictive environment,” he said.\

The Special Education Unit offers screening services for any child who is thought to suffer from a disability and provides support for children with physical, medical, intellectual or learning disabilities, at no cost to the public. WI

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Disrupting Health Disparities in

Many Black District residents face hurdles to receiving high-quality, accessible & timely healthcare, which is why disrupting health disparities is a high priority for AARP.

AARP DC wants to better understand your experiences accessing healthcare, the quality of the healthcare in your community, and obstacles to accessing healthcare.

AARP wants to hear from you! Scan the QR Code with your phone to take the anonymous health disparities survey.

@AARPDC /aarpdc aarp.org/DC

Maryland’s Waterways Contain High Levels of ‘Forever Chemicals’ Pollution

Gabrielle Lewis Capital News Service

A recent report from the Waterkeeper Alliance revealed U.S. states’ pollution levels of certain chemicals in their waterways — and Maryland’s samples revealed high levels of contamination.

The Waterkeeper Alliance, a nonprofit global network of waterkeeper groups aiming for access to clean water everywhere, released a report in October to showcase findings from the past several months about U.S. waterways. The group collected samples from different bodies of water across the country and tested them for specific chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.

The report was created to address the lack of information avail-

able about the presence of these chemicals and the dangers they pose. Kelly Hunter Foster, the senior attorney for the Waterkeeper Alliance and an author of the report, said that to her knowledge, this report is the first of its kind.

“With PFAS, we recognized that there was a huge data gap all across the country for PFAS data in surface waters,” Foster said. “Having this data available is important just for educating the public, but also, I think it’s important for the public that we bring data like this to the attention of state and federal regulatory agencies so we can do more monitoring and try to get the standards in place to prevent more of it from entering the environment.”

PFAS, which are widely used in many common industrial and consumer products, are also re-

5 The Waterkeeper Alliance

had the highest number of PFAS detections. ferred to as “forever chemicals,” according to the report. These “forever chemicals” stay in organisms indefinitely without breaking down and accumulate over time in people, animals and the environment. There are approximately 9,000 derivatives of PFAS, according to the report.

High exposure to PFAS can have several adverse health consequences, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Some of these include reproductive issues like decreased fertility and high blood pressure during pregnancy, developmental effects or delays in children, increased risk of some forms of cancer, a weakened immune system and increased cholesterol levels.

People can be exposed to PFAS in several ways, such as drinking contaminated municipal water

or private well water, eating food grown or raised near places that use or make PFAS, eating food packaged in materials containing PFAS and using certain consumer products that contain PFAS.

The report found that Maryland had the highest number of PFAS detections out of the 34 states sampled and Washington, D.C., with a total of 134 detections. Samples of Maryland’s waterbodies, particularly Piscataway Creek in Prince George’s County, also had high detection levels of PFAS.

Brent Walls is the Upper Potomac Riverkeeper for the Potomac Riverkeeper Network, which submitted three samples to the Waterkeeper Alliance’s report, including the sample from Piscataway Creek. He said the “hot zones” to look at for high PFAS levels will be areas where products were used at high levels for long periods. These areas tend to be close to military bases, airports and industrial users like wastewater treatment plants.

He also said areas used as firefighting training grounds are hot zones — during training for civilian firefighters and people in the military to put out aircraft fires, they will use AFFF, a fire suppressant that contains PFAS. And according to Walls, Piscataway Creek has a military base nearby which has used AFFF on the grounds by this waterway for decades.

Walls also noted the PFAS pollution issue is both economic and cultural. Certain communities, such as Indigenous and Latin American communities, have cul-

tures deeply integrated with communing with nature, going to waterways and eating fish they catch.

“It’s going to impact everyone’s health. If I caught fish and ate it out of a stream, there’s chances I’m going to have high levels of PFAS in my system, but then again, if you buy fish at the supermarket, you still might have it because it’s not being tested for,” he said. “It’s a pollutant that doesn’t know color of skin or the size of your wallet. It is a pollutant that is impacting all of us.

The Maryland Department of the Environment declined to comment for this story. Spokesperson Jay Apperson sent the department’s page dedicated to PFAS, its risks and the work the department has done to address the issue.

Among these efforts include conducting samples of public water treatment systems in 2020 for PFAS and working with the cities where PFAS detection exceeded a safe level to improve their water treatment systems. The MDE has released reports on phases one and two of this water sampling initiative. Sampling for phase three finished up this past spring, according to the website, and the MDE will also release a report for this phase.

Walls believes Maryland’s efforts to address PFAS are ahead of other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. However, he said there’s still more work that can be done, such as the government imple-

collected samples from various states' surface water to test them for the detection of PFAS chemicals. Maryland

Annual Report on Diversity in the Environmental Sector Shows Incremental Progress

Kayla Benjamin WI Contributing Writer

Black representation in the U.S. environmental sector has increased steadily in recent years but still falls short of truly reflecting the diversity of the American population, a new report released Tuesday by independent nonprofit Green 2.0 found.

Among the 68 nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and 20 foundations that participated, every single entity had committed financial resources to diversity, equity and inclusion efforts in 2022.

“The good news is that we are diversifying as a sector. The concerning news is that we're not moving fast enough, and there isn't enough diversity at the leadership level,” Andres Jimenez, executive director of Green 2.0, said.

“But I think the numbers really show that folks are taking diversity seriously, and they’re understanding why it's critically important to be transparent,” he continued.

Actress and activist Rosario Dawson narrated a colorful animated video summarizing key takeaways from the new data, which Green 2.0 released alongside the 178-page “diversity report card.” Black staffers made up 9.9% of full-time staffers at the participating NGOs and filled 14.5% of senior leadership positions at those organizations.

In general, the percentage of people of color in staff and leadership positions has grown at the environ-

WATERWAYS from Page 22

menting drinking water standards or requirements to test biosolids.

“The problem the states have — and it’s not completely their fault even though they do have the ability to make their own judgments — is when you have an EPA that hasn’t deemed PFAS as a toxic substance,” he said. “The states have to go out on a limb to do it.”

The Watergate Alliance’s report recommended several courses of action for Congress and EPA to target PFAS contamination in water and prioritize clean water access. These actions include passing Clean Water Act legislation,

mental NGOs that participated. But some groups—Indigenous people, people of North African or Middle Eastern descent, and native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders—had almost no representation, especially among senior leadership.

This year marks the sixth annual report from Green 2.0, a group that pushes for better racial representation and more transparency within the environmental sector. More organizations and foundations participated this year than ever before, including four NGOs that opted into the study without being directly asked by Green 2.0. Still, 16 NGOs that did receive requests chose not to participate.

“Those organizations who don't diversify, are basically saying to staff, volunteers and members: ‘we don't want to hear from you,’” Jimenez said. “And those organizations are going to be left behind.”

Environmental groups need to include voices from communities most impacted by climate change and pollution in order to effectively make progress on those issues, Jimenez and other environmental leaders have argued.

“If we don't really have an emphasis on the folks who need this change the most, then we're really not doing our job, we're not really meeting our mission,” said Dr. Mel Michelle Lewis, the vice president for diversity, equity, inclusion and justice at American Rivers.

The Green 2.0 report includes

funding and implementing better water monitoring and prioritizing implementation and enforcement of clean water and cleanup legislation.

On an individual level, Walls encourages people to be vigilant about the food they’re consuming, as well as the products they’re using. For example, anything with a waterproof component to it contains PFAS. He also emphasizes that people write letters to state and federal governments urging them to address PFAS.

“The larger the voice that we have, the more headway that we’re going to make on this issue,” he said. WI

many of the largest and oldest organizations in the environmental sector, including the Sierra Club, the National Resources Defense Council and Greenpeace USA. In recent years, many of these “Big Greens” have had to confront long legacies of racial exclusion.

“Conservation and environmentalism have historically been sort of led by white, middle- to upper-middle class folks with a very, very narrow view of how to approach these challenges,” said Dr. Leslie Hinkson, the League of Conservation Voters’ chief officer for racial justice and equity.

Both Lewis and Hinkson pointed to the Green 2.0 study as a tool for accountability and a way to connect with other organizations to share best practices.

In addition to collecting demographic data, the report also asked environmental organizations a set of 19

questions about workplace culture. Some questions focused specifically on diversity, equity and inclusion while others centered on broader internal practices for building community and offering mentorship opportunities.

“We need to be really conscious of

this practice of ‘hiring for diversity, onboarding for conformity,’” Mariella Puerto, climate director at the Barr Foundation, said at the launch event for the report’s release. “We have to create the conditions where our colleagues can thrive, and bring their true selves to the organization.” WI

5 Andres Jimenez, executive director of nonprofit Green 2.0, speaks at a launch event on Dec. 13 for the group’s newest report on diversity in the environmental sector. The event also included a panel discussion with leaders from groups included in the report. (Kayla Benjamin The /Washington Informer)

Health Agencies Encourage Solutions For National Overdose Crisis

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

While overdose totals have shown a slight decrease over recent years, the landscape of the drug market has taken a daunting turn with the outpour of fentanyl on city streets, encouraging national health officials to push for approval of over the counter overdose medications in hopes to save more lives.

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in conjunction with Whitman Walker medical center, held a recent press conference

in honor of the agency’s “Overdose Prevention Strategy,” anniversary, celebrating national efforts to fight drug addiction and sharing goals for the future.

Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta, spoke of the urgency to provide overdose reversing medications in the areas most disproportionately affected.

“The important piece that we need to understand [is] we are the most dynamic drug supply environment this nation and the world has ever faced, to the tune that we are losing an American every five min-

5 The Department of Health and Human Services held a press conference celebrating the anniversary of the “Overdose Prevention Strategy,” and shared strategies such as increasing access to Narcan. (WI File Photo/Shevry Lassiter)

utes around the clock. This is largely preventable” said Dr. Gupta.

The Chief Medical Correspondent said HHS is working to increase access to naloxone, or its

brand name Narcan, which serves as an antidote when people are overdosing from opioids, and can be integral in combating fatalities.

“It’s critically important and I’m

Examining The Challenge of Food Allergies In Local Communities

Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

When examining some of the most prominent illnesses commonly seen across Black communities, food allergies tend to go overlooked when considering signifiers of greater health issues. While it is not confirmed whether Black people suffer food allergy related ailments due to genetic makeup, research supports a clear intersectionality that exists between poor clinical outcomes and socio-demographic variables within Black communities.

According to the National Library of Medicine National Center for Biotechnology Information (NIH), there is a “higher risk of self-reported food allergy amongst ethnic minority groups in the USA.” The report added that there are “higher rates of single and mul-

tiple food allergies amongst Black American children vs. other ethnic minority groups.”

Both children and adults in the Black community are seemingly struck with greater risk of food allergy illnesses. The report indicates that there is a clear correlation between food allergies and “health literacy.”

“Evidence suggests a strong intersection between poor clinical outcomes and deprivation and literacy, as a significant proportion of the ‘most deprived population’, and those with poor general and health literacy are likely to be from ethnic minority groups,” NIH reports. “This is highly relevant in patients with allergies and allergic conditions as clinical

so glad that from President Biden on down, we are all committed to ensuring this is a priority for the nation to save people’s lives first and to help them get into treatment.”

Between March 2021 to March 2022, overdose rates reached roughly 100,000 lost lives across the country, as local opioid overdose rates have surpassed homicide rates for the year. Still today, barriers continue to exist in the height of the opioid epidemic as health agencies spot the desperate need of easy-reaching access to naloxone and narcan treatments for daily overdoses, similar to the easy availability of defibrillators for smoke alarms.

The FDA has recently put in a federal register notice to produce naloxone for over-the-counter availability. This register makes clear the requested processes needed to take place, while opening applications for companies who can mass produce the overdose reversing medication, and widely distribute.

Research and evidence-informed tools are providing better solutions to the crisis.

“At the end of the day, each one of our loved ones deserves the chance to survive, and strive,” HHS Secretary, Dr. Becerra concluded during the press conference.

WI

FOOD Page 52

5 Research supports a clear intersectionality between poor clinical food allergy related outcomes and socio-demographic variables within the Black community. (Courtesy Photo)

“At the end of the day, each one of our loved ones deserves the chance to survive, and strive,” HHS Secretary, Dr. Becerra.

OVERDOSE PREVENTION STRATEGY ANNIVERSARY

EDUCATION

Opal Lee, Grandmother of Juneteenth, Visits Excel Academy Public School for Girls

Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Juneteenth, a holiday long celebrated in Black communities across the country, became a federal holiday last year after Opal Lee and several others wrote elected officials, collected more than a million signatures, and planned a 1,400 mile walk from Fort Worth, Texas to the nation’s capital.

Lee recently returned to the District to teach a group of young people at Excel Academy Public School for Girls about Juneteenth. During her visit on Wednesday, Dec. 7, she read from a Juneetenth children’s book and expressed her desire for, what she described as, true freedom.

Even with Juneteenth’s newfound prominence, Lee stressed that the United States has yet to fully realize the principles outlined in its founding documents. She said all hands

must be on deck to fulfill that goal.

“Freedom, real freedom, is everyone’s responsibility. We have too many homeless people and too many people who don’t have jobs and healthcare,” said Lee, 93.

“I’ll keep talking and walking and hoping that people will understand. We must be vigilant. We can’t get complacent and let another person come into the presidency who is bound on having a dictatorship.”

On June 17, 2021, Lee counted among several people who surrounded President Joe Biden (D) as he signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Holiday Act into law. Days later, federal government offices closed and people across the nation enjoyed their day off on what has long been a commemoration of freedom for African Americans in Texas.

On June 19, 1865, 2,000 Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay,

Texas and told more than 250,000 enslaved Africans that they had been freed.

Years earlier, President Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation secured freedom for enslaved Africans in states under Union control. As a Confederate stronghold in a remote area, Texas maintained chattel slavery for at least two more years. However, General Order No. 3, delivered by General Gordon Granger, abolished the institution.

On June 19, 1866, Galveston, Texas hosted the first Juneteenth celebration, initially called Jubilee Day. In the decades to follow, Black people throughout Texas and other parts of the United States continued to commemorate Juneteenth with church services, parades and other celebratory gatherings.

Lee’s memories of Juneteenth run

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the gamut, and include not only celebrations. One year during the late 1930s, a mob of white people in Fort Worth, Texas burned down Lee’s family home on Juneteenth.

On Wednesday, she said that memory remained etched in her mind.

For Excel Academy Principal Shaunte Daniel, the rawness of Lee’s experiences helped students make more sense of the Juneteenth holiday and other historical events. She said Lee’s visit accentuated the instruction and made it even more relatable to the young people.

“We can make those connections to texts that students have read and [class]work they have done that aligns with what Ms. Lee has done,” Daniel said.

“Our students are equipped with context from their city so they feel connected to activism. Our respon-

sibility is to educate and empower students so they can believe in themselves.”

Since before its transition from public charter to public school, Excel Academy has attracted parents, teachers and community members committed to shaping the minds of elementary and middle school-aged girls.

The goal, as explained by teachers and administrators in the past, centers on maintaining a level of rigor that prepares them for high school and beyond.

Daniel said Lee’s visit represents a continuation of that work. On Wednesday, Daniel and a group of students greeted Lee in Excel Academy’s lobby and gave her flowers. They later escorted her throughout the building and listened as she dropped gems of knowledge.

Kia Koerts, an eighth grader in her fourth year at Excel Academy, said she felt inspired by Lee. The budding influencer said she wants to live her life to the fullest and channel her leadership skills to affect change.

“This visit encouraged me to work harder and use opportunities to excel and get what I want in life,” Kia said.

“Ms. Lee taught me to keep going and pushing for what I want. She pushed to make Juneteenth a national holiday. Next Juneteenth, I plan to have fun with my friends, blow fireworks and have a good time.” WI

@SamPKCollins

5 Opal Lee, known as the Grandmother of Juneteenth, reading to students at Excel Academy. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

“I’ll keep talking and walking and hoping that people will understand. We must be vigilant. We can’t get complacent and let another person come into the presidency who is bound on having a dictatorship.”

EDUCATION

Celebrating Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Austin R. Cooper, Jr. Managing Editor Our House Newsletter

Meta Description: Post the Fraternity’s 116th Founders Day, Our House Managing Editor and member of Alpha Phi Alpha Austin R. Cooper reflects on the groundbreaking organization.

SEVEN MEN OF VISION

One-hundred-sixteen years ago, seven students founded Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. on the campus of Cornell University.

The seven young men of vision were: Henry Arthur Callis, Charles Henry Chapman, Eugene Kinckle Jones, Nathaniel Allison Murray, Vertner Woodson, Robert Harold Ogle and George Biddle Kelley. Each of the seven recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among African descendants in the United States.

Alpha Phi Alpha is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter Fraternity established for Black men.

ALPHA IN MY BLOOD

My introduction to the fraternity

ELLINGTON from Page 1 on campus more than eight hours a day during the academic year, and throughout the summer months.

The rigor of a DESA education continued even throughout the pandemic. Since returning to in-person learning, Jonathan and his peers within the vocal department have showcased their highly-developed skills throughout the city.

Most recently, DESA’s show choir performed before French first lady Brigitte Macron during her visit to DESA earlier this month. Other gigs this academic year include performing at a Black educators’ conference and at Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson’s investiture ceremony.

Jonathan said those experiences spoke to the uniqueness of a DESA experience that he and his peers want to protect from District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). That’s why, in his latest foray as editor of DESA’s student-ran magazine “On the Bright Side,” Jonathan and members of his

was through my father, the late Brother Austin R. Cooper, Sr.

An Episcopal priest, my father was very active in the community of Cleveland, Ohio, where I spent my formative years.

His brother and my uncle, the late Brother Clement Theodore Cooper, was also an Alpha, here in Washington, D.C.

My father pledged at the Gamma Psi Chapter of Saint Augustine’s University, Raleigh, North Carolina. My uncle “crossed the burning sands” at the Nu Chapter at Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

So, you see, Alpha Phi Alpha is quite literally in my blood. And as my father used to tell me and others, “Oh, Austin has a choice of fraternities, but just one.” However, choosing a fraternity was truly a no-brainer.

Other childhood idols included numerous distinguished members at the time, including, but not limited to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, U.S. Senator Edward W. Brooke, U.S. Representative Adam Clayton Powell, scholar, singer and activist Paul Robeson, author and humanitarian W.E.B. DuBois, former United Nations Ambassador

editorial staff have galvanized their peers around a movement to stop DCPS from taking total control of DESA.

As the District’s only performing arts high school with a dual curriculum, DESA maintains autonomy of its arts programming. For nearly half a century, that arrangement has allowed DESA to provide top-notch instruction in: dance, literary media and communications, museum studies, instrumental music, vocal music, theatre, technical design and production and visual arts.

However, members of the DESA community, including Jonathan, fear that a DCPS takeover would eradicate such programming.

“The professional program allows us to have this training that other students wouldn’t have,” Jonathan said.

As outlined in its mission statement, DESA aspires to nurture and inspire passion for the arts in young talented people who otherwise wouldn’t have an opportunity to develop their artistic skills.

“It’s amazing the things that

Andrew Young, and music legend Duke Ellington.

BECOMING AN ALPHA

When I arrived on the campus of Saint Augustine’s University in August 1979, I immediately noticed that the men of the Gamma Psi Chapter were focused on two things: education and scholarship. The Alphas were known as the campus scholars and Gamma Psi Brothers had some of the highest-grade point averages on campus.

They were involved in all campus activities, including student government. Gamma Psi was known for various community engagement efforts, such as voter-registration efforts leading up to the 1980 presidential campaign between former Presidents Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

I completed the pledge process as a sophomore and December 5, 1980, remains one of the proudest days of my life as I officially became a member of Alpha Phi Alpha. My father was present that evening and pinned me.

“SERVANTS FOR ALL”

Today, forty-two years later, the fraternity remains an important part

[DESA founders] Peggy Cooper Cafritz and Mike Malone spoke about came true. You can’t get that anywhere else. We’re around people of our own ethnicity who want to learn about their craft. We get a lot of freedom of expression.”

A LEGACY UNDER SIEGE?

For more than two decades, DCPS and DESA’s governing board, the Duke Ellington School of the Arts Project ( DESAP) have outlined the terms of their relationship in contracts that get renewed every five years.

In February, amid the latest round of negotiations, DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee said that DCPS planned to assume total control of DESA. He made that comment in the aftermath of sexual assault allegations that sparked concerns about DESA’s oversight and accountability procedures.

Months prior, DESAP members came to the table eager to secure additional funding for DESA’s dual-curriculum arts programming.

of my life. I am a member of the Mu Lambda Chapter of Washington, D.C., of which my Uncle Theodore belonged for over fifty years.

As a member, I serve on the education committee, where one of our community engagement activities includes monthly mentorship meetings with young men at Ballou Senior High School in Southeast. These young men are our future and I am confident that such one-on-one interactions, which resumed last month after a two-plus year break due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will have a

At this point however, DCPS continues to insist that all DESA teachers be certified and have a DCPS contract. If both sides can’t come to an agreement about the new contract by the end of the calendar year, each will have to submit proposals of their own.

DESA community members familiar with the negotiations said DCPS’ total control of DESA would decimate the school’s art programming. They’ve pointed to Brookland Middle School and Hart Middle School as examples where DCPS has fallen short in maintaining arts instruction.

Furthermore, DESA community members described DCPS’ demands as an affront to a vision set forth by founders Cafritz and Mike Malone.

In 1974, Cafritz, a philanthropist and longtime D.C. school board member, and Malone, a veteran Broadway choreographer and director, morphed what had been Workshops for Careers in the Arts into DESA.

Their new school would find its

positive impact on their lives.

You see, when done properly, mentorship works both ways for the mentor and mentee. My Alpha Brothers and I are inspired by them just as much – and possibly more. We seek to strive to be reliable and long-term sources of inspiration, guidance, and support for these young men.

And at the end of the day, community service and human kind, around the world, remains a core mission of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., 116 years later. “First of All, Servants of All, We Shall Transcend All.” WI

home on the campus of the former Western High School, perched on a hill in Georgetown in Northwest.

Since its inception, DESA has served as the District’s only performing arts public school with a dual curriculum, intended as a means of preparing students for the rigors of the various arts professions. Out of DESA’s nearly 200 teachers, only 30 have DCPS contracts. The rest are working artists in their own right who impart their wealth of knowledge upon their students.

Prominent former DESA students include comedian Dave Chappelle, opera singer Denyce Graves, hiphop artist and multi-instrumentalist Christylez Bacon, singer Johnny Gill, actor Lamman Rucker, singer Ari Lennox and actress Samira Wiley.

Admission into DESA requires the completion of an application and an audition. Graduates, most of whom graduate within four years, also accumulate more credits than the traditional DCPS student. WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com

5 Father and son and Alpha Brothers, the Rev. Austin R. Cooper, Sr. and Our House Managing Editor Austin R. Cooper Jr. (Courtesy Photo)

The best duo in the biz.

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Minority Parties in D.C. Must be Respected

As the District is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the approval of the Home Rule Charter by the U.S. Congress and President Richard M. Nixon, one aspect of the city’s governing document seems to have been left behind intentionally.

The Home Rule Charter mandates that out of the four at-large seats on the D.C. Council— the District’s legislative body— two must go to the non-majority party. Translated, that means two of the Council’s at-large seats must be occupied by people who aren’t Democrats.

For many years, District leaders and voters followed the charter’s mandate by electing Republicans such as Jerry Moore, Carol Schwartz and David Catania in addition to Statehood Green Party members Julius Hobson and Hilda “Grandmother of the World” Mason to the Council. However, within the last 15 years, political aspirants have run for the two non-Democratic atlarge seats as “Independents” in order to get elected to the Council.

Former Council member Michael Brown ran for mayor in the Democratic primary in 2006 but changed to independent to join the council in 2009. The latest example of this is Ward 5 Democratic Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie winning his at-large election in November by leaving the party and running as an Independent. This practice is wrong and must end.

Democracy suffers when different voices aren’t heard and not respected. The Democratic Party in the District, with 76.5% of all residents registered to vote, will continue to be the dominant political force in the city for years to come. However, the D.C. Council should have a diversity of voices and parties involved in it.

Republican supporters of the Home Rule legislation in 1973 knew that the city would be a Democratic bastion due to its majority Black and working-class population. Nevertheless, they didn’t want the legitimate voices of Republicans, Statehood Party, Libertarians and others to be stifled because of the party affiliation. The two non-Democratic seats are designed to give voices to those members of the city’s minority political parties with the goal that everyone's views will be heard.

Plus, Democratic politicians should not leave the party in order to obtain a position but work within that framework to achieve their goals. Honest party-switching should be encouraged but not changing parties for personal, political gain. WI

Understanding the Truth about U.S.-Africa Relations

If your daily commute has been more hectic than usual, just know that it’s not without reason. This week, President Joe Biden (D) hosted African Union Chair Macky Sall and 49 African heads of state during the U.S.Africa Leaders Summit between Dec. 13 and Dec. 15.

Administration officials described these talks as an opportunity to build on shared priorities with African leaders. As our front-page story this week explains however, some people remain skeptical about the American government’s sincerity.

All we have to do is take a walk down memory lane to understand why. Examples of U.S. meddling in African affairs include, but aren’t limited to: the 1961 assassination of Congo Prime Minister Patrice Lamumba, the overthrow of Ghana President Kwame Nkrumah in 1966 and the game of musical chairs the U.S. played with Liberian presidential leadership throughout the 1980s and 1990s .

One can even take it to 2011 when NATO, of which the U.S. is a member, destabilized Libya. An even more recent example involves the ongoing attempts to keep Ethiopia immersed in ethnic squabbles and foreign dependency.

That’s why now’s as good a time as any to tap into our collective African consciousness and question our level of involvement in African affairs. It starts with scrutinizing our sources of news about the African continent. We can then dig deeper and draw parallels between our situation in the United States and what Africans on the continent experience daily.

Doing so requires that we read extensively and engage in lively discussions about domestic events that align with the downfall of our African freedom fighters. Around the time the U.S. got rid of Nkrumah, Lumumba and others, the FBI assassinated Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, Malcolm X and other prominent Black leaders.

Since then, our African consciousness in the United States has been at an all-time low, though there has been a Pan-African renaissance recently.

However, that shouldn’t stop at touring African countries and watching “The Women King” or “Wakanda Forever.” Let’s take the next couple of days to learn the truth about the U.S. -Africa relations. Let’s then organize to hold American and African leaders accountable to us and our counterparts on the African continent.

In all of this, we must remember what Marcus Garvey told us decades ago: “Africa for the Africans, those at home, and those abroad.”

WI

TO THE EDITOR

Although Georgia is a long way from home, I am ecstatic that Sen. Raphael Warnock was the winner of the run-off race between him and Hershel Walker. Whatever happens to any of us anywhere is a threat to us all, no matter where we live. Thank you, WI, for keeping us informed!

Grace Tillman Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

I really enjoyed the coverage of Angela Alsobrooks and the Prince George’s County Council swearing-in. As a PG resident, I’m grateful that the Washington Informer and its awesome writers and photographers dedicate stories to our area and the information we need to know.

Leasa Funderburk Laurel,

Md.

The Washington Informer welcomes letters to the editor about articles we publish or issues affecting the community. Write to: lsaxton@washingtoninformer. com or send to: 3117 Martin Luther King Jr Ave., SE, Washington, D.C. 20032. Please note that we are unable to publish letters that do not include a full name, address and phone number. We look forward to hearing from you.

Guest Columnist

'An Epidemic of Hate'

"There is an epidemic of hate facing our country. We’re seeing a rapid rise in antisemitic rhetoric and acts. Let me be clear: Words matter. People are no longer saying the quiet parts out loud. They are literally screaming them."

These are the opening remarks second gentleman Doug Emhoff

gave at the start of the Dec. 7 White House roundtable on combating antisemitism. Mr. Emhoff was joined by Biden administration officials and leaders from more than a dozen Jewish groups, including the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), whose most recent data show the past year had the highest number of antisemitic incidents on record since the ADL began tracking them more than 40 years ago. This has continued a sharp rise in harassment, vandalism, and

Guest Columnist

violence against Jewish people, homes, schools, community centers, cemeteries, and synagogues and places of worship that began in 2016. Though the conference was planned well in advance, there was obvious symbolism to the fact that it took place just days after former President Trump welcomed Kanye West (Ye), who has very publicly espoused his antisemitic beliefs and admiration for Hitler, and white supremacist and Holocaust denier Nick Fuentes to dinner at his Flor-

ida home. As current White House Domestic Policy Adviser Susan Rice said during the roundtable, "There’s nothing more vicious than what we are seeing today out of the mouths of our leaders, our public figures, our celebrities, our elected officials."

President Biden summed up his own views after that dinner this way: "I just want to make a few things clear: The Holocaust happened. Hitler was a demonic figure. And instead of giving it a platform,

our political leaders should be calling out and rejecting antisemitism wherever it hides. Silence is complicity." But far too many other leaders continue to show a willingness to condone and ignore this dangerous rise in antisemitism and the people who endorse it. Many of these leaders have shown the same readiness to condone, ignore, or even endorse anti-LGBTQ violence, attacks on Asian Americans,

Sen. Warnock's Victory Is a Win for Georgia and America

hard? How is it that Warnock was so clearly the best candidate and had to prove it four times, in the last two years?

If you haven't watched Sen. Raphael Warnock's speech on the night of his reelection in Georgia on December 6, stop everything you're doing, and watch it now. Then tell your kids to watch it. And your neighbors.

What you'll see is 20 minutes that will leave you with a deep feeling of inspiration and gratitude, and a question: why was this so

Let's take the question first.

The surprise victories by Sen. Warnock and Sen. Jon Ossoff in 2021 were triumphs over systemic racism and a vicious misinformation and disinformation campaign by far-right forces. Immediately after they won, Georgia became ground zero for a state voter suppression effort that included harsh crackdowns on early and mail-in voting. The

runoff system that Warnock and Republican Herschel Walker were forced into was itself a relic of 1960s white supremacy. It was created by a Georgia segregationist who hoped it would stop Black candidates from winning in a crowded field where white votes were split.

Meanwhile, Walker's entire campaign was a far-right ploy to split Black votes while giving white Republicans plausible deniability about their party's racism. Most Black voters saw right through it. But the GOP mustered enormous

political firepower and financial resources for their scheme. That made the race close when it never should have been close.

It made Sen. Warnock's road, which was always going to be hard, even harder.

On the night of his reelection, Sen. Warnock addressed all of this with his usual dignity. He gave the credit to Georgians for electing the state's first Black and first Jewish senators at a time when the far right was trying to divide the country. He took on the conservative pundits

claiming his victory was proof that there was no voter suppression in Georgia. Just because Georgia voters endured long lines in the rain doesn't mean there is no suppression, he said. It means Georgians refused to have their voices silenced.

The rest of his address showed that Georgia has reelected a senator who values social justice and still believes it can be achieved through representative democracy. Democracy, he said, is the political enact-

Last week, Donald Trump finally crossed the Rubicon.

That is, he took to his social media platform and, for the first time, issued an explicit call to abolish the U.S. Constitution — the document he once swore to "preserve, protect and defend." Still fuming over widespread election cheating that exists only in his wounded

ego and fragile pride, Trump declared that "A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution."

Thus, does fascism shed its last fig leaf. Republicans, is this your king?

We find ourselves at a dangerous milestone. For all the talk of his declining influence, Trump remains the face of the GOP and our government is stocked at all levels

with his acolytes. What happens if they take seriously his claim that the Constitution is null and void?

Yes, it's unthinkable. Just as a band of citizens attacking the U.S. Capitol once was.

Let's be clear: We brought this on ourselves. It's what we get for playing fast and loose with our civic responsibilities in 2016. It's what Republicans get for being too feckless to put nation above party. It's what voters get for acting like Hillary Clinton was Cruella de Vil

in a pantsuit and sensible shoes. And it's what news media get for normalizing the abnormal in the apparent conviction that to do otherwise would prove — gasp! — bias.

Shame on CNN for giving Trump millions of dollars in free advertising, for covering his rallies with a wall-to-wall urgency denied less entertaining presidential aspirants.

Shame on The New York Times for framing him and Clinton as

candidates both carrying baggage, when her baggage was clearly carry-on while he was dragging steamer trunks behind him.

Shame on The Wall Street Journal for its prissy equivocations in declining to define as "lies" repeated falsehoods from the most prodigious liar in U.S. history.

A pox on every one of us, every reporter, editor, anchor or producer who failed to frame Trump's

Ben Jealous

Marian Wright Edelman

Guest Columnist

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

E. Faye Williams

There, He Finally Said It!

After a quick, informal poll, I determined that no one in my circle of friends was surprised. Yes, I refer to the statement made in antagonistic opposition to our nation's 234 years of constitutional governance and tradition by Donald J. Trump.

Among the pragmatic, those who were willing to cast a more critical gaze, this revelation was

little more than an "I told you so" moment. Although "subtle" and massaged with incredulous rationale by him and his acolytes, Trump's past conduct gave the thoughtfully pessimistic among us justification to label Trump as racist, xenophobic, fascist, intolerant and authoritarian. Now the only real question is to what extent and past what boundaries is Trump willing to take this country to achieve his goal of reshaping this country into one which reflects his ideals and gives him the lasting

power and control he craves?

Had we actually been a nation of "character" and "principle," Trump would have been rejected before his orchestrated spectacle of riding down his golden escalator. (You do remember he paid actors to stage the visual of a supportive crowd as he announced his candidacy.) His false allegation of President Obama's Kenyan birth would have disqualified him.

Had we actually been a nation of "character" and "principle," his "grab 'em by the p---y" statement

would have caused a massive rejection of his chauvinism at polling places across the nation. Or his "good people on both sides" statement on Charlottesville would have caused principled leaders of his party to chastise his flawed analysis. Or his public lies numbering into the tens of thousands would have created a public outcry which would have destabilized his ability to govern. Or after election defeat and a subsequent "Stop the Steal"-inspired insurrection, his adjudication is stymied by "his"

political party caught somewhere between disregard and disbelief. Instead …

Disrupting a tranquil Saturday, Trump used his social network, Truth Social, to call for the results of the 2020 election to be overturned and his reinstatement as president with the following statement:

"Do you throw the Presidential Election Results of 2020 OUT and

Columnist David W. Marshall

From Newt Gingrich to Raphael Warnock

Within the past week, Sen. Raphael Warnock reminded the nation how much we are all interconnected politically in how voters' decisions from Georgia touch all of us in the fight for power. It is understandable why Georgia's Republican Lt. Gov. Geoff Duncan said he did not vote for his party's GOP Senate candidate Herschel Walker in the runoff election against Warnock (He didn't vote for either

candidate). In doing so, did he consider why the decision-makers within his party saw fit to have a former football star from Texas represent Georgia and the nation as a U.S. senator?

While it may be a politically motivated question, it is driven by the desire to have competence fill the position. After a person gets sick, they want to recover and remain as healthy as possible. Therefore, when they go to any physician, they want a person of competence in that position. The same is true when hiring a plumber or mechanic. Does it make sense for any

concerned citizen to knowingly want incompetence representing any part of our House or Senate institutions? When we struggle to make sense of Herschel Walker's candidacy and the million-plus people who voted for him, it is not a partisan struggle but a patriotic one.

The political drama in Georgia is an apparent confirmation and continuation of the GOP's loyalty to obtaining power instead of choosing to care for and protect the U.S. House and Senate as national institutions. It aligns with the "win-at-any-cost" rev-

olution and blueprint set forth by another Georgian, former U.S. Rep. and House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Gingrich turned typical partisan battles into a political blood sport, recklessly damaged Congress, and paved the way for Donald Trump's rise to power. In one of his floor speeches, House Speaker Tip O'Neill said of Gingrich's attacks, "It's the lowest thing that I've ever seen in my 32 years in Congress!" Gingrich took O'Neil's words as a badge of honor and continued introducing rhetoric and tactics that have shaped Congress and the Republican Party

for the past three decades.

In 1978, speaking to a group of College Republicans while campaigning for his third attempt at Congress, Gingrich said: "One of the great problems we have in the Republican Party is that we don't encourage you to be nasty. We encourage you to be neat, obedient, and loyal, and faithful, and all those Boy Scout words, which would be great around the campfire but are lousy in politics." For the GOP to succeed, Gingrich described

The Challenges Maryland's First Black Governor Overcame Inspired His Mission

"A campaign based on championing equal opportunity, compassion for the incarcerated, education for all children, and hope in the future can not only win, but prove infectious enough to spread across the country. Wes Moore's victory has recaptured some of the magic that has been lost in our politics in the tumult of the past few years. Hopefully, this is just the beginning."

The 2022 midterm elections of resulted in groundbreaking wins for historically marginalized groups of Americans. Massachusetts and Oregon elected the first openly lesbian governors in the nation. Florida is sending the first member of "Generation Z," the post-millennial generation, to Congress. And Wes Moore was elected the first Black governor of Maryland, and only the third Black governor elected in U.S. history.

Moore will be the sixth Black governor to serve, but only two before him were elected: L. Douglas Wilder of Virginia in 1990 and Deval Patrick of Massachusetts in 2007. David Paterson became the first Black governor of New York upon the resignation of Eliot Spitzer in 2008. The other two served in my home state of Louisiana during the Reconstruction Era. Oscar Dunn took over as acting governor when Henry Clay Warmoth was injured in 1871. Upon's Dunn's death and Warmoth's impeachment, P.B.S. Pinchback became the state's

second Black governor in 1872.

Moore's running mate, Aruna Miller, who immigrated from India at age 7, will be the first woman of color and first immigrant to serve as Maryland's lieutenant governor.

The details of Moore's resume may read like a wish list for aspiring political candidates: Rhodes scholar, combat veteran, anti-poverty activist, and best-selling author. But his rise was an improbable one — a sad reality that has informed his mission to eliminate child poverty and the racial wealth gap.

When Moore was only 3 years old, his father collapsed and died of a virus just hours after failing to receive appropriate treatment at a Maryland hospital. Moore soon moved with his mother and two sisters into his grandparents' home in the East Bronx, then in the throes of the mid1980s crack epidemic. Reluctant to send Moore to the neighborhood school — one of the first in the city to employ metal detectors — his mother worked several jobs to send

Guest

— Peniel E. Joseph

Marc H. Morial

LIFESTYLE

Performances of Handel’s “Messiah” to Benefit Local A.M.E. Church

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Bringing renewed social relevance, commentary and philanthropy to an annual holiday tradition, National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah,” Dec. 17 and 18 at Strathmore in North Bethesda, Maryland and Dec. 23 at Cap-

ital One Hall in Tysons, Virginia.

This year’s performance has special meaning because 50% of the proceeds from the performances at Strathmore will go toward the “2nd Century Project” as a fundraiser to restore the historic Scotland African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Zion Church in Montgomery County, Md.

“We’ve been performing Han-

del’s ‘Messiah’ annually at Strathmore since 2005, except for during COVID,” said Piotr Gajewski, NatPhil’s music director and conductor.

Soloists joining the NatPhil chorale and orchestral mass are soprano Kearstin Piper Brown, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, tenor Norman Shankle and baritone Jorell Williams.

“By design, this year’s performances have an African American cast because of what was uncovered several years ago about George Frideric Handel.”

There is a backstory behind this concert concerning composer Handel and Scotland A.M.E. Zion Church. Gajewski explained that Handel benefitted handsomely from slave trading. It is thought that many of the composer’s works may not have come to fruition if it were not for his revenue from the slave trade.

“So, the question arose for us, what is the proper response to learning this,” said Gajewski, 63. “One possible response would be to simply cancel all music by Handel and be done with it. Or maybe there was another way to consider with this newly uncovered information.”

NatPhil is taking Handel’s history and turning it into a positive to help communities of color, largely those who are descendants of enslaved people. Scotland A.M.E. Zion was chosen.

In 2019 the church was horribly damaged by floods. To save its rich legacy, the church and its Montgomery County allies have launched a multi-phase project to repair, restore and safeguard the building. Information about the 2nd Century Project can be found

at scotlandamezion.org. NatPhil’s philanthropic commitment to the church was made before recent news that Scotland A.M.E. Zion was vandalized in November.

Built by hand and opened in 1924 by Black congregants in the Scotland community in Potomac, Md., Scotland A.M.E. Zion is registered as a State Historic Site by the Maryland Historical Trust. Today the church is the only historic building to survive in Maryland’s Scotland community. Even before the challenges faced by the church in recent years, the Scotland community in Potomac did not have running water until the 1970s.

“I urge people to visit the website of Scotland A.M.E. Church because that story is there,” continued Gajewski. “I think they may tell it in gentler words, but the county has not treated that community well, and it’s systematic.”

NatPhil will welcome the Scotland A.M.E. Zion Mass Choir and its director Michael Terry for a pre-concert performance at the Strathmore on Dec. 17 and 18. Patrons are encouraged to attend this free performance in the venue’s lobby area starting one hour before “Messiah.”

Tickets for both the Strathmore and Capital One Hall concerts are available online at nationalphilharmonic.org. Children 17 and under can attend National Philharmonic performances for free through their program “All Kids. All Free. All the Time.” WI

@bcscomm

5 National Philharmonic (NatPhil) presents three performances of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” on Dec. 17 and 18 at Strathmore in Bethesda, Md., and on Dec. 23 at Capital One Hall in the Tysons area. (Courtesy Photo/ National Philharmonic)

5 Four African American vocalists are in the cast of Handel’s “Messiah.” They are (Top Row, L-R) soprano Kearstin Piper Brown, mezzo-soprano Lucia Bradford, (Bottom Row, L-R) tenor Norman Shankle and baritone Jorell Williams. (Courtesy photo/National Philharmonic)

Carmen Lundy Brings in the New Year at the Kennedy Center

Multi-Talent Vocalist Celebrates

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Carmen Lundy is a successful and respected composer and vocalist who is riding high with her 16th album, “Fade to Black,” recently nominated for a Grammy award. She will perform songs from that album, plus many more, during two New Year’s Eve concerts called “Carmen Lundy and Friends,” at the Kennedy Center.

Lundy’s “Friends” include: Warren Wolf (vibraphone), Brandee Younger (harp), Andrew Renfroe (guitar), Kenny Davis (bass), Terreon Gully (drums), and Matthew Whitaker (piano, organ, keyboards). Whitaker is a VSA International Young Soloist and Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead alumnus, both Kennedy Center programs.

Talented across several creative genres, Lundy, 68, is an actress, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and a celebrated mixed media artist and painter. Her art is on the cover of “Fade to Black.”

Recently, Lundy spoke about her career on WIN-TV, the Washington Informer’s digital platform program. She shared what went into creating

Grammy

Nomination for Current Album

her latest album during the shutdown period of COVID. “Say Her Name,” one of the songs on the album, questions why any woman or man must be a victim of police brutality at this time in our nation’s history.

“The way we have come to know the Black experience in the modern world, I find it doesn’t make sense. I went to my computer to understand what happened on that awful day in Minnesota. I remember being so emotionally broken down,” Lundy said. “I also remembered Attorney Crump insisting that we say the names of individuals who suffered needlessly. When you say it out loud, you claim the life, spirit, and soul of that person.”

A tribute to love is one of many feelings when listening to “Spell of Romance.” I told Lundy the song is reminiscent of missing someone due to the shutdown conditions in the early period of the pandemic.

“ It’s just that,” Lundy said while laughing. “When I talk about music, I find that if you give everything up, then that changes the listener’s perspective.”

“Reverence” is a cut Lundy con-

siders her song of speaking out.

“I’ve done more protesting in my 60s than ever,” Lundy said. “The song is a simple way of breaking down ‘Black Lives Matter.’ Your life matters; mine does too.”

“Fade to Black” walks through this current era of reckoning and adds to Lundy’s catalog of over 150 published songs. Her compositions have been recorded by such artists as Kenny Barron, Ernie Watts, Terri Lyne Carrington and Regina Carter, all National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters. She is not done yet.

Check out the interview with Lundy on the Washington Informer’s WIN-TV on YouTube. Visit Lundy’s website to learn about “Fade to Black” and her other works at carmenlundy.com. For information about “A Jazz New Year’s Eve: Carmen Lundy and Friends,” visit the Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.org. wi @bcscomm

T I C K E T S AVA I L A B L E AT M G M N AT I O N A L H A R B O R . C O M

5 Composer and vocalist Carmen Lundy’s latest album, “Fade to Black,” was recently nominated for a Grammy. She performs two New Year’s Eve concerts at the Kennedy Center. (Courtesy photo/ Carmen Lundy)

5 Composer and vocalist Carmen Lundy’s latest album, “Fade to Black,” was recently nominated for a Grammy. (Courtesy photo/ Carmen Lundy)

Guillermo del Toro’s ‘Pinocchio’ Resonates with Adult Audiences, Too

DB Bantino Movie Reviewer

Most of us read the story about the cultural icon Pinocchio who first emerged in 1883 as a wooden character created by Carlo Collodi. In the story, his creator Geppetto was an old man who lived in a Tuscan village suffering from the death of his only son. As he mourned his loss, he made a puppet out of a nearby pine tree. In that tree, there lives a cricket who becomes a friend and guardian of the puppet.

Geppetto names the puppet Pinocchio and teaches him to act like his lost son. Still, Pinocchio can make his own decisions and wants to learn life through his own experiences. The puppet is then given life through a higher power that wants to see Geppetto happy.

As news of a living puppet spreads, some of the locals want to capitalize on it, and they try to manipulate Pinocchio into bad situations, separating him from Geppetto. Eventually, he is persuaded to leave home for a spot in the traveling carnival in hopes of becoming a star which unfortunately does not turn out well. Although Pinocchio is a puppet, he still has a strong heart. He has to make bold decisions to survive many obstacles and hopefully reunite with Geppetto.

The movie is directed by Guillermo del Toro, who also directed Hellboy, The Shape of Water, and

Pans Labyrinth. His interpretation was darker than most reimagined stories of Pinocchio. How he told his version would leave one wondering if it was for children or adults. He directed his first movie over 30 years ago in Mexico. It was a stop-motion animated scifi titled “Omnivore.” His talent for creating magical stop-motion films showed in this one which is also entirely stop-motion animated. The film makes such a connection with the audience that it becomes hard to remember that you are watching animated characters, not real ones.

The animation supervisor was Brian Leif Hansen, who grew up on a dairy farm in Jutland, Denmark. He has been animating for over 20 years after taking a chance and applying to the Animation Workshop in Viborg, Denmark. To complete this film, he and his team needed to create 60 different stages, all with different cameras and sets.

Stop-motion is very time-consuming, and without the different sets, the crew could only film about two seconds per day. Also, the characters were made with 3D printers after being designed on computers. Some scenes took

weeks and even years to complete, and they were all done with a budget of $35 million.

The voice of Pinocchio was played by Gregory Mann. He has not provided his age publicly but has stated that the voice acting was sometimes difficult because, as a preteen, his voice would begin to crack. Ewan McGregor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, starred as the voice for Cricket. Also, David Bradly, who played Argus Filch in the Harry Potter films, did an amazing job as the voice for Gepetto.

I have seen the Pinocchio story plenty of times, but this was the first I actually enjoyed it as an adult. The film had many lessons that only a mature mind could understand. Even in the music, there were lessons. I was surprised that many of the lyrics were written by the direction del Toro himself. One song in the film that I really enjoyed was called Ciao Papa, and in the lyrics, Pinocchio sings, “Eyes in the rain, I try to hide. Tears of a boy who shouldn’t cry.” Along with the music, the visuals were captivating and kept me very entertained. I would probably say that this was my favorite Pinocchio film. WI

the current African Growth and Opportunities Act (AGOA) which ends in 2025.

Many African, African diasporan and American business, investment and trade development stakeholders have made several policy recommendations to the Biden Administration to address these issues. Some would like more effective policies and programs to foster greater incentives

for trade and investments in Africa. Others propose initiates that assist African American small and medium size businesses to successfully compete and win USAID procurement projects in Africa.

Tigist Melesse, professor at University of California, Berkeley, argues that U.S aid has failed to deliver sustainable economic growth and poverty reduction in Africa.

The Biden Administration and its African partners have much

work ahead to address Africa’s development while many observers are hoping for success but remain skeptical.

Joseph Sang, VP at USIP’s Africa Center said the summit should give people homework to continue the efforts.

“The summit should send Americans and Africans home with ‘todo-lists’ and a schedule to shape the first joint projects necessary to achieve its goals. Stay tuned. WI

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Bob Marley Experience

Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer

The Bob Marley One Love Experience will make its U.S. debut in Los Angeles beginning in January 2023 after touring London and Toronto.

The interactive exhibit will be on display at The Ovation, Hollywood, for 12 weeks showcasing never-before-seen Marley photographs and memorabilia while immersing guests in a journey through his life, passions, influ-

ences, and enduring legacy.

The 15,000 square feet experience features the One Love Forest, Soul Shakedown Studio and the Beautiful Life Zone showcasing Bob’s interests and hobbies outside of music, including football– also known in the U.S. as soccer.

There are also zones focusing on the Marley family, Bob’s philanthropy, and the inner workings of his musical process, including lyric sheets, concert videos and studio equipment. Further, guests can explore multiple immersive expe-

riences, including a silent disco, game room and a Jamaican rainforest and cannabis forest.

The global Reggae icon known for his musical hits such as “One Love,” “No Woman, No Cry” and “Redemption Song” died in 1981

WARNOCK from Page 17

The radio host’s opinion of the Arizona senator goes beyond her political leanings.

“Like I’ve said before, it goes way beyond politics or ideology — she’s just awful.”

Critics have pointed out that Sinema, along with Manchin, has acted against the interest of Democrats during the current 50-50 senate composition.

She opposed Biden’s Build Back Better agenda and stubbornly refused to help push through vital pieces of legislation by refusing to weaken archaic and racist filibuster rules.

Others have pointed out that while Republican Senators broke filibuster rules and pushed through U.S. Supreme Court judges for former President Donald Trump, Sinema has even suggested nominees at the judicial and administration levels require 60 Senate votes.

“America has no higher minimum wage, no extended child tax credits, and no voting rights protections because of Kyrsten Sinema,” Obeidallah asserted.

However, Schumer and Biden have insisted they can still count on Sinema.

“Kyrsten is independent; that’s how she’s always been,” Schumer said in a statement.

from cancer. He was 36.

“After being in London and Toronto, it’s going to be amazing bringing the experience here to the U.S. for the first time and just steps from Daddy’s star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame,” Cedel-

“I believe she’s a good and effective senator. I am looking forward to a productive session in the new Democratic majority Senate,” continued Schumer, who previously called the prospect of a 51-49 majority “a world of difference.”

“We will maintain our new majority on committees, exercise our subpoena power, and be able to clear nominees without discharge votes,” Schumer pleaded.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre suggested that Sinema’s flip would not affect the balance of power in the Senate or her working relationship with Biden.

“Sen. Sinema has been a key partner on some of the historic legislation President Biden has championed over the last 20 months,” JeanPierre said.

“We have every reason to expect that we will continue to work suc-

la Marley, CEO of

Marley Group, said in a statement the Associated Press reported.

The Marley Family and Terrapin Station Entertainment produced the exhibit. Tickets are available now at feverup.com. WI

cessfully with her.”

PBS News correspondent Lisa Desjardins tweeted that a Sinema spokesperson said Sinema “intends to maintain her committee assignments through the Democratic majority.”

Still, in the aftermath of Warnock’s win in Georgia, Democrats’ hold on the Senate remains tenuous, and Schumer expressed his understanding of that fact.

“There are a good number of Republicans in the Senate and the House who are not MAGA Republicans – who know that, if the Republican Party follows the hard right and the extreme members in their caucuses, they’ll continue to lose ground,” Schumer offered. “I intend to reach out to them and say, ‘How we can how can we work in a bipartisan way?’”

WI

Bob

5 The Bob Marley One Love Experience will make its United States debut in Los Angeles in January 2023. (Courtesy photo

The radio host’s opinion of the Arizona senator goes beyond her political leanings. “Like I’ve said before, it goes way beyond politics or ideology — she’s just awful.”

The Air Inside the House: Connections Between Our Homes and Asthma

Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Reporter

Local organizations and partnerships are pushing to address causes of indoor air pollution linked to childhood asthma, including gas kitchen appliances, poor ventilation, and housing condition issues like mold and pests.

Michelle Hall, 63, has been fighting for clean air in Ward 7’s River Terrace neighborhood for more than two decades. For years, she organized with neighbors to collect health data and to protest nearby industrial facilities spewing fumes into the air.

“We've had a lot of encounters with environmental injustice—you have the highway here, trash transfer stations, the power plant [on Benning Road],” she said. “We’re being exposed to so much.”

Hall had not expected the next air pollution battleground to be inside her own home. But on Dec. 5, she stood in her kitchen with two fellow advocates from the Washington Interfaith Network, watching an air quality monitor. It registered high levels of nitrogen dioxide. For Hall, an asthmatic, the results proved particularly concerning.

The home air assessment, part of a project by the Beyond Gas DC coalition, which includes the Washington Interfaith Network and several other community groups, tests air quality inside D.C.-area homes. The project is just one of several initiatives by local organizations tackling the District’s high asthma rates by addressing household environmental health hazards.

CHILDHOOD ASTHMA AND INDOOR AIR

Recently, health issues associated with gas-burning appliances gained attention from climate change advocates pushing to cut down on fossil fuel use. It could make a big difference for childhood asthma: one analysis found children in homes with gas stoves were 42 percent more likely to develop asthma than children in homes without them.

5 A screenshot from Children's National's “Healthy Housing and Pediatric Asthma in DC” map on Dec. 7. The blue circles represent mold reports and the red dots show where an ER asthma patient came from.

But dust, mold, mice and insects are even worse culprits when it comes to causing childhood asthma.

“When a young child is exposed to a lot of pests or mold, then they can develop an allergy to that, and that can change the way their immune system develops,” Dr. Janet Phoenix, a public health expert and longtime advocate for childhood asthma solutions in the District. “And that change is permanent.”

D.C. has the highest asthma prevalence of any U.S. city, according to a 2021 report by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. More than one in 10 District residents have it, including almost 16,000 children and adolescents.

Childhood asthma in the District is also extremely unequal: more than 70 percent of D.C. kids and teens with asthma are Black, and more than 65 percent use public health insurance, according to a study published in the Journal of Asthma earlier

oxide levels remained high for more than 20 minutes. She glanced at the device, then at her stove.

“I’ve loved cooking since I was a little girl,” Hall said. “I guess I will be cracking my windows all the time.”

this year. Children from Wards 7 and 8 are 20 times more likely to visit the emergency room for asthma than children from Ward 3.

HEALTHCARE, HOUSING, AND JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS WORK TOWARD SOLUTIONS

Phoenix has been working on childhood asthma in the District for more than a decade. She said she has not seen much progress.

“The numbers are similar to what they were when I first started working on the issue,” Phoenix said. “And I think it's because we really haven't been able to make much of a dent in some of the underlying factors.”

Recently, though, she and other researchers— alongside healthcare providers and housing advocates in the District—have been trying out new solutions to address that exact problem.

Last year, Phoenix worked with the housing justice group Yachad, Children’s National Hospital, and two other partner organizations on a pilot program offering virtual home visits to pediatric asthma patients. Following the visits, participants received individualized plans to address identified problems. Of the 57 families to complete a virtual home visit, 46 received remediation services, according to a report summarizing the project.

Other organizations have focused on pushing city government to provide necessary health and housing services. NAACP DC launched its Lead Exposure and Childhood Asthma campaign in March, partnering more than 30 other groups, including the Washington Interfaith Network.

As part of the Beyond Gas DC coalition, WIN also helps document indoor air pollution caused by gas-burning appliances and push for cleaner, more electrified homes. As of December, the coalition had tested just under 100 kitchens in the D.C. area.

In Hall’s kitchen, with the gas oven and two gas stovetops running, the numbers ticked steadily up. After about 20 minutes, the device showed nitrogen dioxide concentrations more than twice the Environmental Protection Agency’s definition of a healthy level for most people to breathe for one hour. With asthma, Hall experienced levels more than three times the healthy exposure level for her to breathe for an hour.

Even after Hall turned the appliances off, the nitrogen di-

5 Washington Interfaith Network’s Michelle Hall, right, watches a nitrogen dioxide monitor in her kitchen with fellow WIN organizer Sidra Siddiqui.

Round House Theatre’s ‘The Tempest’ Presented in a World of Magic and Illusions

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Card tricks, disappearing characters and an illusionary twisting head are a few of the moments making audiences gasp during “The Tempest,” William Shakespeare’s 400-year-old play currently at Round House Theatre in Bethesda, Md., until Jan. 1. This production, a collaboration with Folger Theatre, is co-directed and co-adapted by Aaron Posner and Teller of Penn and Teller.

This version of “The Tempest” was conceived in Las Vegas approximately 10 years ago by Posner, Teller and scenic designer Daniel Conway. They created a world where magic and illusions became characters in a story about

revenge that leads to forgiveness. Through many iterations, the play was reconceived for a Chicago production. The Round House Theatre production is the third version of the play with lots of fun magic.

“New tricks came in for this version. There were things we tried before that we cut,” said Posner, an award-winning playwright, director and theater professor at American University. “We’re constantly looking at them, asking how we can make them better. In fact, one of my favorite tricks is brand new to this production.”

also plays various percussion instruments; and Manny Arciniega, associate music director, was the lead percussionist on the evening I attended. Pilobolus dance company serves as choreographer for this production.

Prospero is a central character in the play. He is a skilled magician living in isolation on an island with his daughter and Caliban, a two-person hideous monster, who are also servants. Prospero vows revenge on those he feels have wronged him. That includes his brother Antonio. An assortment of characters joins Prospero on this revenge trek, but he did not imagine that his innocent daughter would fall in love with Ferdinand, son of one of his enemies Alonzo, King of Naples. Through numerous perils, Prospero’s heart softens, changing his stance on revenge.

“The Tempest” opens on a ship being tossed in a storm and music from a trio adds to the storytelling throughout. Accordion player Lizzie Hagstedt sings and plays bass; vocalist Kanysha Williams or four rooms going with movement in one, magic in another and music in another. This is a larger, more complicated production than most.”

Always hanging around to assist Prospero is Ariel, a spirit that uses magic and illusion more than anyone else in this production. Talk about disappearing acts! Ariel has tricks between his bracelets, under tarp coverings and even some that he delivers from spiral staircases.

The Caliban character, also called “Monster,” is really two ac-

tors who move around the stage interlocked for 95% of “The Tempest.” It’s a big show of body strength.

“The idea of having a two-bodied, two-brain person is something Teller and I invented for this production,” the co-director said.

Posner also explained the rigorous rehearsal process to bring the show to life.

“For the production and rehearsal process, we often had three

Make plans to see “The Tempest” now at Round House Theatre until Jan. 1. Arrive early for a special pre-show surprise. Tickets may be purchased by calling 240.644.1100 or ordering online at RoundHouseTheatre.org. WI @bcscomm

former D.C. City Administrator Michael Rogers, who serves as the chairman of the task force naming public spaces and buildings in honor of Barry. Mobley said the task force recommended Good Hope Road be renamed in Barry’s honor.

Mobley also got the chance to voice her feelings about the renaming.

“Marion Barry is due this honor,” she said. “He was transformative. Because of Marion Barry, downtown has been revitalized and now you have Gallery Place that is doing very well.”

Graylin Presbury serves as the president of the Fairlawn Citizens Association. In what can be considered a reversal, Presbury said his organization, who once opposed the renaming, withdrew its opposition to it.

Publication Date 12-22-22

While the overwhelming majority of people who testified supported

the name change, Barbara Cooper, a housing activist in Ward 8 opposed it.

“I am against renaming Good Hope Road,” she said. “We live on Good Hope Road. You don’t live here. If the name is changed, we have to change everything like our IDs and the mail. Instead of changing Good Hope Road, why don’t you change Mississippi Avenue, Alabama Avenue or Texas Avenue where Black people are being killed?”

Mendelson said people have until Dec. 23 at 5 p.m. to leave comments with the committee staff on the renaming. White said he understands that he will have to re-introduce the bill in the next Council Period, which begins on Jan. 2, 2023.

“Next year, we need to have a hearing on this bill,” he said . “We can go ahead and vote it into law.” WI

5 “The Tempest” is playing at Round House Theatre until Jan 1. Prospero, a central character played by Eric Hissom, works his magic on his daughter Miranda played by Megan Graves, and Ferdinand, played by Ro Boddie, a young couple who fall in love. (Courtesy photo/ Scott Suchman for Round House Theatre)

PUBLICATION

Do you know what that means? It is the holiday greeting of Kwanzaa. This week, Kid Scoop gets the scoop about this holiday that started in 1966. Don’t miss out on the fun!

Each week, Kid Scoop brings students interactive games, activities, puzzles and more in a bright & bouncy, award-winning feature kids and their family members can enjoy together.

Elephants are one of the world’s largest animals and elephant shrews are one of the world’s smallest. But they are related!

An elephant shrew is not a member of the shrew family.

Follow the maze to see which of these animals is an elephant shrew relative.

Smallest of the Small

Short-eared elephant shrews live in southern Africa in Namibia, Botswana and South Africa. They like to live in sandy soil, dry grass and shrub land.

called

elephant shrew?

Some say the elephant shrew’s long nose, or snout, looks like the trunk of an elephant. Sometimes it is called a jumping shrew. Use the code to discover yet another name for this tiny animal. Cut and paste these sentences in order to find out what these animals eat.

Small and Speedy

Are you an Circle the article. Then on the lines family member

Lost

For nearly scientists of elephant Somali extinkt, In 2020, travel country in Africa. look into peopul Somali They baited peanut and yeast sengi. furst recorded in

Critter Combos

Look through the newspaper for pictures of

“Sh” is a Blend

A blend is when two or three consonants are put together to make a sound. On one page of the newspaper, circle all of the examples you can find of two consonants put together in a word. Make a list of the blends you found.

Standards Link: Language Arts: Recognize the sounds created by consonants in blends.

aardvark

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

review wi book

"The White Wall: How Big Finance Bankrupts Black America"

By Emily Flitter

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

The big, red-brick building down the road is where you get your groceries. You have to drive there, past the shiny chrome car dealership, left by the green gas station. The yellow fast-food place is your kids' favorite; that's in the same block. And that large brown building? That's where you do your banking and keep your money. But, as in the new book "The White Wall" by Emily Flitter, can you get that money out?

A number of years ago, when she was a banking reporter for the New York Times, Flitter tried to follow a lead on a Black man who'd been fired from his job at a major financial company. It turned out to be a weak lead but meanwhile, she met a lawyer who turned her toward a much bigger issue: racism in the financial industry.

Recent polls show that most Americans have no idea that there's a racial wealth gap. They don't know about the Black/white gap in family wealth. They have no clue that Black families fared much worse in the 2008 financial crisis than did whites, or that they're struggling again in this post-pandemic time.

The truth is that racism thrives in banking institutions where, Flitter says, Black consumers are often profiled as "suspicious" by white bank employees, even if they have a paper trail of proof for their own money. Black borrowers are often given less service and more wrong information; Flitter also found instances where skin color determined interest rates. Bank customers who are Black aren't always offered the valuable perks that white customers get. Insurance companies are not servicing Black homeowners the same as they do white homeowners. Not even Black business owners escape racism within the financial industry.

That isn't even mentioning the proportionately low number of Black employees in those institutions, or the insufficient number of high-level leaders.

Clearly, says Flitter, "Corporate America has a long way to go."

Pick up your copy of "The White Wall," hold it tight, and make room on your lap for your jaw. It may be dropping a lot while you're reading this shocking book.

Or maybe not. What's in here might not come as much of a surprise to some readers who live this reality every day — and for that, author Emily Flitter has some words for you, starting with this: what you've experienced is no anomaly.

For Wall Street and for every large business in the nation, she offers more in an entire chapter devoted to ideas on how to do better by making financial services more accessible for Black Americans. On that, there's good news in Flitter's final words and that's a happy start but, judging by the many, many stories she shares, readers could absolutely be forgiven for any lingering pessimism …

Still, this informative book is easy for even the most busy executive to read and use, and its essential message shouts to be heard. This book could create new consciousness, or "The White Wall" may also leave you blue.

WI

LIFESTYLE

horoscopes

ARIES You could be reaching the end of the road on a group project at the beginning of the week. Although you often like to lead the charge, you could find that collaboration has actually proven hugely beneficial to your emotional well-being. This could lead to looking for more opportunities that help you feel like part of something bigger than yourself. Lucky Numbers: 1, 5, 23

TAURUS Although you're a creature of habit, you might be craving change, especially at the start of the week. Striking out on your own, perhaps on a major project or proposal, could not only feel liberating but also catch the attention of higher-ups. Lucky Numbers: 14, 15, 20

GEMINI You might feel as though life has gotten too mundane and predictable and be craving new horizons at the start of the week. Carve out time to dream, meditate, philosophize, and plan future travel. You might also enjoy diving into a book you've been meaning to read. Lucky Numbers: 10, 21, 55

CANCER Researching new ways to increase cash flow could come more naturally early in the week. Talking to old and current colleagues, friends, and other trusted confidants could inspire you to go down a rabbit hole of information, bookmarking and taking notes as you go. What you learn could lead the way to financial rewards. Lucky Numbers: 4, 23, 44

LEO Putting what's in your head and heart into words can feel even easier than usual as the week starts out. You can make the most of this moment by pitching that passion project you've had up your sleeve or initiating what you feared might be a challenging, emotional conversation with a loved one. You'll feel as though you said your piece and gave it your all, helping you feel centered with the outcome, whatever it is. Lucky Numbers: 1, 8, 9

VIRGO You might feel like you need to overhaul your agenda in order to amplify your work/life balance at the beginning of the week. Managing your stress tends to be an ongoing project for you, but this can be a powerful moment in which you're driven to clean house of energy-sucking time commitments or habits that are keeping you from moving forward. Lucky Numbers: 17, 18, 49

LIBRA If you feel like you've had to put your artistic impulses and appetite for fun on hold while you tended to the more monotonous aspects of life, you might be ready to shake things up in the beginning of the week. Letting go of your rigorous, structured schedule and allowing room for spontaneity can offer emotional fulfillment and bolster relationships all around. Lucky Numbers: 5, 13, 35

SCORPIO Family drama might be inevitable early in the week. If you've been feeling like your emotions aren't being heard, or loved ones are demanding more time and attention, the situation could come to a head. You might find you can't help but clash with your significant other or a dear friend out of the blue. Reworking how much time you're putting toward your relationships and holding space for others could expedite healing. Lucky Numbers: 6, 7, 12

SAGITTARIUS At the start of the week, you'll want to dive into new books or even an online course that feeds your wanderlust and need to broaden your horizons and always be learning. Having deep, philosophical conversations with friends and colleagues can also have you feeling more intellectually fulfilled right now. Lucky Numbers: 18, 21, 26

CAPRICORN You might find yourself reflecting on how you want to expend your energy and what commitments are worth your time at the start of the week. Streamlining your to-dos and moneymaking efforts might feel daunting, but it can also be empowering. Make sure to do what makes sense pragmatically and check in with your gut, but you'll also take your heart's desires into consideration as well. You'll soon know how to proceed. Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 16

AQUARIUS If you've been aggravated because it feels like you're putting your needs on the back burner in order to tend to other people's (specifically, loved ones') requests and desires, you might be ready to make some changes in order to put yourself first as the week gets underway. This can be a deeply emotional time, so you'll do well to carve out the space you need to reflect on next steps and bump up your self-care. Lucky Numbers: 8, 12, 33

PISCES You might feel the need to take a time-out from the daily grind at the start of the week. Whether you spend time meditating, journaling, doing deep breathing exercises, walking in nature, or practicing yoga, focusing on feeling more centered can be hugely beneficial for your mind and body. Lucky Numbers: 22, 27, 32

3 Former Wizard John Wall returned to D.C. as a member of the Los Angeles Clippers.

(Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

John Wall Returns to D.C. with the Clippers, Fans Show Love

Richard D. Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

In a home game on Dec. 10, the Washington Wizards were defeated by the Los Angeles Clippers.

John Wall, a five-time All Star with the Wizards, played his first game back at Capital One Arena in nearly four years and was greeted with a tribute and a hero’s welcome. During his time in Washington, Wall epitomized the pure point guard with his athleticism and ability to lead a transition of-

The Wizards utilized star forward Kyle Kuzma as the primary ball handler while Bradley Beal is hurt. The Wizards had one of their best defensive stretches of the season, punctuated by high effort on defensive rotations and outrebounding the

Clippers by eight. Jordan Goodwin, a point guard who has stepped up amid injuries, continued his strong defensive streak. Goodwin continually played hands up defense and his energy led to a career-high six steals and multiple rushed shots by the Clippers.

On back to back possessions in the second half, Porzingis blocked a John Wall three-point attempt and Goodwin stole the ball from Wall at the half court, leading to a transition Kuzma three-pointer.

Kuzma had 25 points at the half and was five-for-five from the threepoint range, a strong performance amid rumors that the Wizards plan to trade him for a first round draft pick. Porzingis posted a double-double before the end of the third quarter, continuing a 43-game streak of double digit scoring dating back to his trade to the Wizards. Bradley Beal, Monte Morris, Delon Wright, Rui Hachimura, Will Barton, and Johnny Davis did not play due to injury.

Kawhi Leonard, who has faced injury challenges over the past several seasons, started at power forward and had a slow scoring game with 13 points. Paul George was the leading scorer for the Clippers with 36 points in 41 minutes.

The game ended 114-107, following a missed Porzingis three-point attempt and free throws for the Clippers.

This loss leaves the Wizards with an 11-16 record, including nine losses in their past 10 games.

Fans reflected on Wall and his time with the Wizards.

WI: What is your best memory of John Wall as a Washington Wizard?

A: “Hands down, the 2016-2017 John Wall that forced a Game 7 with a dagger shot against the Boston Celtics.”

Chris, Camp Springs

A. “His iconic welcoming dougie or when he had his career-high 47 points versus Memphis Grizzlies in 2013. Also, his annual backpack giveaways.”

Chelsea, Glenarden

WI: Who is a young player in the NBA who you’d compare to John Wall?

A: “De’Aaron Fox is John Wall with a jump shot.” Marcellus, Lanham

WI: How did it feel to attend your first Wizards game?

A: “Good! Better than I thought it would be. Because the Wizards advertise themselves as a small market team, and that’s not the case.” Marcellus, Lanham WI

CAPTURE

For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com

the moment

5 President of Liberia, George Weah, at the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4 Actor Idris Elba attending the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 US Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Michael Regan delivers remarks during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

3 U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken delivers remarks during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN, 5th District) serving on a panel during the 2022 U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit at the Smithsonian Institute National Museum of African American History and Culture on Dec. 13. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Masjid

Muhammad Hosts 18th Annual ‘A Time to Be Grateful’ Confab

Denise Rolark Barnes WI Publisher

Members of Masjid Muhammad, the Nation’s Mosque, hosted a three-day conference and the 18th Annual “A Time to Be Grateful” awards dinner celebrating the Masjid Muhammad’s 85th anniversary and the Muslim Journal’s 47th anniversary.

The event was also held in conjunction with the anniversary of the United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights issued on December 10, 1948, the

date that the Nation’s Mosque was built in the nation’s capital in 1960.

Imam Talib M. Shareef, President of Masjid Muhammad, welcomed more than 400 attendees who traveled across the country to attend the awards dinner and participate in workshops addressing an array of social and justice issues, including youth violence.

In his message to the participants, Imam Shareef shared, “This year’s event comes at a time when America has been blessed to weather the storm of challenges to

itself, to our Democracy, and is moving towards closing this year a little brighter than the previous— focusing on the excellence of family, our collective life, and our inherent goodness as human beings. It is truly a time to be grateful.”

He cited record-breaking voter turnout, the confirmation of the first African American female appointed to the Supreme Court and numerous Muslims appointed to the Biden Administration as a reflection of the event’s theme: “Shared Freedom Space, Created Equal with Inalienable Rights.”

The Muslim Journal, in its 47th year of continuous publishing was originally founded by several Muslim ministers and followers of the Honorable Elijah Muhammed. Included among them was Malcolm X.

Ambassador Rashad Hussain, International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State, who represented the Biden Administration, urged in his keynote address the Muslim teachings of no person is superior to another, and expressed gratitude to the teachers who set the tradition of equality in the U.S.

“I am so grateful to be in a country that allows us to practice our faith freely. And we work hard to defend the right of all Americans who practice their faith or who don’t express any faith to practice

their religion,” Hussain said.

When Muslims are suffering around the world, and face genocide, Hussain explained, “We have to act on it here in the U.S. and around the world.”

“We have to protect international religious freedom, …particularly religious minorities,” he added.

Honorees at the awards ceremony included Anwar Saleem, president of H Street Merchants and Professional Association and executive director of H Street Main Street, who urged attendees to take back their communities. He cited efforts along the once riot-torn H Street corridor that turned the area into a vibrant business corridor with desirable places to live.

Muslim Journal International Editor Ayesha K. Mustafaa encouraged attendees to support Black-owned media, “the voice for

Black America.”

The program was hosted by Ibrahim Mumin and comedian Sylvia Traymore, who kept the room laughing with her jokes and impersonations of Michelle Obama, and artists including Whoopi Goldberg and songstress Dinah Washington, to name a few. WI

“I am so grateful to be in a country that allows us to practice our faith freely. And we work hard to defend the right of all Americans who practice their faith or who don’t express any faith to practice their religion,” Hussain said.

5 Anwar Saleem, (3rd right) receives an award from Muslim Journal International Editor Ayesha K. Mustafaa, Anwar, program host Ibrahim Mumin, and Masjid Muhammad Imam Talib M. Shareef. (D.R. Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

5 Ambassador Rashad Hussain. (D.R. Barnes/ The Washington Informer)

Last weekend, at the Key to the Kingdom Church in Clinton, Maryland, my sorority sisters and I were elated to install five new members in our precious Delta Pi Chapter of the Eastern Region of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated. This year, after more than 41 years of membership, I’m back, elected to serve in a role I had not held for years.

One of the five newly installed was my daughter, Tanika Briggs Belis, plus there were three of my close cousins, Sandra Gourdine, Shand Simmons and Courtney Ward. With another member which made five in this pledge group, her name is Jennelle Thomas, another beautiful soul, a very professional young woman that worked extremely well with my family. They called themselves The Dynasty Five.

Over the past few weeks, new members have been added to The Eastern Region of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated, growing in record numbers throughout the country. Chapters that added members in our region are: Members-At-Large; Alpha Gamma Nu Chapter - Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; Alpha Omicron Chapter - Washington, D.C.; my chapter - Delta Pi Chapter - Silver Spring, Md.; Epsilon Alpha Chapter - Union, N.J.; Epsilon Iota Chapter - Trenton, N.J.; Epsilon

the religion corner

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Sorority Continues to Grow!

Kappa Chapter - Buffalo, N.Y.;

Epsilon Pi Chapter - Delaware County, Pa. – Inducted a brand new chapter for the state of Delaware. Congratulations to each and every chapter for your growth, but a special shout out to our newest chapter in the Eastern Region, Epsilon Pi chapter.

Our National President Lenor R. Reese has done and continues to do a Herculean job. Our region is led by our Regional Director Mary Porter, an award winner. Phyllis Vessels, our regional membership chair is responsible for membership and growth of our region, she keeps membership moving and growing. All are from the Mu Omicron Chapter of Northern Virginia.

Appointed to serve as the regional historian/chair by our director, Mary Porter, it gives me great joy to give a brief history of our sorority for your understanding of the work we do throughout the country, as we help others.

Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated was started in 1943 by two sisters, led by Elizabeth Garner. It all happened in Detroit in February 1943, 79 years ago. Our headquarters is located across the street from Hitsville, USA, formerly the home of Berry Gordy’s Motown at 2657 West Grand Boulevard. This was the building where all of the hits just kept on coming. In fact, our Headquarters was once owned by Berry Gordy. Professionals taught Motown singers how to do dance moves in sync, they learned how to move smoothly; they were taught how to dress to be ready for the world, right inside our headquarters. In fact, as I look back over the two organizations, they are very similar in some of our goals. In our own way, Gamma teaches

young women who were recruited to become members of Gamma Phi Delta Sorority, Incorporated, just as they did for the Motown singers.

Blessed to stay together for nearly eight decades and still growing says a lot about how this organization has been run. We continue to help our young people, in particular, this sorority has given hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to help students go to college throughout the 79 years.

We help the needy at Thanksgiving and Christmas time, providing new clothing, toys and meals for those who may not have gotten anything for Christmas. Our programs are held in the month of March when we bring some joy to senior citizens who are living in assisted living homes and senior buildings.

Our youth talent shows showcase the talent of our youth and young adults. In fact, the late Grammy Award winner Marvin Gaye performed in our annual talent show for youth. We call it our Artist of Tomorrow, when our youth show off their talent — singers, dancers, poetry readings, those who play instruments, all types of talent is showcased.

Delighted to be a part of an organization that continues to live by biblical principles of helping others. WI

Church of Living Waters

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

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

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

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/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 www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

700 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

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032

(202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

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

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

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

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

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

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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 , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

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

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.

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

2498 Alabama Ave., SE Washington D.C. 20020

Office: (202) 889-7296 / Fax: (202) 889-2198 www.acamec.org

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”

Third Street Church of God

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

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

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

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor

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

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

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

Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews Senior Pastor

1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018

Office: (202) 529-6767 - Fax: (202) 526-1661

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

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

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” www.mtzbcdc.org

Turning Hearts Church

Virgil

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

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor

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

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

Crusader Baptist Church Isle of Patmos Baptist Church

Pilgrim Baptist Church

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Campbell AME Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor

Twelfth Street Christian Church

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

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 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study

7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion 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

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

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

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

Rev. Lance Aubert

Imterim Pastor

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

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

Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor

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

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

“Where Jesus is the King”

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

“Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . 100% Forgiven!

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

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001

Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

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

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert

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

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

Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm

Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm

Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"

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

mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002

202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

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"

Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

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

“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

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

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

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

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

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

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

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

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

“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

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

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

Fax: (202) 289-4595

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 “

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

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

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

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

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

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rehoboth Baptist Church

St. Matthews

Baptist Church

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

All Nations Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Senior Pastor

Shabbath Commandment Church

King Emmanuel Baptist Church

Mount Moriah Baptist Church Eastern Community Baptist Church

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality.

Notice of White Flag Surrender.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court

Sherly Z. Escobar Mendez Vs. Victor Escobar Perez

Suffolk Probate and Family Court 24 New Chardon Street Boston, MA 02114 (617) 788-8300

Upon motion of plaintiff(s)/petitioner(s) for an order directing the defendant(s)/respondent(s), to appear, plead, or answer, in accordance with Mass.R.Civ.P./Mass.R.Dom.Rel.P.Rule 4, it appearing to the court that this is an action for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status filed on November 09, 2022.

Defendant(s)/Respondent(s) cannot be found within the Commonwealth and defendant(s)/respondent(s) present whereabouts are unknown. Personal service on defendant is therefore not practicable, and defendant(s)/respondent(s) has/ have not voluntarily appeared in this action.

It is Ordered that defendant(s)/respondent(s) is/are directed to appear, please, answer, or otherwise move with respect to the complaint/petition herein on or before the return day of December 22nd, 2022.

If you fail to do so this Court will proceed to a hearing and adjudication of this matter.

It is further Ordered that the accompanying summons be published once in the Newspaper of General Circulation in Washington, DC., the publication to be 14 days at least before said return day. It is further ordered that ta copy of the summons be mailed to the defendant(s)/respondent(s) at his/her/ their last known address by registered or certified mail.

Date: 11/18/2022

Virginia M. Ward Justice of Probate and Family Court

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 FEP 000130

July 8, 1962 Date of Death

James T. Hall Sr. Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

James T. Hall III whose address is 7704 Bock Road Fort Washington, MD 20744 was appointed personal representative of the estate of James Thomas Hall, Sr., deceased, by the St. Mary’s County Circuit Court for St. Mary’s County, State of Maryland, on September 30, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Jaimee A. Hall 3326 N Street, SE Washington, DC 20019 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.

513 Irving Street, NW Washington DC 20010. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication: 12/1/2022

James T. Hall III

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: "Melvin Castrol Lett© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “MELVIN CASTROL LETT", corp.sole Dba.: "MELVIN C. LETT © ", “Lett, Melvin Castrol ©” having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Moorish American, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Al Maghreb Al Aqsa, Estados al Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, [ United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ], and all natural laws governing moors, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Moorish American. I am that I am: "Melvin Castrol Lett© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: "marcel melvin castrol lett-bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: State Department of Health and Senior Services Bureau of Vital Statistics: STATE FILE NUMBER #: 112-1986 6047430© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to "The Hokage Trust© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: "melvin castrol lett-bey© ", nom deguerre: "Melvin Castrol Lett© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : "The Hokage Trust © ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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

2022 ADM 000342

James Henry Sedgewick Decedent

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

Michelle L. Sedgewick, whose address is 1532 Independence Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Henry Sedgewick who died on July 22, 1960 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

Michelle L. Sedgewick Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 001242

Charlotte Johnson Sanders Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Drive Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

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

Mandel Sanders and Jamie Coleman, whose addresses are 4235 71st Avenue, Hyattsville, MD and 12305 Burning Oak Court, Waldorf MD, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Charlotte Johnson Sanders who died on 6/4/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/01/2022

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

2022 ADM 001249

George Ricks Decedent

Leta M. Jackson, Esq. Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E St., NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

Vivian Ricks, whose address is 4425 A St., SE, #1, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of George Ricks who died on May 30, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

Vivian Ricks Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

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

2022 ADM 001258

Betty Jean Longshore Decedent

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

Raymond Longshore, whose address is 1010 42nd Street NE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Jean Longshore who died on January 8, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

Raymond Longshore Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 1263

Michael K. Bonner Decedent

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

Michelle Bonner and Mickisha Bonner, whose addresses are 1400 Fairmont St, NW #315 WDC 20009 and 1400 Fairmont St. NW #315 WDC 20009, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Michael K. Bonner who died on 2/25/2011 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

Michelle Bonner Mickisha Bonner

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 000371

Patricia Destiny Clark Decedent

Gretchyn G. Meinken 616 N. Washington Street Alexandria, VA 22314

Attorney

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

Richard L. Counts, III and Charlotte Lee Gordon, whose addresses are 28631 Hope Circle, MD 21601 and 129 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601, were appointed

Personal Representatives of the estate of Patricia Destiny Clark who died on 12/29/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

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

2022 ADM 00065

Cleo Juanita Wise Decedent

Stevaughn J. Bush 600 Maryland Avenue SW Suite 800E Washington, DC 20024 Attorney

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

Terry Ann Wise Watson, whose address is 7426 8th Street NW, Washington DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cleo Juanita Wise who died on May 30, 1998 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/1/2023. 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 6/1/2023, 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: 12/1/2022

Terry Ann Wise Watson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Richard L. Counts, III Charlotte Lee Gordon

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Mandel Sanders Jamie Coleman Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Estate of Alonzo Lee Williams

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint Elmore Manuel Williams and Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. unsupervised personal representatives

Date of first publication: 12/8/2022

Elmore M. Williams

Deborah Cason Daniel, Esq. 51 Hamilton Street, NW/503 D St. NW #200, WDC Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 001259

David A. Thomas, Jr. Decedent

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

Mary L. McKinnon-Thomas, whose address is 11720 Redwood Dr., E. Brandywine, MD 20613, was appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of David A. Thomas, Jr. who died on February 22, 2022 with 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 (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/8/2023. 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 6/8/2023, 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: 12/8/2022

Mary L. McKinnon-Thomas Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001324

Estate of Charles R. Scott Sr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Pamela L. Nichols 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 6/6/2012 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 12/8/2022

Howard Haley

The Haley Firm, PC 7600 Georgia Ave. NW #416 Washington, DC 20012

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 000677

Vester L. Chandler aka Vester Lee Chandler Decedent

Julius P. Terrell, Esq. 1455 Pennsylvania Ave. NW Suite 400 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Akia J. Turner, whose address is 631 71st Street, Capitol Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vester L. Chandler aka Vester Lee Chandler who died on 12/27/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/8/2023. 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 6/8/2023, 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: December 8, 2022

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2022 ADM 0001307

Estate of Leonder L. Lee, Sr. aka Leonder Leopold Lee, Sr.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Lorna L. Washington 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 October 13, 2016 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: December 8, 2022

Glenda M. Wheeler Allen, Esq. Law Office of Glenda M. Wheeler 808 E. Street, NE Suite A Washington DC 20002 Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 001272

Doris Brewer Thomas Decedent

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 1247

Lamont J. Meredith Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie Probate Law DC 1308 Ninth Street, NW Ste. 300 Washington, DC 20001 Attorney

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 1204

Catherine L. Held aka Catherine Louise Held aka Catherine L. Carney aka Catherine Louise Carney Decedent

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

Robin L. Hermann, whose address is 17805 Shady Mill Rd., Derwood, MD 20855, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Catherine L. Held aka Catherine Louise Held aka Catherine L. Carney aka Catherine Louise Carney who died on October 8, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Robin L. Hermann Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS

AND

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Demetra Brewer Darlington, whose address is 3702 Melrose Ave., District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Doris Brewer Thomas who died on 2/6/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/8/2023. 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 6/8/2023, 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: 12/8/2022

Demetra Brewer Darlington Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

Geraldine Meredith, whose address is 1610 Monroe Street, NE, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lamont J. Meredith who died on June 5, 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., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/8/2023. 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 6/8/2023, 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: 12/8/2022

Geraldine Meredith Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT

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

2022 ADM 001316

Reginald A. Matthews aka Reginald Matthews Decedent

Leta M. Jackson, Esquire Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

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

Deborah Selena Matthews, whose address is 5032 Benning Road, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Reginald A. Matthews aka Reginald Matthews who died on 1/26/2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001003

Donna Waters Green Decedent

Iris McCollum Green, Esquire 1714 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

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

Daquan Green, whose address is 1219 Holbrook Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donna Waters Green who died on April 16, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Daquan Green

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Akia J. Turner Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Deborah Selena Matthews Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 001311

Barbara Jean Scott Decedent

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

Regina Jenkins-Dixon, whose address is 435 Oakwood St. SE Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ricardo Dixon who died on 12/13/2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Regina Jenkins-Dixon Personal Representative

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

Walter M. Scott Jr., whose address is 14556 Eastman Street, Woodbridge, VA 22193, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara Jean Scott who died on August 22, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

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

2021 ADM 001201

James L. Anthony Decedent

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

Yolanda Anthony, whose address is 2225 Savannah Terr., SE #14 Washington, DC, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James L. Anthony who died on 10/12/2016 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Yolanda Anthony Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

WABJ from Page 8

life is doing the work and not getting the accolades.

Wilkins, a new member of WRC-TV (Channel 4) investigative team and longtime Prince George’s County Bureau Chief, got the Journalist of the Year Award. She spoke slowly during her presentation.

“I want to thank my Black press family for supporting me,” he said. “I just want people here to reach back and help someone else along their way.”

Nolan D. McCaskill, congressional reporter with the Los Angeles Times, received the Young Journalist of Excellence Award.

Like Harris, McCaskill, 31, said his journey into journalism didn’t come easy but his education at Florida A&M University gave him the confidence to pursue and reach his goals.

Adelle Banks, 60, the projects editor and national reporter for the Religion News Service, got the Lifetime Achievement Award. Banks, who expressed pride in her decades of journalism with her employer, said Black journalists are needed more than ever.

“I am living the dream,” she said. “Next year, I would have been at WRC for 20 years. The fact that this award comes from this organization means a lot to me. Journalism is such a high calling.”

Jayln Hall, the actor who played Emmett Till in the movie “Till” made a special presentation announcing the WABJ Investigative Journalism Scholarship. Hall said he learned the importance of Black journalists as he researched the role he played in the movie.

“I was 14 during the production, the same age Emmett Till was killed and I thought about that a lot,” he said. “I thought about how hard that must have been for his mom because they were close like me and my mom [are] close. Mamie Till Mobley became a hero, that’s something very few people will ever do.”

ADM 000923

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

Kimberly Baber-Greenwood, whose address is 1908 Sahara Lane Bowie MD 20721, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Shirley D. Baber aka Shirley Baber who died on 7/4/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Rosalyn Ann Matthews Carry Decedent

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

Rayton Carry, whose address is 918 Alabama Avenue, SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rosalyn Ann Matthews Carry who died on December 7, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

Rayton Carry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

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

2022 ADM 001292

Lennie Mae Coleman Decedent

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

Mildred Lavonne Gooden, whose address is 3104 M Pl SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lennie Mae Coleman who died on July 14, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 6/15/2023. 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 6/15/2023, 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: 12/15/2022

TRUE TEST COPY

COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Lon Walls, the founder of Walls Communications, received the Excellence in Communications Award. Walls, 72, said he appreciated the award, but emphasized the focus of his

WABJ member Trina Williams received the President’s Award for her work in the organization and her passion regarding the high school journalism workshop.

@JamesWrightJr10

Walter M. Scott Jr. Personal Representative

Mildred Lavonne Gooden Personal Representative

TEST

SUPERIOR

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Dixon Decedent

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 001291

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

2022

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

Nicole

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outcomes depend on patient education and empowerment with the implementation of self-management plans.”

Similar to national statistics highlighting the prevalence of food allergies and illness, some District residents simultaneously scramble to manage health demands while facing the socio-demographic conditions that surround them. Organizations like the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) collective are working closely with East of the River residents to provide food, education, and treatment resources to aid those residents battling health conditions connected to allergic reactions.

“The delivery of health education, support and care in the community setting is a highly promising strategy to prevent and manage food allergies, particularly among under-resourced populations,” a representative from FARE told the Informer. “In response, FARE created the Community Access Pro-

gram (CAP) in 2021 and is now building a presence in DC’s Wards 7 & 8.”

FARE’s team, inclusive of professionals and community stakeholders, a volunteer advisory council of caregivers, and adults with food allergies, work in conjunction with healthcare providers, schools, community organizations, and FARE’s advisory council to create education and awareness activities for residents within East of the River neighborhoods. The organization has stood at the epicenter of scientific discovery.

Unbeknownst to many, food allergies strongly indicate more serious or looming health issues, as they present themselves in various ways.

Symptoms preceding allergic reactions tend to appear between just minutes to roughly two hours after exposure to a particular food, often ranging between mild to severe, and in some cases life-threatening. Mild allergy symptoms run the gamut of: sneezing, itchy or runny nose, mild itching, itchy mouth, hives, discomfort, or mild nausea.

Severe reactions include fainting, dizziness, breathing complications, tongue swelling, vomiting, anxiety and sometimes fatalities.

FARE highlights parents' concern for their children’s dietary regimens that greatly contribute to specific food allergy episodes,

while suggesting methods to manage their children’s food intake and safety.

“For many years, recommendations for preventing food allergy in infants at high risk included delaying the introduction of potentially allergenic foods. Some health care professionals still encourage new parents to delay the start of certain foods like dairy and peanuts by at least one year,” said FARE’s organizational leaders. “However, groundbreaking studies have shown that introducing common allergens like peanut-containing foods to infants at an early age, 4 to 6 months, could reduce the risk of developing a food allergy for some babies.”

Some research uncovering the fairly popular food allergy to shellfish in Black families, correlates early exposure to roach rodents in the home to the physical aversion to seafood elements. This essentially indicates exposure to cockroaches and dust mites suspected to cause the development of a shellfish allergy. Certain proteins in shellfish

like shrimp are similar to proteins found in the muscles of cockroaches causing an allergic response to the food. The educational standpoint becomes imperative in understanding how to prevent allergic episodes and adverse health challenges for residents and families alike.

Additional tips to help individuals through their food allergy journey include:

• If you have a child with a food allergy, ensure they are wearing a medical alert bracelet or necklace notifying others of their food allergy

• Always carry two epinephrine autoinjectors

• If you are dining out, alert your waiter and chef of your allergies to certain foods

• Pack safe, healthy snacks for your child who may not be able to eat the same food as their peers and prevent them from feeling left out.

“People with food allergies must be conscious and organized when eating all the time to avoid their allergen and stay safe,” said FARE.

WI

Vacuum Leaf Collection Program

How to Prepare for Leaf Vacuum Collection:

• Check the DPW website to confirm your area’s leaf collection dates;

• Move vehicles from curb lanes to help ease the leaf vacuum collection process;

• Rake leaves to the curbside or tree box at the front of the residence the Sunday before the scheduled leaf collection date;

• Remove all cans, bottles, sticks, toys and debris from your piles of leaves—these items can damage equipment and prevent safe and proper collection

For more information, please visit dpw.dc.gov/service/leaf-collection.

“The delivery of health education, support and care in the community setting is a highly promising strategy to prevent and manage food allergies, particularly among under-resourced populations,” a representative from FARE told the Informer.

white supremacy, and domestic terrorism and hatred in other forms. We are reminded again that these leaders and celebrities cannot be the role models we hold up for our nation’s children. Adults and parents must be determined to be the loudest voices in their children’s lives and to show by example that it is inexcusable to tolerate bigotry of any kind in order to fight this epidemic of hate.

In the letter I wrote to my three sons as they were approaching adulthood that became the center of the book "The Measure of Our Success," I said: "If parents snicker at racial and gender jokes, another generation will pass on the poison adults still have not had the courage to snuff out. … Don’t tell, laugh at, or in any way acquiesce to racial, ethnic, religious, or gender jokes or to any practices intended to demean rather than enhance another human being. Walk away from

them. Stare them down. Make them unacceptable in your homes, religious congregations, and clubs. Through daily moral consciousness counter the proliferating voices of racial and ethnic and religious division that are gaining respectability over the land." Thirty years later, this advice has become even more urgent. We have seen again and again how swiftly condoning bigotry and hatred moves from jokes or name-calling to physical attacks and violence against entire communities. Some of the political leaders who practice this easy bigotry and hatred themselves then profess shock and sympathy when it is followed by violence, as happened again after the mass shooting at a Colorado LGBTQ nightclub on Nov. 19. Children are watching this hypocrisy. Children are also often the targets of other children’s and adults’ prejudice and hatred, and it is up to the rest of us to act to break this cycle.

In my letter to my own sons, I

also wrote: "I hope you will always recognize your rich dual heritage as the special gift and blessing that it is; know deep within yourself who you are; and draw strength and pride from the legacies you have inherited from two peoples — Blacks and Jews — who have survived the worst persecution the world can offer. That in recent history these two peoples were slaves and not enslavers, were segregated and discriminated against and were not segregators and discriminators, is an achievement to be proud rather than ashamed of if you take seriously, as I do, the first principle of every great religion: to treat others as you’d like to be treated. It is the only ethical standard in life you need." This was very personal advice to my children, but all children must be taught and then continually reminded of this simplest and highest principle. Many adults today are not displaying it, but this remains the great ethical standard all children and adults need.

JEALOUS from Page 30

ment of a spiritual idea: that each of us carries within us a divine spark. It is a political system that is rooted in the belief that each of us has value, that if we have value we have a voice, and that our voice is our vote. I'm paraphrasing here, and words on the page don't do justice to Sen. Warnock's oratory skills. Again, I hope you'll watch the speech.

Hearing these words at a time when democracy is doubted and under attack is a restorative experience. Hearing Sen. Warnock pledge to work in a bipartisan spirit on behalf of all Americans feels like coming home, to an America where public

JACKSON from Page 30 rise as the danger it transparently was.

Too many news professionals duck the idea of making such judgment calls in deference to some largely mythical beast called "objectivity." What they forget is that there is no such thing as news without judgment. Reporters must be fair, yes, and balanced. But that does not mean they may not report the obvious. Trump certainly was that. He never hid his ignorance or his malfeasance. To the contrary, they were part of his appeal. But too few journalists

servants used to believe that was possible. Hearing him say that he will fight for criminal justice reform because he believes we can have both justice and safety struck a personal chord with me. I believe that too, in my bones. My organization, People For the American Way, has dedicated itself to advancing that goal. There are so many solutions we can and should explore that will save lives.

This moment shows us something else, too, which is that a way forward to a better America now runs through the Deep South. Stacey Abrams' visionary work to organize voters made Georgia a swing state, and others can follow. Almost

were willing to say that. Instead, they became addicted to the sugar high of ratings and attention he produced — what crazy thing would he say or do next? — and promoted it, ignoring the threat it posed.

As former CBS CEO Les Moonves infamously gloated, Trump's candidacy "may not be good for America, but it's damn good for CBS."

Now, again, the bill for that bacchanal comes due. Should we take this latest threat seriously? Of course we should. Trump and his followers would storm the National Archives and run the Consti-

a decade ago, I worked on a study that showed that registering just 30 percent of unregistered voters of color could change the political landscape in heavily Black southern states. There are still plenty of challenges, but we're seeing that prediction come true.

I will close with one other phrase of Sen. Warnock's from his reelection speech, one that I think serves us well in all the work we do for social justice. This is America, he said, where we "always have a path to make our country greater." I know there are times when those paths seem impossible, and optimism seems more like naivete. We need more Raphael Warnocks in the world to tell us there is always a way. Right now, I'm deeply grateful that the one we do have will spend six more years in the U.S. Senate. WI

tution through a shredder if they could.

The better question is: How will journalists report it if that happens? Will they parachute into red state diners for a "both sides" view of shredding the Constitution? Or have we finally learned our lesson? Do we finally grasp that in the face of a clear and present danger, one must report it with the gravity it demands? We can only hope.

Democracy matters. We should all be biased in favor of that.

WI

declare the RIGHTFUL WINNER, or do you have a NEW ELECTION? A Massive Fraud of this type and magnitude allows for the termination of all rules, regulations, and articles, even those found in the Constitution…Our great 'Founders' did not want, and would not condone, False & Fraudulent Elections!"

One day after Trump's pronouncement, amid an absence of response by Republican party "leaders," Liz Cheney denounced his statement. "Donald Trump believes

MARSHALL from Page 31

how the next generation of Republicans would have to learn to "raise hell," to stop being so "nice" to realize that politics was, above all, a cutthroat "war for power" — and to start acting like it.

The hard-charging Gingrich believed that the most important objective for the Republican Party should be to win back control of the House from the Democrats, who had consistently been the majority party since 1955. A few months later, he was finally elected to the House of Representatives, where he quickly rose to become one of the most powerful officials in America — not through innovative ideas or charisma but through a calculated campaign of attacks against political opponents. His strategy was to blow up the bipartisan coalitions essential to legislating and then seize on the resulting dysfunction as the opening to wage a populist crusade against the institution of Congress itself. He came into office in the post-Watergate era and weaponized the good government reforms recently put into place

MORIAL from Page 31

him to an exclusive private school. Moore struggled to find an identity between the racially diverse, working-class neighborhood of his home and the mostly white, wealthy environment of his school, and acted out. Determined not to "lose him to the streets — or mediocrity," his mother said, she enrolled him at Valley Forge Military Academy. Her decision changed the direction of his life, putting him on the path to academic success, distinguished military service, and a passion for social justice. Moore placed racial equity at the center of his campaign, calling for police accountability, prison reform,

we should terminate 'all rules, regulations and articles, even those found in the Constitution' to overturn the 2020 election. That was his view on 1/6 and remains his view today. No honest person can now deny that Trump is an enemy of the Constitution."

There is no longer room for debate — that TRUTH is out. Trump is just the public face of a growing movement of hatred, intolerance, and autocracy that threatens the foundations of our government. Thousands cling to the political myths, hatred, and protectionism inspired by Trump, but do so with-

to fight corruption, wielding the rules in ways that even shocked the legislators who created them.

Gingrich masterminded a media campaign against House Speaker Jim Wright that suggested (with scant evidence) that Wright was corrupt, leading to the Texan's resignation from the speakership in 1989. The House of Representatives was ultimately transformed into an arena for conflict and drama. The following year, GOPAC, Gingrich's campaign organization, urged Republican candidates to use inflammatory words such as "traitors," "shallow" and "sick" to describe their political opponents. In carrying out the "win-at-any-cost" strategy, it led the GOP to its first majority in Congress in decades. By gaining the power they wanted, it didn't matter that their accusations of corruption permanently tarnished their opponents. This brand of warfare worked with Republican voters not as a strategy for governance but as a path to power. It's all about getting the power and keeping it. Democrats, for their part, were alarmed but did not want to sink to his level and took no effective

access to education and health care, and making sure that fixing procurement policies provide opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses.

I am proud to serve on the Advisory Council for Ninety-To-Zero, the economic justice initiative Moore helped to launch. Named for the dramatic 90% wealth gap between white and Black America, brings together business leaders and executives from all sectors of the economy who are committed to eliminating that gap.

As CEO of the anti-poverty organization Robin Hood Foundation, Moore raised more than $650 million, directing COVID-19 relief to

out the restraint and limits imposed upon the actions of public figures. Like the "conservative" audience member at an October 2021 Turning Point USA rally who asked, "When do we get to use the guns? … That's not a joke. I'm not saying it like that. I mean, literally, where's the line? How many elections are they going to steal before we kill these people?"

Like the opened mythical Pandora's Box, chaos, confusion, and instability have been released upon us. This type of malignant hatred can only be lessened by those who have chosen to benefit from and exploit it — the Republican Party. WI

action to stop him.

Michelle Obama, in her speech during the 2016 Democratic National Convention, said:" When someone is cruel or acts like a bully, you don't stoop to their level. No, our motto is: 'When they go low, we go high.'" In defeating Herschel Walker, Warnock won four general elections in the past two years by being a candidate of competence, fair play, and common decency. In four elections, there was never a need to sink to the "win-atany-cost" strategy. Warnock's win was also significant for Black voters who remained focused, organized, and fought through numerous voting restriction attempts.

Despite the high turnout numbers, the threat of voter suppression is still very real. Georgia's Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger tried to enforce a state law forbidding in-person early voting on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. However, Warnock successfully sued to prevent the law from going into effect. Republican leaders still don't get it. While the Trump/Gingrich brand of toxic campaign tactics was effective in the past, don't under-

the hardest-hit communities and creating a new initiative to fund and support nonprofit leaders of color.

He will lead the state of Maryland with the same commitment and innovative spirit. His plans include free pre-K, investments in apprenticeship and trade programs, diversifying school faculties, and confronting racial discrimination in housing appraisals.

"We got into this race with a clear idea that we as a state just have to move faster, that we have to be bold and deliberate about how we meet this moment, how we meet the challenges that we've seen throughout the state," Moore said. "It's been very encouraging to see that people in the state feel the same." WI

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