WINNER OF THREE SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS Advocates Push for COVID-19 Memorial Day Page 20
B-Ball Pro ‘Mo’ Creek Finally Back Home in Md., Escapes War in Ukraine
Vol. 57, No. 22 • March 17 - 23, 2022
Family, Friends Say Faith in God and Prayers Served as Basis of Their Hopes D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Writer After President Putin and Russia launched the military invasion of Ukraine in early March, Maryland’s own Maurice ‘Mo’ Creek, who had been living and playing professional basketball there, found himself thrust in the midst of a war zone. Back in the U.S., while Americans led protests on Capitol Hill and politicians argued over what President Joe Biden should do to provide assistance to the besieged nation, Creek’s family and friends urgently looked for ways to
secure his safe return back home. For the last three years and just months into his contact with MBC Mykolaiv of the Ukrainian Basketball Super League, Creek, 31, a former standout at Indiana University and Georgetown Washington University, faced the unenviable task of navigating the unfamiliar terrain of international politics while attempting to avoid being injured or killed. Just days ago, Creek finally made his way out of Ukraine, dodging bombs and bullets, first traveling to Romania
CREEK Page 9
5 Maurice 'Mo' Creek, professional international basketball player in Ukraine, had a welcome home party sponsored by Council Members Calvin Hawkins and organized by Council Member Jocelyn Route. Creek escaped during the start of the war in Ukraine. Pictured: Council Member Jocelyn Route, 'Mo' Creek and Micheline Bowman. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
DCPS Lifts Indoor Mask Mandate
Legislation to Honor Tuskegee Airmen Proposed in Maryland
Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland Sen. Obie Patterson enjoys a good history lesson but his excitement level increases when the topic focuses on the Tuskegee Airmen. The lawmaker from Fort Washington has pushed for the past several years for the state to mark the fourth Thursday in March as “Tuskegee Airmen 5 Military veterans and members of the Tuskegee Airmen nonprofit organization talk about advocating for the state of Maryland to mark the fourth Thursday in March as “Tuskegee AirCommemoration Day.” During the last two years amidst the coronavirus men Commemoration Day.” the men inside Sen. Obie Patterson’s office in Annapolis from left to right: Edward Harbison, Curtis W. Lindsay, Jerry “Hawk” Burton and Frank Killebrew.
TUSKEGEE Page 13 (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
DC Public Schools [DCPS] recently followed its counterparts in surrounding jurisdictions by ending the indoor mask mandate. The decision, announced by Chancellor Dr. Lewis Ferebee on March 11, angered parents who said the mask mandate provided an extra layer of protection to immunocompromised children and elementary students unable to take the COVID-19 vaccination. While many teachers had similar sentiments, Washington Teachers’ Union [WTU] President Jacqueline Pogue-Lyons said health and safety standards outlined in the Memorandum of Agreement [MOA] signed by WTU and DCPS will ensure that public school officials
INDOOR MASKS Page 11
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4 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
wi hot topics
COMPILED BY D. KEVIN MCNEIR, SENIOR EDITOR
Suspect in Shootings of Homeless Men, Gerald Brevard III, Arrested in D.C. On Tuesday, March 15, Metropolitan Police Department [MPD] officers arrested Gerald Brevard III in connection with multiple attacks on homeless men in the District and New York City. Brevard, 30, faces charges that include first-degree murder while armed, assault with intent to kill and assault with a dangerous weapon for three shootings in the District. MPD Chief Robert Contee said Brevard would undoubtedly face additional charges in connection with the NYC attacks. The arrest of Brevard, a resident of Southeast, brought an end to a multi-state manhunt. “We know that this experience has been especially scary for our residents experiencing homelessness," D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said. "Our work continues to end homelessness and ensure all residents have access to safe and affordable housing." Contee said an anonymous tip provided to DC Police on March 14, along with a social media post from Brevard and images captured by an ATM near Union Station, led police to begin canvassing the District for their suspect. The chief also acknowledged the work of Captain Kevin Kentish, head of the homicide branch in D.C. and a native New Yorker for recognizing similarities between the attacks in NYC and D.C. “This case is an example of what happens there is good police work, science and community support," Contee said. "It’s a demonstration of how quickly we can close homicide cases when all three of those things are working together." "Based on all the evidence we've pulled together in this
Ben Crump, LaRuby May and Stormiyah DensonJackson’s Mother Call for Movement on D.C. Bill Nationally renowned personal injury and civil rights attorney Ben Crump and co-counsel attorney LaRuby May joined Patricia Denson, the mother of Stormiyah Denson-Jackson, in front of the home of Councilmember Charles Allen, the chair of the Committee on Judiciary for Washington, D.C., to sponsor a news conference. At the event, held on March 15, they called for the Stormiyah Denson-Jackson Race and Gender Economic Damages Equality Amendment Act to be moved forward in the Council of the District of Columbia. The legislation would make it illegal for any calculations by a judge or jury for wrongful death or personal injury to be reduced based on race or gender. Historically, Black women, like Stormiyah, are posthumously devalued compared to white men. These disparities lead to Black families grieving the wrongful death of a loved one to be compensated at much lower amounts for their losses. California remains the only state that currently has legislation preventing this kind of discrimination. Stormiyah committed suicide at the age of 12 while at boarding school in the District in January 2018. WI
case, the video evidence, the images that we've seen, I am very confident that this is the person," Contee said. "We feel we have enough probable cause to charge that person with the crimes that occurred here in the District of Columbia." Brevard has not offered a motive in the attacks, according to Contee, but the chief said his department believes they were random attacks. However, it has been confirmed that Brevard had been enrolled in services at one of D.C.'s Department of Behavioral Health’s agencies in 2018 and had been at St. Elizabeth's Hospital in 2019. Contee added that Brevard had been arrested in the District several times, dating back to 2016. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis said Brevard also had a history of arrest in Virginia. Dais said Brevard was charged with abduction with attempt to defile, burglary and possession of burglary tools in December 2020. The NYPD, MPD and the ATF collaborated in the investigation and Contee said he anticipates to "payout in this case" following a conviction due to the importance of the anonymous tip that led to the arrest of Brevard. WI
Senate Approves Bill to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
On March 15, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent starting in 2023, ending the twice-annual changing of clocks in a move promoted by supporters advocating brighter afternoons and more economic activity. The Senate approved the Sunshine Protection Act unanimously by voice vote. The House of Representatives, which has held a committee hearing on the matter, must still pass the bill before it can go to President Joe Biden to sign. The White House has not said whether Biden supports it. Senator Marco Rubio, one of the bill's sponsors, said supporters agreed the change would not take place until November 2023 after input from airlines and broadcasters. The change would help enable children to play outdoors later and reduce seasonal depression, according to supporters. Daylight saving time has been in place in nearly all of the U.S. since the 1960s after being first tried in 1918. Year-round daylight savings time was used during World War Two and adopted again in 1973 in a bid to reduce energy use because of an oil embargo and repealed a year later. The bill would allow Arizona and Hawaii, which do not observe daylight saving time, to remain on standard time as well as American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. WI
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AROUND THE REGION District Contemplates Mayor Bowser’s New Budget James Wright WI Staff Writer Many Washingtonians continue to debate over the priorities of the proposed fiscal year 2022-2023 budget that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser will submit to the D.C. Council on Wednesday, March 16. And a host of issues, challenges and concerns sit at the top of the list. “The mayor really needs to focus on public safety,” said Kathy Henderson, a former Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner. “It seems to me that the violence interrupters are not doing their jobs with all of the homicides taking place in the city. There should be no money for the violence interrupters. To me they are a waste of taxpayers’ money.” The D.C. Council will review the mayor’s budget in a formal setting on March 18 in a public briefing. After the briefing, portions of the budget related to specific agencies and programs will be given to respective committees. The committees will hold public hearings on their allocated portions of the budget and create their version of the mayor’s proposal in May. Final votes on the budget are scheduled to take place in June. Upon the mayor’s approval of the budget, it will be sent to the U.S. Congress for review. If Congress makes no changes, the budget will take effect Oct. 1, the start of the new fiscal year. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said the city’s fiscal health remains sound. “This is our 25th annual clean audit opinion,” Mendelson said Feb. 2 after receiving a report from the D.C. Office of the Chief Financial Officer [CFO]. “We ended last year with a $697 million surplus. Of this, $282 million will be put automatically into the affordable housing that so many residents desperately need, via the Housing Production Fund.” Mendelson noted the federally and locally mandated reserves (working capital/liquidity) are full at 60 days. “This is remarkable considering many states are still recovering from the economic hit taken
through the pandemic,” he said. “However, COVID-19 continues to impact employment and business activity, particularly the leisure and hospitality sectors.” Mendelson believes Bowser should prioritize funding education. “I am hoping the executive uses our surplus to increase funding for our schools,” he said. “If she doesn’t, I will ask the council to do so. We must continue to prioritize education and increase equity for all District students.” While D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) also likes the District’s financial condition, he said more must be done to help needy residents. “The COVID-19 recession continues to impact our hospitality and tourism industries and many District residents, workers and small businesses are still in need of assistance,” McDuffie said. “The financial strengths mentioned in the report, including the $697 million surplus, must be used to address both immediate challenges as well as long standing systemic issues that stymie prosperity for all D.C. residents.” The DC Fiscal Policy Institute [DCFPI] serves as a think tank advocating for city policies that benefit low-income District residents. DCFPI acknowledges the city’s resilience and growing revenue but has called on Bowser and the council “to keep the promises made last year to residents struggling the most and leverage D.C.’s growing revenue to build on our progress toward a just recovery” in the proposed budget. “Too many D.C. residents, particularly Black and Brown residents, women and immigrants are being pushed to the brink in the pandemic,” said DCFPI Executive Director Erica Williams. “The CFO’s new estimate shows us that D.C. can do much more to help residents who are struggling the most.” DCFPI recommends the budget leverages surplus dollars for emergency rental assistance, expand relief payments for workers excluded from federal unemployment benefits, expand the Earned Income Tax Credit to include immigrants
without a Social Security number, ensure the pay increase to early childhood educators is delivered equitably and doesn’t jeopardize their health care and fund housing vouchers and services that end homelessness. Williams said Bowser and the council should also advance racial fairness. “Last year, District leaders made a down payment on a just recovery by making budget investments that advanced racial and economic justice,” Williams said. “But an equitable recovery will take ongoing, intentional choices to address the underlying precarity that left too many residents at the mercy of this pandemic-induced recession. We urge D.C. leaders to use this budget session to help undo long-standing racial inequities and promote a recovery in which every resident can share in the city’s prosperity.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
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5 Muriel Bowser serves as the mayor of the District. (Courtesy photo)
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 5
AROUND THE REGION
black facts
MAR 17 - 23, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
"Scratch" Perry is born in Kendal, Jamaica. 1948 – Actor James Baskett receives an Honorary Academy Award for his performance as Uncle Remus in Disney's "Song of the South," becoming the first African-American male actor to win an Academy Award. 1957 – Renowned filmmaker and actor Spike Lee is born in Atlanta.
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1806 – Inventor Norbert Rillieux, widely considered to be one of the earliest chemical engineers, is born in New Orleans. 1877 – President Hayes appoints Frederick Douglass marshal of District of Columbia. 1919 – Famed singer Nat King Cole is born in Montgomery, Alabama. 1946 – Jackie Robinson makes his professional debut as a member of the Montreal Royals, the Brooklyn Dodgers' AAA minor league team, in the Daytona Beach ballpark that now bears his name.
MARCH 18
1934 – Country music singer Charley Pride, one of just three African-Americans ever inducted as a member of the Grand Ole Opry, is born in Sledge, Mississippi. 1941 – Soul music legend Wilson Pickett is born in Prattville, Alabama. 1963 – Famed actress and singer Vanessa L. Williams is born in the Bronx borough of New York City. 1972 – The USS Jesse L. Brown, named for the first African American naval aviator in the U.S. Navy, is launched.
MARCH 19
1894 – Loretta Mary Aiken, best known as famed comedian Moms Mabley, is born in Brevard, North Carolina.
MARCH 20
1955 – Walter White, an African American civil rights activist who led the NAACP for almost a quarter-century, dies at 61 of a heart attack in his New York City home. 1960 – Police officers kill 69 and wound 180 during an anti-apartheid demonstration in Sharpesville, South Africa, known as the Sharpesville Massacre. 1965 – In the name of African American voting rights, 3,200 civil rights demonstrators, led by Martin Luther King Jr., begin the historic march from Selma, Alabama, to the state capital at Montgomery.
MARCH 22
1943 – Chart-topping singer and jazz guitarist George Benson is born in Pittsburgh.
MARCH 23
1916 – Political leader and civil rights activist Marcus Garvey arrives in America from Jamaica. 1942 – Walter Rodney, a prominent Guyanese historian, political activist and scholar, is born in British Guiana. 1955 – Hall of Fame basketball player Moses Malone is born in Petersburg, Virginia. 1971 – The Rev. Walter Fauntroy was sworn in as the first delegate from the District of Columbia to the House of Representatives in nearly 100 years. 1985 – Patricia Roberts Harris, the first African American woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet, dies in Washington, D.C., of breast cancer at age 60. WI
1852 – Harriet Beecher Stowe's anti-slavery novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin" is published. 1910 – Award-winning artist Allan Crite is born in North Plainfield, New Jersey. 1915 – Sister Rosetta Tharpe, a seminal recording artist often referred to as "the original soul sister" and "the godmother of rock and roll," is born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas. 1936 – Legendary Jamaican music producer Lee
6 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
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Black Panther director Ryan Coogler was mistaken for a bank robber while withdrawing $12,000 at an Atlanta Bank of America branch bank. The director walked away unharmed, but many were outraged at the potential for a dangerous outcome. What are your thoughts?
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This is crazy. He should never have been arrested. He needs a private banker to handle these types of transactions.
S. KALLIE /
LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA
Do not walk in a bank with shades and a mask on, handing the teller a note to count your $12,000 withdrawal elsewhere. The bank manager should have never called the cops if the customer had an account that covered the withdrawal, and the cops should have never handcuffed him. Lesson: do not hand bank tellers written notes asking for money. People can rob banks with notes asking for money to avoid armed robbery charges.
THEDA ZAWAIZA / WASHINGTON, DC
A case of withdrawing personal wealth while Black!
Stay Informed!
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AROUND THE REGION Gubernatorial Candidates Focus on Transportation in Frederick County Maryland's Primary Election Pushed Back to July 19 William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
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FREDERICK, Md. – Six of the 10 Maryland gubernatorial candidates participated in a forum Tuesday on transportation topics from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to mass transit. Attendees at the nearly 90-minute forum, hosted by the Maryland Democratic Party also broadcast on its Facebook page, heard the candidates agree to support the Red Line light-rail project in Baltimore City. The east-west corridor project recently received federal support that included a visit to the city in November by U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Residents and several lawmakers from the city continue to blame Gov. Larry Hogan for canceling the project in 2015 and returning $900 million back to the federal government. “The governor’s decision to cancel the Red Line project was dog whistle politics – plain and simple,” said former U.S. Education Secretary John King, Jr., one of the candidates for governor. “That was a tragic mistake. It set the city’s economic development back 20, 30, maybe 40 years. It hurt the state,” he said.
5 Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner (left) welcomes attendees and the Democratic gubernatorial candidates to her jurisdiction during a forum March 15 at Attaboy Barrel House. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
The other five candidates who traveled to Attaboy Barrel House in Frederick to participate in the party’s second “Burgers and Brews” included: former nonprofit executive Jon Baron; former Maryland Attorney General Doug Gansler; former President Barack Obama administration official Ashwani Jain; former Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman; and Jerome Segal, who founded the former Bread and Roses Party. When asked about boosting commuter transportation services in the state, Jain said public transit should be free to residents. He also said the state should assess ride-sharing opportunities with companies such as Lyft or Uber. “Making sure we are providing folks . . . not only with job opportunities but getting more people to carpool and get off the roads,” he said. “Making sure we are prioritizing the budget . . . so that we are not forgetting about certain counties that are not in the super-voting districts.” Neuman, the only woman in
the Democratic field so far, said transportation served as the most important issue during her time as county executive in Anne Arundel County. It still remains number one today, she said. “More people want transportation but the biggest issue with it is that there are some people who don’t want it in their backyards,” she said. “The question becomes how do we find that balance? That’s where government comes in. Our role is to be the broker and find a solution.” King said additional MARC trains and the expansion of bus services would help in places like Frederick County while he also called for investments in mobility services for residents with disabilities. “We must see public transit as access to opportunity,” he said. In regard to relieving traffic congestion along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and elsewhere, especially with vehicles heading east to the
MD FORUM Page 12
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AROUND THE REGION CREEK from Page 1 before crisscrossing his way throughout Europe and eventually back to the U.S. But as he shared during an interview on Friday, March 11 with the Washington Informer’s publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes, while he hoped for the best, he also feared the worst. “It was a 12-hour ordeal before I was finally able to get out of Ukraine,” he said. “But I was terrified – the fear I felt was real. And I was more afraid for my teammates and my coaches who, as Ukrainian citizens, were unable to leave and who may be forced to serve as soldiers in the war.” Creek’s parents, Pammy and Mike Morgan, also spoke with the Informer, appearing on the publication’s weekly Facebook show, WIN-TV, along with their son. They said that as Russia’s invasion took on new proportions, they soon realized that the reports from the media could not begin to describe the reality that confronted Creek and others trapped in Ukraine. On Wednesday morning, March 16, Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy appeared virtually before members of the U.S. Congress, pleading for help. “We need you right now. We are fighting for the values of Europe and the world,” he said during a special televised message. Creek said he knows firsthand the life or death struggle that the people of Ukraine now face. “I have played in six different cities in Europe and after three years in Ukraine I have grown to love its people and the country,” he said. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms. Everywhere I’ve gone, they seem almost amazed to see a tall, Black man like me. They want to know everything about me and about America.” “In many ways, I often felt like an ambassador, helping to serve as a bridge between two very different countries and communities. But we’re also very much alike,” he said. Creek said there had been rumors for several years that Russia would invade Ukraine but it hadn’t happened which led him and others to begin to doubt that it ever would. But in the last several months, he began to get nervous as did his parents. “We were talking about the possibility of war well before it occurred,” Mike Morgan said. “In fact, we were on edge after Mo told us that he planned to play in Ukraine. But we wanted to support him and encourage him to go after his dreams.”
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5 Mo Creek with his parents Michael and Pammy Morgan. (Photo courtesy Micheline Bowman)
“After it became clear that war was imminent, our main goal was to keep him calm so he would not panic. His mother and I just wanted to reassure him that we were doing everything possible to get him back home,” he said. Creek’s mother, Pammy, said she remembered calling her son multiple times a day to make sure he was safe. “I was calling Maurice relentlessly and when President Biden advised Americans to leave, I told him to talk to his agent and get out as soon as possible,” she said. “But people have to understand that basketball is a business and that politics are involved. So, there’s a process that the players must follow.” She said the night that Russia attacked Ukraine, she received a call from her sister that left her even more anxious and fearful. “We heard that many of the roads had already been destroyed and that the Russians had taken over the airports,” she said. “As a mother, there’s a special bond with your children and Maurice is my firstborn son. Next to the first high, my next love has always been for my first child,” she said, noting that while she has three sons, each of whom she loves, she can’t help feeling something special for her oldest. “All I could do was stay on my knees and pray. I cried many buckets of water. The most we could do as a family was pray and hold on to each other and believe and trust in the most high that He would bring Maurice back home
to us. I tell people both my mental and physical strength were draining. But my spiritual glue held me together.” “I told people to pray and fast and to watch and see what the most high would do,” she said. Creek said he will never forget the drive to the border which marked his final days in Ukraine. “We had to drive through a hot zone and all along the way, there were soldiers with guns and checkpoints to go through,” he said. “It was like going through a maze with rubble and torn up streets and tanks. It was crazy.” “I knew we could be hit at any moment by a bomb or by stray bullets. And being the only Black person in the car with some of the coaches and their family members only added to my anxiety. I kept my passport in my hand all the time,” he said. Creek’s challenges continue despite his being back home. He still has not been paid by his team whose owners, he said, wanted him to stay because he had been such an integral part of their recent success. His family has mounted fundraising efforts led by his mother. “Maurice is a father and while he’s safe now, he’s also without a job,” Pammy Morgan said. “He has to provide for himself. We’re going to work that out at some point and get him the money that he has earned. But for now, we’re just grateful that he’s back home. That’s what matters most.” WI @mcneirdk
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Mayor Bowser on Monday, with representatives of District of Columbia employees, signs a four-year collective bargaining agreement that serves more than 11,000 employees across the District government. The agreement includes a 3.5 percent bonus in Fiscal Year 2022, a 2.5 percent pay raise in Fiscal Year 2023 and a 3 percent raise in Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025. The agreement also increases the funds set aside for the Negotiated Employee Assistance Home Purchase Program (NEAHP) to $650,000. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
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WORDS TO LIVE BY “It is the duty of the younger Negro artist . . . to change through the force of his art that old whispering, “I want to be white,” hidden in the aspirations of his people, to “why should I want to be white? I am a Negro – and beautiful!” – Langston Hughes
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Not long after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) made indoor mask wearing optional, DCPS expanded the capacity of spectators at outdoor sporting events and announced an end to the outdoor mask mandate.
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create an environment of greatest benefit to students, teachers and staff. “Teachers, students and staff will be tested when they come back from spring break. We want to make sure we’re monitoring the HVAC systems in schools and we’re keeping up with cleaning protocols,” Pogue-Lyons said. “We want to make sure people are asking [COVID-related] questions at the door and teachers are receiving test kits at home. Those protocols and procedures have to be followed because we’re in a pandemic. Teachers said they’re nervous but can still deal with it as long as we follow protocols and procedures put in place.” On Tuesday, Pogue-Lyons participated in a weekly meeting with Ferebee, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn and others. That’s where she said she relayed qualms that WTU building representatives had with the implementation of health and safety procedures. Not long after D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) made indoor mask wearing optional, DCPS expanded the capacity of spectators at outdoor sporting events and announced an end to the outdoor mask mandate. Pogue said many teachers, in the days before Ferebee’s announcement, expressed hopes that the mask mandate would at least stay in place until after spring break. Since the start of the school year, Pogue-Lyons and other WTU leaders have continued to refer to the MOA as the guiding document for DCPS central office officials. While the document focused on social distancing, consistent cleaning and ventilation as some of the tenets of ideal learning conditions, some District students and parents said school officials haven’t been holding up their end of the bargain. At one of the District’s most populous high schools, students continue to complain about the lack of soap in bathrooms and administrators’ reluctance to alert parents about on-campus COVID cases. It has gotten to the point that some parents, like Linda Campbell, have reached out to administrators demanding answers and greater transparency. In the aftermath of Ferebee’s announcement, Campbell continues to advise her daughter to wear her mask, maintain a safe distance from other students and wash her hands.
The status quo, Campbell said, has put young people in imminent danger. “DCPS is playing Russian Roulette with our children’s lives and safety and not taking the precautions they’d use for themselves,” Campbell said. “A lot of the government buildings aren’t at full capacity yet they have our children [in school buildings] with no mask on. It brings an amount of perspective on what they think about our children and how much they care about their safety.” As of March 9, DC Health has reported more than 8,400 positive COVID-19 cases in District public, public charter and private schools since the start of the school year. Nearly half of the cases reported occurred in public schools. Public charter schools account for nearly 40 percent. Meanwhile elementary schools account for 50 percent of the cases. Three-out-of-four people who’ve contracted the virus within school settings are students. Many District charter schools, including Mundo Verde Public Charter School in Northwest, kept its indoor mask mandate in response to parents’ concerns about young people who stand at greatest risk of contracting COVID-19. Sarah Acors, the parent of a third grader, credited administrators for listening to community members and keeping them in the loop about possible policy changes. “You have to be mindful of how you’re implementing things,” Acors said. “That’s what I appreciate about our school. Administrators are mindful of parents who want masks to go away by [lifting the outdoor mask mandate on campus] and keeping the indoor mask mandate for parents who want students to adhere to wearing masks.” WI @SamPKCollins
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY MD FORUM from Page 8 Eastern Shore and Ocean City, Segal said his plan would be simple. The retired lecturer recommends people work four days a week instead of five, employees telecommute and free taxi service at the last stop at bus depots. “We don’t believe in accommodating the car. We believe in shrinking the role of the car,” he said. Baron said he supports a study of the Bay Bridge to assess whether a third span should be built or other options. He said fewer people have been on the roads due to the pandemic
while working from home. Baron, who released a climate plan March 8, said utilizing electric vehicles would help reduce vehicles dependent on gasoline and also improve the environment. “I have nothing against cars and automobiles, as long as they are clean,” he said. “We are moving toward hybrid and electric vehicles.” Gansler said work on the Bay Bridge would be a low priority in order to focus on mass transit. “We don’t need to build another bridge to get more people in the Eastern Shore,” he said. He said public-private-partnership (P3) projects such as the Pur-
5 Six of the Maryland Democratic candidates for governor participate in a candidate’s forum March 15 at Attaboy Barrel House in Frederick. From left to right: Jerome Segal, Doug Gansler, Ashwani Jain, John King, Jr., Laura Neuman and Jon Baron. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
ple Line light-rail project remain effective when private businesses manage the work under government regulations. The P3 model allows a lead contractor to work
Prince George’s County Council Candidates Participate in Forum William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
5 Edward Burroughs III. (Photo courtesy Edward Burroughs III Facebook page)
12 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
A third group of Prince George’s County Council candidates participate in a virtual forum on criminal justice reform. The specific questions from Progressive Maryland’s Reentry Work Group dealt with policies to aid ex-offenders, or returning citizens coming home after serving time in jail or prison. Four candidates, Edward Burroughs III, Samuel Elira, Sr., Stanford Fraser and Krystal Oriadha, participated in the discussion Friday, March 11 seeking seats to represent council districts 7, 8, 9 and at-large. As of Friday, the state Board of Elections website shows 16 people have collectively filed to run in the three districts and the two at-large seats on the 11-member board. Burroughs, who became sworn in on the council Feb. 14 after winning a special election to represent District 8,
must run again in the June 28 primary because the term expires for the council member he replaced, Monique Anderson-Walker. So far, four other Democrats have filed paperwork to run for the seat. Oriadha, of Seat Pleasant, remains the only registered Democrat running for the District 7 seat. Council member Rodney Streeter of Hillcrest hasn’t officially filed documentation and the deadline closes Tuesday, March 22. Gary Falls, a registered Republican from Oxon Hill, represents the only registered Republican in the District 7 race. Council member Sydney Harrison of Upper Marlboro represents the area of the jurisdiction in District 9 known as “South County.” None of the three candidates seeking election in District 9 attended the forum
PG FORUM Page 21
with other entities to assume the risk by handling the design, finance and construction until a project becomes completed. “The problem in Maryland is the procurement process is so backward . . . so ineffective and so inefficient and it also lacks transparency,” Gansler said after the forum. “We need to revisit our procurement process so that minority-owned and women-owned businesses are at the table.” Primary Election Pushed Back Several hours before Tuesday’s forum, the Maryland Court of Appeals announced the primary election will be pushed back from June 28 to July 19. That means the deadline for candidates, previously set for Feb. 22 and postponed until Tuesday, March 22, has now been extended to April 15. The decision occurred on the same day Anne Arundel County Circuit Court heard challenges from the legislature’s decision to revamp the state’s Congressional districts. The Maryland Court of Appeals will hear testimony against the state legislative map on March 23. The appeals court decision didn’t sit well with former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, a Democratic candidate for governor who didn’t attend Tuesday’s forum.
Baker expressed some of his thoughts on his Twitter page including whether the state and local election boards could secure personnel for the primary election in the summer. “This latest mess, which seems to happen on a regular basis here in Maryland, is a stark reminder that we need to reform the process by which our congressional and legislative district maps are chosen,” he said. “Because whichever side of the aisle you happen to be on, it's clear this isn't working for the people and does little but inspire confusion, resentment and apathy within our political system.” As for the forum, Baker and three other candidates were not in attendance: state Comptroller Peter Franchot; author and former nonprofit executive Wes Moore; and former Democratic National Party chair Tom Perez. Perez stayed home to rest after he tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Moore and his running mate, former Del. Aruna Miller of Montgomery County, released a transportation plan Monday that includes expansion of Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, converting the state’s fleet into electric vehicles and supporting the RedLine light rail project in Baltimore. WI @WJFjabariwill
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TUSKEGEE from Page 1 pandemic, it’s been tougher for some bills which appear as “slam dunks” to receive approval, or even make it out of committee. “It’s got to get done this year,” Patterson said with a smile. He joined several members of the Tuskegee Airmen Inc. at a public hearing Thursday, March 10 before the Senate Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee in Annapolis. Several members donned red jackets – a symbol that highlights the airmen’s nickname of “Red Tails.” The airmen painted the tails of their planes red to help identify them. Jerry “Hawk” Burton, president of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and an Air Force veteran, said Maryland symbolizes the home of several of the original airmen including Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. and Charles Herbert Flowers. Two high schools in Prince George’s County bear their names. One of the most famous airmen, Brig. Gen. Charles E. McGee, died in January at 102 years old. Two years ago, the Bethesda resident held a book-signing at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Virginia. “Over the last two years, [McGee] was our rock star. He was everywhere,” Burton said. “He made it easy for us to talk about Tuskegee Airmen.” So far, lawmakers in eight states and the District of Columbia have passed laws to officially commemorate the Tuskegee Airmen. The airmen totaled nearly 1,000 Black pilots who flew during World War II, endured racism at home and trained at a segregated airfield in Tuskegee, Alabama. Burton summarized how the Tuskegee program included not only pilots but also more than 15,000 cooks, security personnel and other support staff who “did all the things it took to man a military base.” In 1948, President Harry Truman signed an executive order eliminating racial segregation in the armed forces. Civil rights leaders pushed Truman to either support the move or to expect that Blacks would be encouraged to resist the draft. As for the Tuskegee Airmen, they remain credited with integrating the military with a resilience in battle that included their response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941. George Ownings III, secretary of the state Department of Veterans Affairs, said the Pearl Harbor invasion occurred the same day as McGee’s
5 Maryland Sen. Obie Patterson (D-District 26) of Fort Washington talks about legislation to mark the fourth Thursday in March as “Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day” in Maryland. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)
birthday when he turned 22 years old. Owings also said McGee received the honorary promotion from colonel to general in 2020 after former President Donald Trump approved the measure following a vote in Congress. He reminded the Maryland Senate committee that McGee has testified in Annapolis on the measure. “Until this year,” he said. “If for no other reason, in memory of Brig. Gen. Charles Edward McGee, this bill should pass.”
WHY REMEMBER THE AIRMEN IN MARCH?
The members of the Tuskegee nonprofit organization summarized why the airmen are honored in March. The U.S. War Department established the 99th Pursuit Squadron on March 22, 1941, which later became the Tuskegee Airmen. Nearly a year later on March 7, 1942, five Black pilots represented the first graduating class. “March brings everything to full circle,” Edward Harbison, an Air Force veteran and lifetime member of the Tuskegee Airmen East Coast Chapter, said during an interview before Thursday’s hearing. “They opened doors so others like me can serve this great nation. These great Americans need to be recognized for their unsung effects on the development of the United States of America,” Harbison said. On March 24, a wreath laying ceremony will take place at the Air Force Memorial in Arlington, Virginia, to commemorate the 81st anniversary of the Tuskegee Airmen.
Later that day, a virtual fundraiser will be held featuring remarks from Vice President Kamala Harris, Smithsonian Secretary Lonnie Bunch and the Rev. Grainger Browning, pastor of Ebenezer AME Church in Fort Washington. The national Tuskegee organization and its chapters use money raised toward scholarships and grants for college and high school students, especially those who pursue careers in aviation, aerospace and science technology. The organization’s east coast chapter provides high school students in the D.C. area a three-level aviation program named after Tuskegee Airmen
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Herbert H. Jones, Jr. The three levels are set up this way: Level 1: High school students ages 15 to 19 meet for five consecutive Saturdays at the College Park Airport to assess the possibility of a career in aviation. Level 2: If interested in becoming a pilot, students who quality can spend eight to 10 weekends learning the position that includes completing a Federal Aviation Administration exam. Level 3: After passing the FAA exam, students can receive 15 hours of flight instruction at Hyde Field/Washington Executive Airport in Clinton. Frank Killebrew, an Air Force Veter-
an who taught aerospace science for 25 years at Oxon Hill High School, said aviation education can lead to various careers. For instance, he said a former aviation student currently works as an instructor teaching Air Force personnel in Japan. “What the Tuskegee Airmen did paved the way for young people to do things like this,” said Killebrew, a member of the Tuskegee Airmen East Coast Chapter. “We need to put information about the Tuskegee Airmen in the student textbooks so they can read about it. It's an important part of history.” WI @WJFjabariwill
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 13
BUSINESS Farm Owner Seeks to Change Food Discourse in the District James Wright WI Staff Writer Most District residents go to grocery stores or corner retail outlets to buy their food but Gail Taylor, the owner of Three Part Harmony Farm in Ward 5, wants people to consider her business which provides fresh, natural and organic foods for nourishment. Three Part Harmony Farm [TPHF] stands as a two-acre parcel, small scale agroecological farm close to Trinity Washington University in Northeast. The farm specializes in growing mainly vegetables in addition to herbs and cut-flowers using sustainability methods and without chemical pesticides or herbicides. “We are the biggest production farm in the city,” Taylor said. “I own the business. We started in 2012 to have locally-grown vegetables for people in the city instead of going to the grocery store all the time.”
Taylor’s farm grows vegetables for its community supported agriculture program based on a District-focused economic model of farming and food distribution. She does not sell to consumers but to distributors. Member retailers pay in advance to pick a share of the harvest throughout the growing season. Taylor said presently there are 100 customers with many buying into the 26-week subscription of food from her farm. She said selling the produce before the season lets her and the farm volunteers focus on working the land. A District group of priests owns the land and Taylor operates as a tenant. “The priests are very good to us,” she said. “We always make it a point to bring them our extra vegetables. But there are rules. We cannot have a farm stand on the land. We cannot operate on Sundays – that’s the Lord’s Day. There can be no distribution on the site.” Taylor and her volunteers deliv-
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5 Three Part Harmony Farm owner Gail Taylor stands in her Ward 5 farm. (Photo courtesy Three Part Harmony Farm website)
er the vegetables to selected retailers and sites throughout the city including Annie’s Ace Hardware Store in Brookland. Much of their business occurs May through November during which they harvest their crops and share their vegetables with customers twice a week.
Taylor said her top three crops, not necessarily in that order, are greens, garlic and turnips. The crops she grows depends on how bountiful they can be given the soil. She started her farming career in 2005 volunteering for a farm
in Maryland. Taylor said she really enjoyed the experience and approached the farm owner who hired her for a paying position. In 2012, she struck out on her own with a desire to increase the number of Black farmers in the District and to let African Americans know that farming remains open to them. “Black people should know where their food comes from,” she said. “Eating freshly grown food truly nourishes our body. People should know that the vitamins that they take in come from food grown out of the ground.” On March 9, the Bowser administration, in concert with the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning & Economic Development and Capital Impact Partners, announced the awarding of $400,000 in Nourish DC grants to nine District businesses of color located in Wards 5, 7 and 8. The grants are designed to spur the development of the city’s food ecosystem in an attempt to make it more equitable. TPHF received a grant for $50,000m much to Taylor’s elation. “I will use the money for farming support,” she said. “I am happy there is a program in D.C. that supports businesses that advocate for healthy food options in the city.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
Americans in Rural Areas More Likely to Have Lower Incomes, Assets Than Urban Residents Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
A new Issue Brief released by the Employee Benefit Research Institute [EBRI] titled “Understanding the Financial Differences Between Rural and Urban Americans,” found that individuals living in rural areas were more likely to have lower incomes and assets than those living in urban areas. However, when comparing Americans at the same income levels, the net worth of rural individuals was higher than that of urban individuals except for those in the highest income group. “Rural Americans attitudes toward their finances and access to financial institutions and instruments can differ from those living in urban areas due to lower population density, infrastructure
differences such as less availability of broadband Internet services and their experiences with or exposure to various asset types,” Craig Copeland, director of Wealth Benefits Research at EBRI, wrote in a release. “Consequently, the types and levels of assets that rural Americans have are different with homeownership and business assets being higher compared with the higher retirement account and stock and mutual fund ownership among urban residents,” Copeland wrote. According to the release, the EBRI Issue Brief examined the financial situations of Americans who live in urban and rural areas by using the 2020 Survey of Income and Program Participation from the United States Census Bureau. “Differences in the ownership
of retirement accounts, stocks and mutual funds persisted among workers at larger employers and for unincorporated, self-employed businesses,” Copeland said. “The net result is that rural individuals appear to be missing out on certain financial assets, which over the long term have provided much higher rates of return than many other investments. Other means to access the financial markets may be necessary.” Additionally, Copeland concluded that rural business owners appear to have their assets highly concentrated in their businesses, which could be out of necessity to run their businesses. “However, a better diversification of assets could help protect these individuals’ retirement pros-
INCOME Page 15
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INCOME from Page 14 pects if something caused the business to close,” he said. Generational Wealth Planning Attorneys Portia Woods and her mother, Robin Woods, asserted that Black and Brown communities are in a financial state of emergency and likely don’t even know it. However, the lawyers said in an email that their aim remains to help families effectively protect and pass down more of their hardearned wealth. “America’s racial wealth gap is enormous and getting worse,” the duo pointed out in the email. They noted one study warned that left unaddressed, the median net worth of Black Americans will fall to zero by 2053. “We focus on multi-generational planning with an emphasis on closing the racial wealth gap in our communities,” Portia Wood said. She said Wood Legal Group, LLP has always passionately focused on teaching Black, Latinx and LGBTQ communities to
“protect, leverage and pass on their assets using the law of estates and trusts.” Max Benz, founder, and CEO of BankingGeek, added some key financial differences between rural and urban Americans. “For one thing, rural Americans are more likely to live in poverty than urban Americans,” Benz said. He cited the most recent data from the US Census Bureau which stated that 17.3 percent of rural residents live in poverty, compared to 14.2 percent of urban residents. “Rural Americans also tend to have less access to financial resources and opportunities,” Benz said. “For example, they’re less likely to have a bank account or credit score and they’re more likely to rely on alternative financial services like payday loans. This lack of access can make it difficult for rural Americans to build wealth or climb out of poverty.” Dr. Robert R. Johnson, a professor of Finance at the Heider College of Business at Creighton University, and co-author of “The
Tools and Techniques of Investment Planning, Strategic Value Investing and Investment Banking for Dummies,” offered that urban Americans have a higher concentration of financial assets. By contrast, Johnson said rural Americans possess a higher concentration of tangible assets. “The net worth difference between rural and urban Americans at the same income level can be explained by the fact that the cost of living is much higher in urban areas – particularly housing,” Johnson said. “That is, a larger income is necessary in urban areas to fund a given standard of living.” “Urban Americans are more likely to be investors rather than savers, while the converse is true with rural Americans. In addition, much of the wealth in urban America is inherited wealth – specifically, land – which can result in higher net worth’s but lower incomes, all else equal.” “Also, the distribution of wealth between urban and rural Americans is dramatically different. That
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5 When comparing Americans at the same income levels, the net worth of rural individuals was higher than that of urban individuals except for those in the highest income group. (Photo courtesy GoBankingRates)
is, the mean wealth of urban and rural Americans may be different, but I would have to believe that the medians aren’t much different.” “That is because the wealth means of urban Americans are
highly skewed by the fabulously wealthy. Simply put, there are more urban high net worth individuals and some with an extremely high net worth than rural high net worth individuals,” Johnson said. WI
You Earned It. Now Claim It. The DC Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) The DC EITC may lower your taxes or provide you with a refund. Qualifications: If you receive the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you are also eligible for the DC EITC The DC EITC is 40% of the federal EITC To learn more, visit otr.cfo.dc.gov
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 15
NATIONAL Women Rally for Brown Jackson’s Supreme Court Confirmation
James Wright WI Staff Writer
Leaders of Black women’s groups and their supporters rallied outside of the U.S. Supreme Court building in the District on March 10 to call on the U.S. Senate to confirm U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the high court.
President Biden tapped Jackson to replace retiring U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer on Feb. 25. At the rally, Melanie Campbell, the president and CEO of the National Coalition on Black Civic Participation [NCBP] and convener of the Black Women’s Roundtable told the gathering that Jackson is more than qualified to be a
5 National Coalition on Black Civic Participation President and CEO Melanie Campbell (center) leads a rally Black female groups in support of the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson in front of the U.S. Supreme Court. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)
Supreme Court justice. “The Black Women’s Roundtable is working in coalition with our allies to ensure that this nominee is treated fairly and is confirmed without delay,” Campbell said to
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the gathering of over 50 people. The pro-Jackson rally served as a key event in the Black Women’s Roundtable 11th Annual Women of Power National Summit held at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Md., and on Capitol Hill from March 9-13. Confirmation hearings for Jackson have been slated to begin March 21 before the Senate Judiciary Committee, with a floor vote on her nomination possibly by early April. Jackson has visited a number of senators to talk to them about her judicial philosophy and record on the bench. No Democrat has risen to oppose her confirmation. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) has indicated he may vote to oppose Jackson but Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine) recently said she’s open to supporting her. The Senate’s filibuster rules don’t apply in Supreme Court justice nominations so Jackson needs just 51 votes to become the first Black woman to serve on the high court. Janice Mathis, the president and CEO of the National Council of Negro Women, served as one of the speakers at the rally. “Now we will be truly represented on the court,” Mathis said. Sheila Katz, the president and CEO of the National Council of Jewish Women, said, “we all want to see Judge Jackson confirmed.” “We are talking about having a fair federal judiciary and Supreme Court for all of the people,” Katz said. “She represents the diversity of America. When the Supreme
Court was founded over 200 years ago, it was set up by white men who favored people that looked like them. Now we have the chance to continue to change that.” Jakota Eaddy, the convener of WIN with Women, said everyone wins with Jackson’s confirmation. “The U.S. Supreme Court will win,” Eaddy said. “Black women will win. Black people will win. All Americans will win when Judge Jackson gets on the court.” Jordan Brooks, the executive director of the United States of Women, called for a swift confirmation of Jackson. “Ketanji Brown Jackson has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate three times,” Brooks said. “She should be confirmed once again.” Jackson has received the support of the Senate in her quest to serve as the vice chairman of the United States Sentencing Commission, as a U.S. District Court Judge and last July to the federal appeals court. Judge Carlos E. Moore, the president of the National Bar Association, the trade group for Black attorneys, judges, paralegals and law students, said if Jackson is confirmed as a justice “it will have positive reverberations for decades to come.” “Judicial diversity is important,” Moore said. “She will bring a diverse perspective on the court. The Senate should confirm her unanimously.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
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5 The end of the dispute between millionaires and billionaires came as a sigh of relief for stadium workers who depend on the games to help make ends meet. (Photo courtesy Sporkful)
End of Baseball’s Lockout Allows Stadium Workers to Make Ends Meet Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The recent end to the Major League Baseball’s lockout provided a sigh of relief to fans and others, with Opening Day just weeks away. But the end of the dispute between billionaire club owners and millionaire ballplayers probably offered more respite to thousands of vendors, ushers, ticket takers and parking attendants who depend upon the game to help make ends meet. “What does [the lockout] mean for employees? First, lack of money in their pockets,” said Lenear Bassett-King, who worked for nearly a dozen years for the Washington Nationals in the team’s guest services department. “Concessions, parking and security are different companies … ushers are seasonal and [were] in a holding pattern,” Bassett-King noted. She said the problem was exacerbated by pandemic-related safety concerns that could result in shortfalls in service positions. Former Nationals and current New York Mets hurler Matt Scherzer joined fellow union executive board member Andrew Miller in
helping to establish a $1 million fund for stadium workers if the work stoppage carried through the season. “There are a lot of people who make our game great. Many aren’t seen or heard but they are vital to the entertainment experience of our games,” Scherzer and Miller wrote in a joint statement. The duo noted those workers would be among those heavily affected had the lockout continued. “We want to let them know that they have our support,” Miller and Scherzer added. In a letter to news organizations, Oren Spiegler of Peters Township, Pennsylvania, railed against Major League Baseball and what he called the sport’s greed. “At a time in which Americans have been hurting financially and emotionally while the coronavirus pandemic has gotten the best of us, I wonder how sympathetic they are to baseball players who are unwilling to agree to a contract in large part because their salaries have slid to an average of a ‘measly’ $4 million per year, placing them in a lofty position of wealth,” Spiegler wrote. “The contract impasse can be summarized by calling it naked greed and selfishness. There is no
concern for the businesses that are able to profitably operate based upon revenue from pro baseball or the little guy and gal who work at stadiums as vendors, hosts, parking lot attendants and concession stand workers,” he wrote. On March 9, after 99 days, baseball’s owners and players reached a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement.
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The deal sets a minimum salary of $700,000 for rookies and a $50 million bonus pool for players currently ineligible for arbitration. It also expanded the number of teams to 12 who qualify for postseason play – a move that further boosts compensation for teams and players. “Thank god, because we are the little guy,” said Marvin Garrett,
who has worked concessions at Orioles Park at Camden Yards and FedEx Field. “This is a hustle, something to help feed our families,” Garrett said. “They [the players and owners] are pulling in tens of millions and even billions of dollars regularly. Yet, we dream of a $15 an hour minimum wage.” WI
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africa now
COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
South Africa Pushes for a Single African Currency to Boost Intra-Continental Trade South Africa, one of Africa’s biggest economies, is in full support of establishing a single African currency backed by the continental central bank and monetary institute, EYEGAMBIA reported on March 11. According to International Relations and Cooperation Minister Naledi Pandor, the establishment of the African Union's (AU) African Central Bank (ACB), African Investment Bank (AIB) and the African Monetary Institute (AMI) are considered critical to facilitate a single currency and boost the intra-Africa trade. "In every available continental platform, South Africa has consistently reaffirmed her commitment to continuing to support the continental integration in line with the provisions of the Abuja Treaty of 1991 which seeks to assist the AU member states to overcome trade barriers that impede the flow of goods, services and capital," Pandor said. This emerged in Pandor's response to a written parliamentary question from Economic Freedom Fighters MP Thembi Portia Msane. Pandor said the "operationalization" of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement (AfCFTA) and the start of trading on January 1, 2021 are viewed as catalysts for long-term continental "prosperity and integration." "It is against this background that the establishment of the African Union Financial Institutions (AUFIs) comprising the ACB, the AIB and the AMI are considered as critical to facilitate the creation of a single currency and boost the intra-Africa trade.” "These institutions form a key component of the flagship projects of Agenda 2063," she said. Pandor said South Africa utilizes its participation at AU statutory meetings to call for the establishment of the AUFIs and the subsequent realization of a single currency. "It is for this reason that during the 12th Extraordinary session of the AU Assembly in July 2019 in Niamey, Niger, South Africa supported the launch of the operational instruments of the AfCFTA which included amongst others the digital payment system. The launch of the AfCFTA instruments is a remarkable achievement following the entry into force of the AfCFTA," she said. Pandor also said the August 2021 Southern African Development Community (SADC) summit reaffirmed the bloc's position to create a SADC central bank and monetary union. According to Pandor, this is a long-term objective in creating harmonization of SADC countries' fiscal and monetary policies. "In this regard, the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank should be long-term objectives," Pandor said. To that end, South Africa is encouraged by the AU Assembly decision from the recently concluded summit in February 2022, which directed the AfCFTA secretariat and the AU Commission to continue to work with the Association of African Central Banks (AACB) to finalize the negotiations on all the outstanding technical issues particularly the macroeconomic convergence criteria which remains a hurdle in the early operationalization of the AUFIs. "The negotiation process on the matter is currently underway; South Africa reaffirms its readiness to work with all stakeholders and in cooperation with other AU Member states to ensure that all outstanding technical issues are addressed expeditiously," she said. Pandor said the suggestion that South Africa is not advocating for creating a single currency on the "continent is incorrect." WI
caribbean now Bahamas Central Bank Governor Says Tourism Could Recover to Pre-Pandemic Levels by 2023 John Rolle, governor of The Central Bank of The Bahamas, said tourism booking numbers for 2022 are beginning to resemble pre-pandemic numbers, indicating there is a possibility that the tourism sector could rebound to 2019 levels by 2023. The Central Bank Governor made this observation during a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society meeting in Nassau on March 11, according to The Nassau Guardian. “While Rolle touted the continuing improvement of the tourism sector, he also pointed to looming downside risks that could derail the rebound, which will have to be closely monitored,” The Guardian stated. “Tourism has recovered at a very strong rate relative to the lows that the economy experienced at the height of the pandemic,” Rolle said. “If you compare March of 2020 before the pandemic took hold and you look at the forward-looking booking numbers, assuming at the time no one anticipated a shutdown, 2022 looks just like that.” Rolle added, “So that tends to reinforce the idea that we’re getting much closer to a return to parity. And 2023 shows a consistent trend where the booking numbers are improved relative to this year. It points to the likelihood that the industry will be where it was before the pandemic.” As far as downside risks go, Rolle explained that COVID-19 remains an imminent threat to global and local recovery. He also pointed to the continuing conflict in Europe between Russia and Ukraine, which has led to inflationary pressures, as a threat to growth. Rolle also mentioned US interest rate hikes and climate change pressures as risks that need to be monitored. WI
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Blacks Built Virginia Homes Post-Slavery Now Descendants Billed $10,000 For Demolition of “Blight” particularly because Richardson sent an abatement plan that Dalton requested in the November letter. All six homeowners were required to send an abatement plan by December 2022. In Berryville, Virginia, a confederate flag But Dalton rejected Richardson’s plan because it is stamped in front of the building where the “does not sufficiently abate the blight within a reasonBerryville Planning Commission gathers for able time” or layout the actions the town would take if public hearings. Blocks away, on Josephine the requirements aren’t met, per a follow-up letter sent Street, log cabin homes purchased by formerby Dalton. ly enslaved Blacks after the Civil War remain The Town’s Code Section 5-3, paragraph (b) authorizstanding. es council employees or their agents to remove, repair or The 16-foot-wide street, once called Josesecure any building, wall, or other structure determined phine City, was established in the 1870’s afto be a health or safety risk if the owner or lienholder ter the Civil War ended in 1865. Twenty-four doesn’t after reasonable notice and reasonable time. formerly enslaved Blacks purchased 31 oneWilliam Woodruff’s property was torn down due to acre lots for $100 an acre and built their own 5 The 112 Josephine Street home has been in the Richardson family for five generathe code. community from the ground up. It is believed tions. The homestead signifies “independence and finally owning something,” says Donna Woodruff purchased the home at 23 Josephine Street that the road was named after former slave Jo- Richardson. by way of a public auction in 2010. During a 2012 sephine Williams, who purchased two of the Planning Commission meeting, he said he boarded up lots. some of the entrances but couldn’t afford to do anything The area was seen as an oasis for Blacks in more. Clarke County. It grew increasingly self-suffiWoodruff was billed $10,000 for the demolition of cient by establishing a school, grocery store, the property, he said. His second property at 114 Josegas station, boarding house, restaurant, cemephine Street, also purchased at an auction, is a target. tery, two churches and a Black-owned newspaHomeowners on Josephine St. are concerned that per called “The People’s Journal.” the town of Berryville will soon send a $10,000 bill for The community was also home to notable demolition if homes are not repaired by July 1. figures such as Lucy Diggs Slowe, a founding Jesse Russell, a resident of Clarke County and descenmember of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. dant of an enslaver, suggested funding options for reand William Taylor Burwell Williams, the first pairs during the meeting. Dean of Tuskegee Institute. Russell says a potential solution is to work with PresMany descendants of Josephine City no longer live there and relocated to nearby cities. 5 The Richardson's property is currently vacant. In 1910, her great-grandmother moved ervation Virginia or any preservation society that allows Josephine Street homeowners to still own the property. Still, homeowners advocate to preserve and most of the family to Philadelphia for a “better life” beyond a small town, and all of the Josephine School Community Museum, once a segrerestore the properties to prevent demolition. family relocated in the late 1980’s. (Candace Dane Chambers/Washington Informer) gated school, received a nearly $18 million grant from the National Park Service to repair the roofing in 2018. PUBLIC HEARING Russell’s family grew up near Josephine Street. His third-great-grandfather owned On February 22, the Berryville Planning Commission gathered to set a date for the enslaved people in Berryville and emancipated them in his will. But after his passing, “blight abatement” public hearing to discuss the six targeted properties that may face Russell’s second-great-grandfather contested the will in 1856 and auctioned the 14 demolition. The log cabin homes — located at 12, 112, 114, 203, 225, and 229 Josefreed people back into slavery. phine Street — are classified as a “blight” for several reasons. A porch that appears to be “[Josephine] is one of the few, remaining, early post-Civil War, African American structurally unsound, sill beams and other structural elements appear to be deterioratcommunities still in existence. … They take tremendous pride in their history, and I ing, and a gutter and downspout system is missing, per a November 5, 2021 letter sent understand it,” Russell said. by Keith Dalton, Berryville town manager. The next date set by the Planning Commission is March 22. During that abatement The letter gave property owners until July 1, 2022 to improve the properties. public hearing, homeownDescendants echo the same sentiments: they need more time and financing to imers will share concerns, and prove the properties. the Commission will share “What I’m requesting from you, and hopefully your heart will be softened, is to give recommendations with the us time, you know, to be fair,” said Donna Richardson during the meeting. Town Council about the The 112 Josephine Street home has been in the Richardson family for five generaland-use issues. tions. The homestead signifies “independence and finally owning something,” she said. Aja Beckham and Denise Rolark Barnes
Richardson has financed fencing, grass cutting and other maintenance services while paying property taxes. Richardson and other homeowners feel the blight abatement effort is a land grab,
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 19
HEALTH Activists and Advocates Push for COVID-19 Memorial Day Say Lives Lost Should be Recognized by Federal Government Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer As U.S. COVID-19 deaths near one million, advocates have ramped up efforts for the establishment of a national memorial day to honor lives lost due to the pandemic. One of the groups leading the charge, Marked by COVID, a national nonprofit known for its “Honest Obituaries,” uses a candid tone for those who have died from the coronavirus. For example, from one honest obituary: “Isabelle was a giant,
powerful in her kindness. Like thousands of others #MarkedByCovid, she should still be alive today. Her undeserving death is due to the carelessness of politicians who undervalue healthcare workers through lack of leadership, refusal to acknowledge the severity of this crisis and unwillingness to give clear and decisive direction to minimize the risks of coronavirus. Isabelle’s death was preventable; her children are channeling their grief and anger into ensuring fewer families endure this nightmare.” For Marked by COVID,
(Courtesy photo)
co-founder Kristin Urquiza, the nonprofit was birthed out of a similar family tragedy. She said her father, Mark Urquiza of Phoenix, died from COVID-19 in 2020, “after trusting Arizona Governor Doug Ducey’s claims that it was safe to resume normal activities.” Following Urquiza’s death, the nonprofit published the first honest obituary. It remembered the life of Kristin’s father, like a traditional obituary, but boldly called out politicians and public leaders they felt were to blame.
“Since then, dozens of Marked By COVID activists have become leaders in their own hometowns; and many have launched local hubs to build community and implement local, state and national strategies to ensure that our elected officials center the needs of those most harmed by this preventable disaster,” the nonprofit said on its website. Since its inception, Marked by COVID has advocated for national recognition for victims of COVID-19 with a national memorial day. They’ve organized a
For the First Time Since 1999, Blacks Lead Overdose Deaths
Several Factors to Blame, Including Toxic Drug Supply Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Drug overdose mortality rates have increased sharply in the U.S. since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. And for the first time in over 20 years, the overdose mortality rate among Blacks has now eclipsed that of whites, according to the medical journal JAMA Psychiatry. The study, published on March 2, said since 2015, overdose deaths have risen most rapidly among Black and Latino communities. The recent pandemic has only exacerbated
20 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
many health, social and economic outcomes. Overdose deaths per 100,000 among Black individuals increased from 24.7 in 2019 to 36.8 in 2020, which was 16.3% higher than that for white individuals (31.6) in 2020,” study authors wrote. “This is a reversal of the overdose mortality gap among Black and white individuals noted in 2010 when the rate per 100,000 among white individuals (15.8%) was double that of Black individuals (7.9%).” “These shifts reflect that Black communities have experienced higher annual percentage increases in overdose deaths compared with
their white counterparts each year since 2012.” “In 2020, Black individuals had the largest percentage increase in overdose mortality (48.8%) compared with white individuals (26.3%),” study authors wrote. Study authors said several factors contribute to the increase in Black individual overdose rates, including “toxic illicit drug supply.” They wrote that recent studies suggest that the use of potent synthetic opioids and benzodiazepines and high-purity methamphetamine contribute to the worsening of the U.S. overdose crisis. “The high and unpredictably
OVERDOSE Page 21
National Day of Action, Week of Mourning, Dia de Los Muertos Vigil and Gratitude Gatherings. On March 1, 2021, activists across the country held more than 120 grassroots COVID Memorial Day events in solidarity with #MarkedByCovid and to call for a national holiday and permanent memorials. State legislators and other public officials also marked the date, said the organization with 152 mayors in 36 states proclaiming the first Monday in March, COVID Memorial Day. In response to the momentum, and in collaboration with Marked By COVID, Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives expressing support for the designation of the first Monday in March to be COVID-19 Victims and Survivors Memorial Day. State legislators in California, Arizona, Michigan, Georgia, Colorado and other public officials have also filed COVID Memorial Day resolutions. However, none of these resolutions have passed so far. Though progress is slow, advocates continue to press for a new federal holiday. “I’m proud to lead the effort in Congress to designate the first Monday in March as #COVIDMemorialDay, a day to let those grieving a loved one or suffering the lasting effects of this virus know they’re not alone,” said Rep. Stanton via Twitter. WI
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OVERDOSE from Page 20 variable potency of the illicit drug supply may be disproportionately harming racial and ethnic minoritized communities with deep-seated inequalities in living conditions (including stable housing and employment, policing and arrests, preventive care, harm reduction, telehealth, medications for opioid use disorder and naloxone access) likely playing a role,” study authors wrote. They continued that recent incarceration serves as a risk factor for overdose mortality which disproportionately impacts people of color – adding that recently incarcerated individuals remain more likely to have reduced opioid tolerance and less knowledge of shifts in drug potency. While the study didn’t explicitly mention fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that’s 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] named the substance as the primary killer in the nation’s opioid overdose crisis.
The CDC said most recent cases of fentanyl-related harm, overdose and death in the U.S. can be linked to illegally-made fentanyl. Sold through illegal drug markets for its heroin-like effect, it’s often mixed with heroin or cocaine as a combination product – with or without the user’s knowledge – to increase its euphoric effects. Overdose deaths involving synthetic opioids were nearly 12 times higher in 2019 than in 2013. More than 36,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids in 2019. According to the CDC, the latest provisional drug overdose death counts through May 2020 suggest an acceleration of overdose deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the JAMA Psychiatry study, authors wrote that drug overdose mortality has increasingly become a racial justice issue in the U.S. which the pandemic has exacerbated. They added that providing individuals with a safer supply of drugs, closing gaps in health care access, and ending routine incarceration of individuals with substance use disorders can quell the crisis. WI
PG FORUM from Page 12 Elira and Fraser, both attorneys, represent two of the six candidates running for the at-large seats currently held by council chair Calvin Hawkins II and Mel Franklin. The work group conducted four previous forums that included candidates running for Maryland lieutenant governor, county executive, state’s attorney, county sheriff and County Council Districts 1 through 6. Once again, they asked the candidates questions like whether they would mandate the county to collect data on a person while in jail or prison and upon their release. All four agreed privacy rights should be protected but also acknowledged data helps in making better policy decisions. “The data is helpful because if someone is reentering our society, we give them quality training and skills and job placement and they’re less likely to reoffend,” Burroughs said. “That data really helps the entire community [and] is very important to have because different people need to see it from different scopes and points of view.”
“Some people don’t want to have to face questions about certain issues. That should speak volumes when people don’t show up to spaces like this because that shows they don’t want to be held accountable on the record.” Fraser, who works as a public defender in the county, said he would sponsor legislation to fund unarmed public health responders to respond to nonviolent calls answered by 9-11 operators. He said it would mirror a program in Denver called “Star” which utilizes mental health professionals and paramedics to handle calls versus police officers. “In a way, it can save the county money. Economics shouldn’t be the motivating factor but for some people it is,” he said. “For me, it’s the moral necessity.” Elira, the founding partner of his
HEALTH
own law firm in Bowie, supports a policy to decriminalize and decrease penalties for nonviolent offenses including marijuana charges and petty theft as a way to end mass incarceration. “I’m not saying we shouldn’t punish individuals but there are alternatives like treatment,” he said. “That would do a great deal in ending the mass incarceration issue that currently exists.” The forum allowed people listening to the discussion to ask the candidates questions. One came from William Nuckols who asked for their thoughts on those candidates who did not appear. “Some people don’t want to have to face questions about certain issues,” said Oriadha, a co-founder of the activist group, PG Change Makers. “That should speak volumes when people don’t show up to spaces like this because that shows they don’t want to be held accountable on the record.” The remaining forums, held on Tuesdays and Fridays until March 25, will feature candidates representing Prince George’s County running for state Senate and the House of Delegates. WI @WJFjabariwill
DO N ATE TO DAY! Stop by your local Safeway store. Join Safeway’s Nourishing Neighbors initiative, the Washington Commanders, 7News On Your Side, El Tiempo Latino, The Washington Informer, WPGC 95.5 FM, and El Zol 107.9 FM and support the Capital Area Food Bank to help feed local families in need.
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 21
EDUCATION Residents Question Timeline of Rec Center Development Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer KIPP DC officials have conducted more than 70 meetings over two years with Washington Highlands community members about what would eventually become KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory and the newly-revitalized Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center. Days after a virtual meeting about the state of the recreation center, some community members continue to dismiss that narrative, saying KIPP DC kept them out of the loop when they significantly reduced the size of the recreation center and multi-lane pool and removed a popular boxing gym. As patrons of the newly-opened Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center continue to take photos of broken door knobs and peeling floors, they demand clarification about how the DC Department of Parks and Recreation [DPR] and Department of General Services [DGS] followed through with plans for the new recreation center without community input. Olivia Henderson, president of
the Washington Highlands Civic Association and commissioner of single-member district 8D02, in speaking about the $13.5 million recreation center revitalization, said many things happened right under their noses, despite KIPP officials agreeing to maintain all of the amenities. They also promised to allow high school students from the community to attend the new charter school without entering the school lottery. “The school is vibrant but the community is getting neglected. I don't think KIPP will rectify it,” Henderson said. “How are our children supposed to reach their unique potential? If KIPP were to fix it, they would’ve done it before now.” “The only time we saw the pool was when they opened it and did a walk through. Because we’re in Ward 8, KIPP thinks we’re not smart enough to challenge them. We have another development but they’re not doing anything for human development,” she said. On the evening of March 10, Jacque Patterson, KIPP DC’s chief community engagement and growth officer, met with Washington Highlands
“The only time we saw the pool was when they opened it and did a walk through. Because we’re in Ward 8, KIPP thinks we’re not smart enough to challenge them. ”
community members, Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White, DPR Director Delano Hunter, Johnny Seikaly of MCN Build and descendants of Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee. During the two-hour meeting, they explored the likelihood of recreation center patrons receiving a six-lane pool and boxing gym. Patterson said a community advisory commission initially formed in 2019 will meet once again within the next few weeks. He also mentioned that an on-campus incubator space could serve as the new home of the boxing gym. During a presentation, Patterson also alluded to community members’ other requests, including adult education classes, job training opportunities, ADA accessibility and an on-campus mural honoring the legacies of Ferebee and Marion Conover Hope. When it came to job training opportunities, some community members expressed concerns that collaborations with MCN Build, a Northwest-based general contractor, didn’t manifest in stable jobs for the young men who participated in a job training program. Other qualms involved what community members
CORRECTION: In the March 3 edition, we published a photo from the Ward 7 Democrats mayoral candidates’ forum and incorrectly identified candidate Andre Davis (left), as Trayon White (D-Ward 8), who is also a candidate for mayor in the D.C. primary race on June 21.
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4 Janice Ferebee, a former ANC commissioner and descendent of Dr. Dorothy Celeste Boulding Ferebee. (Courtesy photo)
described as changes in the plans to the recreation center that occurred between 2019 and 2020. DPR didn’t return The Informer’s inquiry about when, or whether, recreation officials consulted Washington Highlands community members about the changes, including reductions to the size of the recreation center. In the years after the former Ferebee-Hope Elementary School shuttered, debate ensued about what would become of the school building amid overcrowding in neighborhood schools. School boundary plans released in 2014, not long after Ferebee-Hope’s closure, counted Ferebee-Hope Elementary among potential new public schools. However, that vision would never come to fruition, due in part to the Comprehensive Planning and Utilization of School Facilities Act, which included a provision allowing the mayor to turn any District public school building over to a charter school. As such, KIPP DC acquired a plot of land from D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) that included Ferebee-Hope Elementary School and Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center. Once Bowser made that announcement in May 2019, KIPP DC began an engagement process Patterson said included canvassing of surrounding communities, sur-
veys, and focus groups. Janice Ferebee, a descendent of the late Ferebee, attended the March 10 meeting with other family members. For the last month, she expressed her frustration with the entire process in conversations with Patterson and others. Reflecting on her experiences as an ANC commissioner in Ward 2, she questioned how KIPP DC, DPR, DGS and other parties didn’t notify the Washington Highlands community about changes to the layout of the recreation center. In doing so, she referred to KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory as the “big house” and Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center as the “slave quarters,” a comparison intended to highlight the way KIPP DC has treated Washington Highlands community members. “What was promised was not delivered and even if you promised the 20,000 square feet, there’s a difference between the renderings in the 2019 sketch and 2020 sketch,” Ferebee said. “It’s important for the community to know when there are things happening that they are not aware of. They were not aware of [there not being a] boxing gym and all the other things. The concerns about the workmanship in the recreation center. The building just opened. This is not acceptable.” WI @SamPKCollins
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CAPTURE the moment
For more photos, visit www.washingtoninformer.com
5 Five-time Grammy winner, Howard alumna and former DC Public School teacher Roberta Flack at Capitol Hill United Methodist Church before the unveiling ceremony of a historic call box dedicated in her honor on Capitol Hill. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)
5 Ward 4 Councilmember Janeese George speaks at a protest on March 14 at the John A. Wilson Building in support of Councilmember Elissa Silverman’s bill to expand labor protections to more than 9,000 domestic workers who work in the District of Columbia. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
5 Alejandra Ramirez, owner of Beltway Plaza Hardware, receives recognition for service to the City of Greenbelt from Comptroller of Maryland Peter Franchot. Ramirez worked at the hardware store since she was 15 and is now the owner. Pictured: Alejandra Ramirez (current owner, 2nd left), Comptroller Peter Franchot, previous owner Barry (former owner) and members of the Greenbelt City Council. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
Early Care and Education is a Business Necessity Aisha Bond, Interim Director Greater Washington Black Chamber and Kim Perry, DC Action and the Under 3 DC Campaign Q: We're here to talk about child care and early learning for children birth to three in the District. I'm the head of the Greater Washington Black Chamber; Kim Perry leads DC Action and the Under 3 DC Campaign. Kim, why are you talking to the Black Chamber about this? A: What happens to children during their earliest years is a business issue. Early educators are as essential to businesses as IT, HR, or sales staff. If DC wants to attract businesses, enable employees to work, and support its youngest learners to do well, it needs to pay attention to what happens to children during the earliest years. As Gregory McCarthy, Senior Vice President of the Washington Nationals said, "Every moment an adult spends with a child is an opportunity for learning, and if we don't take advantage of it, it's a lost opportunity that’s hard to make up…Early education/ child care is critical to the city overall and our own businesses." Q: I've heard from our members that child care is hurting their ability to fully reopen. How does early education affect the region’s business community? A: Three ways: • Early education and care is essential for parents to work. Demand for licensed spaces exceeded supply by up to 28,000 slots even before the pandemic. Child care closures and delayed reopenings have made it impossible for many parents to work. If the District wants to be a talent magnet for businesses and working parents, we need good quality early education and care. • Early experiences profoundly affect children's ability
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to learn and become productive adults. During pregnancy and the first three years of life the brain develops the physical architecture necessary to learn. As one research center put it, "Our health and wellbeing prenatally and during the first three years of life affect all future learning, behavior, and health.” • Early care and education is an important business sector in its own right. A 2019 report found the District of Columbia had 1,299 child care businesses, employing more than 5,000 employees, with a total economic impact of $277 million. Q: Why is this particularly important for the Black business community? A: • Most of these businesses in the District are run by Black and Latinx women. Recent surveys show that child care businesses have been hit hard by the pandemic, and closures continue to block the District's economic recovery. • The pay is insufficient for the critical work they do. The average annual salary is $32,000 and doesn't generally include health and retirement benefits. This contributes to high turnover, which makes it harder to build the nurturing relationships young children need. • And, while all children need a good start, our Black and Brown children have the least access to high quality programs. In DC, the average monthly cost of care is over $2,000, unattainable for many young families. Q: What's happening in the District right now to fix this? A: • The District implemented universal PreK over a decade ago, and then in 2018 the Council unanimously passed the Birth-
to-Three for All DC Act, which will raise compensation for early educators, ensure that no family spends more than 10% of their income on child care for infants and toddlers, and expand important health programs. • We can be a national model - but we need to fully implement the law. The DC Council has just started to substantially increase compensation for early educators, with $10,000 pay supplements for assistant teachers and $14,000 for lead teachers. This will reach about 3,400 teachers and be a great help in keeping teachers on the job. • We are also asking for modest increases for proven health-related programs, such as behavioral health services and home visiting that provides social workers to support young families. Q: How has the business community reacted? A: Many champions have gotten involved - leaders such as Antwanye Ford, CEO of Enlightened and board Chair of the Black Chamber; Gregory McCarthy of the Washington Nationals; Bill Alsup, formerly at Hines (now retired); Barbara Lang of Lang Strategies; and prominent attorney Jim Sandman have made public statements in support. Mr. Ford called funding the birth-to-three programs "a win-win for everyone in the District, both now and in the future." Q: What should people do if they want to learn more? A: We have created a network of business leaders who will consider invitations to take action, with our help. More information is at www.under3dc. org, with the business materials here. We invite anyone to contact us.
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 23
March 20 - April 17, 2022
The Tidal Basin Welcome Area & ANA Stage is celebrating the blossoms during peak bloom with intercultural, family-friendly performances!
PRESENTED BY
Anacostia River Festival
Welcome Area: 10 AM - 6 PM | ANA Stage performances: 12 - 6 PM NEW Location: West Basin Drive SW between MLK, Jr and FDR memorials
Celebrate the season at this National Cherry Blossom Festival Premier Event with Go-Go music, drum lines, marching bands, and even canoeing and fishing!
*please note that peak bloom dates are subject to change depending on weather. The most accurate prediction is about 10 days out. Please check the Festival website for the latest updates.
Stay up to date! Scan the QR code to join our list.
@ CherryBlossFest
April 10 1-4 PM Anacostia Park
@ CherryBlossomFestival
@ NationalCherryBlossomFestivalDC LE ADERSHIP CIRCLE
#RediscoverSpring NationalCherryBlossomFestival.org
24 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
EDITORIAL
Two Years Later, Breonna Taylor’s Family Continues to Seek Justice
Breonna Taylor’s family, friends and supporters continue to demand justice after marking the two-year anniversary of her death on March 13, 2022. And while a few Black men unjustly killed by law enforcement, most notably George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, have been allowed to finally rest in peace, for Black women like Breonna Taylor, one has to wonder why her soul’s cries for justice remain unanswered. It may be Women’s History Month but women, especially Black women, still find themselves relegated in spaces behind men, color notwithstanding. In downtown Louisiana on Sunday afternoon, a section of the square was filled with blue and silver balloons while Breonna’s family, joined by demonstrators and organizers, gathered to remember the young Black woman who died in a police raid gone bad. Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, stood at the center of a memorial made up of paintings, posters and flowers. She released the last balloon into the air as the crowd shouted Taylor’s name. The memorial occurred just weeks after one of the Kentucky police officers involved in the raid, Brett Hankison, was found not guilty on charges he endangered neighbors the night he fired into Taylor's apartment. Sadly, his acquittal more than likely has shut the door on the possibility of state criminal charges against any of the officers involved in the raid. None of the officers involved were charged with the 26-year-old Black woman’s death. Taylor, an emergency medical technician, was shot multiple times during the raid in her apartment during which no drugs were found. As for the warrant, it was later determined to be flawed. During the memorial, Taylor's aunt, Bianca Austin, condemned the Hankison verdict saying the Louisville Metro Police Department has not been transparent with Taylor's family or the city's Black residents. “Kentucky has failed Breonna Taylor,” Austin said. “Kentucky has failed our community. We demand the truth, we demand transparency. We are going to continue to demand answers and we're gonna continue to keep pressure on the Louisville Metro Police Department who continues to fail us and our community.” Many have suggested that disgruntled citizens show their displeasure by voting out Jefferson Circuit Judge Mary Shaw who signed the warrant for the raid and is up for reelection in 2022. And there’s the off chance that an ongoing federal investigation could be more extensive and provide a last chance for justice for the death of Breonna Taylor. But experts say it’s doubtful. It’s enough to make a grown man or woman cry. WI
Two Years Later, COVID-19 is Still Here
Spring is in the air just days before it officially arrives on March 22. Flowers are blooming, trees are budding and all eyes are on the arrival of the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin and in Oxon Run Park in Southeast. Daylight savings time is here, too, and permanently if the Senate has its way. A bill which passed unanimously on Tuesday will head to the House of Representatives for approval and then to President Biden’s for his signature. No longer will we spend days remembering to spring forward or fall back. Our clocks will stay the same. In cities and states across the country, mask mandates have been loosened or lifted, leaving the choice up to individuals to wear one or not. The recent change deflated efforts by the “Freedom Convoy” of truckers who passed through D.C. They ended up trying to redefine their protest after driving for miles across the country to demand the end to mask and vaccination mandates already removed. Still, there is evidence of reluctance by many who refuse to believe the CDC or local officials who advise that it is okay to remove their masks. The CDC said it was okay this time last year; then we were faced with the Delta variant. Not long after, the Omicron variant emerged and while incidents of infections and death rates declined, the virus continued to spread. This week, media organizations reported that a new Omicron “stealth” variant has contributed to the rise of COVID-19 cases in Europe in countries that include France, Switzerland, Italy and the Netherlands. In Germany alone, there are reportedly more than 250,000 new cases of infections per day. ported a day. There is no denying that COVID is a deadly virus that has ended the lives of more than 964,000 Americans over the past two years. COVID long haulers continue to suffer from the effects of the virus, and others may never recover from the COVID-related deaths of their loved ones. It’s been two years since COVID took over our lives and it’s still here. No matter how free spring may make us feel, we cannot ignore the dangers of COVID. The virus is still with us and spreading among us every day. WI
TO THE EDITOR I’m just writing to say how much I appreciate receiving my weekly free copy of the Washington Informer. I make sure to grab one as soon as it comes out on Thursday because if not, they will be all gone. I’ve been a loyal reader for years and I’ll continue to be. Keep up the great work! Lynette Thomson Washington, DC
I have an idea for the Washington Informer. It’s not totally inventive but something I think can make a big impact on myself and others. It would be awesome for the newspapers to host workshops on different topics for the community. I say bring your health, financial, educational and wellness supplements to life with an in-person instructor who is an expert on the subject. What do you think? Let me know. Ray Phills Hyattsville, Md.
Readers' Mailbox
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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.
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 25
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
David W. Marshall
Race, Democracy and Ukraine
Just when you say it can’t get any worse, it gets worse. After two years, we are still in the midst of a deadly pandemic resulting in the loss of over 900,000 American lives. Last year, we witnessed our fellow Americans attack the U.S. Capitol to overturn a presidential election. Now, due to Russia’s premeditated and unprovoked attack on its sovereign neighbor, the world is watching as war crimes are being carried out daily against innocent civilians. Russia’s unjust invasion of
Ukraine is constantly compared to Adolf Hitler’s 1939 invasion of Poland. Governments have ways of shifting over time. In the past, two neighboring countries (Poland and Ukraine) were both ruled by Communist governments. Today, those governments are free democracies. Democracy in and of itself is not a flawed system of government, but many individuals who hold positions of authority within a democracy can be morally deficient. The principles of democracy can be weakened—internally and externally—at the hands of people with little or no respect for the rule of law, fair elections, or humanity.
Guest Columnist
As a result, innocent people needlessly suffer or die with no just cause. As refugees seek to leave Ukraine for safety, we are again reminded that the suffering met by people of color is often compounded in any negative situation. It’s a sad but proven truth. Many international students wanting to study medicine were drawn to Ukraine because of its strong reputation for medical schools. Now those same Indian and African nationals living in Ukraine are reporting discrimination and hostility while attempting to flee the country. As they reach the Polish-Ukrainian border, they are being turned away and not allowed to
cross. Even during this vast humanitarian crisis, the color of a person’s skin remains a disqualifying criterion, which, in this case, puts human lives further at risk and in danger. While democracy is a form of unity, unity includes fundamental rules of empathy and compassion where “no one gets left behind.” Ukraine, like America, has its areas of moral strength and those of moral weakness. But democracy requires moral leadership. Everyone who holds a leadership position is not a leader. Leaders who cannot inspire others often resort to manipulation. Whenever you manipulate and intimidate people, you
are no longer a true leader–you have become a dictator. Vladimir Putin is a dictator who hates democracy. He also hates NATO because it represents a coalition of nations standing on the concept of freedom and unity. Unfortunately, there are those in America who are attracted to the authoritarian character of dictators. For that reason, we are seeing a growing number of pro-Russia Americans at levels never seen before. It symbolizes part of a global cultural war where many far-right extremists accept Russia as the last bastion of white purity. This
MARSHALL Page 37
Ben Jealous
From Selma to the Supreme Court, We Are Still Making History
History was made in Selma, Alabama, on March 7, 1965. Alabama state troopers viciously attacked peaceful voting rights marchers at the Edmund Pettus Bridge. The troopers were hoping to stop the voting rights movement in its tracks. But their violence did the opposite. Televised images of “Bloody Sunday” offended the conscience of people of good faith around
the country. The movement was energized. And soon, the federal Voting Rights Act became law. Voting rights activists were back in Selma this month to commemorate history—and to make it. Vice President Kamala Harris spoke at the Edmund Pettus bridge. As the first Black woman to hold that high office, she embodies many of the victories of the civil rights movement. From that “hallowed ground,” she spoke truth about the “un-American” laws that have passed in many states to make it harder for
Guest Columnist
Black people and others to vote. Vice President Harris recognized that 2022 is not 1965, as her presence made clear. “We again, however, find ourselves caught in between,” she said. “Between injustice and justice. Between disappointment and determination. Still in a fight to form a more perfect union. And nowhere is that clearer than when it comes to the ongoing fight to secure the freedom to vote.” The threat to voting rights today comes most directly from state legislators and governors putting laws in place that make it harder for Black
people and others to vote. The threat also comes from a far-right-dominated Supreme Court that has mostly abandoned voting rights in favor of “states’ rights.” In a 2013 decision in a case that began in Shelby County, Alabama, the court’s majority gutted a section of the Voting Rights Act that prevented states from imposing racially discriminatory changes in voting laws and regulations. Since then—and especially since historic turnout by Black voters helped defeat Donald Trump’s reelection bid— legislators in state after state have passed new barriers to voting. The Supreme
Court is letting them get away with it. And just recently the Supreme Court’s far-right justices allowed Alabama to hold elections this year using racially gerrymandered congressional maps created by the state legislature. That was another signal to Black voters and voting rights supporters that the current court majority cannot be counted on to protect our rights. We must organize. We must elect pro-voting-rights majorities in Congress and state legislatures wherever we
JEALOUS Page 37
Robert Collins
Why Voters Have the Right to a Real Chance at Representation
The lawful and efficient exercise of Democracy in the United States depends on voters being able to freely choose their leaders. In spite of that ideal, every ten years we subvert that process and instead allow leaders to choose their voters. We call this process Redistricting. Parts of this process are necessary and proper. It is necessary every ten
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years to take Census data and re-balance voting populations so that districts have roughly equal populations. This assures fair representation so that each voter can be confident that their vote carries the same weight as the vote of a citizen in a neighboring district. The problem is that, in most states, the process is primarily designed to protect the self-interests of incumbents, rather than the interest of the voters. The leaders get to choose their own voters.
There are exceptions. Twenty-one states currently use some form of bipartisan or nonpartisan commissions to redraw legislative district lines every ten years. The purpose of these commissions is to avoid the inherent ethical conflict of interest of having legislators draw their own districts, knowing that there will always be a natural human tendency to protect oneself from the opposition. Louisiana is not one of those commission states. Louisiana still allows its legis-
lature to draw its own lines. As expected, we already see signs that the tendency toward self-preservation is overpowering the legal requirement of fair representation of voters. For example, in the last US Census, the Black population of Louisiana increased by 4%, while the white population decreased by 6%. The Black population is currently 33%. In spite of this fact, the most recent legislative district map passed by the legislature, as of this writing, only has 29 majority-Black districts
in the House of Representatives, out of a total of 105, for 28%. The growth in the Black population would seem to justify four Black-majority House seats being added. That total was 29 ten years ago as well. Only one of the state’s Congressional districts is majority-Black. There are six districts, so one only represents about 16.6% of the population. Two majority-black districts would account
COLLINS Page 37
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Vincent L. Hall
Quit Playin’
It just irks me and rattles me to my bones to watch Black people major in the minors and minor in the majors. We have enough negative stereotypes as it is. But this "attitude" thing just kills me. On social media, in person, or wherever I see it. Some days, it seems like people are ready for a fight everywhere I go. What's worse is that the offenders are punching down rather than up. We beat up on underpaid store
clerks and wait staff. Too many of us aim straight to fisticuffs without ever considering one another's feelings or position. You never know when you are looking square in the eyes of someone who just lost a job, a loved one, or their righteous mind. My “Papa” also had some advice that bears repeating and retelling. My paternal grandfather, Ed Hall, did not play. No one would ever have to tell you to quit playin' because it never got started with him. But, as he has passed on so many adages to me, let me share one with you for the
Guest Columnist
sake of those raising children. Papa would often say, "It's nice to be nice, but when you can't, kick 'em in the ass.” With no change in either his resonate tenor or in his expression, Papa would make his usual recital, and I was always left wondering what the hell he meant. It took me several years and lots of social and business interactions, but I finally got it. So, quit playin’ and listen! The concept of "attitude" did not commence with the entrance of any one race of people. I would be personally pleased to remand it to the
court of its original ethnicity. Watching TikTok and other social media outlets, has bought my hypothesis to the conclusion that even white folk who want to be like us quickly adopt what they believe to be our main ingredient: an attitude! When Papa said it's nice to be nice, he meant that one should carry and respond with a pleasant and courteous demeanor, first and for as long as possible. However, if your original offer of respect and civility is met with resistance and callousness, then the time has come to fight. Unfortunately,
many of our children have an attitude without a cause. We are a people who have All of this “mean-mugging" and looking tough, as well as the plain disrespect that is obvious in our children, is not in our heritage and new to our culture. My grandmother told me to raise children well enough that someone besides me would like them! been genetically blessed with the ability for humor and goodwill. Your children should know that a win-
cans set foot on what would become the United States in 1619, Black people, and Black women specifically, have played an integral role in the growth and success of this nation. Reading this will make thousands of whites “uncomfortable” and, in the minds of many of them, disqualify the legitimacy of this information, but, for over two hundred years enslaved women were nursemaids for generations of white babies. Black women could sustain white babies with their life-giving breast milk, but neither they, nor their offspring,
could enjoy the liberties of free and autonomous people. Enslaved Black women not only gave life to white babies, their free labor gave life to a fledgling economy that would eventually grow to become the largest in world history. Cotton was King and the commodity which would lead the United States to the pinnacle of world economies. The Black woman was largerthan-life in her contribution to that economy.
HALL Page 46
E. Faye Williams
Herstory Once Again
Once again, the calendar cycles to the month of March. By now, everyone understands that the month of March has been designated as Women’s History Month. This observance shares a great deal with Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and other ethnic and “special” observances. They serve as occasions when mar-
ginalized groups can honor their ancestors and predecessors, and celebrate the contributions of their respective groups to the prosperity and general well-being of what has been called the greatest nation in recorded history. Consistent with the negative consequences of other observances, Women’s History Month provides those who are party to or sympathetic with the marginalization of women an opportunity to trivialize or minimize the significance of women’s contributions. The metric they
Guest Columnist
use to assess the importance of women’s participation in the life of our nation is the amount of time dedicated in their honor each year. As absurd as that attitude might be, even more absurd is how the word history is treated contextually. For far too many, the word ‘history’ is perceived to only refer to whites. In the perception of others and the context of racism, the contributions of Black women to this nation are frequently disregarded and considered as unsubstantial or nonexistent. From the time that the first Afri-
WILLIAMS Page 46
Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.
Robert F. Smith, Oprah Winfrey, Michael Jordan, Frank Baker and William Pickard Top List of Black Donors to HBCUs some you may not know – making loan debt of the 2019 Morehouse vide STEM students at HBCUs Billionaire philanthropist and novelist MacKenzie Scott’s $560 million donation last year to 23 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) made headlines across the country at a time when racial equity has become front-page news. However, for decades Black leaders in business, entertainment, education, and other fields have
been the main sources of philanthropic donations to HBCUs. A recent Washington Post story found that Black Americans donate a higher share of their wealth than their white counterparts – to the tune of around $11 billion each year. Given their cultural and educational importance to the Black community, HBCUs are the repository of much of these donations with a number of household names – and
big-dollar contributions to these institutions. Here are some of the most prominent Black philanthropists to donate to HBCUS: Robert F. Smith – Chairman & CEO, Vista Equity Partners Smith, the billionaire investor behind the software private equity firm Vista Equity Partners, drew widespread praise in May 2019 when he announced that he and his family would pay off the entire student
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College graduating class of 396 students. Along with paying off the student debt, Smith’s $35 million donation also helped establish the Student Success Program to reduce or eliminate debt for all Morehouse grads. The private equity guru also gave the school an additional $1.5 million to create the Robert Frederick Smith Scholars Program and build a park on campus. As board chair of the Student Freedom Initiative – a plan to pro-
with a family-centric, income-contingent payment alternative to highcost, fixed-payment debt – Smith pledged $50 million. Smith’s donation jump started the initiative, which hopes to raise $500 million for the effort and began operations in the fall of 2021 at eleven HBCUs. "Each year, thousands of Black graduates from HBCUs across America enter the workforce with
CHAVIS Page 46 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 27
LIFESTYLE Ledisi Concert Features Stellar Tribute to Nina Simone Audience Expresses Delight for Intricate Musical Interpretations Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Ledisi's talent can never be questioned. In support of her "Ledisi Sings Nina" album, she brought her sassiness to a sold-out Kennedy Center performance on March 13. Not only did we hear interpretations of Simone's songs but the audience would be treated to songs recorded by Ledisi that bear the influence of Nina Simone. Ledisi did not attempt to mimic Simone's unique vocal style. Instead, the evening served as her opportunity to showcase her multi-octave vocal range. From the moment she stepped on stage, Ledisi’s undeniable joy with performing the songbook of
Simone could not be disputed. "This is a Nina show! I'm gonna cut up," said Ledisi as she opened with a Simone favorite, "Feeling Good," that ended with a howling crescendo. I have always admired Ledisi whose singing cannot be categorized. Any music genre fits for the multi-talented performer. She referenced during the Kennedy Center show how some have tried to put her in a box. I have enjoyed previous Ledisi live performances that count in the jazz bucket during several Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Competitions, formerly the Thelonious Monk Jazz Competition. Her tonal quality or timbre can be soft and low on the alto end to
AFRICAN AMERICAN COLLECTIBLES I am selling my complete African American Library. Many of the books are first editions, rare, unusual, or out of print. Some are signed by the author and the collection includes topics on history, music, poetry, literature, art, and children’s books. Also included are a few collectible record albums that are in original condition!!! If interested call 202-543-5833 28 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
5 Ledisi (Courtesy photo/Ledisi.com)
the high of a soprano opera-level of the scale. Displaying vocal texture on Simone's "Trouble in Mind," it felt as if Ledisi imagined herself standing in one’s face and yelling, "snap out of it!" Singing "Do I Move You" gave us the sensuous Simone. Without question, the "High Priestess of Soul" has been a constant companion guiding Ledisi throughout the hills and valleys of her life. "The Nina project was partially recorded with Metropole Orkest, a jazz/pop orchestra based in London," said Brandon Waddles, Ph.D., pianist and co-music director for the tour during a post-concert interview. "She's invested in so many
genres and is about to do a show with Billy Porter," Waddles continued while reinforcing Ledisi's versatility. Singing "Here Comes the Sun," the George Harrison song recorded by Simone, served as another instance during which Ledisi matched her idol, focusing on themes with deep personal meaning. Ledisi spoke about often being overlooked in elementary school when her teacher chose a student to lead a morning song in class. When finally chosen to lead a song, Ledisi said she remembers feeling both shocked and nervous but also appreciative. In her interpretation of the Harrison classic at the Kennedy
Center, Ledisi’s rendering, while poignantly expressed, proved so emotional for the artist that she had to fight to reach the song’s conclusion. The co-music director for the tour, D.C. native Gregory Clark, recognizes Ledisi as the consummate artist. "There are a lot of tweaks and twerks in working with Ledisi. She is a perfectionist in a good way," Clark said. "It's emotional music but it's classic music as she puts her own touch on it. It's an exciting journey on stage that is fun." "Ledisi Sings Nina" has been nominated for a 2022 Grammy with the announcement of the winners of this year’s Grammys slated for April 3. WI
D.C. Area Poised for Premier of ‘A Knee on The Neck’ in Honor of George Floyd Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer Two months before the second anniversary of George Floyd's murder, "America's Requiem – A Knee on The Neck" will have its national debut in the Greater Washington Area. Composed by Adolphus Hailstork with the libretto (lyrics) from Herbert Martin, the operatic work results in a collaboration with The National Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorale, The Washington Chorus and
The Howard University Chorale. Performances have been slated for March 26 at Strathmore Hall in North Bethesda, Md. and March 28 at Capital One Hall in Vienna, Va., respectively. Hailstork and Martin, both in their 80s, have collaborated before on similar requiem cantatas – a medium-length narrative piece of music with voices. Collaborating on music that explores the implications of Floyd's murder represents a mission both men felt compelled to pursue.
Martin sent Hailstork a poem he wrote less than one week after Floyd's murder "I emailed Herb and asked if he wanted me to put it to music – he said 'yes,'" Hailstork said. "I was furious. I was where Herb was when he wrote that text. It gave me an outlet for my feelings." Almost 90 years old, Martin recalled "the talk" from his mother when his family lived in Alabama.
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KNEE Page 30
LIFESTYLE
Advocates Say FBI Missing Children Data Misleading and Disservice to Black Juveniles Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Missing white children receive far more media coverage than missing Black and Brown children – a fact advocates often point to when explaining the disparity in attention provided to non-individuals of color. But another unsettling fact has emerged with the release of the FBI’s latest statistics on missing children. The federal agency reported about 346,000 children in the U.S. in 2020, identifying 125,727 Black juveniles. In addition, the agency said 197,381 white children went missing, suggesting that missing white youth outnumber lost young Blacks by more than 71,600. But a closer look at the statistics revealed a crucial piece of information which advocates called “misleading.” “Missing from the report is separate data for Hispanic children because the National Crime Information Center [NCIC] combined white and Hispanic children,” said Sherri Jefferson, the executive director of the African American Juvenile Justice Project [AAJJP]. “This is alarming, disturbing and problematic,” Jefferson said. “The combination of white and Hispanic children denies the Hispanic community raw data of their missing children. This process denies research and resources to fund and find their missing and exploited children or to examine causation.” FBI officials did not return several messages seeking comment. The NCIC data isn’t robust or reliable to paint a complete picture of the magnitude of the problem facing missing persons of color, said Natalie Wilson, co-founder of the Black & Missing Foundation. “We believe the numbers are much higher based on underreporting,” Wilson said. She noted that the FBI classified all missing Latino individuals as white despite research revealing that 24 percent classify themselves as Afro-Latino – otherwise identifying as Black.
Further, “immigrants don’t always report their missing because of fear of deportation,” Wilson concluded. Jefferson noted that “from ‘Westside Story’ actress Ariana DeBose to Jennifer Lopez and Carmen Perez, the co-founder of the Women’s March to The View’s Sunny Hostin and Ana Navarro, Hispanics are not monolithic.” “Some identify as biracial or Black. Therefore, a separate category is critical to finding missing children, too,” Jefferson stated. She continued: “More compelling is by combining white and Hispanic as one race, the figures mislead the public about the status of missing Black children whose missing outnumber all other races.” According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), 298,000 girls went missing in 2019 in the U.S with 205,802 reported as Black. “The FBI 2020 data suggests that number has changed,” Jefferson said. “But has it?” “Part of the problem in the missing, endangered and the exploited area is the difference in collecting and delivering data,” she said. NCMEC gathers data directly from law enforcement as children go missing, while FBI data is reported annually via NCIC. “The operative words are ‘reported missing’ and ‘crime,’” Jefferson insisted. “Most Black and Afro Latinx are underreported or not reported at all. This is because most law enforcement executes runaway warrants or denies families missing person reports,” she said. Jefferson concluded that more Black children are missing than white and Hispanic juveniles combined. She said 62 percent of the 30,000 newly reported missing cases in 2020 were Black children. “This is alarming because Blacks, or African Americans, represent about 14 percent of the U.S. population,” Jefferson noted further. “AAJJP is constrained to ask wheth-
5 New FBI data overshadows missing Black children. (Photo courtesy JET Magazine)
er the combination of white with Hispanic children is to deflect from reporting raw data proving more Black children are missing than any other race,” Jefferson said. The FBI report notes about 9,000 missing Native American or Indian children. Jefferson pointed out that the
White House proclaimed May 4 to recognize missing and exploited NAI/ Indian children. “The White House has not proclaimed a day for Black girls or children,” Jefferson demanded. “Our hashtag is #BidenProclaimABlackGirlsDay #NOWBeMe.” “Moving forward, AAJJP has cre-
ated a missing person platform to include coalition-building of an Alliance. A collective lab in this space will help us to strategize, organize, mobilize, and energize (SOME) our base to effectuate lasting change in policy and policing and prevention and protection,” she said. WI
“POP-SAVVY musical” — Seattle Times
HIGH-FLYING MUSICAL COMEDY
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN BASED ON THE DREAMWORKS MOTION PICTURE
BOOK BY TERRENCE MCNALLY MUSIC BY MARC SHAIMAN LYRICS BY SCOTT WITTMAN AND MARC SHAIMAN DIRECTED BY MOLLY SMITH
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LIFESTYLE
5 America's Requiem – A Knee on The Neck" results from a collaboration between librettist Herbert Martin and composer Adolphus Hailstork. The music, which explores the implications of the George Floyd murder, will be performed by The National Philharmonic Orchestra with The Washington Chorus and The Howard University Chorale on March 26 and 28 at the Strathmore and Capital One Hall, respectively. (Photo courtesy Adolphus Hailstork)
KNEE from Page 28 At age 12, Martin bore the responsibility of going downtown to pay the household utility bills with the money pinned inside of his shirt. "What I remember most vividly, in the midst of facing death, Floyd started to ask for his mother's help," said Martin referencing a childhood memory. "My mother told me, when
you go downtown, this is what you must do." Both Hailstork and Martin said they clearly understood what could happen if either ignored their parents’ words shared during “the talk.” In addition to the orchestra and vocal groups for "America's Requiem – A Knee on The Neck," soloists mezzo-soprano J'Nai Bridges, tenor Norman Shankle and baritone Ken-
“POP-SAVVY musical”
neth Overton will also be on stage at the Strathmore and Capital One Hall. The other half of the program with the Floyd requiem will be Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Requiem in D Minor. Commissioned in 1791, it is widely speculated that Mozart was writing the work with the intent of having it played at his own funeral. While the piece remained unfinished
at the time of his death, Mozart's student Franz Xaver Süssmayr completed it a year later in 1792. Written as "a mass for the dead," Mozart's stirring requiem complements the musical tribute to Floyd, offering rest for and other souls lost to senseless acts of violence. The word counts as the fourth time Hailstork and Martin have combined their talents to create message-driven music. "Pity These Ashes, Pity This Dust" premiered nearly two years ago to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre. The operatic storytelling of the event also featured mezzo-soprano Bridges, one of the soloists in "America's Requiem – A Knee on The Neck." The journey to this new requiem for Floyd allows Hailstork and Mar-
tin to stimulate conversations about similar moments in American history. For these gentlemen, the murder immediately made them think about Black Americans, such as Emmett Till and Breonna Taylor, both of whom represent victims of unjustifiable violence due to racism and discrimination. "What can an artist do? I can speak on the issues and put them in my work," Hailstork said. "These are the tragedies and triumphs of a people who have been beaten up for 400 years. Does anyone speak for them? Who writes pieces that speak for the existence of African Americans in the United States? I'll take on that job." For tickets, visit https://nationalphilharmonic.org. WI
5 The National Philharmonic Chorale in rehearsal for "America's Requiem – A Knee on The Neck" – a sprawling operatic work exploring the implications of the George Floyd murder. The requiem will be performed on March 26 and 28 at the Strathmore and Capital One Hall, respectively. (Photo courtesy Kyle Schick)
— Seattle Times
HIGH-FLYING MUSICAL COMEDY
CATCH ME IF YOU CAN BASED ON THE DREAMWORKS MOTION PICTURE
BOOK BY TERRENCE MCNALLY MUSIC BY MARC SHAIMAN LYRICS BY SCOTT WITTMAN AND MARC SHAIMAN DIRECTED BY MOLLY SMITH
NOW PLAYING!
Photo of Christian Thompson for Catch Me If You Can by Tony Powell.
ORDER TODAY! 30 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
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Chase Mentors on a Mission to help Minority Women Entrepreneurs on to private client banking. When a position became available at a corporate headquarters branch for a business banking relationship manager, many didn’t think she would be a good fit and reduced her applying to good interviewing experience. However, Sicard believed she could handle the job, and her determination and confidence paid off when the hiring manager offered her the position. “It makes me want to tear up because he really took a chance and gave me the opportunity to get my career started,” Sicard said. In due time, Sicard went on to become an outstanding performer and a Chase national achiever. “Getting that job made me realize that I could be myself in rooms and acknowledge who I am. Confidence comes in time, but don’t be afraid to push on and understand your worth.”
Angela Swinson Lee Special to The Washington Informer
CHASE MENTORS ON A MISSION TO HELP MINORITY WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS ANGELA SWINSON LEE
Starting a business can be intimidating and lonely for many. If you’re a woman of color, it can often be even more challenging. JPMorgan Chase recognized the struggle and last year launched a new Business Banking program designed to help advance minority entrepreneurship. For Women’s History Month, we sat down with Chase Senior Business Consultants Darla Harris and Kristina Sicard based in Washington D.C. Both women have paved the way in the banking industry to make the ascension to the top easier for others. Now, they spend their time assisting women entrepreneurs navigating their way in the business world.
MENTORING MINORITY WOMEN
Harris and Sicard understand being a founder and a CEO can be a lonely road, and women need a safe space where they feel comfortable speaking about their challenges. This is exactly the type of atmosphere each of them provides in their new roles as Senior Business Consultants. GETTING STARTED Harris spoke of a mentee who had been leasing condo DARLA HARRIS space for 15 years. This business owner was previously Harris has more than 43 years in financial services. afraid to try and buy the building for fear she didn’t She began working at a bank while obtaining a liberal have the money, or might be turned down for a loan. arts degree in television and film. After graduation she After a financial audit, Harris realized the money this 5 Darla Harris (left) and Kristina Sicard (right), Chase Business Banking, also worked part-time at a radio station mentee was paying to lease the building could have VP , Senior Business Consultants in the Chase Skyland Community Center When it became too hectic to manage her banking and provided her two or three condos. That’s when Harris Branch. Harris and Sicard serve as mentors to women entrepreneurs. radio jobs, she went with banking because the pay was assisted the woman with getting a purchase and sales higher, and she felt as if it would provide her a better package together. living. “Fear of being rejected for a loan is something many Black woman have, but there “I don’t regret it. I do not look back,” Harris said of her decision to walk away from has been a shift in the number of Black women being able to secure loans. The numa career in radio. bers are going in the right direction, but we still have a lot of work to do,” Harris said. Her banking career began as a bookkeeper and then she moved to customer service. When Sicard and Harris meet with their small business owners, it’s their job to proShe also worked in new accounts and as a branch manager position at various instivide the mentees with all of the resources and opportunities to help them reach their tutions. goals. The biggest issues are usually access to capital and building a team of advisors. At one point she was an investment sales associate and her manager went on leave “I give {the business owners} real feedback in terms of what they are doing and what for four months. None of the associates had a brokerage license, but they still needed they could improve upon. This role is my mission and my passion. I want to see every to fill in with the manager out. During those few months Darla tripled her sales numperson, and every woman of color be successful,” said Sicard. bers, which prompted someone to ask if she wanted to go for her brokerage license. Both women agreed that entrepreneurs have to believe in themselves to be successAfter hundreds of hours studying, she became not just the only woman with a brokerful. age license in the office, but the first Black woman. “You are your biggest critic and your biggest supporter. You can’t let other people’s “I had people looking at me saying, ‘Congratulations, you opened the door for definitions define who you are and what you are able to achieve and obtain,” Sicard {future Black woman}.’ said. “The only thing that stands between you and your goals is the person in the It’s important to remember people are watching you in your career. If you work mirror.” hard, you’ll be rewarded with opportunities,” Harris said. Harris added, it’s important to find someone who is where you want to be and seek advice. KRISTINA SICARD “Don’t be afraid to take a chance on yourself. Sometimes you may fail, but you have Sicard began her career in the financial industry working for a payroll company. to get out of your comfort zone in order to get to the next step.” When the financial crisis of 2008 hit, a colleague recommended she apply to Chase. For more information on the Chase Business Banking mentorship program visit She started in a Manhattan Chase branch as a small business specialist and then moved https://www.chase.com/business/minority-businesses
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© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 16
HARD WORK
magine being told you couldn’t do something just because of the color of your skin. That’s what happened to Dorothy Butler Gilliam.
In 1961, she became a trailblazer as the first African-American woman to work as a reporter at The Washington Post, one of the largest newspapers in the United States.
Photo: Harry Naltchayan / Washington Post
Dorothy wanted to be a reporter at a major daily newspaper. When she first applied, she wasn’t hired. But that didn’t stop her from trying again.
Reciting a Famous Poem
=E =F
=R
=I
=S
=L
=U
=M
=V
Number these lines in order to read the paragraph.
Years later, when she began to attend Ursuline College, she got a job as a secretary at the same newspaper. Use the code to discover the paper’s name.
INFORMED
d in being informed about the commun ity and the world. He read two newspapers every day.
Newspaper Delivery
= N At 9 years old, Dorothy sold and delivered the local = O newspaper to people in her Kentucky neighborhood.
Dorothy was born in 1936. She recited the poem in church in 1942. How old was she then?
Fill in the missing vowe ls in this quote by Doro thy:
“My _w_r_ness of the n_ h_ving it in our h_m_, wsp_p_r, through that g_ve m_ the c_ _rwas one of the th_ngs secretarial j_b at a n_w _ge to _pply for a sp_p_r.” orothy’s father became ill when she was 14. Their family moved to a small house in the country with no running water.
COURAGE
Career Start
ADVENTURE
Stories of Africa
After graduating from Columbia University Dorothy received a scholarship to travel to Africa. An editor at The Washington Post, was interested in her trip. Few Americans, black or white, had ever traveled to Africa. He asked Dorothy to write articles about her experience. Because her articles were interesting and well written, she was offered a full-time job at the newspaper.
PERSEVERANCE
Replace the missing words.
Opening the Front Door
The Washington Press Club __________ Dorothy with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2010. Being the ________ black woman reporter at The Washington Post wasn’t easy. When Dorothy arrived at a wealthy Washington woman’s ________ to report on her 100th birthday party, the doorman told her she couldn’t _________ through the front door. “The maid’s entrance is around the back,” he said. “I am not a maid, I am a _________________ for The Washington Post,” she replied.
She was determined to go to school. She walked a half mile to catch a bus to a school for black children. Schools in Kentucky were segregated—they did not allow white and black students to attend the same school. Find the way to Dorothy’s school.
Character Counts For each of the following character traits, find a person in the newspaper who shows that trait. • Hard Work • Courage • Perseverance • Commitment Standards Link: Understand the imporatance of character in a community.
WHO is this
JOURNALIST NEWSPAPER REPORTER DOROTHY ABILITY AFRICA TRAITS CHURCH WRITE HARD WORK MAID TRIP BUS JOB
R E P A P S W E N D T E C F J E D P O T
R T H R T U I R R M
What quest to find out a
A I U I K R O W A N I R R C T T S I
J H
T W C A H A D U O L
S I H Y T I L I B A J O U R N A L I S T
R E T R O P E R S T Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Memorize It!
Imagine you are going to report the news orally—like a video news reporter! Read an article in today’s newspaper and summarize it. Memorize your summary and present the news to your class from your memory. Standards Link: Summarize main ideas in informational text.
Good Leadership
What are the qualities of a good leader? Who do you know that is a good leader? Why do you think of that person?
KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY
34 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
Choose a st this newspa headline in
Starting at the R, move clockwise around the circle and write every third letter on the lines to find out something you can do today to help someone.
1942 – 1936
A Newspaper in the Ho me Dorothy’s father be lieve
D E T E R M I N AT I O N
=D
When Dorothy was a young girl, she memorized and recited the entire poem ’Twas The Night Before Christmas at a church service. It took both the ability to read and hard work to accomplish that.
What’s a great way you can help someone today?
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What other ask this per
Standards Li evidence from
Child From their ea brings deligh expand their joy of readin
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review "Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of 'Fighting Shirley Chisholm'" By Tonya Bolden, with a foreword by Stacey Abrams c.2022, National Geographic $17.95 - 144 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer Sometimes, you just gotta say what you're going to say. Sometimes, you can't keep quiet. You simply just have to speak up, especially when you can make a situation better or fix what's wrong. Those are the times when it's right to state your opinion and be firm, and in the new book "Speak Up, Speak Out! The Extraordinary Life of 'Fighting Shirley Chisholm'" by Tonya Bolden, you'll have good, strong shoulders to stand on while you're doing it. Charles Christopher St. Hill had guts and determination. He needed it. In early 1923, at age twenty-two, he boarded a ship in Cuba to come to the U.S. to be a shoemaker on Long Island. He "regarded himself" as a Barbadian man and he "fell in with Brooklyn's tight-knit Bajan community," but he was happy to become an American. At about this same time, Ruby Seale boarded a steamer in Barbados to come to New York City, and the two were married in late 1922. In the winter of 1924, they welcomed their first daughter, a girl they named Shirley. For most of her life, Shirley and her sisters heard their father say, "God gave you a brain; use it." He didn't tolerate laziness or time-wasting – as proof, Shirley's parents worked constantly, with a goal of buying a house and sending their daughters to college. To give them room to do that, they sent Shirley and her sisters to live with their Granny in Barbados. She was "strict" but life was wonderful. Barbados was nothing like Brooklyn! Once back home, though, Shirley and her sisters settled down to become young ladies and "good Christians." They attended church and school and when she graduated, Shirley was ready for college, just like her parents dreamed. She was tiny in stature but big on joining, and she was active with causes she cared about. She fell in love and married but by then, a flame had been lit in the new Mrs. Shirley Chisholm. Says Bolden, "She had become alive to politics." For a kid who's just learning about the ins and outs of politics, "Speak Up, Speak Out" is a great book to have because it does double-duty: not only does it give children a historical look at what it was like to launch a political campaign some fifty years ago, but it also introduces them to the first Black woman to run for the office of President. It's lively and relatable. And somewhat too relaxed. For much of the first half of this book, author Tonya Bolden repeatedly refers to Chisholm as "Shirls," which was apparently her childhood nickname. To include it is good and makes the narrative more child-friendly; to overuse it seems somewhat disrespectful, given the rest of the story. A little less casualness would have gone a long way here. Still, though this book is good for 9-to-14-year-olds, and adults who don't remember Chisholm's career or her presidential bid will find it useful to read. Find "Speak Up, Speak Out!" and say yes. For younger readers who want to know about influential women in history, "Stand Up! 10 Mighty Women Who Made a Change!" by Brittney Cooper, illustrated by Cathy Ann Johnson is a great book to find. With its mini-biographies and its you-GO-girl tone, it's a winner for 5-to-9-year-olds. WI
horoscopes
MAR 17 - 23, 2022
ARIES Working alongside colleagues or friends and possibly also your significant other on a crucial project can prove especially gratifying early in the week. You'll have the confidence and drive to collaborate and check major to-dos off your list. Leaning on others' abilities while asserting your strengths feels incredibly invigorating. Lucky Nos.: 5,1,35,12,49 TAURUS You'll be ready to step up to the plate and make a play for your most ambitious career goals when the week starts. You might be proposing and negotiating how various tasks can be met regularly with higher-ups. Taking a progressive, balanced, even creative approach can earn you recognition. Lucky Nos.: 12,44,26,24,2 GEMINI Tensions with a lover or potential partner might be tough to avoid in the beginning of the week. You might be butting heads due to a disagreement rooted in jealousy, a power struggle, or some other control issue. Let the dust settle before attempting to find common ground. Lucky Nos.: 28,47,16,44,9 CANCER Getting out of your comfort zone and exploring your wildest fantasies might be your top priority at the start of the week. Hit the highway for an impromptu road trip or send that super-flirtatious text. The thrill of the moment sets up major fireworks with someone special. Lucky Nos.: 9,12,11,22,29 LEO Having a crucial heart-to-heart with your significant other, a dear friend, or a close colleague could come more easily in the early part of the week. You'll be feeling focused, assertive, and extra aware of your desires and vision for the path forward. Make this clear and you'll be one step closer to getting in sync with your counterpart. Lucky Nos.: 1,22,19,32,21 VIRGO At the start of the week, you'd do well to take a risk on a possible moneymaking opportunity that's caught your eye. You've got extra power to make a winning case for yourself and show the higher-ups that you're focused and ready to take on the challenge on an ongoing basis. Lucky Nos.: 41,47,2,23,37 LIBRA Clashing with a loved one might be inevitable at the start of the week. Although your aim might be to avoid confrontation at all costs, there could be a controlling dynamic at play that is creating an imbalance and needs to be addressed. Tackling it now can help you identify a healing path forward. Lucky Nos.: 1,10,16,41,18 SCORPIO Your appetite for playful fun with someone special is bound to fuel your every move at the start of the week. It might even be a beneficial time to put work on the back burner so you can enjoy a spontaneous, magical time that unfolds organically. It's sure to fill your heart with joy! Lucky Nos.: 24,13,5,16,21 SAGITTARIUS You'll feel particularly empowered in a group setting with colleagues or friends at the week's start. Exchanging ideas and batting around potential business proposals makes you feel alive and intellectually stimulated. Consider turning one of these brilliant ideas into reality! Lucky Nos.: 17,5,9,43,41 CAPRICORN Working with colleagues on a crucial undertaking might not be easy, per se, but you'll be on the same page when it comes to putting your heads down and getting it done when the week starts. Diligent, persistent, cooperative work is the key to making your collective dream a reality. You've got this. Lucky Nos.: 32,38,6,30,27 AQUARIUS Breaking free of your ordinary routine might be your top priority in the beginning of the week. You'll also be fired up to assert your needs and go after your deepest desires. Whether that's planning a long-distance trip or taking a class to hone your skill set, go for it! Lucky Nos.: 30,7,12,32,5 PISCES Settling for surface-level physical affection might feel out of the question at the start of the week. You want spiritually transformative experiences and expressions of love, even more than usual. This might mean passing on a possible match with whom you lack this deep chemistry or carving out more one-on-one time with your love. Lucky Nos.: 15,3,8,6,29
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 35
SPORTS Norfolk State Men, Howard Women Take MEAC Titles
Champions Move on to the ‘Big Dance’ Ed Hill WI Sports Writer Two senior guards, Joe Bryant, Jr., who scored a game-high 23 points and Jalen Hawkins with 17, led the No. 1 Norfolk State Spartans to a 72-57 win over the No. 7 Coppin State Eagles for the men’s title in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference [MEAC] Basketball Tournament, Saturday, March 12. In the women’s final, sophomore guard Destiny Howell poured in a career-high 25 points to lead the No. 1 Howard University Bison to a 61-44 victory over No. 2 Norfolk State. Both games took place at the Norfolk Scope Arena in Norfolk, Va. As a result of their victories, the two teams received automatic bids
to the NCAA Tournament which began Tuesday, March 15. Norfolk State travels to Fort Worth, Texas to take on Baylor on March 17 while the Howard Bison took on World Incarnate on March 16 in Columbia, S.C.
NORFOLK STATE MEN GARNER REPEAT VICTORY
In men’s play, the Spartans (246) had problems early on with the upstart Eagles (9-23) despite playing their third game in three days. They stayed close even with Bryant, the MEAC Player of the Year, tallying 16 points in the first half. Amazingly, after missing 17 of 21 in the first 20 minutes, Coppin State only trailed by four at the half.
5 Norfolk State Spartans senior guard Joe Bryant, Jr. (center) was named Tournament Most Outstanding Performer after leading his team to the MEAC Championship. (Photo Nick Sutton/MEAC)
Coppin State had to beat the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds to make it to the finals but Head Coach Juan Dixon said he refused to make any excuses. “Norfolk State is a very good basketball team,” he said. “They made timely shots and that was the difference.” With Coppin State failing to find the range, Norfolk State capitalized, using a 16-4 run midway through the second half to put the game out of reach. “We have been favorites all year,”
said Norfolk State Head Coach Robert, both the regular season and tournament Most Outstanding Coach. “We were a little too tense and at halftime I told them to relax. Once we settled down, we got it going.” Bryant said winning back-toback titles serves as something very special to both him and the program. “The first one is always one that you remember,” he said. “But for us, we wanted to get that feeling again and at the same time continue a legacy for the program.”
HOWARD WOMEN CRUISE TO VICTORY
5 The Norfolk State Spartans celebrate their tournament championship. (Photo Nick Sutton/MEAC)
36 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
In the women’s championship, for Howard (20-9), the theme all season has been one of redemption. Last season they suffered a heartbreaking loss to North Carolina A&T as time ran out which not only left a bitter taste in their mouths but served as their motivation this year. “From Day One, we were locked in on not letting that happen again,” said Howard Head Coach Ty Grace, the Tournament Outstanding Coach. “I remember all the tears after that loss last year and how A&T celebrated. I had no problems motivating them for this one.” Howard made it difficult for Norfolk State, holding them to 8-of- 29
shooting from the field. Meanwhile, Howell singlehandedly made sure history would not be repeated as proved to be the best player on the floor, setting the tone and scoring on an array of shots including her patented long range shot with the quick release. “My teammates kept getting me the ball in spots where I could be effective,” said Howell, named Tournament Most Outstanding Performer and a 2022 first team all-conference selection. “No question about it – we had an edge all season and were determined not to lose again.” The two teams split during the regular season, each winning by two points on their home floors. But despite that fact that Norfolk State had the homecourt advantage, it didn’t matter in the end. “Howard has been consistently good all season,” said Norfolk State Head Coach Larry Vickers. “They were the better team today. I take my hat off to them and wish them the best in the tournament.” Howard’s title counted as the team’s first since the 2001 season. Overall, the Bison have won 11 titles, the most in the conference. And they’re the only HBCU team to have players drafted and who have played in the WNBA. “There is a strong tradition in women’s basketball here at Howard,” Grace said. “We are trying to continue that tradition.” WI
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MARSHALL from Page 26 is an image Moscow has deliberately shaped through its propaganda. And while others still have their guard up toward Russia and Putin, they too are drawn to the authoritarian manner by which bullies maintain political power, wealth, and control even at the detriment of American democracy. As Poland and Ukraine went from being an authoritarian government to a free democracy, America appears to be doing the opposite. The United States is still a nation of laws, and no one, not even elected presidents, is above the law. Democracy’s rule of law is seriously being threatened when Republican lawmakers warn that any Department of Justice prosecution of former President Trump will turn into a political war and be seen as politically motivated. Republicans have also warned that any federal prosecution of
JEALOUS from Page 26 can. And we must demand that they take action to protect our democracy. That brings us back to Selma. As a young man, the late Rep. John Lewis nearly gave his life on the Edmund Pettus bridge to secure voting rights. Activist leaders of this generation are now building on that history and making their own. A coalition of local and national civil rights groups used this year’s Bloody Sunday commemorations as a time to look forward as well as back. They organized a march and a series of vot-
COLLINS from Page 26 for about 33% of the population, roughly equal to the Black population of the state. While creating four state house districts might be a challenge because they are spread out all over the state, creating an extra Congressional seat would be much simpler. In fact, several groups have already submitted compact maps that would create that second seat. Creating Black-majority districts does not guarantee a Black person will be elected of course. Nor should it. The choice is always left to the voters. It simply creates an equal opportunity structure. It is notable that while there are white Louisiana legislators representing Black-majority districts, there are no Black legislators representing majority-white districts. The current opportunity structure is not equal. Historical analysis of voting results shows that while it is possible for a white candidate to be elected in a Black-majority dis-
Trump would likely be answered by congressional investigations of Biden and his son, Hunter if Republicans take over the House and possibly the Senate in the 2022 midterm elections. This is what a democracy headed toward a form of dictatorship looks like. Political bullying and intimidation while disregarding facts and legal evidence is what authoritarian rulers and their followers do. It takes a certain measure of courage to confront domestic and foreign authoritarianism. By no means is the president of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, a coward when it comes to putting his life on the line when fighting strongly for democracy and standing up against attacks and intimidation. Will Republican and Democratic officeholders exhibit the same type of courage in defending the rule of law, or will they fold under pressure from bullies? Will Republican and Democratic voters who claim to be American patri-
ots speak out and demand accountability for the Jan. 6 insurrection by having the same courage as Russian citizens who publicly speak out against Putin concerning an unjust war? Democracy also requires its leaders and citizens to be conscience-driven. In one week, the Ukrainian president survived three assassination attempts due to anti-war intelligence officers in Russia’s Federal Security Services giving Ukrainian forces tips that saved the president’s life. These Russian officers were conscience-driven individuals. Many people who worked in Trump’s administration and campaign are like those Russian officers. They have first-hand knowledge of both the past and future intentions. Can America depend on just a few of them to be conscience-driven public servants who will step up and stop the coming political madness? WI
ing rights events along the route of the original Selma to Montgomery march. They are lifting up younger generations of leaders and mobilizing activists around the connections between voting rights and the broader movement to advance opportunity and economic justice. At the same time, civil rights activists around the country are organizing to achieve another historical milestone: the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve as a U.S. Supreme Court justice. As expected, Judge Jackson’s nomination has been met with some
resistance and racist commentary. But it is generating even more excitement and enthusiasm. Our country’s history is in part a history of struggle to achieve hard-won progress toward more universal access to rights and opportunities. That is still our struggle today. Like the work of the activist leaders who are building a movement to protect voting rights and expand access to opportunity, the confirmation of Judge Jackson will move the nation forward toward the ideal of equal justice. It’s our turn to keep our feet on the ground, our shoulders to the wheel, and our eyes on the prize. WI
trict, it is almost impossible for a Black candidate to be elected in a white-majority district. Only proportional representation can bring some level of fairness to the opportunity structure. In essence, the Louisiana Legislature has decided to maintain the status quo. They have decided to totally ignore the fact that there have been significant changes in the racial demographics of the population in the last ten years. This will leave the Black population of the state proportionally underrepresented, which, in addition to being unfair, is actually a violation of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. There will, of course, be consequences if the Legislature refuses to draw maps that proportionally represent the population of the state. The Governor has stated that he might veto any maps that do not meet the standard of proportional representation and send them back for further review. Regardless of the actions of the Governor, several organizations have promised to file lawsuits challenging the legality of the
maps. The final set of maps might end up being drawn by the Federal Courts, an outcome that has happened in certain areas of Louisiana in the past. The best outcome would be for citizens to contact their legislators and let them know that the current maps lack basic fairness because they do not proportionally represent the population. If the Legislature does not revisit these maps, then the next step would be to request a veto from the Governor. A veto would force the Legislature back to the bargaining table and perhaps reasonable heads will prevail. As a final resort, groups interested in fairness will go to the Federal Courts for relief. The time for citizens of goodwill to mobilize is now. Otherwise, the Legislature will put their incumbent-protection plan in place and maintain the status quo for another ten years. All voters have the right to an opportunity structure that gives them a chance at representation. WI
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 37
Family, Friends Celebrate the Life of Kenneth Ellerbe James Wright WI Staff Writer
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Frigid temperatures and a windtossed mixture of freezing rain and snow did not prevent family, friends or former colleagues of late District fire and emergency medical services chief Kenneth B. Ellerbe from attending his “Celebration of Life” service at the DC Armory on Saturday, March 12. “I was going to be here for Kenny,” said D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), who as mayor hired Ellerbe to be his fire and EMS chief in 2011. “He was always Kenny to me. Kenny, we want you to know that we love you. I gladly appointed Ellerbe as the chief.” Ellerbe died Feb. 27. His brother, Kelton, who did not share the cause of Ellerbe’s death at the service, said, “he was a healthy individual” and “an angel came down from heaven while Kenny was taking a nap and told him this is your time.” Ellerbe served as the fire and EMS chief in the Gray administration until he retired from government service in 2014. Overall, he had a 32-year career with the District’s fire and EMS department, even serving as the interim chief during the Williams administration for a few months. He also had a stint as the fire chief in Sarasota, Fla., from 2009 to 2011. A District native, Ellerbe graduated from Coolidge High School and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of the District of Columbia. Remembering ‘Kenny’ Gray said his appointment of Ellerbe occurred because of both professional and personal reasons. “I knew Kenny went down to Sarasota and when I became mayor, I said to him, ‘it’s time for you to come home,’” he said. “Kenny was one of the savviest, committed people that I knew. He was the quintessential fire fighter.” D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser offered condolences as the city’s elected leader. “I am offering condolences to the Ellerbe family,” the mayor said. “I am offering condolences to all D.C. government employees
5 Kenneth B. Ellerbe served as the D.C. fire and emergency medical services chief from 2011 to 2014. (Courtesy photo)
and to those who were in the Gray administration and my own. Kenneth was a beloved brother, neighbor and boss. So many lives were changed by Chief Ellerbe.” Bowser mentioned Khalid Naji-Allah, her chief photographer, as an example of someone Ellerbe touched. Naji-Allah, a former Washington Informer photographer, received national praise for his photograph of Black Lives Matter Plaza in downtown Washington. His photograph subsequently received a space at the National Gallery last year. “Chief Ellerbe got Khalid hired at the fire department last year,” she said. “Ellerbe saw Khalid as someone who needed a second chance – someone who needed leadership.” Nicolas Majette, the administrative judge for the Contract Appeals Board in the District, talked about his close friendship with Ellerbe and their shared love of water activities including scuba diving (Ellerbe) and snorkeling (Majette). “Ken was a well-rounded individual who was respected by everyone,” Majette said. D.C. fire and EMS Chief John A. Donnelly described Ellerbe as “a man of persistence” and Prince George’s County Fire and EMS Chief Tiffany E. Green credited Ellerbe for mentoring her. “When I was selected as the fire chief in Prince George’s, he met me at a restaurant and we talk-
ed about my greatest challenges and opportunities,” Green said. “While he spoke, I took notes. I still have those notes. He knew the importance of mentoring and reaching back to help others.” Additionally, D.C. Police Chief Robert J. Contee III and University of the District of Columbia President Robert Mason sent letters of condolences to the family, read aloud during the service. In his “Message of Hope” the Rev. Porter L. Lawson, Sr., of From the Heart Church Ministries said Ellerbe had a “high impact life.” “To everything there is a season,” Lawson said. “There is a time to be born and a time to die. There is a time to plant and a time to pluck up. God has given us a season of time for his purpose and for the benefit of others. Kenneth was a servant. He has gone to a better place.” The fire and EMS department managed the service with its members dressed in their formal uniforms. The pallbearers consisted of the department’s personnel. Members of the department stood side-by-side at attention in the snow as the casket left the Armory and pallbearers loaded it into the funeral limousine. Ellerbe’s remains are at the Celebration of Life at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Md. WI @JamesWrightJr10
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
Lynching In America, Soon To Be A Crime – One Hundred Years Later ‘Thou shalt not kill; and whosoever shall kill shall be in danger of the judgment.’ (Matthew 5:26, KJV) According to NPR and most major news sources, the Senate did their job on March 7 and approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Bobby L. Rush (D-Ill.) that makes lynching a federal hate crime. Now that it has passed in both the House and Senate, the bill is heading for the desk of President Biden for his signature. Specifically, HR55 imposes criminal penalties – a fine, a prison term of up to 30 years, or both, on an individual who conspires to commit a hate crime offense that results in death or serious bodily injury or that includes kidnapping or an attempt to kidnap, aggravated sexual abuse or an attempt to commit aggravated sexual abuse, or an attempt to kill. If this bill had been in place when Ahmaud Arbery was murdered, according to the bill, the three men responsible would have been charged with lynching. It's hard to believe, that a bill so simple as “thou shalt not kill” would require more than 200 failed attempts to outlaw lynching in America. Finally, Ida B. Wells can rest in peace. Congress has finally succeeded in taking long overdue action by passing the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-NY echoed these sentiments. Thank you Congressman Rush, this was a long time coming, but you never took your eye off the prize. The House overwhelmingly approved a similar measure in 2020 but it was blocked in the Senate. While it eased through both chambers of Congress this time with virtually no opposition, the path to passage took over 100 years. The bill, named the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act after the 14-year-old boy from Chicago who was lynched while visiting family in Mississippi, a crime can be prosecuted as a lynching when a hate crime results in a death or injury according to Rush, a longtime sponsor of the legislation.
"Lynching is a longstanding and uniquely American weapon of racial terror that has for decades been used to maintain the white hierarchy," Rush said in a statement Monday evening. "Unanimous Senate passage of the Emmett Till Anti-Lynching Act sends a clear and emphatic message that our nation will no longer ignore this shameful chapter of our history and that the full force of the U.S. federal government will always be brought to bear against those who commit this heinous act." It seems only fitting that we would take the time to honor Ida B. Wells during these perilous times, with the latest insurrection stories and with Blacks still being looked upon as second class citizens. Ida B. Wells traveled throughout the South investigating lynching for years during the 1800s. She used eyewitness interviews, testimonies from families and looked through records. The New York Times in its obituary for Wells noted, “She pioneered reporting techniques that remain central tenets of modern journalism.” What she discovered was that the notion of Black men being lynched for raping white women was almost always unfounded. Disputes usually started over completely unrelated things, as
it had with her friend Thomas Moss, killed over a dispute that began with two children playing marbles. She boldly reported her findings in an editorial in the newspaper that she co-owned and edited, The Memphis Free Press and Headlight. That editorial soon caused a riot in Memphis and she was forced to leave her home to save her life. The office of the newspaper was destroyed. One day, her pastor told Wells something that changed the trajectory of her life. She learned that her friend Thomas had been murdered. He begged for his life for the sake of his wife, daughter and unborn child. When he realized he was going to die, he said, “Tell my people to go West; there is no justice for them here.” Wells could not believe what she had heard. She immediately returned to Memphis. Even on her train ride, she faced injustice. While the purchaser of a first-class ticket, the conductor told her she’d have to move to a different coach – the smoking car. Instead of moving, Wells exited the train at the next station. She devoted the rest of her life to investigating, reporting and lecturing worldwide on the growing number of Blacks lynched and the injustice behind such heinous acts. WI
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Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness / Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland / Assistant & Youth Pastor 12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org
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MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 39
RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church
Pilgrim Baptist Church
Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor
9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724
700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849
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
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
Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Blessed Word of Life Church
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
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
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
Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors
Reverend William Young IV Pastor
Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor
Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor
4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax
3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)
5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555 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
1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 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
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
“An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church
Twelfth Street Christian Church
Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White
Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor
2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org
(Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340
Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
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
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
40 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net
www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org
800 I 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
Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org
headline and photo for Mount Olivet LIF - MALCOLMXLutheran Church DAY John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.
901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423
1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005
themcbc.org
“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital”
Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan Pastor
Isle of Patmos Baptist Church
Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor
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
Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM
Crusader Baptist Church
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
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
RELIGION Shabbath Commandment Church Bishop Adrian A. Taylor, Sr. Pastor 7801 Livingston Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-534-5471 Service and Times Sabbath School 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 AM Service 11:00 AM Praise & Worship Preaching 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM Motto: “A Church Keeping It Real for Real.” Website: Shabbathcommandmentchruch.org Email: Praisebetoyhwh@gmail.com
Zion Baptist Church Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 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
All Nations Baptist Church 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
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
Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior 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”
Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor
2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!
623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009
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
Lincoln Park United Methodist Church Rev. Richard B. Black Pastor
Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor
1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org
5606 Marlboro Pike District Heights, MD 20747 301-735-6005
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM
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
Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor
Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor
8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240
13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560
Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM
Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM
Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM
Rehoboth Baptist Church
Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor
Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor
2001 Brooks Drive District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074
621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112
Service and Times Sunday Worship Experience: 10:15am Sunday School: 9:00am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Morning Noontime Bible Study: Tuesday @ 12:00pm Prayer Meeting/Bible Study: Tuesday @7:00pm Theme: "Building On A Firm Foundation"
Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM
Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org
Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”
“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org
“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”
Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958
Shiloh Baptist Church
Matthews Memorial Baptist Church Dr. Joseph D. Turner / Senior Pastor 2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Early Worship Service: 8:00 AM Worship Service: 11:00 AM New Member’s Class: 9:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday, 11:00 AM Church School: 9:45 AM Wednesday 12:00pm Bible Study Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: 7:00 PM Saturday Bible Study: 11:00 AM Baptism 4th Sunday: 11:00 AM “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 “
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
Christ Embassy DC
Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday “…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com
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
First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church
Mt. Horeb Baptist Church
Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor
Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor
Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor
9th & P Street, N.W. - W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4288
602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595
2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon
www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org
Service and Times First Sunday Worship Service (one service): 10:00 AM Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth Sunday Worship service: 7:45 AM and 10:55 AM Sunday Church School/Bible Study: 9:30 AM Thursday Prayer Service: 6:30 PM
All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.
Email: sbc@shilohbaptist.org Website: shilohbaptist.org
Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist
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
Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor
Email Address: admin@pbc712.org
Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest
Holy Trinity United Baptist Church
Florida Avenue Baptist Church
Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor
1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964
Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org
St. Matthews Baptist Church
Rev. Daryl F. Bell Pastor
Motto: "Faith On The Hill"
Mount Moriah Baptist Church
Emmanuel Baptist Church
King Emmanuel Baptist Church
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
Service and Times Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “
Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 41
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Thurston Battles© ”, aka, “ Thurston Rafeeq Bilal© ”, “ Thurston Bilal© ”, and any and all derivatives, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ BATTLES, THURSTON© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ THURSTON BATTLES©” , “ THURSTON RAFEEQ BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON R BILAL© ”, “ THURSTON BILAL EL© ”, and any and all derivatives, having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, and 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, 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: “ Thurston Battles© ”, [ any and all derivatives ], from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”. 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, “ Health, Ohio Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF OHIO : STATE FILE NUMBERS: 134, &, 53 182581, “ THURSTON BATTLES© ”, and all derivatives, is as a special deposit order conveyed to " Healing Love 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: " thurston rafeeq bilal el© ”, nom deguerre: “ Thurston Battles© ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Healing Love 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. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000093
22022 ADM 119
Elsie V. Spencer aka Elsie Vivian Spencer Decedent
LaVerne Martin Toler aka LaVerne Arnetta Toler Decedent
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001575
2022 ADM 000081
2021 ADM 001141
Eunice C. Robinson Decedent
Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas Decedent
Francis Jaya Bundu Decedent
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jon Allen Cooper, whose address is 10112 Legacy Court, Clinton, Md. 20735, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eunice C. Robinson who died on December 24, 2003 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, 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.
Law Office of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, Md 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sheila Feaster, whose address is 526 21st Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Elsie V. Spencer aka Elsie Vivian Spencer who died on August 4, 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 9/3/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/3/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/3/2022 Sheila Feaster Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deborah Simms, whose address is 7709 Pacer Court, Landover Md. 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Frances Thomas aka Mary F. Thomas who died on September 7, 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/10/2022
Date of first publication: March 10, 2022
Jon Allen Cooper Personal Representative
Deborah Simms Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY
TRUE TEST COPY
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Braxton Leon Toler Jr., whose address is 7489 7th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LaVerne Martin Toler aka LaVerne Arnetta Toler who died on November 15, 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 9/3/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/3/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/3/2022 Braxton Leon Toler Jr. Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sarah Bundu, Fatima Bundu-Paen and Mohamed Bundu, whose addresses are 1348 Shepherd St. NW, Washington, DC 20011, 7406 Potomac Ct., Hyattsville Md 20784, 7827 Vanity Fair Dr., Greenbelt, Md 20770, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Francis Jaya Bundu who died on March 12, 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Sarah Bundu Fatima Bundu-Paen Mohamed Bundu Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
42 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Aviyah Baht Israel© ", f.k.a. “ Angie Lashanda Tatum© ”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ TATUM, ANGIE LASHANDA© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, Dba.: “ ANGIE L TATUM© ”, and “ ISRAEL, AVIYAH BAHT© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “ AVIYAH BAHT ISRAEL© ”, Dba.: “ AVIYAH B ISRAEL© ”. I am that I am, appearing specially as the natural clan mother of, “ Hannah Marie Israel©,” and the Entitlement Holder, and Guardian of: “ ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE© ”, corp sole. Dba: “ HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL© ”, Dba.: “ HANNAH M ISREAL© ”, as well as the natural clan mother of , “Lorie’L Israel©”, and the Entitlement Holder, and Guardian of: “ ISRAEL, LORIE’L© ”, corp sole. Dba: “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”. 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 our tribal intention to be as our pedigree subscribes, as: Moorish Americans, but not citizens of the United States. We declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, Estados alMarikanos, 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 our nationality in good faith as: Moorish Americans. I am that I am: “Aviyah Baht Israel© ”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ zahra el bey© ”. “ Hannah Marie Israel©”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ yasmina el bey© ”. “Lorie’L Israel© ”, from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality /Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ safina el bey© ”. Any and all facts contained in this publication, are fully applicable to any and all private tribal issue offspring of the affirmant, nunc pro tunc, not limited to but including: 1.“yasmina el bey©”, formerly known as: “Hannah Marie Israel©”, the beneficiary and heir of: ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE©, corp sole. Dba: HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL©, and 2. “safina el bey©, formerly known as: Lorie’L Israel©” the beneficiary and heir of: “ ISRAEL, LOREI’L© ”, corp sole. Dba: “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”, ect.. Notice of 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:[1] “ TATUM, ANGIE LASHANDA© ”, [2] “ ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, [3] “ ANGIE L TATUM© ”, [4] “ ISRAEL, AVIYAH BAHT© ”, [5] “ AVIYAH BAHT ISRAEL© ”, [6] “ AVIYAH B ISRAEL© ”, [7] “ ISRAEL, HANNAH MARIE© ”, [8] “ HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL© ”, [9] HANNAH M ISRAEL©”, [10] “ ISRAEL, LORIE’L© ”, [11] “ LORIE’L ISRAEL© ”. 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, GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH- The State Office Of Vital Records- THE STATE FILE NUMBER(S): [1] 2019GA000091579, “HANNAH MARIE ISRAEL©”, [2] 2021GA000045597, “LORIE’L ISRAEL©”, &, STATE OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF ALAMEDA- The State Office Of Vital Records- STATE FILE NUMBER: [3] 81E074665, LOCAL REGISTRATION DISTRICT AND CERTIFICATE NUMBER: 601504023, “ANGIE LASHANDA TATUM© ”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Obaavihanlor 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 / Guardian / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " zahra el bey© ", nom deguerre: “ Aviyah Baht Israel© ”, formerly, “ Angie Lashanda Tatum© ”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Obaavihanlor 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.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: "Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue Devin Dante Adam Dillard, the beneficiary and heir of: “Devin Dante Adam Dillard", corp. sole Dba.: "DEVIN DA DILLARD; DEVIN D ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A DILLARD; DEVIN D. ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A. DILLARD; DEVIN D.A. DILLARD; D.D.A. DILLARD; DDA DILLARD; D. DILLARD; D DILLARD; DEVIN DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN; DEVIN D. DILLARD; DEVIN D DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN DANTE ADAM; DILLARD, DEVIN DA; DILLARD, DEVIN D.A.; DDAD; D.D.A.D; DDD; DD; D.D.D; D.D © ", 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: " Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " chief minister aahil star© ". 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: Arkansas Department of Public Health: 2968701, : " DEVIN DA DILLARD; DEVIN D ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A DILLARD; DEVIN D. ADAM DILLARD; DEVIN DANTE A. DILLARD; DEVIN D.A. DILLARD; D.D.A. DILLARD; DDA DILLARD; D. DILLARD; D DILLARD; DEVIN DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN; DEVIN D. DILLARD; DEVIN D DILLARD; DILLARD, DEVIN DANTE ADAM; DILLARD, DEVIN DA; DILLARD, DEVIN D.A.; DDAD; D.D.A.D; DDD; DD; D.D.D; D.D© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Jasir’s Crown 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: " chief minister aahil star© ", nom deguerre: " Devin Dante Adam Dillard© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Jasir’s Crown 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. Any and All Attorneys with a License from the BAR Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " Jasir’s Crown Trust© ", property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom’s interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75-583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente. Notice of Reference : 0112358-13
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks ", corp.sole Dba.: "BERNITA M.J BANKS;BERNITA MJ BANKS; B.M.J. BANKS; BMJ BANKS;B. BANKS;BANKS, B;BERNITA BANKS;BANKS, BERNITA; BANKS, BERNITA MARIE JEANETTE; BANKS, BERNITA JEANETT MARIE;BERNITA MARIE BANKS;BERNITA M BANKS; BERNITA M. BANKS; BANKS, BERNITA M.J ;BANKS, JM BERNITA; BANKS, J.M BERNITA; BERNITA MJB; BERNITA M.J.B ;BMJB; BJMB;BERNITA JEANETTE BANKS;BERNITA J.M BANKS;BANKS, MARIE JEANETTE BERNITA;BANKS, MJ BERNITA; BANKS, JM BERNITA;BANKS, J.M BERNITA©", 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " zola el 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: Illinois Department of Public Health: 112-79-6030007, :BERNITA M.J BANKS;BERNITA MJ BANKS; B.M.J. BANKS; BMJ BANKS;B. BANKS;BANKS, B;BERNITA BANKS;BANKS, BERNITA; BANKS, BERNITA MARIE JEANETTE; BANKS, BERNITA JEANETT MARIE;BERNITA MARIE BANKS;BERNITA M BANKS; BERNITA M. BANKS; BANKS, BERNITA M.J ;BANKS, JM BERNITA; BANKS, J.M BERNITA; BERNITA MJB; BERNITA M.J.B ;BMJB; BJMB;BERNITA JEANETTE BANKS;BERNITA J.M BANKS;BANKS, MARIE JEANETTE BERNITA;BANKS, MJ BERNITA; BANKS, JM BERNITA;BANKS, J.M BERNITA©", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Suna Star 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: " zola el bey© ", nom deguerre: " Bernita Marie Jeanette Banks© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: " Suna Star 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. Any and All Attorneys with a License from the BAR Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " Suna Star Trust© ", property without handwritten consent from each and every trustee, after said Attorneys have furnished their nationality, and Principal for whom’s interest they are working, pursuant to [Public Law 75583], to Trustees in plain writing. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000125
2021 ADM 1379
2021 ADM 001263
2022 ADM 000128
22022 ADM 000061
Charmayne M. Kirkland Decedent
James R. King aka James Robert King Decedent
Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo Decedent
Wilbur K. Mackall Decedent
Katherine S. Chatmon Decedent
Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20770 Attorney
Robinson Kirlew & Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20781 Attorney
Stephen B. Pershing, Esq. Pershing Law PLLC 1416 E Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Andrew Kirkland, Sr., whose address is 174-16 Murdock Ave., Jamaica, NY, 11434, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charmayne M. Kirkland who died on September 2, 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Richard Mohn, whose address is 921 N Jacksonville St., Arlington, VA 22205, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James R. King aka James Robert King who died on September 12, 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Richard Mohn Personal Representative
Andrew Kirkland, Sr. Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Julio Cesar Lacayo, whose address is 1033 Quebec Pl., NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ana Julia Miranda Carcamo who died on January 8, 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Julio Cesar Lacayo Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ",, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ RENELLE JANISE ROUSE ", corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE JANISE MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: " RENELLE JANISE ROUSE-MILLER“, corp.sole Dba.: “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE-MILLER©”, 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, Estados alMarikanos, 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: “ Renelle Janise Rouse© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " nova of faith© ". 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: NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH: STATE FILE NUMBER, 204 “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©”, is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Renelle Janise Rouse 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: " nova of faith© ", nom deguerre: " “RENELLE J ROUSE©”, “RENELLE J MILLER©”, “RENELLE J ROUSE MILLER©” ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Renelle Janise Rouse 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.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, as the beneficiary and heir of: “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN”, corp.sole Dba.: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &, “ALI AZAD EL©”. Having reached the age of majority, being aboriginal to the northwestern and southwestern shores of Africa, the Atlantic Islands, the continental Americas, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my tribal intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as an: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Moorish Empire, 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: Aniyunwiya Moorish American Moslem National. I am that I am: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ali azad el©”. 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, “Health, California Department of ”, DBA: STATE OF CALIFORNIA: STATE FILE NUMBER, 104-73-217696: “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR©”, “ MITCHELL JR, TODD RAGAN©”, “ TODD R MITCHELL JR© ”, “ TODD MITCHELL JR© ”, “TODD RAGAN MITCHELL© ”, “TODD R MITCHELL©”, “TODD MITCHELL©”, “ TODD RAGAN MITCHELL JR EL©”, &,“ALI AZAD EL©” is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Nobility 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: “ ali azad el©”, nom deguerre: “Todd Ragan Mitchell Jr©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of: “Nobility 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
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Carolyn Mackall, whose address is 1328 Capital View Terrace, Landover, Md 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Wilbur K. Mackall who died on 8/28/1987 without a Will. 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Carolyn Mackall Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Kim Y. Askia, whose address is 12205 Justice Place, Glenn Dale, Md 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Katherine S. Chatmon who died on 10/11/2021 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 9/10/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/10/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/10/2022 Kim Y. Askia 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
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 165
2022 ADM 114
2022 ADM 000138
Kenneth Postell Werts aka Kenneth P. Werts Decedent
Gladys M. Woodfork Decedent
Jose Maria Olivar Decedent
Law Office Of Robert P. Newman Robert P. Newman, Esq. 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Betty Moses, whose address is 8410 Freedom Court, Columbia, MD 21045, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kenneth Postell Werts aka Kenneth P. Werts who died on 12/9/2021 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/17/2022 Betty Moses Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Pro-Se Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Deloris Gainer, whose address is 1742 Irving Street, NW, Washington, DC 20010, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gladys M. Woodfork who died on 1/1/2022 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/17/2022 Deloris Gainer Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria Lydia Marcia de Olivar, whose address is 1444 W Street, NW #104, Washington, DC 20009, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jose Maria Olivar who died on 11/04/2020 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship. Date of first publication: 3/17/2022 Maria Lydia Marcia de Olivar Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Washington Informer
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
MARCH 17 - 23, 2022 43
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2022 ADM 000135
2021 ADM 000458
2022 ADM 000145
2021 ADM 000069
Bettie B. Thompson aka Bettie Lou Thompson Decedent
Ernestine Alston Bartley aka Ernestine A. Bartley Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Wilbert Baccus 11807 Lisborough Road Bowie, Maryland 20720-3423 Attorney
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
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Emmett Spencer, whose address is 4623 Hilltop Terrace, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy Jean Darden who died on May 8, 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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.
Patricia Kraniotis aka Patricia Ellen Kraniotis Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lydia Jana Kraniotis, whose address is 4122 Edmunds Street, NW, Apt #300, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patricia Kraniotis aka Patricia Ellen Kraniotis who died on October 31, 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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.
John Michael Garner Decedent Valerie Edwards 1725 DeSales Street, NW Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Patrick Garner, whose address is 209 Williamsburg Lane, Fort Worth, Texas 76107, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Michael Garner who died on January 5, 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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.
Joseph A. Thompson III, whose address is 5624 Old Temple Hill Rd., Temple Hills, Md 20748, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bettie B. Thompson aka Bettie Lou Thompson who died on January 9th, 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.
Date of first publication: 3/17/2022
Date of first publication: 3/17/2022
Date of first publication: March 17, 2022
Malion A. Bartley, whose address is 14911 Athey Road, Burtonsville, Maryland 20866, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ernestine Alston Bartley aka Ernestine A. Bartley who died on October 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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.
Lydia Jana Kraniotis Personal Representative
Patrick Garner Personal Representative
Joseph A. Thompson III Personal Representative
Date of first publication: 3/17/2022
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131
2021 ADM 001604
2022 ADM 000129
Chuantang Wang Decedent
Flora E. Mackall Decedent
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt, Md 20770 Attorney
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Justin Lin, whose address is 401 K Street, NW, Suite 826, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Chuantang Wang who died on August 3, 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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.
Carolyn Mackall, whose address is 1328 Capital View Terrace, Landover, Md 20785, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Flora E. Mackall who died on August 22, 1986 without a Will. 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 9/17/2022. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/17/2022, 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: March 17, 2022 Justin Lin Personal Representative
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44 MARCH 17 - 23, 2022
TRUE TEST COPY
Date of first publication: 3/17/2022 Carolyn Mackall Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Malion A. Bartley Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Tyrecia Rodgers-El© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘RODGERS, TYRECIA ARLANDRIA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘TYRECIA ARLANDRIA RODGERS© ’’, 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, 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: ‘‘ Tyrecia Rodgers El© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’. 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: 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 OF WASHINGTON DC – REPUBLICA WASHINGTON DC – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 108-1973020395, ‘‘ TYRECIA ARLANDRIA RODGERS© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers© ’’. 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: ‘‘ tyrecia rodgers-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Tyrecia Arlandria Rodgers 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 etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
2022 ADM 000102 Dorothy Jean Darden Decedent
Date of first publication: March 17, 2022 Emmett Spencer Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte El© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: ‘‘WHYTE, DEBBIE PAMELLA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘DEBBIE PAMELLA WHYTE© ’’, 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, 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: ‘‘ Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyte el© ’’. 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: 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 OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – REPUBLICA TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – JUNTA CENTRAL ELECTORAL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 191-01191, ‘‘ DEBBIE PAMELLA WHYTE© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyte-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’. 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: ‘‘ debbie pamella whyte-el© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Debbie Pamella Whyte 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 etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
CL ASSIFIEDS
In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Prince George’s County, Maryland, united States of America. 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, specially appearing as: “lafrances marier dudley o’neal©”, Doing business as: “ GARY W. O’NEAL AND LaFRANCES M. DUDLEY”, Kent County, REGISTRATION OF TRADE, BUSINESS & FICTITIOUS NAME CERTIFICATE, entitlement holder, for the Unincorporated Real Estate Trust, Doing business as: “ Tallulah Kachina Trust ”, for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo Trust ”, permanently domiciled at: 8861 Branch Avenue #1024, Clinton, Maryland [20735] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being known as: [ Lot No. 42 in Block D in the subdivision known as “ Plat Eight, HILLANTRAE”, as per plat thereof recorded among the Land Records of Prince George’s County, Maryland in Plat Book VJ 170, at Plat 5, being in the 5th Election District.] Which has a refused address of: [12806 Piscataway Landing Drive, Clinton, Maryland 20735], located at or near Latitude: 38.7127268" N, Longitude: 76.9500372" W. Being the same property described in [ Liber 10758 follo 506, among the said Land Records.] Also described as: [ PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT (Land Records) VJ 11064, p. 0304-0306, MSA_11144], [CORPORATE DEED CASE #/ TAX ACCOUNT NO./PARCEL IDENTIFIER: 40023-96BW, 5-285379-4]. Notice of Private Property. The aforementioned private property is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [ONE MILLION DOLLAR], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses, and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, in full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed to the Unincorporated Real Estate Trust, Doing business as: “ Tallulah Kachina Trust ”, for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo 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: “ lafrances marier dudley o’neal©”, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “ Chahta Minko Imohoyo 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.
Reader Advisory: The National Trade Association we belong to has purchased the following classifieds. Determining the value of their service or product is advised by this publication. In order to avoid misunderstandings, some advertisers do not offer employment but rather supply the readers with manuals, directories and other materials designed to help their clients establish mail order selling and other businesses at home. Under NO circumstance should you send any money in advance or give the client your checking, license ID, or credit card numbers. Also beware of ads that claim to guarantee loans regardless of credit and note that if a credit repair company does business only over the phone it s illegal to request any money before delivering its service. All funds are based in US dollars. 800 numbers may or may not reach Canada.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance: I am that I am: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ DARIEN EDWARD JACOBS© ", corp.sole Dba.: " DARIEN E JACOBS© ", JACOBS, DARIEN EDWARD©, 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, 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: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " darien edward jacobs bey© ". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title , and to reserve all rights, title, and Interest, in the property, Re: The Department of Health & Senior Services of Missouri: 124-95-109022" DARIEN EDWARD JACOBS© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Clarity 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: " darien edward jacobs bey© ", nom deguerre: " Darien Edward Jacobs© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " Clarity 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. Notice of Reference: 0112358-13
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WILLIAMS from Page 27 Were it not for strong Black women, the destruction of the Black family would have been absolute and permanent. Enslavement and the forced conditioning of behaviors inconsistent with our African ancestry caused irreparable damage in many, but the quality of character that strong Black women were able to instill in most of their children prevented the extinction of humanity in a people – in OUR people.
CHAVIS from Page 27 a crushing debt burden that stunts future decisions and prevents opportunities and choices," Smith said. “The initiative is purposefully built to redress historic economic and social inequities and to offer a sustainable, scalable platform to invest in the education of future Black leaders.” Oprah Winfrey, Television Personality, Philanthropist, Author, Entrepreneur & Actress Most people may know the philanthropic acts of Oprah – who, like Beyoncé, Prince, and Zendaya needs no further introduction – through the infamous “You get a Car!” episode of her talk show, but she is also quietly, one of the biggest donors to HBCUs in the country. In 2019, Oprah donated $13 million to Morehouse College to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Oprah Winfrey Scholars Program at the HBCU. Overall, Oprah has donated at least $25 million to the Atlanta school. “I felt that the very first time I came here,” Oprah said. “The money was an offering to support that in these young men. I understand that African American men are an endangered species. They are so misunderstood. They are so marginalized.” Besides her gift to Morehouse, Oprah also donated $1.5 million to the United Negro College Fund to help pay for scholarships for Black students and general scholarship funds for 37 private HBCUs. Frank Baker – Founder and Managing Partner of Siris Capital Baker, the founder of private eq-
My mama says, if you say thank you well enough, people want to do something else so they can hear you repeat it. Everyone loves an appreciative child, and everyone wants to know that they are appreciated. Likewise, teach your children when and how to fight. Not just
the usual advice that we have always given kids, "If somebody mess with you, pick up whatever you can get your hands on and try to kill 'em." Respect is found on two-way thoroughfares and never on one-way boulevards! WI
The Black woman (Mother) was the parapsychologist of our communities. She saw how the weight of the negativity of our existence distorted our interaction with each other and the larger community, and she did all that was within her power to help us heal the physical and emotional wounds of our treatment. She told us that things would get better and convinced us to believe that we would overcome. She told us to hold on and not give up – that we could achieve ANY-
THING we put our minds to. We could attempt to name her, but her DNA runs too broadly among us. We see her in the enthusiasm of Michelle Obama. Hers is the legal brilliance of Sherrilyn Ifill. We see her expertise and mother-wit in the respected midwife skills of Jennie Joseph. And her endurance is seen in Allison Felix, seven-time Olympic Gold-Medalist. She is the Black Woman – the rock and foundation upon which our hopes rest. WI
uity firm Siris, along with his wife, interior designer Laura Day Baker, donated $1 million in May 2020 to establish a scholarship fund at Atlanta’s Spelman College, the oldest private historically Black liberal arts college for women. Initially, the scholarship paid off the existing spring tuition balances of nearly 50 members of Spelman’s 2020 graduating class and the remaining funds are meant to ensure that future high achieving graduating seniors have the financial resources to graduate. “We are all aware of the headwinds that people of color — especially women — face in our country, the challenges of which are made even more apparent by the economic and health impact of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the couple said in a press release. “We believe it is critical that talented women finish college and confidently enter – free of undue financial stress – the initial stage of their professional careers. William F. Pickard – Businessman, Co-owner of Real Times Media Detroit businessman and philanthropist Pickard has a long history of donating to HBCUs across the country. Most recently Pickard and his cousin, Cincinnati businessman Judson W. Pickard Jr., donated $2 million to Morehouse College to create the Pickard Scholars Program. This program will recruit and support Black students from metro Detroit, Flint, greater Cincinnati, and LaGrange, Georgia to attend the Atlanta HBCU. “People have uplifted and helped me grow and I believe in blessing
others,” Pickard, whose children attended Morehouse, told the Atlanta Tribune. “Our gifts are given to where we are from and those who have invested in us and who we are.” The Pickard Family Foundation also donated $100,000 to the National Black MBA Association to create the William F. Pickard Business Scholarship Fund. The fund is open to qualified business student members at several HBCUs who need help financing their education. Michael Jordan – Former NBA Superstar Michael Jordan is arguably the greatest basketball player of all time and is almost single-handedly responsible for transforming the game into the global phenomenon it is today. So, if anybody knows how to make an impact on HBCUs, it would be His Airness. The six-time NBA champion and five-time league MVP, along with Nike’s Jordan Brand, donated $1 million last year to Morehouse College to boost the school’s journalism and sports-related studies program. The donation is meant to bolster a program launched thanks to the donation of another icon, director Spike Lee. “Education is crucial for understanding the Black experience today,” Jordan said in a press release. “We want to help people understand the truth of our past and help tell the stories that will shape our future.” The donation to Morehouse is part of a pledge made by Jordan and his brand in 2020 to donate $100 million over the next ten years to combat racism across the country. WI
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