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Vol. 57, No. 34 • June 9 - 15, 2022
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With COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted, Evictions are Back in Order in the District Grant for D.C. Residents Comes as Housing Activists Battle Against Displacement James Wright WI Staff Writer With evictions resuming in the city after the coronavirus protections expired, tenant activists are working to keep people in their homes and a major foundation has offered the District court system a grant to help with the eviction process. Nicole Del Casale, who has worked on housing issues in the District, both as an activist and an attorney, has served on the frontlines of eviction prevention since the coronavirus protections ended. She said many people undergoing the eviction process often lack both internet access and telephones. “I have noticed there are some really sad situations with many people facing eviction,” she said. “Some people have been in the hospital
POST COVID Page 9
EU stays the course
5 Pride Month began as a protest against police brutality when police raided the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in New York, a gay bar, on June 28, 1969. President Clinton issued a formal proclamation in June 1999 recognizing the month of June as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. Restaurants and bars in neighborhoods throughout D.C. decorate and celebrate Pride Month. (Alicia Butler-Adams/The Washington Informer)
Demolition Causing Environmental Hazards, Community Members Say Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
As Washington Highlands community members and KIPP Public Charter Schools continue to discuss possible changes to the newly constructed Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, an ongoing demolition project near the recre-
ation center has become a topic of concern among residents who’ve connected it to recent respiratory illnesses. Toward the end of last month, Washington Highlands resident Leonard Poe counted among several people who recounted experi-
D.C. Government Officials Aim for 100 Percent Child Vaccinations Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer
5 L-R Maurice “Mighty Mo” Havens, Gregory "Sugar Bear" Elliott and William “JuJu” House strike a pose. (Photo courtesy Experience Unlimited) See full story on Page 30.
Enrolling a child in a District public, public charter, private, parochial or independent school
requires up-to-date vaccinations no later than 20 days into the new school year. With the current school year soon coming to a close, the District
encing problems with their nose, throat and head during the demolition process. Weighing on his construction experience, Poe said MCN Build failed to erect a wide net to catch the several pounds of concrete and glass that turned into debris and
REC CENTER Page 25 government has launched a campaign to help families bridge that gap well before the fall. A cadre of D.C. government officials, including D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D), DCPS Chancellor Dr. Lewis D. Ferebee, State Superin-
VACCINE Page 48
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CONTENTS NATIONAL
BLACK FACTS
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LIFESTYLE
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AROUND THE REGION
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Around the Region........................................................................4-11 Prince George's County........................................................... 12-13 Business.......................................................................................... 14-15 National..........................................................................................16-18 International.....................................................................................20 Health.................................................................................................. 22 Education..................................................................................... 24-25 Homeownership Supplement.................................Center OpEd..............................................................................................27-29 Lifestyle........................................................................................30-37 Capture the Moment....................................................................40 Religion................................................................................................ 41
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Howard University, SEIU Reach Agreement with Non-Tenured Track and Adjunct Faculty Howard University and the Service Employees International Union (“SEIU”), Local 500, the union representing both the adjunct faculty and non-tenured track faculty, recently formalized two three-year agreements that provide an equitable and sustainable solution to significantly support adjunct and non-tenure track faculty. There are about 350 represented adjunct and fulltime non-tenure track faculty. Among the changes to the adjunct agreement, the successor agreement provides market pay increases for each of the three years of the contract and an enhancement for notification and of preferential consideration in filling full-time lecturer openings at the University. The non-tenure track faculty agreement, the first collective bargaining agreement between the University and its non-tenured track faculty, provides market increases over the three-year term of the agreement and term appointment progression. The term appointment progression achieves both parties’ goals of providing a level of security to the non-tenure track faculty, while also providing the University with operational flexibility. WI
D.C. Sports Teams Commit $85,000 for Gun Safety Initiative and Gun Violence Awareness Day
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation Angel Johnson, Admin. Asst. REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Aja Beckham, Ed Hill, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Editor), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler,Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson
4 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
The Washington Mystics, Capitals, Wizards, Nationals, Commanders, Spirit and D.C. Shadow recently announced an initial donation of more than $85,000 to Everytown for Gun Safety to support Everytown for Gun Safety’s Community Safety Fund, providing direct investment, peer convenings and capacity building to community-based violence intervention programs. The Mystics have been a proud supporter of Everytown for Gun Safety since 2019 and are founding members of the Everytown Athletic Council. All teams will use their social media networks and outreach to fans to encourage them to learn more and donate to the fund, which can be found here www.monumentalsports.com/SafeDCNow. On June 3, teams currently in season began to utilize their individual platforms to raise awareness across their fan bases. Gun Violence Awareness Day, also known as Wear Orange Day, began June 2, 2015 which would have been Hadiya Pendleton’s 18th birthday. On January 21, 2013, she marched in President Obama’s second inaugural parade. One week later, Hadiya was shot and killed on a playground in Chicago. Soon after this tragedy, her childhood friends decided to commemorate her life by wearing orange, the color hunters wear in the woods to protect themselves and others. WI
PGA’s ‘Beyond the Green’ to Assemble Young Women for Golf Career Celebration Special guests, prominent activists and local business leaders will be part of a daylong event to show women how they can be part of the growing golf industry on June 20 at the Congressional Country Club in Bethesda. PGA WORKS Beyond The Green, a PGD Global Hybrid Production, is a career-exploration event held during the week of the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, that engages female students and youth from the Greater Washington Area in an effort to make the golf industry more inclusive. The event revitalizes the traditional career day with interactive workshops and informative panels hosted by key figures in golf, business and entertainment. The event is designed to educate and inspire female students to pursue careers in the $84 billion dollar golf industry. Students from local universities and participating youth organizations will network with executives in sports and business from around the region to spark valuable conversations on golf, business and the importance of women being part of the industry. The event is free for students, parents and community organizations. For more information, visit www. beyondthegreen.pgdglobal.com. WI
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AROUND THE REGION D.C. Council Approves New Advisory Neighborhood Commission James Wright WI Staff Writer
On June 7, a day filled with legislative activity, the D.C. Council approved the new advisory neighborhood commission boundaries for the next decade, along with other matters. The council initially supported the advisory neighborhood commission (ANC) single-member district boundaries in its May 24 meeting on first reading. However, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson heard that some residents of the Cleveland Park neighborhood in Northwest did not like the plan the Ward 3 redistricting task force submitted to the council’s redistricting subcommittee in April. The task force committee, backed by Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh (D), created a new commission that comprised of areas along a part of Wisconsin Avenue., NW which includes the McLean Gardens neighborhood and parts of Cleveland Park and Cathedral Heights. At a May 31 meeting at the Cleveland Park Library, about 200 residents communicated to Mendelson that they wanted all of Cleveland Park in one commission. Days later, Mendelson crafted a new plan for Ward 3 that put Cleveland Park back together and paired it with McLean Gardens. Cheh and Councilmember Elissa Silverman (IAt Large), who chaired the redistricting subcommittee, strongly objected to Mendelson actions. “I object to this 11th hour change to the map that the Ward 3 task force worked many hours and held meetings to draw up,” Cheh said. “We had a process in place,” Silverman said. “The subcommittee worked hard to make this the most transparent redistricting process the city has undergone.”
Silverman said Mendelson acted unfairly when he pushed aside the Ward 3 task force’s recommendations and went on his own to make Cleveland Park whole regarding its commission. Mendelson pointed out that the subcommittee’s maps consisted of recommendations and the council had the authority to change boundaries as it saw fit. Additionally, Mendelson said he took offense at the tone of some of the critics of his plan, labeling some comments personal attacks. However, 10 councilmembers voted Mendelson’s plan down and support Cheh and Silverman. Only Councilmembers Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7) and Anita Bonds (D-At Large) favored Mendelson’s plan. Mendelson also received pushback from some Ward 7 activists when he tried to create a single-member district made up of the D.C. Jail complex and the nearby Park Kennedy apartment building. However, the chairman later revised his plan to have the D.C. Jail complex as its own single-member district. In other action, the council voted to bar private companies from firing workers who test positive for marijuana. Recreational marijuana has been legal in the District since 2014. Councilmembers said workers in the District’s private sector should not be terminated from employment based on marijuana use given its legality. The bill heads to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser for her signature and if she signs, to the U.S. Congress for its review. If no congressional objection emerges, the law takes effect on Oct. 1. An exception to the law includes workers in sensitive jobs related to safety including construction workers, police officers and medical professionals. However, the law does not extend to federal workers. WI @JamesWrightJr10
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 5
AROUND THE REGION
black facts
JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB
1963 – Medgar Evers, civil rights leader and NAACP field secretary, is assassinated by a white segregationist in front of his Jackson, Mississippi, home. In the wake of the Brown v. Board of Education ruling, Evers had fought to help overturn segregation at the University of Mississippi and gain social justice and voting rights.
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1845 – Businessman and politician James Napier, who served as Register of the U.S. Treasury under President William Taft, is born. 1934 – Legendary soul singer Jackie Wilson is born in Detroit.
JUNE 10
1895 – Actress Hattie McDaniel, (bottom right) who in 1940 was the first African American to win an Oscar for her role as Mammy in "Gone With the Wind," is born. 1946 – Famed boxer Jack Johnson, the first African American world heavyweight champion, dies.
JUNE 11
1877 – Homy Ossian Flipper, U.S. soldier and former slave, becomes the first African American to graduate from the United States Military Academy at West Point, earning a commission as a 2nd lieutenant in the Army. 1913 – Effie O'Neal, the first Black woman to hold an executive position in the American Medical Association, is born. 1921 – Aviator Bessie Coleman becomes the first African American woman to earn a pilot's license and an international aviation license from the Fed6ration Aéronautique Internationale. 1969 – Rapper, actor and filmmaker Ice Cube, member of seminal hip-hop group N.W.A., is born in Los Angeles. 1996 – Iconic jazz chanteuse Ella Fitzgerald, also known as the "First Lady of Song," "Queen of Jazz" and "Lady Ella," dies in Beverly Hills. WI
1920 – Hazel Scott, Trinidadian-bom jazz and classical pianist/singer who in 1950 became the first woman of color to have her own TV show, is born. 1963 – Vivian Malone and James Hood are the first two African American students to enroll at the all-white University of Alabama, over the objections of segregationist Gov. George Wallace, who stood in a doorway in an attempt to block the two students from enrolling. 1964 – South African anti-apartheid activist and human rights icon Nelson Mandela is convicted of conspiracy to overthrow the government. He was sentenced to life imprisonment and remained jailed until his release in 1990.
JUNE 12
1930 – Barbara Clementine Harris, the first woman ordained a bishop in the Anglican Communion, is born.
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Three years ago, our publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes, and I decided to test our mettle by submitting entries from among our writers, photographers and layout and design team in the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) Dateline Awards competition. As a member of the prestigious, nationwide organization, I knew the reputation of SPJ and believed that the quality of our work at the Informer made us as competitive as any other local publication. So we tossed our hat in the ring for the Washington, D.C., Pro Chapter’s Weekly Newspaper Division. To the surprise of some members of the WI family, but not mine, we were honored with finalist and first place awards, most notably in both photography (Anthony Tilghman) and commentary & criticism (D. Kevin McNeir). The following year we once again submitted entries which garnered awards in the 2021 competition. However, this year we exceeded all expectations with finalist awards being presented to our staff in the following categories: Beat Reporting (William J. Ford); Feature Photography (Anthony Tilghman); Commentary & Criticism (D. Kevin McNeir); Non-breaking News (Sam P.K. Collins); Sports
(D. Kevin McNeir); and Art/Photo Illustration (Zebra Designs). On Tuesday, June 14, we will find out which of the above named finalists have been chosen to receive first place honors in their respective categories at the annual Dateline Awards and Hall of Fame dinner. The program, held in person for the first time in three years, will take place at the National Press Club in Northwest. Like anyone, it’s always good to be acknowledged for the work you do by your peers, so these awards have special meaning to everyone at the Washington Informer. I have often said that I would put our staff against any others because I believe that we are an efficient team – one that cares about reporting local news which sheds a light on lesser-known and rarely-told stories that deserve to be told. But there’s more good news to share.
Earlier this year, the MDDC Press Association, which serves Maryland, Delaware and D.C. News organizations, presented awards in this year’s competition in the weekly news division to the following writers and photographers: Anthony Tilghman, Daniel Kucin, Jr., Dr. Shantella Sherman, Sam P.K. Collins and William J. Ford. Won’t He do it? Won’t He will? Finally, just a few weeks ago, our beat reporter for Prince George’s County, William J. Ford, learned that he had been chosen as a Maynard 200 Fellow for 2022 in the track for investigative storyteller. I had the honor of being a Maynard Fellow for 2019 and I could not have been more elated that the Informer can now boast that it has two fellows within this highly-competitive organization – one committed to guiding and supporting people of color who work in the journalism industry. It’s quite affirming when your peers give you praise – allowing you to smell the roses while you’re still in the field doing what you love to do – what you’re driven to do and for which you have a passion that’s sometimes difficult for others to really understand. That said, we promise to continue to provide our readers with our best and we trust that you, our readers, will continue to support us in our endeavors. We are here to serve you. WI
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AROUND THE REGION
5 With coronavirus protections recently expired, many people in the District are now being threatened with the eviction process. (WI File Photo)
POST COVID from Page 1 for a long time and have gotten behind in their rent. A lot of people just don’t know what their options are.” Casale said many tenants behind in their rent after the lifting of coronavirus protections have to pay $20,000 to $40,000 to be current with their landlord. She said organizations such as the District of Columbia Bar Association and affiliates and Bread for the City have clinics that can help residents during the eviction process. Daniel del Pielago, the organizing director for Empower DC, said the District’s eviction landscape has good and bad news. “The good news is that legislation passed by the D.C. Council has included protections for tenants subject to eviction such as a landlord cannot file on a person for non-payment of rent for less than $600 and landlords must have a business license. “The bad news is that landlords are now able to file evictions and we have seen an increase in filings.” Del Pielago said a number of organizations have taken up the cause of fighting to keep people in their homes. He said while the STAY DC program – a federally-funded initiative that pays the rent of tenants who owe back rent during the early part of the pandemic – has expired, the Emergency Rental Assistance Program still exists but noted the finite amount of funding available for needy tenants. “There is an ecosystem in D.C. to connect people with legal help and Empower DC is one of those organizations,” he said. Many eviction cases in the District end up in the Superior Court’s Land-
lord and Tenant Division. Renters often lack legal representation when they come to the court and some are evicted when alternative methods could have been pursued to keep them in their homes. To help state courts around the country deal with evictions with the focus on aiding the tenant, the Wells Fargo Foundation on June 1 announced a $10 million grant to the Williamsburg, Va.,-based National Center for State Courts (NCSC) to distribute to states to strengthen eviction diversion efforts. Of the $10 million, the District will receive $605,847. The District joins Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Nevada, New York, Tennessee and Wisconsin as grant recipients. In the District, two civil case management facilitators will be hired at a cost of $384,040 for two years with two court navigators to be employed at the level of $207,443 for two years and $100,000 earmarked for a public education initiative partnership with the Greater Washington Urban League. The positions have been designed to help tenants in danger of eviction work within the court system for a solution. The public education initiative will inform residents living in neighborhoods that have high rates of displacement about the eviction process and their rights as well as available resources. NCSC President Mary C. Queen said, “by equipping courts with the needed resources and strategies to prevent avoidable evictions and promote housing stability, we’re working to permanently change how courts approach housing problems in a sustainable way that fairly supports all parties.”
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Bill Daley, vice chairman of public affairs at Wells Fargo, concurred. “With this kind of collaboration, we believe communities like Washington, D.C., will lead the way in transforming the eviction process and achieve better outcomes for people’s lives and livelihoods,” he said.
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D.C. Court of Appeals Chief Judge Anna Blackburne-Rigby said the District’s grant-supported funds present a tremendous opportunity to build on programs developed during the pandemic. “With the commitment and contributions from the National Center
for State Courts and Wells Fargo Foundation, the D.C. Courts remain as committed as ever to do what we can to keep people in their homes during these turbulent times,” the judge said. WI @JamesWrightJr10
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The official opening ceremony for the Well at Oxon Run was held on Saturday, June 4. The urban farm and community wellness space in the Congress Heights neighborhood of Ward 8 is run by Jaren Hill Lockridge, the director and a resident of the neighborhood in Southeast. The Well was created in response to a lack of food access in this community the site lives to define wellness for the community it will nourish. Pictured: Lauren Biel, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser, Jaren Hill Lockridge, Wanda Lockridge with her grandchildren and other community activists. (Jordan Barnes/The Washington Informer)
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WORDS TO LIVE BY “Somewhere in Mississippi lives the man who murdered my husband . . . I think about him and wonder how he feels. I have never seriously admitted the possibility that he has forgotten what I can never forget, though I suppose that hours and even days may go by without his thinking of it. Still, it must be there, the memory of it, like a giant stain in one part of his mind, ready to spring to life whenever he sees a Negro, whenever his hate rises like a bitterness in his throat. He cannot escape it completely.”
– Myrlie Evers-Williams
“For Us the Living,” 1967. Civil rights activist Medgar Evers was assassinated June 12, 1963 outside of his family’s home in Jackson, Mississippi.
10 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
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Restocked Sneakers Brings Joy to Sneakerheads
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She said she thought it would be easy – little did she know. Little Gym opened at the start of the recession that welcomed President Obama's first term administration. After two years, Green closed her franchise. The Obama administration was clear on being pro-minority businses. That is when the commercial concrete idea bubbled up in a golf course conversation. With confidence, her Reggie said, "We can do that!" So they did. "We knew absolutely nothing about concrete at the time, Green said, about starting the business, but they got plenty of contracts. "Our business grew from us leasing five mixer trucks to owning a fleet of 40 mixer trucks in D.C. In her heart, Green was born to be an entrepreneur. Her grandfather, who had a business as a barber, always inspired her. "That's what I wanted to do," Green said about following her dream. "I always knew I wanted to own my own business." Check out Restocked Sneakers on their website at https://restockedsneakers.com WI
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my counter." At the other end of the age spectrum, she said she had a customer who was 80-years-old and showed her his collection of 300 sneakers. The business continues to be exciting and she said she loves it. Owning Restocked Sneakers serves as a far cry from Green's goal to be a pilot when she entered Delaware State University. As only one of two female students in the university's Airway Science Management Program, she faced a hiring freeze at the Federal Aviation Administration upon graduation. But another career opportunity dropped in her lap. "I found out the Secret Service was hiring. So I said, 'okay, I'm jumping on that,'" she said. "I excelled working for the Secret Service but I started a family and it became difficult to work in law enforcement.” She remained working for the federal government, then jumped into real estate. However, when her daughter was diagnosed with motor skills development issues, she decided to buy into a " Little Gym" franchise. The healthcare facility works with young children with motor skills development challenges.
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5 Restocked Sneakers in Leesburg, Va. is for people who collect and trade vintage sneakers like the Air Jordans pictured here. Dana Green is the founder/owner of the store. (Photo courtesy Restocked Sneakers)
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Sneakerheads in the metro D.C. area and beyond have a new place for collecting and trading vintage sneakers. Even more, "Restocked Sneakers" in Leesburg, Va. and owned by longtime sneakerhead Dana Green, has allowed the fledgling entrepreneur to surround herself with the kinds of people and products she loves the most. Over the years, Green and her husband, Reggie, built Concrete Mixes Inc., a successful commercial concrete business. Then the pandemic hit. Dana, who longed to start a business all her own, began to explore the idea of opening a sneaker store and pitched it to her husband. "[Reggie] thought I was crazy," said Dana, who owns 50 pairs of sneakers. "He always complained about my sneaker collection. I had also made our kids sneakerheads who have the latest, greatest sneakers." The Greens lived in Prince George’s County when the sneaker store idea first came up where being around other sneakerheads was commonplace. Then, the couple moved with two of their children, both in elementary school, to Loudoun County, Va. where far fewer sneakerheads resided. Still, Dana stayed true to her entrepreneurial aspirations. Eventually, she opened the business and in short order, families began to frequent the store. "Now I see kids from age five, who know everything there is to know about sneakers," she said. "Their parents bring them here like it's a field trip. It's amazing!" A potential customer reached out to Green by email to discuss selling a pair of sneakers. When the customer arrived, he said he had been emailing her and had scheduled an appointment. Dana did not know until their meeting the age of her mystery customer: 11-years-old. She thought the email exchange had been with an adult. "I've been selling sneakers a year and he came in grilling me," Dana said, laughing. "I had to sit down because I could barely see him over
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PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY County Executive Angela Alsobrooks: Prince George’s is ‘Healthy and Growing’ William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 caused Prince George’s County to lose 48,000 jobs in four months. County officials proclaimed Tuesday at least 90% of those jobs have recovered as several hundred business owners, executives and other officials applauded that figure at the annual State of the Economy address, held in person for the first time since 2019. “We will recover 100% of the jobs by the end of this calendar
year,” County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said at MGM National Harbor casino and resort. “Our county is healthy and growing.” Alsobrooks summarized how the county’s economic future will blossom with a new cancer center opening in 2024 on the campus of the University of Maryland Capital Region Medical Center that opened last year in Largo. Hospital and elected officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony last month to open a $7.6 million behavioral health unit at MedStar Southern Maryland Hospital Center in Clinton.
Alsobrooks announced a major grocer will move into the county: Trader Joe's. The company posted on its website it will be coming soon to College Park. One of the county’s biggest economic projects will be along Metro’s Blue Line Metrorail corridor. Thanks to legislation approved this year by state lawmakers, the Maryland Stadium Authority will authorize $400 million to issue bonds to refurbish, construct and open sports and entertainment facilities in the county. More specifically, within communities inside the Beltway along Metro’s four Blue Line stations that include Largo, Morgan Boulevard, Addison Road-Seat Pleasant and Capitol Heights. The plans include a sports fieldhouse, a plaza, market hall and residences. “Those projects don’t depend on the Washington Commanders,” Alsobrooks said about the NFL football team located near the Morgan Boulevard Metro station. “Let me be very clear – we believe that they belong here but we’re working on planning a new cultural center, a library” and other amenities for the community.” Alsobrooks highlighted businesses such as IonQ of College Park which develops quantum computing devices and reported a 300% spike in revenue in one year.
Prince George’s Council Approves $5 Billion Budget ARETHA Half of the Allocated Funds Earmarked for Education DISTRICT24
5 Prince George's County Council chair Calvin Hawkins II, (left) leads a press briefing after council approved a $5 billion fiscal year 2023 budget on June 1. (Robert R. Roberts/ The Washington Informer)
12 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
William J. Ford WI Staff Writer The Prince George’s County Council unanimously approved a $5 billion fiscal year 2023 budget June 1 that increases spending on education and the police department. The county’s public schools account for more than half of the spending plan at $2.6 billion toward various programs that include a public private partnership (P3) program to build several new schools, increase resources in English language learners and COVID-19 relief grants for summer school and technology services. The school system will also receive millions of dollars from the state’s Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education including $54 million for schools in high concentration areas of
5 Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks said the county “is healthy and growing” at the county’s annual State of the Economy address at MGM National Harbor casino and resort June 7. It marked the event’s first time in person since 2019. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
The company announced in September its plans to partner with the University of Maryland to create the nation’s first quantum lab. Before the pandemic, Donald Thompson managed 12 employees at his café inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Riverdale Park. While he now runs it by himself he said he could not have remained in business without county support. “With more people coming back into the federal building,
poverty. In addition to the Blueprint program, state aid for the county has been estimated to be $1.3 billion. “What we have done is historic,” said Council member Deni Taveras (D-District 2) of Adelphi, who approved her last budget June 1 due to term limits. “We have fully funded our schools in the highest amount that it has ever been. This is a transformational budget.” The police department budget will increase to nearly $367 million, a 7% increase from the current spending plan. Some of the increased expenditures include general administrative contracts at $2.9 million mostly due to legal fees; vehicle maintenance at $504,500; and five new positions for a deputy director for forensics, two chemists to assist in DNA analysis and two crime scene investigators at $390,600. The county has about 56 traffic
BUDGET Page 13
we’re excited to bring at least two [employees] back in the next two weeks,” said Thompson, who’s owned “Don’s Café” since 2015. “Hopefully things will pick up and I can bring my entire staff back.” One of Thompson’s proudest achievements deals with him hiring blind and visually impaired workers through the state’s Business Enterprise Programs for the Blind. “I love that program. It’s the best thing going,” he said. “I love hiring people with disabilities because you are giving back. I don’t mind hiring anybody if that person is willing to come to work and perform great customer service.” Another small business owner, Tiffany Kelly, opened “House of Ketubah Bridal” in Mount Rainier in October. Kelly manages the business by herself “as a one-woman show” but that will soon change with the help of an intern from Employ Prince George’s who will work about 12 weeks and assist with marketing the business that will include social media content. “What I love about Prince George’s County is [our officials] are really resourceful and really helping businesses,” said Kelly, who owned a similar store in her native St. Louis before moving to Prince George’s about three years ago. “I chose Mount Rainier because it gave me an old-time and artsy feel. We feel right at home in Mount Rainier.” WI @WJFjabariwill
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Prince George’s Council Approves Police Amendments William J. Ford WI Staff Writer Prince George’s County Council moved another step closer to approving several amendments Monday, June 6 with most of the focus on establishing a police accountability board. The council, which met as a Committee of the Whole, voted 10-1 on the amendments with Council member Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8) of Camp Springs as the lone dissenter. One amendment council and the county executive’s office agreed upon would allow the executive to choose five members and the board chair and council to nominate the
BUDGET from Page 12 cameras which helped decrease redlight traffic violations from 8,576 in fiscal year 2020 to 8,200 this current year. For the county’s Department of Family Services, the agency will receive funding to implement at least three programs next year: $125,000 for an online system called Start Early Beta Program to allow organizations involved in early childhood systems to collaborate and share knowledge supporting children and families. $110,000 to improve workforce development and employment for youth and young adults ages 16 to 24 not in school or unemployed. The money will come from the Governor’s Office for Children. $100,000 to develop a five-year plan to strengthen the county's early childhood system that includes education, mental health, transportation and other resources. In terms of revenues, the county anticipates about $48 million from MGM casino and resort at National Harbor. With thousands of people receiving COVID-19 vaccines and booster shots, the hotel tax allocated at $525,000 before the current year is estimated at $850,000. During the next fiscal year that could increase to $900,000.
PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY TM
remaining five people. However, all 11 members must receive the council’s approval. Some residents and activists have said they do not want County Executive Angela Alsobrooks to appoint any members. “It doesn’t make any sense. She still has control of the selection of the [police accountability board] members,” said Dawn Dalton of Upper Marlboro. “It’s very disappointing.” One example Dalton and other community activists referred to deals with Alsobrooks appointing county school board chair Juanita Miller. The Maryland Board of Education
AMENDMENTS Page 17 Other revenues include property taxes at $1 billion, income taxes at $802 million and $450 million in other local taxes. Besides Taveras, Council members Todd Turner and Dannielle Glaros also worked on the budget for a final time with their terms both expiring in December. While thanking colleagues and various county staff, Glaros (D-District 3) of Riverdale Park became emotional. “I get sentimental,” she said wiping away tears. Turner (D-District 4) of Bowie admitted there have been disputes among the council but “at the end of the day, we are here to serve the residents of Prince George’s County. Hopefully, I’ve been able to do that in my capacity.” Council member Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8) of Camp Springs entered the budget process after he won a special election in February. Burroughs served on the school board for more than 10 years. Former council member Monique Anderson-Walker resigned in November to run as lieutenant governor candidate alongside Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state Comptroller Peter Franchot. Because Anderson-Walker’s term doesn’t expire until December 2022, Burroughs must run again in the July 19 primary election to secure a fouryear term.
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“I learned that [Council chair Calvin Hawkins II] is a skillful negotiator and really went out of his way to make sure that all of us got something and that’s why there
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was a united vote – that’s the kind of leadership that unifies the council,” Burroughs said during a press briefing. “This is a much more inclusive process than what I’m used to from across the
street. Happy to be here and hope to be back for next year’s budget.” The budget goes into effect July 1. WI @WJFjabariwill
JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 13
BUSINESS His & Hers Caters to Both Powerful and LesserKnown D.C. Residents James Wright WI Web Staff While a number of the District’s political movers and shakers have made their way to the His & Hers restaurant in Northeast to eat a meal and cut a deal, its owner Paul Winestock wants it to be known that his business welcomes everyone. “I wanted to set up a place where people could feel comfortable coming,” Winestock said. “His & Hers should be a home away from home. The food here is reasonably priced and healthy.”
Winestock and a former partner, Sheena Alston, co-founded the restaurant in the Woodbridge neighborhood of Ward 5 located on Rhode Island Avenue in early 2020. The restaurant sits in the place where Japanese eatery Momo Yakitori formerly operated. A lifelong resident of the ward, Winestock wanted to give back to the community in which he grew up. Winestock served 23 years in prison on drug possession charges while one of his employees earlier completed a 41-year sentence. His & Hers has established part-
nerships with District agencies including the Department of Employment Services, the Department of Small and Local Business Development, the Department of Youth and Rehabilitative Services and the Office of Neighborhood Engagement and Safety, to seek new employees and utilize the training programs and resources offered. In addition to managing the restaurant, Winestock works fulltime as the executive director of Saving Our Next Generation, a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of youth. His & Hers maintains two levels in its building. The upstairs consists of a small dining area and a bar, plus three television monitors hanging from the ceiling. The downstairs consists of a meeting room that can be used by groups for events. There are also tables outside of the restaurant for customers. Customers can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner with a carryout option. The restaurant doesn’t offer delivery. For breakfast, a customer can opt for such fare as chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits and steak and eggs. In regard to lunch and dinner, various salads and cuisine such as grilled lamb chops, roasted chicken and several types of
5 Paul Winestock, owner of His & Hers, poses with Ward 5 Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie. (Photo courtesy Councilmember McDuffie Twitter)
pasta count among the offerings. The menu, however, does not include pork. While His & Hers has been in business less than three years, it has already gained a reputation for its political clientele. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8), former D.C. Councilmembers Vincent Orange, Harry Thomas and David Grosso, and three of Orange’s opponents in the June 21
Democratic primary, Zachary Parker, Faith Gibson Hubbard and Gordon Fletcher, have patronized the restaurant. McDuffie said small businesses like His & Hers continue to be needed in Ward 5 and throughout the city. “Businesses like His & Hers employ people who live in the community,” McDuffie said. “It’s a great place to eat no matter who you are.” WI @JamesWrightJr10
Proven Leadership Matters.
MURIELBOWSER.COM
Delivering for us: • Stood up to Donald Trump • Opening the first new grocery store in Ward 7 in two decades • Building a new, state-of-the-art, full-service hospital in Ward 8 Fighting for a fair DC: • Committed $1 billion for affordable housing • Created 1,000 new childcare seats • Cut property taxes for our seniors Making us safer: • Using every resource, from violence interruption to mental health to job training • Muriel is the only candidate committed to hiring more police, including more women and DC residents
RETURN YOUR BALLOT TODAY OR VOTE BY JUNE 21 Paid for by Reelect Muriel Bowser Our Mayor 2022, PO Box 29175, Washington, DC 20017. Jodi Ovca, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the Director of Campaign Finance of the District of Columbia Board of Elections.
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BUSINESS
For First Time in History, White House Will Pay Interns Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer
For the first time ever, White House interns will be paid. The White House announced the move on June 2, along with other pertinent information including salary and who’s eligible to participate in the program. Program participants will be paid at a rate of $750 a week at a minimum of 35 hours per week. Stipends are disbursed in two installments: participants will receive the first payment at or around the start of the program and the final payment after the successful completion of the program, the White House said. However, if an intern fails to complete any or part of the program (either because they are terminated or choose to withdraw), they will be required to repay in the amount equal to the uncompleted time. The change in course to pay White House interns has been met with applause by advocates and lawmakers. Many have long said that the program excluded low-in-
come students who couldn’t afford to work five days a week for free while living in the District, one of the most expensive cities in the U.S. These factors were noted by the Biden Administration during the announcement. “We are thrilled to announce that for the first time in recent history, participants in the White House Internship Program are paid. This is consistent with President Biden’s commitment to removing barriers that prevent hardworking and talented students and professionals from participating in federal career advancement opportunities, particularly for low-income and first-generation students and professionals,” the White House said in a statement. The funding to pay for the program comes from a March spending bill, signed by President Biden. The bill allocated $4.5 million for White House internships and $7 million for Senator’s office interns. The Fall 2022 session will be a 14-week program, beginning Sept. 12 and ending Dec. 16. Visit Whitehouse.gov to learn how to apply. WI
A STRONGER D.C. FOR ALL. I am running for re-election because I am devoted to our community, and we need steady, dedicated, honest leadership now more than ever. My focus is simple: providing strong, independent leadership and working to create a stronger D.C. for all of us.
I HUMBLY ASK FOR YOUR SUPPORT. UN DISTRITO DE COLUMBIA MÁS FUERTE PARA TODOS Me postulo para la reelección porque estoy dedicada a nuestra comunidad, y necesitamos un liderazgo estable, dedicado y honesto ahora más que nunca. Mi enfoque es simple: proporcionar un liderazgo fuerte e independiente y trabajar para crear un DC más fuerte para todos nosotros.
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(Courtesy photo/whitehouse.gov)
Paid for by Anita Bonds 2022, Don Dinan, Treasurer. A copy of our report is filed with the DC OCF, Washington, DC.
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 15
NATIONAL Despite Apathy, Activists and Strategists Urge Black Voters Not to Sit out 2022 Midterms Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The failure of Congress to pass legislation like the John Lewis Voting
Rights Advancement Act and the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act have frustrated African Americans. With new voter suppression laws,
the leaked Roe V. Wade opinion and the assault on many other rights, some question whether the voting bloc that allowed Democrats to take the White House and control both houses of Congress will abandon the polls during the midterm election. “Black voters are understandably frustrated with the lack of reform around voter rights but the lack of success with this is due to actions by Republicans, not Democrats,” insisted Dr. Michal Strahilevitz, the director of the Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business and marketing professor at Saint Mary’s College of California. “Black voters are far more pragmatic than most segments of the Democratic voter base. I expect them to show up not so much to reward Democrats for their lacklus-
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Juneteenth at the Torpedo Factory Art Center
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Growing Pride at The Garden
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USA/Alexandria Birthday Celebration
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#visitALX | 16 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
5 Despite voter apathy and disappointment over Democrats’ inability to pass meaningful legislation, activists and others are urging Black Americans to vote in the 2022 midterms. (Photo courtesy Tom Arthur via Wikimedia commons)
ter success as to limit the power Republicans have to stop the necessary reforms,” Strahilevitz said. “In short, Black voters are not just a loyal part of the Democratic base – they are a very practical one, too.” Daniel Chan, chief technology officer at Marketplace Fairness, added that Black voters have several concerns that Democrats have inadequately addressed. “These include police reform, voting rights and economic inequality. If they do not turn out to vote in the midterms, the Democrats could lose control of Congress,” Chan said. “The party has plans to address some of these concerns but more needs to be done. Black voters are an essential part of the Democratic coalition and it is important that the party does more to address their concerns.” Alicia Garza, the Black Lives Matter co-founder who now leads Black Futures Lab, observed the strict voter requirements that include restrictions for returning mail-in ballots. Noting the unique challenges faced by Black voters, Black Futures Lab partnered with other groups to look closer at vote-by-mail in three states, Alabama, Nevada and Texas. “The first solution and probably the only solution to turn the tide of the ongoing and multiple assaults on our rights is to build independent progressive Black political power,” Garza asserted. “We must equip
Black voters with the tools necessary to be powerful. Unfortunately, Black voters are targeted by misinformation and disinformation every day.” “In 2020, Black voters were getting messages online telling them not to go to the polls, so we must make sure that our people can get to the polls and challenge the laws and policies that keep us from making important decisions. Black voters are kept from being powerful on purpose, by policies and the conservative movement has designed,” Garza said. Krystal Leaphart of Black Girls Vote said her organization begins engaging young girls as early as middle school with the mantra that “our vote is our voice.” “We target all age groups and communities of Black girls and we seek to educate and empower Black girls. However, we must make sure that those on the margins are fully engaged,” Leaphart said. “Many young people are shocked at the amount of power that we collectively have. When we engage young Black girls, they are excited to vote and the earlier we get to people and get them excited about the process and get them civically engaged, the better we will be,” she said. Leaphart noted that issues affecting adults also bother the young. “They are dealing with many of
MIDTERMS Page 17
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MIDTERMS from Page 16 the same issues that are not restricted to adults,” Leaphart said. “They are dealing with reproductive justice issues, Black girl pushout and overcriminalization. But hearing that those issues can be dealt with at the polls and talking to elected officials have them excited.” In a radio interview, Democratic Strategist Karen Finney implored everyone to understand what’s at stake in the 2022 midterms. “It’s very clear in terms of the GOP candidates who emerged and
AMENDMENTS from Page 13 voted last month to issue a notice of charges to Miller, which could lead to her possible removal from the school board. Another amendment presented would permit a former police officer to serve on the 11-member body. Some residents requested no one affiliated with law enforcement join the board. One amendment which did receive “compromise” came from Council member Tom Dernoga (D-District 1) of Laurel to allocate 1% of the entire police department budget to fund the board and an administrative charging committee in the 2024 fiscal year budget. The estimated amount accumulates to $3.7 million. “This is your democracy in action,” said Council member Todd Turner (D-District 4) of Bowie. Council approved a 2023 fiscal
one of the big things we saw is that people who were peddlers of The Big Lie, deniers of the 2020 election, seem to do pretty well, regardless of Donald Trump,” Finney told radio personality Charles Ellison on his Reality Check show. “That tells you a lot about what their agenda would be if they win. Voters came out in record numbers in 2020 and we did something extraordinary,” Finney said. “We’re going to have to do it again in 2022 if we want to keep America moving away from what I saw as a very divisive destruction of the Trump years.” WI year budget June 1 that includes funding both boards at $1.4 million. Nearly $500,000 for the police accountability board will allow for hiring three-full time employees, stipends for board members, legal fees and operating and administrative costs. Approximately $921,100 for an administrative charging committee will pay for six full-time workers and stipends for the five committee members who will assess police complaints filed by the public. If an officer faces challenges through a formal grievance, the individual will go before a three-member trial board. All of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City must approve the formation of a police accountability board and other police-related measures with a state-imposed deadline of July 1 approaching soon. WI @WJFjabariwill To read the full story, go to www. washingtoninformer.com.
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NATIONAL
195 Years of the Black Press: With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Voices for Freedom, Justice, Equality, and Equity.” Readers of the Washington InAs America grapples with its cen- former and other Black-owned newsturies-old disease of racism, mass papers said they envision the Black shootings, unprecedented political Press remaining an integral part of dysfunction, police brutality, misin- their lives and shared why the Black formation and ongoing attacks on Press remains vital after 195 years of voting and other fundamental rights service. “For a people whose vast numbers continue to dominate news headcould not read in 1827, words on palines. Nonetheless, the Black Press has per were manna from heaven,” stated remained the trusted voice for news David Youngblood, who regularly in both the African-American com- opens up YouTube and Facebook to watch the NNPA’s daily morning munity and beyond. The National Newspaper Pub- show, “Let It Be Known.” “The Black Press provided that lishers Association (NNPA), the trade association of the 230-plus sustenance. That ‘news’ passed from Black-owned newspapers and media print to mouth to ear across the companies that comprise the Black country. The Black Press did and Press of America, remains poised to still does connect us. The Black Press observe the 195th anniversary of the has continually kept us informed,” birth of Freedom’s Journal and the Youngblood concluded. He’s not alone. Black Press. “In the words of a great man, ‘The An informative and entertaining convention kicks off at the Hilton media’s the most powerful entity on to make Riverside Q2 Hotel on June 22 in New earth. They have the1 power AMTRAK PRINT_Washington Informer_B-AA 3-1.pdf 1/25/22 4:12 Orleans with the theme, “195 Years the innocent guilty and make the of the Black Press: Amplifying our guilty innocent,’” said Jacoby Jelks, Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer
an artist previously featured in the Black Press. “With such great power, it’s imperative that the Black community control the narrative of what and how we would like to be perceived by other races and ethnicities and not allow our stories to be cemented by those who may not have shared in the Black American experience – history has proven that it could be detrimental and dangerous,” he said. “The significance of the Black Press of America is that it provides us the opportunity for our voices to be heard in a world that is mainly controlled by mainstream media.” Michelle Madison, who also counts among the loyal viewers of “Let It Be Known,” called the Black Press crucial to the survival of African Americans. “Not only is it needed to counteract a mirage of negative stereotypes but it serves as a vehicle to help Black businesses thrive,” Madison wrote in an email. “Unfortunately, the Black PM community is often subjected to one-sided opinions and news from
5 Publishers of the Black-owned newspapers like the Washington Informer are celebrating the 195th anniversary of the Black Press of America. (Photo courtesy NNPA)
whites and other counterparts. As a result, there is a void in newsworthy issues that the Black Press can only address.” Joni King offered that she sees the Black Press thriving and growing well after its 195-years history. “I appreciate the dedication that has contributed to the success of the Black Press,” King said. “The Black Press is admirable through its hard work and that distinguishes it from mainstream media.”
At a time when the Black voice found itself suppressed and silenced, having news stories and features that represented African Americans not only provided a sense of community but hope, insisted Ashley M. King. “African Americans were finally in a position of ownership – able to own and control the media’s narrative and use their voice to speak against injustices,” King said. “African Americans
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June 2022 Message from Department of Aging and Community Living DIRECTORS MESSAGE
bers is our Chief Program Officer, Jessica Smith. Jessica brings passion, brilliance and fierce dedication to DACL values. She steps in wherever she’s needed, bringing a fresh perspective and creative problem-solving skills. Most importantly, she listens. You may have met her already at our wellness centers or at the Senior Fest, and I’ve asked her to share a few words this month. Remember—Aging is living!! With so much gratitude, Laura
Join Mayor Bowser and the Department of Aging and Community Living at Mayor Bowser’s 11th Annual Senior Symposium Advanced registration is required! Visit https://tinyurl.com/SenSymposium11 to learn more. You must be 60 or older and a District resident to attend. For more information, visit dacl.dc.gov or call (202) 724-5626. #SeniorSymposium2022
Director Laura Newland Department of Aging and Community Living Dear Seniors, The time has come for me to say goodbye. For the past six and half years, you’ve honored me by telling me your stories, sharing what DC means to you, and showing me how we can make our city a place where all older adults can thrive. We’ve had lots of tough conversations with each other, figuring out what works and what doesn’t work to ensure DC is the best place to age. And, most importantly, we’ve had so much fun together – from pageants and barbecues, to dance contests and holiday parties, we’ve shown the world what it truly means to live boldly. And for these experiences and so much more, I’m so grateful to have served as Director of the Department of Aging and Community Living. Before I go, I want to say thank you. Thank you for your patience, kindness and love. Because of you, my time with DACL will be unforgettable. The team at DACL will continue the work of ensuring all older adults can thrive in the communities you know and love. One of those team mem-
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 19
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20 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
africa now
COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Buhari Bemoans Soaring Food Prices on African Continent Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has decried the impact of the war between Russia and Ukraine, saying it is beginning to take a toll on prices of many commodities, especially foodstuffs, The Nigeria Daily Post reported June 4. He said the situation is even more devastating when the world is gradually recovering from the effects of COVID-19 pandemic. Buhari, who was in Accra, Ghana at the 6th Extraordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State, also lent his voice to previous decisions taken by ECOWAS leaders on the political situations in Burkina Faso, Mali and Guinea. He said any resolution must consider the victims of unconstitutional changes of government and the adverse consequences of isolation on them. He expressed concern that since the last Summit of ECOWAS leaders on March 25, little has been achieved in terms of having an acceptable timetable for the conduct of elections to restore democratic rule in the affected countries. He noted that although the military leadership in Burkina Faso has released President Kabore in line with the request by ECOWAS leaders, further measures must be taken to ensure his safety and full freedom. Buhari warned that the security situations in both Mali and Burkina Faso have reached alarming levels with constant attacks by extremist groups on the civilian populace and military facilities, further aggravating the humanitarian condition in the two countries. “We are left with no option but to devise means of sustaining our economies by becoming more creative and evolving in finding other channels of demand and supply in order to ensure that we cushion the effect of the war and prevent our economies from collapsing and our people remain productive,” he said. “We must ensure that we remember the mass of the populations in the affected countries who are victims of the unconstitutional change of government and the adverse consequences of isolation brought about.” WI
caribbean now Heads of Government Move into High Gear in Suriname Summit CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett recently traveled to Suriname for discussions with President Santokhi for the 43rd Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. The Conference, held June 3 – 5, was led Santokhi who assumed chairmanship of the community Dr. Barnett said discussions with Santohki included work to be done in the region. The conference will included follow-up discussions on the recent CARICOM Agri Investment Forum and Expo held in Georgetown, Guyana in May, as well as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the region. Heads of government also deliberated on climate change and climate financing. WI
THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
How Haircuts can Build Trust and Improve Health Outcomes for Black Americans Submitted by Amerigroup Maryland • A nationwide poll recently found that 7 in 10 Black Americans believe that they are treated unfairly by the healthcare system. • Approximately 55 percent of Black Americans say that they distrust the healthcare system. • Black Americans are more likely than their white counterparts to say that they do not trust their physician. • People who say that they mistrust their healthcare providers are less likely to follow medical advice, keep doctors’ appointments or fill prescriptions. • People who mistrust the healthcare system are more likely to be in poor health. Trust has the power to create human ties, prompt deep conversations, increase knowledge and shape healthy behaviors that improve lives. However, when this trust doesn’t exist between a medical provider and a patient, it can lead to untreated health conditions, misdiagnosis and lower quality of care. Generations of racism and mistreatment have caused many Black Americans to be mistrustful of the medical community. This mistrust has also created walls that have separated Black Americans from the resources and supports that can help them live longer, happier lives. It’s important to break down those walls and build a new foundation of trust – even if that has to start outside of the traditional healthcare setting. Amerigroup Maryland has
made a commitment to breaking down and overcoming healthcare disparities, so everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be as healthy as possible. That is why they are introducing innovative approaches to accessing health information and services. It is also why they have partnered with Live Chair Health to foster human connections, healthy habits and trust through barber shops and beauty salons. Black Americans are sometimes more likely to trust their hair and beauty professionals more than their doctors. Conversations tend to open up when people are in the stylist’s chair, so Amerigroup and Live Chair Health are positioning the barbershop experience as a health-enabler by offering opportunities for people to visit local barbershops and beauty salons, access free health resources and get paid credits for doing it. Through the month of June, and on an ongoing basis, Amerigroup is inviting the Black community to visit barbershops and salons across Capitol Heights and in Silver Spring for Healthchecks and Haircuts. During these events, free health screenings, haircuts and manicures will be offered to anyone who is willing to show up and join the conversation. There will be health checks, enjoyable social experiences and advice on how to live a longer, healthier life. It’s an opportunity to change outlooks on health and look good while doing it. Amerigroup is sponsoring Live Chair Health events on an ongoing basis. For more information about these opportunities and how they work, visit www.livechair.co and watch a video by the organization’s founder, Andrew Suggs.
Amerigroup also invites the community to visit www.myamerigroup.com/md/home. html to be empowered with more information about services and resources that can improve health and lives. Additionally, Amerigroup wants to remind members that help accessing information, resources and services is only a phone call away. Just call the Member Services phone number on your Amerigroup ID card.
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 21
HEALTH Preeclampsia Foundation Kicks Off Summer Tour for Awareness Black Pregnant Mothers More Likely to have Disorder Sarafina Wright WI Contributing Writer Preeclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in the U.S. The life-threatening hypertensive disorder affecting 300,000 pregnant women in the U.S. an-
nually, often yielding serious complications for mother and baby as well as long-term effects. For Black women the situation is dire. Preeclampsia is 60% more common in Black women than in those of other races and they are three times more likely to die from the disorder.
(Courtesy photo)
To spread the word this summer about the disorder impacting pregnant mothers, especially those of color, the Preeclampsia Foundation is hitting the road. Foundation President Eleni Z. Tsigas said she’s devoting her summer to connect with communities and raise awareness. "This is my opportunity to get out and listen and learn from
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families affected by preeclampsia, to meet them where they are and understand their experiences," said Tsigas, a two-time preeclampsia survivor who has held her current position with the national non-profit patient advocacy organization since 2009. "There is nothing like sitting down with someone, looking them in the eye, and connecting with them on a personal level. This RV trip is a more grassroots way for me to do that. It allows for shared experiences as well as new opportunities and exploration," she said. The 17-state Reconnect Tour: Putting Preeclampsia on the Map, kicked off on June 2. Tsigas will make stops in 22 cities over the course of two months to meet preeclampsia survivors, donors, researchers, clinicians and supporters. The trek covers thousands of miles with planned activities in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Boston and Indianapolis. Other stops include Madison, Wisconsin; New Haven, Connecticut; Syracuse, New York; Grand Rapids, Michigan; Chapel Hill, North Carolina; and Nashville, Tennessee. Foundation staff, friends and family members will accompany Tsigas in an RV on various legs of the tour. Tsigas also plans to raise awareness of the Preeclampsia Registry, an online database hosted by the foundation that uses individual pregnancy experiences and medical information in research studies to discover the causes — and possible cures — of preeclampsia and
related hypertensive disorders. The registry has more than 8,000 members. Tsigas said the registry is currently seeking more maternal experiences from Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities to ensure they are seen, heard and more proportionately represented in the research. Tsigas noted that 60% of the maternal deaths caused by preeclampsia are preventable. "These are moms who were in the prime of their lives," she said. "Behind every one of these numbers was a young, vibrant woman." The tour will include Tsigas visiting research collaborators in numerous institutions. "These are centers of preeclampsia excellence, and we want to applaud and showcase their innovative and superlative work," she said. WI
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PROTECT KIDS. ADVANCE HEALTH EQUITY. SAVE LIVES. THE FDA HAS OUR FULL SUPPORT TO PROHIBIT MENTHOL CIGARETTES AND FLAVORED CIGARS. For decades, Big Tobacco has targeted Black Americans, kids and other communities with menthol cigarettes and flavored cigars, profiting at the expense of lives and health. By advancing rules to prohibit these flavored tobacco products, the FDA is taking historic action to save lives and protect future generations from addiction. This lifesaving policy must be finalized and implemented without delay.
TOBACCOFREEKIDS.ORG/STOPMENTHOL Paid for by Tobacco-Free Kids Action Fund
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 23
EDUCATION Supreme Court Poised to Rule on Abortion, Gun Rights and Religious Freedom Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer The Supreme Court stands poised to issue critical decisions on abortion, a clarification of the second amendment and religious freedom and with the leaked opinion strongly suggesting that the Court will overturn Roe V. Wade, many wonder
what rights may fall next. Following a leaked memo that the high Court confirmed as authentic, it appears the justices will roll back constitutional protections established by its 1973 decision in Roe v. Wade and reaffirmed in 1992 in Casey v. Planned Parenthood. Nearly 50 years ago, the Roe v. Wade decision upheld abortion
rights and prohibited states from banning abortions before fetal viability – approximately 23 weeks in length. The Supreme Court also expects to rule on a significant Second Amendment case, New York State Rifle & Pistol Association Inc. v. Bruen. That New York statute limits a person’s ability to carry concealed guns and requires that applicants show “proper cause” for a license to possess and carry a handgun outside of the home. Freedom of religion and the separation of church and state also count as an item on the Court’s schedule. The case, known as Carson v. Makin, involves the challenge of several families to a law in Maine that prohibits families from applying for state tuition assistance if those funds would be used to pay for a student’s secondary school education at a school that, in addition to providing academic instruction, taught religion. According to Northeastern University in Boston researchers, the Supreme Court ruled two years ago that states do not have to provide public funding for private schools. However, if they do, they cannot discriminate based on the religious status of the institution.
5 The Supreme Court is preparing to rule on several key cases which could impact women’s access to abortions, second amendment rights and religious freedom. (Photo courtesy Fred Schilling, Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Wikimedia commons)
What’s at issue in Carson v. Makin remains the question of whether public funding can be denied to schools that provide religious or “sectarian” instruction. “The issue in the Bruen case is how much discretion a state has before it can grant a concealed carry license,” Business law attorney Matthew Carter wrote in an email. “From the record, it looks like a majority of the Court is skeptical of New York’s law, which requires a
showing of cause before someone can obtain the license. I am not sure this case will broadly affect Second Amendment cases. But, again, keep in mind that SCOTUS likes to rule narrowly when it can, despite what you may have heard on the news.” The previous administration and recent political climate have “mostly, unapologetically been antithetical to Black lives,” said Andrea Boyles, an
GUNS Page 49
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
REC CENTER from Page 1 decimated the air quality. “My nose was bleeding and I felt that something wasn’t right in my head,” Poe said. “One time when I was sitting outside, I had to take my jacket [out of my bookbag] and put it over my head when the debris was flying so the particles wouldn’t touch my scalp because there was so much dust. One lady told me she had respiratory problems [from the dust particles].”
WASHINGTON HIGHLANDS AND KIPP REACH AN IMPASSE
Since community members brought their concerns to KIPP, construction crew members have pointed a hose directly at the portion of the shuttered Ferebee-Hope Elementary School being torn down as part of a strategy to lessen the debris. At one point, MCN Build briefly halted the project that, once completed, will provide more than 100 parking spaces for faculty and staff members at KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory. By late May, KIPP and Wash-
ington Highlands community members had been engaged in four advisory committee meetings that included representatives of the DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and Ward 8 D.C. Councilmember Trayon White’s office. These meetings have focused on how best to rectify discrepancies about the Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, the size of which had been significantly reduced during the construction of KIPP DC Legacy College Preparatory. Community members familiar with the negotiations said while KIPP officials offered the community space for the boxing gym, they have refused to finance its construction. For the time being, DPR has offered to drive boxing enthusiasts patrons to Bald Eagle Recreation Center to determine the demand for that sport. In regard to the pool, it hasn’t been determined whether DPR will expand it to its original size. Meanwhile, a group of Washington Highlands community members led by former ANC Commissioner Karlene Armstead
have compiled a list of demands. Their demands include: an emergency stop-work order; the return and transformation of 4,000 square feet of partnership space into a boxing gym; ADA accessibility for residents with special needs; and community members’ examination of architectural designs from 2019 and 2020. They have also requested the removal of Jacque Patterson as KIPP’s point of contact on the advisory committee. Armstead, a constant figure in community discussions that started in 2019, said KIPP misled the community about the final design of the recreation center. “This is a lose-lose for the Black community,” Armstead said. “Now we have no recreation space. We have a yard that looks like a prison with fencing and locks everywhere. It’s not even safe. I wouldn’t even play on the outdoor basketball court because I couldn’t get away if someone came for me. KIPP has put up a retaining wall to separate public housing from the school.”
EDUCATION
5 Karlene Armstead at Ferebee Recreation Center in Southeast. (WI File Photo/ Abdullah Konte)
THE EVENTS LEADING TO KIPP’S ACQUISITION OF FEREBEE-HOPE
Patterson, who also serves as an At-large State Board of Education representative, said in its proposal to the D.C. Council, KIPP never misrepresented its intentions for the Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center to the Washington Highlands community.
#Vote4DC
During the summer of 2020, months after the pandemic halted KIPP-Washington Highland community engagement meetings and relegated most District residents to their homes, D.C. Council Chairperson Phil Mendelson (D) introduced legislation at the request of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser that would allow KIPP to lease and construct its new school on the site
REC CENTER Page 49
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INTRODUCTION
A Message from Chuck Bishop
The housing market has shifted dramatically over the course of the last year. Even as the market evolves, the desire to own a home has remained strong. In a survey conducted this spring, 92% Black Americans agree that owning a home is a great way to build family wealth, and 69% say they want to own their home even if it doesn’t increase a lot in value. At Wells Fargo, we believe deeply in the benefits of homeownership – from building wealth across generations to strengthening communities. We also know that systemic inequities in the United States have prevented too many minority families from achieving their homeownership and wealth building goals. As the largest bank home mortgage originator, and largest bank originator of home loans to minorities over the last decade, we believe we have 5 Chuck Bishop, head of Wells Fargo Home Lending Diverse Segments a responsibility to develop solutions that help close the gap. In this homeownership supplement, we share some of what we’re doing to help advance racial equity in homeownership. Our efforts include programs like the Dream. Plan. Home. SM mortgage, which offers low- and moderate-income families a down payment as low as 3% and supports approval of those with non-traditional credit, and the Dream. Plan. Home. closing cost credit—currently available in eight markets—which may provide up to $5,000 towards non-recurring closing costs, making it easier for low- and moderate-income families to purchase a home. We’re also developing a Special Purpose Credit Program to help eligible minorities whose loans are serviced by Wells Fargo to benefit from refinancing and have announced $60 million in “Wealth Opportunities Restored through Homeownership” (WORTH) grants projected to support 40,000 homeowners of color. These programs add to our ongoing commitment to advance homeownership. More broadly, we’re here to help all of our customers achieve their financial goals through homeownership. We are passionate about our work because we believe in the positive impact homeownership can make for individuals, families, communities, and the nation at large. Wherever you are in your financial journey, Wells Fargo is here to help you reach your goals. We’re proud of the role we play and eager to do all we can for our customers. HS
At Wells Fargo, we believe
In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com
deeply in the benefits
PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes
of homeownership – from
STAFF D. Kevin McNeir, Senior Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation Angel Johnson, Admin. Asst. REPORTERS Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Aja Beckham, Ed Hill, Will Ford (Prince George’s County Editor), Hamil Harris, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler,Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson
building wealth across
generations to strengthen-
ing communities. We also
know that systemic inequities in the United States have
prevented too many minority families from achieving their
homeownership and wealth building goals. www.washingtoninformer.com / 2022 WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT
HS-2
LEAD IN
5 Dr. Shantella Sherman, WI Special Editions Editor
Home, Safe Home Our homes are our castles. Whether palatial spaces with manicured grounds or starter single-family houses, our homes represent safe havens and personal pride. And while we fit and decorate our houses to suit our tastes, we often overlook potential hazards that could turn homes into danger zones. In 2020, 113,500 people died from preventable deaths in the home. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), since 1999, preventable deaths occurring in the home have increased 272 percent. This grew exponentially, in large part, through a 652 percent increase in poisoning deaths and a 270 percent increase in deaths from falls. Drug overdoses are the main driver of poisoning deaths, and the data on fall deaths reflects a dramatic increase in the number of older adult falls. Similarly, NSC cites falls as the leading cause of unintentional injuries in the United States, accounting for approximately 8.9 million visits to the emergency department annually. Slips, trips and falls, and electrical shocks also represent common injury-producing hazards around the home. “It took watching the Final Destination films for me to understand just how hazardous my house had become,” graduate student Jason Stanton told the Informer. “I inherited a home that
needed major electrical and plumbing work that I just kind of patched up. There was uneven floorboards and everything so my friends would come to the house and just hang out in the yard. No one wanted to come inside for fear of falling over.” Stanton eventually faced city fines and a lawsuit when a friend fell through his basement stairs. He said that was when he really began to look at his home as a place where serious injuries – or even deaths – could occur through his neglect. This year’s Washington Informer Homeownership Supplement encourages readers to avoid the pitfalls Stanton faced and take necessary steps to safeguard their homes. This edition offers tips and data on best practices for improving the safety of your home. Additionally, we take a look back at a year of extraordinary news features dedicated to homeownership in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 in the Informer, Our House Newsletter. Lead by editor Austin Cooper, Our House has made a markable difference in the ways in which area residents, policymakers, and community leaders approach homeownership in city. Read, Learn, Enjoy. Dr. Shantella Sherman
This edition offers tips and data on best practices for improving the safety of your home. Additionally, we take a look back at a year of extraordinary news features dedicated to homeownership in D.C.’s Wards 7 and 8 in the Informer, Our House Newsletter.
Stay Informed!
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Preparation is Key to Navigating a Tough Housing Market By Ewunike Brady VP, Wells Fargo Home Lending African American Segment Strategy Leader It’s been quite a year for families
seeking to buy a home. Interest rates are up, available housing supply is down, and when it comes to finding the perfect home, competition is fierce. Factors like these can make the
process of buying a home seem daunting in any market – and those pressures can feel even more pronounced within minority communities where systemic barriers have made it more difficult to achieve and
Your home is out there. A down payment as low as 3% on a fixed-rate loan could help you finance it. Each day, the sun rises on streets of houses. Neighbors wave to each other, people head off to work and school, new owners pull up to the home they’ve worked hard to buy. More than just buildings, homes are at the heart of a community. With Wells Fargo, you may be eligible for a range of home financing options, including low down payment loans, to help you reach your homeownership goals. Talk with a home mortgage consultant about loan amount, type of loan, property type, income, first-time homebuyer programs, and homebuyer education requirements to ensure eligibility. Having low down payment options does require mortgage insurance — an option that increases the cost of the loan and monthly payment. We’ll work together to find the loan that’s right for you. To learn more, call 1-877-937-9357 or visit www.wellsfargo.com/mortgage.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.
sustain homeownership. But a tough housing market doesn’t mean the dream of homeownership is out of reach – or that the benefits of owning a home are any less significant. When it comes to achieving your financial goals via homeownership in this housing market, time spent planning and preparing can give potential homebuyers a big leg up when the time comes to make an offer on that perfect home. A few simple steps can help would-be homebuyers navigate the challenges presented by today’s market. First, take time to think about what you want – and what you need – out of a home, especially given how our individual perceptions of “home” have evolved over the last two years. In a market as competitive as today’s, it’s important to know ahead of time where you’re willing to make trade-offs and where you’re not. If you’re a remote worker, maybe space for a home office is more important than proximity to a corporate office. Maybe your pandemic puppy is growing and needs more space, so a nice yard takes precedence over walkable restaurants. Understanding the difference between “nice to have” and “need to have” has always been important. In today’s market, it’s essential to know where you stand before you look. Next, it’s crucial to know ahead of time what you can afford and have a plan for financing. While it may seem like a no-brainer in any market, the current environment is so competitive that those without a strong understanding of their budget – and ideally pre-approval from a mortgage lender – may be at a disadvantage when bidding for their dream home. Homes for sale are often flooded with interest within days of being listed, and it’s becoming increasingly common to see all-cash buyers swoop in with an offer above the asking price. Taking the time now to establish your budget, determine how much wiggle room you have, and begin the process of securing pre-approval can provide buyers a serious head start when the perfect house comes along. Finally, as you work with a lender to seek pre-approval, make sure to ask lots of questions and have a detailed discussion about your goals and your current financial situation.
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Understanding the difference between “nice to have” and “need to have” has always been important. In today’s market, it’s essential to know where you stand before you look. Your mortgage lender may be able to share information about programs that could help you bring your goals closer to reality through programs that help address some of the factors that can make homeownership seem less unattainable to some potential homebuyers. At Wells Fargo, for instance, Home Mortgage Consultants can provide information about programs like the Dream. Plan. Home.SM mortgage, which offers low- and moderate-income families a down payment as low as 3% and supports approval of those with non-traditional credit. The Dream. Plan. Home.SM closing cost credit—currently available in eight markets—may provide up to $5,000 towards non-recurring closing costs making it easier for lowand moderate-income families to purchase a home. Programs like these can make a real difference for eligible homebuyers. They can also play a role in helping to address some of the systemic inequities that have prevented
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Thinking of buying a home? It’s an exciting and hopeful time, but you probably have questions too. Our My First Home® website is a great place to start. This site was designed with your home financing needs in mind: You can check your credit score, find out your debt level, review your savings, and more with just a few clicks. Knowing where you stand financially makes it easier to plan next steps. You can also tackle any areas that might need improvement. From start to finish, we’ll work with you. Because a home is more than just four walls. It’s where the celebration of the present meets the promise of the future. To learn more, go to https://myfirsthome.wf.com/.
Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801.
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Increasing Black Homeownership
5 Kristy Fercho
By Kristy Fercho CEO of Wells Fargo Home Lending and Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association Over the past two years, home has never been more important. Safe, af-
fordable housing has long been one of the most common aspirations for all Americans, and the principal way most families build wealth in this country. Yet obtaining this goal remains more difficult for people of color. The racial homeownership gap is as large today as it was during the days of segregation, with the white homeownership rate roughly 30 points higher than Black households. Recent Urban Institute analysis shows that the gap may continue to grow absent intentional action. This has lasting implications: when one generation misses the wealth-building opportunities of homeownership, successive generations feel the impact as well. For me, this is personal. As a Black woman and the Head of Wells Fargo Home Lending, I am passionate about growing Black homeownership and providing access for those shut out of the American dream. I’m proud to have a leadership
role at Wells Fargo as we take action to increase Black homeownership. We’re doing this by incorporating low-down payment financing options and closing cost credits available through offerings like our new Dream. Plan. Home.SM. programs; diverse, in-market sales teams ready to provide access and support; collaboration with non-profits that understand local markets and more. These efforts are part of our $60 billion commitment to growing Black homeownership. Wells Fargo is also investing $50 million in Minority Depository Institutions to empower diverse communities. Housing stakeholders must work together to close this gap, bringing unity to this urgent moment, and I have seen firsthand the great work underway not just by lenders, but also advocates, and policymakers. In addition to my role at Wells Fargo, I’m also the chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA)
How Military Families Can Navigate Home Buying In Uncertain Times Submitted by Wells Fargo Home Lending
Like many Americans, the recent rise in interest rates may have you wondering whether this is still a good time to buy a home. This could be particularly true if you are a military service member who just received permanent change of station (PCS) orders and will be relocating to a new area. To get you started, Wells Fargo Home Lending is providing these insights: • Assess your readiness: “The decision to buy is personal. Take into account your goals and financial circumstances,” says Greg Murray, VP of Military Program for Wells Fargo who is also a veteran. “While interest rates have increased this year, if you feel financially ready, this is still a great time to look.” Take advantage of free on-line tools such as the one available at www.handsonbanking.com/military to better understand baseline concepts on savings and credit. If you decide to move forward, it’s
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important to be realistic about what you can afford, and having a rainy day fund to fall back on is a good sign of your readiness. Don’t overextend yourself in buying. Leave yourself with the ability to weather economic cycles and afford run-of-the-mill expenses for home repairs and updates. • Build your team: Enlist the help of a home mortgage consultant who can help you navigate the process, as
well as discuss financing options that fit your needs. This is especially true for military and veteran homebuyers. “A military lending specialist can help you make the most of the home loan benefits you’ve earned,” says Murray. “Consider working with a lender who understands the options available to military families.” • Know your down payment options: Not all financing options require you to put 20 percent down. For military service members and veterans, VA loans provide low- and no-down payment options for qualified borrowers, and do not require monthly mortgage insurance. Other low down payment options to explore include Wells Fargo’s Dream, Plan Home, as well as FHA and rural lending programs. However, understand that more money down could reduce your monthly payments and interest paid over the life of the loan, and may also eliminate the need for private mortgage insurance or reduce your funding fee on a VA loan. • Leverage digital tools: While a recent realtor.com survey indicates that 63.6% of consumers looking for a home want to see a property in person before buying, many start the hunt online, and now you have better opportunities to do so.
board of directors and the leader of the affordable homeownership working group for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s Project REACh, which promotes financial inclusion through greater access And once you’ve found a property, lenders like Wells Fargo offer time-tested digital tools allowing you to handle many aspects of the loan process remotely, including signing disclosures, uploading documents and simply getting started. So far in 2022, 68% of Wells Fargo’s VA applications came through the online mortgage application. To contact a home mortgage consultant, visit wellsfargo.com/ military. To access free resources that can help you be a savvier home shopper, spend some time with Wells Fargo’s educational page, myfirsthome. wellsfargobank.com. For military personnel and veterans especially, rest easy in knowing that you have access to many resources that can make the home buying process a smooth one. HS
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 too many minority families from achieving their homeownership and wealth building goals. As the largest bank home mortgage originator, and largest bank originator of home loans to minorities over the last decade, we at Wells Fargo believe we have a responsibility to develop solutions that help advance racial equity in homeownership. That’s why, in addition to programs like Dream. Plan. HomeSM , we’re also launching a Special Pur-
to credit and capital. For the MBA, one of our goals is to drastically increase affordable homeownership by working with member companies and policymakers to take action now. Our mission is to drive consideration of policy actions focused on housing, such as first-time homebuyer credits and FHA reforms. Project REACh convenes stakeholders from government, financial institutions, nonprofits and more to tackle the structural barriers that have contributed to the racial homeownership gap. Removing these barriers to financial inclusion will help millions of people, previously left out of the system, gain access to more opportunities for themselves and their families. We all have a role to play, and while none of us can break down these barriers alone, if we are united in our pursuit, we can make a huge impact together. Read more at Wells Fargo Empowerful. (https://welcome.wf.com/ empowerful/). HS pose Credit Program intended to help eligible minority customers whose mortgages are serviced by Wells Fargo to refinance. Wherever you are on your financial journey, it pays to be prepared. That goes double in today’s tight housing market. If you’re ready to take the next step, make sure to take the time up front to determine your needs, establish your budget, and understand the programs that could help make the dream of homeownership a reality for you. HS
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Imagine a city without lead! Lead Free DC by 2030. That’s a goal we can get behind and we have a plan to meet it.
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Celebrate Homeownership Month with the Return of the MCC and In-Person Seminars Submitted by DC Housing Finance Agency In celebration of Homeownership Month, the District of Columbia Housing Finance Agency (DCHFA) is bringing back the Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). Originally launched in 2016, the MCC program was widely popular among D.C. homebuyers, and DCHFA is thrilled to bring this valuable resource back to aspiring homeowners. An MCC provides qualified borrowers the ability to claim a federal tax credit of 20 percent of the mortgage interest paid during a calendar year. The remaining 80 percent of mortgage interest paid for that year may still be claimed as a tax deduction. Claiming 20 percent as a tax credit rather than a deduction allows the homeowner to receive more cash in their pocket. Borrowers who wish to purchase an MCC must be a first-time homeowner. They cannot have had ownership interest in a principal res-
idence within the most recent threeyear period, with the exception of residences purchased in a targeted area or if the borrower is a veteran utilizing a one-time exemption. The maximum borrower income limit is $154,800 (or $180,600 for a family of three or more). The maximum sales price for a home is $565,300. Many homebuyers who have purchased an MCC often use resources like DCHFA’s flagship homeownership program, DC Open Doors. DCHFA launched DC Open Doors in May 2013 to create more affordable financing options for prospective homebuyers in the District of Columbia. The program offers deferred repayable loans for a homebuyer’s minimum down payment requirement in addition to below-market interest rates for first trust mortgages for the purchase of a home in the District of Columbia. One of the major perks of DC Open Doors is that the borrower does not have to be a D.C. resident to apply. As long as the buyer pur-
chases a home in Washington, D.C., then he or she will meet the program guidelines. Many residents seeking to purchase a home also utilize the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP), which is a program DCHFA administers on behalf of the D.C. Department of Housing
not qualify. DCHFA saw this as an opportunity to create a program which would allow more people
Borrowers who wish to purchase an MCC must be a first-time homeowner. and Community Development (DHCD). To qualify for HPAP, the applicant must be a resident of the District of Columbia. The Agency also has a down payment assistance program reserved for D.C. government employees, DC4ME. DHCD has a program called the Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP), but employees of independent agencies and other government organizations do
who work for the District to be able to live in the city, too. DC4ME is similar to DC Open Doors, but the borrower must be a first-time homebuyer; he or she cannot have owned a property even if it is sold before closing on a DC4ME loan. The first step in the homebuying process should be finding a trusted lender and getting educated on all the available programs. This month, DCHFA brought back its in-person
homeownership seminars. The Agency hosts these informational sessions on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at DCHFA’s office in Shaw. The events are free to attend and they give residents a chance to meet with various lenders and realtors who know the programs, know the market, and ultimately know the city really well. A list of all upcoming events can be found at bit. ly/dcopendoors. HS
Celebrate Homeownership Month by becoming a D.C. homeowner! Join DCHFA for FREE Homebuyer Information Sessions to learn about D.C. financial assistance programs like DC Open Doors, DC4ME, Mortgage Credit Certificate and the Home Purchase Assistance Program.
When: 1st & 3rd Wednesdays | 6:00-7:30 PM Where: DCHFA | 815 Florida Avenue, NW RSVP: bit.ly/dcopendoors
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The Mortgage Credit Certificate is back!
A Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) provides qualified borrowers the ability to claim a federal tax credit of 20 percent of the mortgage interest paid during a calendar year. The remaining 80 percent can still be claimed as a tax deduction. This puts more money back in the homeowner’s pocket at the end of the year! • Borrower must be a first-time homeowner (The borrower cannot have had ownership interest in a principal residence within the most recent three-year period.) • Maximum income: $154,800 • Maximum sales price: $565,300
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Did You Know…? Lee Ross / WI Staff Writer
The simplest of hazards ends up being one of the worst. And as you would suspect, falls are worse for young children and older adults. Very few deaths from falls occur in adults under 60. For children, the most severe falls are general associated with three products: baby walkers, windows, and play equipment including trampolines. Falls down stair wells have been implicated in 75% -96% of baby walker-related falls.
Afford The District Homeownership For Those Who Need It Most Every year, the District of Columbia loses thousands of affordable homes - some naturally occurring, most of it through redevelopment, but a significant portion is lost at the hands of house flippers. When we choose to sell our home to people not invested in the community, they do as expected - maximize profits. Hundreds of homes are purchased at an affordable price and then made unaffordable to most of us through extensive rehab and market conditions, but there is another way. Revival is a Ward 7 based organization that identifies and preserves affordable home ownership opportunities for native Washingtonians. We do this by matching transitioning and emerging homeowners, controlling costs for the home seller, and preparing the new homeowner to successfully take over the affordable house. Revival generally works with potential homeowners who have gone through one of DC’s first-time homebuyer programs and support new homeowners well after purchase. If it is time to downsize, leave the area, or you have vacant properties that can be appropriate affordable housing options, please contact us. There is no difference in working with Revival versus a house flipper. In many cases, Revival will facilitate a better offer for you while ensuring the home remains affordable for future generations. Please contact Revival if you plan to sell your home, need an affordable home, or want to partner to increase affordable housing options in the District. If we want a better tomorrow for our children, we need to do things differently today. Karleton Thomas Revival LLC affordthedistrict.com (202) 854-0455
Residential fires and burns are the third leading cause of unintentional home injury deaths and the ninth leading cause of home injuries resulting in an emergency department visit. Most people have their water heater at a much higher temperature than necessary. If the temperature is so high that a child (or adult) can be burned when simply washing his or her hands—it’s on too high. Keep your water heater at a low temperature of 120 degrees.
While we mostly think of poisoning as something that happens to children when they get into cleaning supplies and other household products, it’s something that actually affects people of all ages. Most methods of unintentional poisoning are for the most part self-inflicted and can only resolved by dealing with a person’s underlying chemical dependency issues. That said, effective prevention efforts generally focus on keeping poison out of the hands of children. While adults have the highest rates of fatal poisonings, children under 5 have the largest rates of non-fatal poisoning.
According to Meri-K Appy, the president of the Home Safety Council, “Cooking mishaps are the number one cause of fires [and they often happen] when the cook leaves the stove unattended or becomes distracted.” That said, stay focused in the kitchen and never walk away from a pot that is in use. OF HOMES THAT HAVE SMOKE ALARMS, 65% OF THE HOMES HAVE NON-WORKING ALARMS. MOST OFTEN THIS IS SIMPLY BECAUSE OF A WORN OUT BATTERY. SIX TOXINS TO GUARD AGAINST: ASBESTOS, LEAD PAINT, CARBON MONOXIDE, MOLD, RADON, AND BISPHENOL A (BPA) www.washingtoninformer.com / 2022 WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT
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GET COVERED Flooding Can Happen Anywhere
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Homeownership Is Still Possible Tammie Barrett Vice President Residential Lending Industrial Bank
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Whether refinancing or purchasing a home, the mortgage process can be intimidating. Let’s think about it for a moment. The application alone is nine pages long and the interviewer asks questions that literally make you feel like you are signing your life away. In 2020, banks and mortgage companies saw interest rates drop to historic lows and property values increasing. This market shift allowed borrowers to qualify for more house, while also increasing equity. Fast forward just two years; rates have almost tripled and borrowing capacity is about 63% of what it was in 2020. There is also what we have come to recognize
as an inventory shortage……. houses are simply not there. Houses that are for sale are being purchased so quickly with multiple offers and CASH offers, that it’s creating all-out bidding wars. Contracts are being submitted with no contingencies meaning, in some cases, no financing, no appraisal, and no home inspections. Not to mention, the offer price in most cases is above the asking price. So, the question is…… Are we in an affordable lending crisis? Absolutely! Home buyers that purchased in 2020 and 2021 saw the benefit of earning equity as home prices increased. Buyers trying to purchase now, unfortunately, may have to sit tight while the market attempts to correct itself. How does this happen? Well, economic forecasters are predicting that interest rates will remain at high levels at least through the end of the year, unless inflation decreases. Some experts are saying rates may reach well over 6%. It’s certainly close to that depending
on the parameter of the loan application. In the meantime, creating mortgage loan options for our borrowers is key. Historically, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) were frowned upon because of the uncertainty of the payment increasing. However, in this high interest rate environment market, ARMs can be appealing because of the lower initial rates. Here are just some of the benefits: • ARMs offer an inexpensive way for borrowers who don’t plan on living in one place for a long time to qualify for more house. • ARMs can help borrowers save and invest more money. For example, someone who has a payment that is $100 less with an ARM, can put that money in higher return investments.
• Lenders consider lower payments when qualifying, which allows the borrower to purchase more house. • ARMs are fixed for a specified number of years. In some cases, up to 10 years. In a high-rate environment like today’s market, ARMs may make sense because of the low fixed rate period, allowing borrowers to pay less each month. Bottom line, ARMs and fixed-rate mortgages are two ways to finance a home purchase while still providing similar benefits. Industrial Bank’s Residential Lending Team is available to assist with your home buying process. Trust us to provide you with the best options available to meet your specific financial need. HS
HOMEOWNERSHIP A KEY TO BUILDING
GENERATIONAL WEALTH Industrial Bank has programs and services to meet your unique needs: Down Payment Assistance Programs* First-Time Home Buyer Programs* DC Open Doors* Maryland Smartbuy Program* FHA, Conventional and VA Loan Programs*
*Offer of credit is subject to credit approval
NMLS # 488640
https://industrial-bank.borrowerwallet.com/registration
USE THE QR CODE TO CONNECT WITH A MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER
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HOMEOWNERSHIP
A KEY TO BUILDING
GENERATIONAL WEALTH Industrial Bank has programs and services to meet your unique needs:
Down Payment Assistance Programs* First-Time Home Buyer Programs* DC Open Doors* Maryland Smartbuy Program* FHA, Conventional and VA Loan Programs*
*Offer of credit is subject to credit approval
FIND OUT MORE INFORMATION https://industrial-bank.borrowerwallet.com/registration
NMLS # 488640
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USE THE QR CODE TO CONNECT WITH A MORTGAGE LOAN OFFICER.
How Do Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Programs Work? lar amount. For most programs, the amount will first go towards your down payment, then towards closing costs, and in some cases, it could even go toward mortgage insurance.
Michelle Fields-Hall Senior Loan Officer For many, the most difficult hurdle in the home buying journey is gathering the out-of-pocket funds required for a down payment and closing costs. Fortunately, there are down payment and closing cost assistance programs available through states, cities, counties, housing agencies, and even George Mason Mortgage that can help make this sometimes-formidable task feasible.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS?
WHO CAN RECEIVE DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE?
While many down payment assistance programs are often paired with loan options for first-time homebuyers, this is not always the case, as some programs may be used by previous homeowners or even towards refinancing your current home. There also may be programs available in your area for professions such as teachers, first responders, doctors and city employees.
HOW DO DOWN PAYMENT AND CLOSING COST ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS WORK?
The amount of assistance you receive will vary from program to program and could be a percentage of the home’s sale price or a set dol-
This will vary from program to program. Most will typically, but not always, require that you: • Complete a homeownership counseling class, usually for first time homebuyers • Purchase in an approved area • Stay below agency conforming loan limits • Meet household income requirements • Satisfy credit score and credit history requirements What Programs Does George Mason Mortgage Offer Exclusively? George Mason Mortgage currently offers two exclusive programs. Through our GMM Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance Grants, we are able to combine a low down payment mortgage with down payment and closing cost assistance to
help qualified homebuyers purchase a home, or in some cases refinance their current home. To find out more information about our GMM Grant Programs please visit: https://www.gmmllc.com/ loan-options/gmm-cares-grants/ Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or building your dream home, I welcome the opportunity to earn your business. Market condi-
tions and mortgage programs change frequently, so quick and accurate real estate financing advice is crucial to making the best decisions. With over 15 years in the mortgage business, I have helped many people achieve their goal of homeownership. I take great pride in helping my clients determine the absolute best loan program to meet their individual mortgage financing needs. HS
Contact me with any questions you may have or to get started on your journey home – Michelle Fields-Hall Senior Loan Officer NMLS#: 270722 Phone: (443) 798-6112 Email: MFields-Hall@gmmllc.com www.gmmllc.com/michelle-fields-hall
HERE TO GUIDE YOU HOME CONTACT US FOR A FREE FIRST TIME HOME BUYER GUIDE
1 (800) 864-6859
www.HomeWithGMM.com George Mason Mortgage | NMLS ID: 153400 | Equal Housing Lender | Advertising Notice - Not a Commitment to Lend - Subject to Program Availability. All loan applications subject to credit approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR), programs, rates, fees, closing costs, terms and conditions are subject to change without any notice and may vary depending upon credit history and transactions specifics. Other closing costs may be necessary. Flood and/or property hazard insurance may be required. To be eligible, buyer must meet minimum down payments, underwriting and program guidelines.
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GMM GRANT
JOURNEY HOME UP TO $10,000 FOR DOWN PAYMENT & CLOSING COSTS Do you dream of owning a home, but have limited funds for a down payment and closing costs? Our Journey Home Grant1 program may be the answer to your home buying dreams.
GET STARTED TODAY
WWW.GMMLLC.COM/GRANTS
Subject to Credit Approval. Journey Home Grant is a lender grant and is not available in all market areas. Grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase or refinance of primary residence. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-to-value of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. In addition to Journey Home grant requirements, borrowers must meet Fannie Mae HomeReady program eligibility requirements. HomeReady® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. Mortgage Insurance is required for properties with over 80% loan-to-value. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice.
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Your Journey Home By Stephen Morris SVP Director Community Lending The spring housing market of 2022 is very different compared to market trends from previous years. The Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of our daily routines including how we do business. The War in Ukraine and rising inflation has significantly increased mortgage rates. The low interest rates available in 2020 and 2021 are long gone. The higher rates are increasing the cost of homeownership and impacting first time buyers the most. These are challenging times for first time homebuyers. Given that down payment, or lack thereof, has proven itself to be one of the major barriers to homeownership, George Mason Mortgage and United Bank recently announced the release of two new grant programs; The Welcome Home Grant1 and Journey Home Grant2. Both GMM grants combine a low down payment mortgage with down payment and closing costs assistance of up to $10,000. These grant programs were designed to
bridge that gap while providing the new homeowner with competitive rates and fees just as if the down payment were their own thereby expand-
ing homeownership opportunities. The Journey Home and Welcome Home Products are currently offered in select areas of the DC MSA and are designed to support property purchases in LMI (low to moderate income) and majority minority census tracts. Given the high prices in this market, both programs allow for a high loan limit of $647,000 and high-income limits ($102,800 and $153,000). The credit score requirements and guidelines are very fair and reasonable. First time homebuyers must complete an online Home Buying class. In the two months since we launched these Grant Programs, we have already helped 42 families achieve the dream of home ownership. We have another 30 families moving toward closing in the next 30 days. As a full service lender, we can finance almost any residential property scenario. We also offer, VA, FHA, Jumbo, Construction and Renovation loans in the states we are licensed. GMM is proud to expand homeownership opportunities for families in our communities and is dedicated to serving our neighbors by helping build wealth through homeowner-
ship. George Mason Mortgage is committed to supporting and investing in the communities in our footprint to advance equity and equality. Visit www.gmmllc.com/loan-options/ welcome-home-grant for more information about our GMM Grants. HS 1. Subject to Credit Approval. Welcome Home Grant is a lender grant and is not available in all market areas. Grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase of primary residence. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-tovalue of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. 2. Subject to Credit Approval. Journey Home Grant is a lender grant and
is not available in all market areas. Grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase or refinance of primary residence. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-to-value of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. In addition to Journey Home grant requirements, borrowers must meet Fannie Mae HomeReady program eligibility requirements. HomeReady® is a registered trademark of Fannie Mae. Mortgage Insurance is required for properties with over 80% loan-to-value. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. George Mason Mortgage, LLC | NMLS ID #: 153400 (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org) | Equal Housing Lender | Advertising Notice. Not a Commitment to Lend.
These are challenging times for first time homebuyers. Given that down payment, or lack thereof, has proven itself to be one of the major barriers to homeownership, George Mason Mortgage and United Bank recently announced the release of two new grant programs; The Welcome Home Grant1 and Journey Home Grant2.
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Subject to Credit Approval. Welcome Home Grant is a lender grant and is not available in all market areas. Grant is capped at $10,000, with up to 3% of sales price or appraised value (whichever is less) applied towards down payment first and then any remaining funds applied to closing costs. No cash back for the Grant funds allowed. Loan must be for purchase of primary residence. Property type and location limitations apply. Loan terms and conditions apply, including but not limited to, maximum loan-to-value of 97%, maximum loan amount, minimum credit score, and maximum income limits. Homebuyer education may be required. Grant program may be considered taxable income. 1099-MISC may be issued. You should consult with your tax advisor. Program rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. 1
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By the Numbers By Lee Ross / WI Staff Writer
BETWEEN 1912 AND 2019, THE DEATH RATE HAS INCREASED 23 PERCENT, FROM 28 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1912 TO 34.4 IN 2020 (AFTER ADJUSTING FOR THE 1948 CLASSIFICATION CHANGE).
The number of deaths in the home increased 21.1 percent in 2020. The rate of preventable injury-related deaths occurring in or around the home has increased 272 percent since 1999. This rapid increase has erased the progress made over the last century. IN 1912, WHEN THERE WERE 21 MILLION HOUSEHOLDS, AN ESTIMATED 26,000 TO 28,000 PEOPLE WERE KILLED BY PREVENTABLE HOME-RELATED INJURIES.
The injury total of 31,800,000 means that 1 person in 10 in the United States experienced a medically consulted injury.
OVER HALF OF THE DEATHS OCCURRING IN THE HOME ARE POISONINGS, TOTALING 69,900 DEATHS IN 2020.
The number of medically consulted injuries occurring in the home is greater than the total number of medically consulted injuries that occur in public places, the workplace, and motor-vehicle crashes combined.
3%
The second leading cause was falls, resulting in 28,100 deaths, or a quarter of all home deaths. No other cause accounted for more than 3 percent of the home deaths.
In 2020, with 128 million households and triple the population, home-related deaths numbered 113,500. This increase in deaths is largely driven by increases in unintentional poisonings and falls.
Greater Washington Urban League The Greater Washington Urban League’s Housing Division builds financial bridges from rental housing to homeownership, creating stability and prosperity for families throughout the region. Programs on financial literacy help youth and adults understand resource investments and wealth accumulation. The Housing Division offers homebuyer education workshops teaching participants how to apply for a loan, prepare a budget, and resolve credit problems. These and other We have the keys to success! workshops are offered at the Greater Washington Urban League headquarters in Washington, D.C. and in our Prince George’s County, MD Office.
GENERATIONAL WEALTH BEGINS WITH HOMEOWNERSHIP LET US HELP The GWUL Housing Center makes the path to homeownership more attainable. Contact us for information and help on:
• First-Time Homeownership • Credit Counseling • Purchase Down payment Assistance • Post-purchase Issues & • Housing Counseling Foreclosure Information
The Greater Washington Urban League’s Housing Center builds financial bridges to homeownership, creating stability and prosperity for families throughout the region. The GWUL Housing Center offers homeownership education workshops teaching participants how to apply for a loan, prepare a budget, and resolve credit problems. These and other workshops are offered at the Greater Washington Urban League. To learn more and find out about upcoming classes and events, visit us at https://gwul.org/housing-services
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Contact us to start your homebuying journey. We are committed to helping area buyers find the right mortgage product for their needs by offering individualized service and a wide variety of mortgage programs. We make the process of securing a home loan straightforward by offering the latest in application tools — all from a local bank that customers know and trust.
202.292.1568 HomeLoans@EagleBankCorp.com This is not a commitment to lend. All loan applications are subject to credit and property approval. Products (Programs) listed may be subject to additional conditions and funds availability. FHLB Grants for First-Time Buyers, FHLB Grants for Community Heroes, Mortgage Credit Certificates, Fannie Mae HomeReady, Freddie Mac HomePossible, Maryland Mortgage Program, Maryland SmartBuy 3.0, District of Columbia HPAP, DC EAHP, Pathway to Purchase - Prince George’s Co., FHA Low Downpayment Loans, 100% Financing on VA Loans for Veterans, DC Open Doors, CHENOA Program, and the Landed, Inc. Downpayment Program for Educators, Healthcare, First Responders, and Municipal Workers; Conventional, Jumbo, and Government Loans. EagleBankCorp.com NMLS #440513
Proud Sponsor of the Washington Informer Our House Initiative
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Understanding the Housing Health and Safety Rating System Dr. Sophia Sparks WI Staff Writer Each year, housing conditions in the U.S. are implicated in thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of illnesses and injuries requiring medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Negative health outcomes have been linked to the hazardous conditions in homes across the nation in studies since the 1980s. Americans spent up to 50 percent of their time within their homes, before the pandemic, making the overall safety of the home a critical component to good health. Home hazards have been linked to a variety of negative health outcomes. Mold and volatile organic compounds have been linked to respiratory tract infections, asthma, and asthma morbidity. Radon has been linked to cancer and death. Extreme weather has also led to the exacerbation of existing respiratory and heart ailments as well as to death. Each of these illnesses can manifest from neglected or abused household appli-
ances, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and from within older homes where unregulated materials were used in their construction. The Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS) provides a method of grading the severity of threats to health and safety in homes. The inspection process considers the effect on occupant health of any hazards in the property. Hazards are rated according to how serious they are and the effect they are having, or could have, on the occupants, that is, “the effect of the defect.” The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes (OLHCHH) began training its Healthy Homes program grantees to use the Healthy Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS), a tool designed in the United Kingdom, to justify intervention decisions to correct identified residential health and safety hazards. Both the British and U.S. versions assess 29 housing hazards that pose risks
to health or safety -- grouped into four categories determined by their characteristics: physiological, psychological, infection, and accidental hazards.. Each of the 29 hazards are assessed separately and weighted according to likelihood of occurrence and the possible outcomes should the hazard result in harm. The assessment process not only spots defects, but also takes a risk assessment of outcomes and effects. For instance, if old windows in poor condition are assessed as a hazard, it can contribute to excessive cold as well as damp and mold., and be a contribu-
tor to excessive noise pollution, entry by intruders, or falls between levels. A single deficiency, then, can produce more than one hazard and impact the score. The likelihood and severity of a hazard causing harm is tabulated using the rubric: Extreme (Scoring of 10,000) in which the hazard can cause death, lung cancer, mesothelioma, paralysis, 80 percent burn Injuries; Severe (Scoring of 1000) in which cardio respiratory disease, Legionnaires, fractures, burns, or loss of consciousness can occur; Serious (Scoring 300) in which eye disorders, hypertension, parasitic dermatitis, vomiting, strain or sprain injuries can occur; and Moderate (Scoring of 10) in which severe discomfort, slight confusion, moderate cuts, bruising, regular serious coughs and colds, occur. “The U.S. system is designed to monitor the impact of insidious conditions within a home on the overall health of the residents. In addition to checking for the existence of mold
and dampness, HHRS checks for hazards that could cause serious injury or death from caustic agents like carbon monoxide and asbestos,” real estate agent Priscilla Whelan told the Informer. “As a property owner the cost can be great to make repairs; however, the cheap comes out expensive when hazards are not remedied. The goal is also to ensure that homes are not ‘sick buildings’ that cause serious health problems.” Studies conducted by the Home Safety Council have associated toxins such as lead paint in the home to lead poisoning and lower IQs, learning disorders, criminal activity, and hormonal deficiencies. Similarly, other toxins like carbon monoxide have led to neurotoxicity, coma, and death. “Our homes are supposed to be places of great comfort and joy, but when those spaces hide hazards, the dream home can turn quickly into a nightmare,” Whelan noted. “There will always be some level of hazard in any indoor space, but the rating system helps minimize the potential of injury and death from those hazards.” HS
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Pathway To Purchase Home Ownership Program Funded With Over $800,000 To Assist First Time Home Buyers Submitted by Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development The Prince George’s County’s home ownership assistance program, “Pathway to Purchase,” has $886,526 in funding to assist first-time homebuyers. This program offers first-time homebuyers up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance toward the purchase of a home. Homebuyers can purchase a home anywhere in Prince George's County. Eligible residential properties include: new construction, resale, short sales, and foreclosures. “We are excited that we can continue to support this opportunity,” said Aspasia Xypolia, Director of the Prince George's County Department of Housing and Community Development. “This dedicated funding will help people get on the path to home ownership. We are eager to continue our progress in helping families begin their pursuit of the American Dream.” Pathway to Purchase is a 0% interest loan program that must be paid back when the home is sold, transferred or ceases to be the primary residence of the buyer(s). However, if the homebuyer resides in the home for 10 years, the loan is forgiven, and the lien is released. The maximum price for homes purchased with Pathway to Purchase assistance is $399,000 for re-sale homes and $411,000 for new construction. Homebuyers may use FHA, Maryland Mortgage Program, VA or Conventional Loans with Pathway to Purchase, and the home must pass a Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Inspection as part of the application process. The Redevelopment Authority of Prince George's County administers the program. Homebuyers must work with an approved mortgage lender to submit an application. Since 2017, the Redevelopment Authority has assisted 675 homebuyers purchase their first home in Prince George's County through the Pathway to Purchase homebuyer assistance program. For information on program income limits, buyer contribution, area median income and debt requirements, visit the Redevelopment Authority’s website: www.redevelopment@mypgc.us HS
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If you are a first-time homebuyer, you could be eligible for up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance toward the purchase of your first home. Pathway to Purchase is a 0% interest, deferred payment loan. The loan is forgiven after 10-years as long as the home is your primary residence and you do not sell or transfer the home during the 10-year period.
PURCHASE PRICE LIMITS
ELIGIBLE PROPERTIES
LOAN TERMS
$399,000 Resale
Any residential property including:
$411,000 New Construction
New Construction Resale Foreclosure Short Sale
Purchaser may pay back the loan in full when the home is sold, transferred or ceases to be the primary residence of the buyer(s) within a 10-year affordability period.
For more information, visit the Redevelopment Authority at www.princegeorgescountymd.gov/865
2022 WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT / www.washingtoninformer.com
Tips for Keeping Your Home Safe
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Lee Ross WI Staff Writer 1. Make sure that any fabrics you use for upholstery and curtains are flame retardant. The law, referred to as TB 117, was passed in California in 1975, stating that the foam inside upholstered furniture must resist flames. This is especially important in homes where smokers reside as it helps prevent fires from dropped cigarettes. All new sofas have to meet strict fire regulations; however, second-hand ones may have been made before the rules about upholstery were written. 2. Refrain from leaving dryers running when not at home. In 1998, there were 14,300 home fires related to dryers. 3. Never run an empty microwave. It can cause overheating and serious damage. 4. Paint is flammable. Store in a climate-controlled area away from heat sources. 5. Never use a metal ladder around power lines or electrical wiring; a metal ladder will pose the risk of electric shock. 6. The single most important fire preventive measure is to equip your home with working smoke detectors. Remember to test them every month and replace the batteries annually. 7. To prevent scalding, make sure your water heater temperature is set no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit.
WE’RE HERE TO
8. Keeping a phone list in the kitchen near the phone is not just convenient, but a safety feature as well. Jot down phone numbers for the police, fire department, doctors, family members or neighbors so if you have to act quickly you can.
HELP YOU
9. Change the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors with the beginning and ending of Daylight Savings Time.
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Speak The Language of Homeownership Equity & Finance
By Dr. Sophia Sparks WI Staff Writer
COVID-19 has proven to all age groups that the end could be now. Death is not for the old and is one thing everyone has in common. Leave a legacy by being prepared for your passing. Assist your loved ones in transitioning into a life phase without you by having your affairs in order with either a will or trust. In preparing either of these legal documents, you may encounter many unfamiliar terms. The effectiveness of your documents depends on your understanding of the subject matter. Here are some key terms that will help in preparing for this process.
BASIC TERMINOLOGY OF A WILL
Bequest – a provision that leaves property to someone. Bequeath – verb referring to leaving something to a beneficiary. Example: “I bequeath my lawnmower to my grandchild Victor.” Beneficiary – someone who receives an inheritance through a will. Codicil – A document that amends an existing will. Executor – the person selected to distribute assets according to your will after you pass. Intestate – person who dies without a will. Probate – the legal process through which a court examines, approves, and enacts the terms of a will.
Testator – one who makes and executes a last will and testament. Testamentary trust – trust created through a will. Will/ Last Will and Testament – communicates one’s final wishes as it pertains to their assets (house, car, or other owned assets) and dependents.
LIVING TRUST BASIC TERMINOLOGY
Estate Tax – tax on your right to transfer property at your death. After the net amount is computed, the value of lifetime taxable gifts (beginning with gifts made in 1977) is added to this number and the tax is computed. Funding the trust – transferring assets into the name of the trust. Gift Tax – tax combined with the federal estate tax. Grantor/Trustor – person creating the trust. Irrevocable trust – trust that cannot be changed or altered by the settlor. A living trust manages assets during life and after death. Pour over will – will used with a living trust. Revocable/living trust – trust that can be changed, altered, or even cancelled by the grantor at any time. Beneficiary– person or entity for whom the trust was established. Successor Trustee – manages and controls the assets upon death of the trustee. Trustee – manages and controls the assets HS
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Our House DC: One Year Later Austin R. Cooper, Jr. WI Newsletter Managing Editor In August 2021, The Washington Informer launched the Our House D.C. Newsletter, a monthly platform designed to document and examine factors contributing to the loss of housing among African Americans and marginalized residents – including seniors – in Wards 7 and 8. Our House D.C. opened dialogue and provided critical resources to readers that assisted homeowners, their communities, and local government agencies in practical solutions to a myriad of housing concerns. We served not only as ambassadors, of sort, to homeowners, but also found ourselves learning a lot about great programs and networks that aid homeowners. We have gone from ideas and assumptions to research and investigation – sometimes with surprising results. Our House, D.C. made a difference in the way conversations about homeownership in Wards 7 and 8 take place. Perhaps most importantly, The Washington Informer’s Our House newsletters have helped put these considerations into spaces where improvements and policy changes occur. While recently visiting my mother, I asked her to define “generational wealth.” She immediately spoke of the importance of living within your means, paying a mortgage, not rent, and “saving, saving, saving.” Mom’s perspective, I found, was similar to U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Marcia Fudge and former United Nations Ambassador Andrew Young. They, and others interviewed for the newsletter, held a narrow (but prolif-
With Our House D.C., we are also making a difference in the community by highlighting issues confronting Black homeowners and providing invaluable tools and resources to keep them in their homes. ic) definition of generational wealth: leaving a home for your children. This was also the definition their parents utilized. Since assuming the position of Managing Editor of Our House D.C., I, even as a homeowner, have gained new insight while exploring
Black homeownership in the District. For example, when we first began this journey, there was an assumption that the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) removed residents from their homes without due process because of property tax delinquencies. However, we learned that local
government has a detailed process in place to prevent such from occurring only as a last resort and only after extensive efforts have been made to resolve outstanding tax liabilities with homeowners. We also learned just how important making and implementing sound financial decisions are to generational wealth building. Failure to do so can prove costly when passing on property to children and grandchildren. “When real property is cited for violation of local housing ordinances, citations can lead to significantly higher real property rates and eventually a tax sale by the government,” according to Deborah D. Boddie, a D.C.-based estate planning attorney, and real estate broker. Our House D.C. reporting also highlighted the realities of homeownership that fall beyond mere definitions, rumors, and conjecture. Such was the case with our investigation of Brittany Bennett, whose dream of moving with her sons into their first home on Talbert Street in Southeast, turned nightmarish when poor quality construction forced her to vacate. Yet, even after leaving, Bennett was still required to meet their mortgage payments and pay condominium fees. We are making a difference. Mildred Chappelle is an elderly Black woman with dementia. She is bed-ridden and requires full-time healthcare support. Her nephew, Dr. Edward Chappelle, made the difficult decision to move Mildred in with her sister, and away from her home in Washington, D.C., where she lived for 60 years. The house was purchased by Mildred’s parents 96 years ago. The move, however, did
not come without significant tax consequences. Over time, the D.C. government deemed Mildred’s property vacant and abandoned, exposing the Chapelle’s to substantial tax liabilities amounting upwards to $100,000. The chance that the property could be lost at a tax sale became more real every day, despite efforts by Dr. Chapelle to maintain the property and others owned by his aunt, a former real estate professional. The family of Mildred Chappelle had their home property characterization by OTR changed as a result of our story last fall. With Our House D.C., we are also making a difference in the community by highlighting issues confronting Black homeowners and providing invaluable tools and resources to keep them in their homes. Our work is not done, however. There are other topics to be explored, such as gentrification, and additional community conversations to facilitate – similar to our event with the DC Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) last March. It is my hope that the newsletter grows and reaches more people, but also let us continue the journalism that improves the lives of the people we reach. Our House: Keeping Homes Blackowned in D.C.’s Wards 7 & 8, a bi-monthly newsletter published by The Washington Informer, in collaboration with the Center for Public Integrity. The year-long project was made possible through a Google News Innovation grant to address the pressures of gentrification faced by Black D.C. residents who seek to own or maintain a home in hopes of building and preserving generational wealth. Austin R. Cooper, Jr.
www.washingtoninformer.com / 2022 WASHINGTON INFORMER HOMEOWNERSHIP SUPPLEMENT
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Celebrating “Our House” OUR HOUSE D.C. 4.11.22
5 5.9.22 Ownership Matters, a collective for Black homeowners, gather for an annual photoshoot in front of Fredrick Douglass’s historic Southeast D.C. home on Juneteenth. (Photo by Gregory Jackson)
OUR HOUSE D.C. 5.9.22
Building Equity Through ‘Ownership Matters’ Group Ownership Matters, based in the District since 2018, works to build a community of Black homeowners, landowners, and business owners across the U.S., sharing lessons, challenges and resources through virtual platforms including GroupMe, Clubhouse and Instagram. “About 150 folks came together in front of Fredrick Douglass’ house [to] take a big group photo,” said Gregory Jackson, founder of Ownership Matters, referring to a celebration which started before the pandemic and continues for its fourth year. When COVID hit, a lot of the in-person stuff we had planned was derailed.” https://conta. cc/3kUiQsr
OUR HOUSE D.C. 4.25.22
Defining Generational Wealth Despite Aretha Franklin having specific and predetermined outfit changes during her homegoing ceremony, the Queen of Soul made no similar plans when it came to having a will. And while it’s evident that most Americans don’t possess the financial assets that these celebrities enjoyed, when it comes to passing down assets, most Black people have not implemented the appropriate strategies to secure and preserve generational wealth. “It’s not even just leaving something behind for our progeny,” explained Jasmine Tyler, professor of the practice at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University. https://conta.cc/3vGc3Hx
Mortgage Lending Disparities Limit the Rate of Black homeownership in D.C. The road to financial power and prosperity is paved with homeownership. Nationally, over 70% of Black wealth is tied to homeownership. In 2020, after the death of George Floyd, protests fostered conversations around the connections between issues of policing and economics, education, housing, and equity. Americans demanded that the institutions with which they spent money go on record with their commitment to racial justice. Unfortunately, two years later, these investments have done little to move the needle upward for the rate of homeownership for Black Americans and Black residents of the District. https://conta.cc/377ofco
OUR HOUSE D.C. 3.28.22
5 3-28-22 The D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue informs D.C. homeowners about the property tax process after mailing nearly 250,000 property assessments last month. (Courtesy photo)
Community Conversation with the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue The D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue (OTR) and The Washington Informer led a virtual community conversation to inform D.C. homeowners about property tax assessments and assistance ahead of the tax payment due date on March 31. In mid-February, the agency mailed nearly 250,000 real property tax assessments for 2022 to District residents, followed by
5 12.6.21 (Photo courtesy of The Washington Informer)
real property tax bills sent in early March. The virtual forum that lasted more than an hour included participants’ questions focusing on issues related to their property tax bills, including the process for calculating tax assessments. https:// conta.cc/3GaubOB
OUR HOUSE D.C. 12.6.21
5 4.25.22 Jasmine Tyler, Professor, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University (Photo courtesy of Georgetown University)
5 4.11.22 Jamal and Ashley Smith (homebuyers) and Lledon Stokes (Real Estate Agent)(Photo courtesy of Antoine M. Thompson)
The Impact Of COVID-19 On Black Homeownership In The District In December 2021, just under 800,000 Americans had died from COVID-19 and a new variant, Omicron, which was arriving on
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American shores. Throughout the District, breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables have empty chairs, each representing loved ones who died prematurely due to COVID-19. Mothers and fathers are attending parent-teacher conferences, but now as single parents. Children grow up without their grandparents and some, without mothers or fathers. Favorite teachers are no longer with us. Even children are victims of the pandemic. Yet, the holiday season also represented one of hope. https://conta.cc/3DqsSs6
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and a new variant, Omicron, which was arriving on American shores. Throughout the District, breakfast, lunch, and dinner tables have empty chairs, each representing loved ones who died prematurely due to COVID-19. Mothers and fathers are attending parent-teacher conferences, but now as single parents. Children grow up without their grandparents and some, without mothers or fathers. Favorite teachers are no longer with us. Even children are victims of the pandemic. Yet, the holiday season also represented one of hope. https:// conta.cc/3DqsSs6
OUR HOUSE D.C. 10.25.21
5 11.2.21 Ms. Mildred Chappelle. (Photo courtesy of Dr. Edward Chappelle)
OUR HOUSE D.C. 11.2.21
Update: Elderly Woman May Lose Home Owned by Family for Almost 100 Years The Impact Of COVID-19 On Black Homeownership In The District In December 2021, just under 800,000 Americans had died from COVID-19
Elderly Woman May Lose Home Owned by Family for Almost 100 Years This article explored the challenges of District homeowners who find their homes designated as blighted properties and on the auction block for sale due to unpaid property taxes. Mildred Chappelle, 97-years old, was, profiled. The property at 4304 Jay Street, NE, in Washington, D.C., has been owned by the Chappelle family for 96 years. The home was purchased by Mildred Chappelle’s parents, Belton and Janie Chappelle, on June 20, 1925. Chappelle was raised in this home along with her brothers, Stanley and Edward, and sister Gladys. What if this happens to you? https://conta. cc/3GgaEfz
5 10-11-21 Rates of Black homeownership have been decreasing recently in Wards 1 through 6, a Public Integrity analysis shows. Wards 7 and 8 saw upticks – is this cause for celebration or concern?
OUR HOUSE D.C. 10.11.21
The Latest: Black Homeownership On the Rise in D.C.’s Wards 7 & 8. How long will it last? Kimberly Cataundella with the Center for Public Integrity (CPI) examined the root causes of the increase in Black homeownership in Wards 7 and 8 and the subsequent decrease in Wards 1 and 4. In her story, hear Albert J. Wilson, Jr. who resides in Northeast and is the primary caregiver for his mother, offered his reflections on both his pride and the challenges of Black homeownership in the nation’s capital. “The biggest thing
5 9-27-21 Cracks in the floor of Brittany Bennett’s unit. (Photo courtesy of Commissioner McKinney)
I’m seeing is how little Black community there is anymore,” Wilson said. https://conta.cc/3Dnc4Co
OUR HOUSE D.C. 9.27.21
5 10-25-21 Anthony R. Bolling, JD, CCIM, MiCAP, Principal Broker, Anthony Bolling Group and Austin R. Cooper, Jr., Managing Editor (Courtesy photo )
Homeowners’ Dreams Deferred on Talbot Street Southeast Brittany Bennett and her sons lived in a shelter. She often dreamed of purchasing a home, she also spent many sleepless nights wondering how her dream could become a re-
ality. So, as she said, she held on to her dream and began to search for ways that would allow her to begin building “generational wealth.” she would discover that help was available from the District and took full advantage of it. Unfortunately, Brittany, like others at Grandview Estates, overcame homelessness only to be confronted with multiple safety concerns in their “dream homes.” https://conta.cc/3m1xuy0 HS
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Recent & Recommended Books on Black Homeownership PREVENTING HOME ACCIDENTS: A QUICK AND EASY GUIDE
FIRST AID & SAFETY FOR DUMMIES
CHARLES B. INLANDER, JANET WORSLEY NORWOOD, THE PEOPLE'S MEDICAL SOCIETY
DAN HANNAN
Contrary to the perception that the home is a safe environment, a person is ten times more likely to sustain a serious injury or die at home as a result of an accident than in the course of their employment. This book will help homeowners combat those odds by providing information adapted from proven techniques used by safety professionals. Filled with anecdotal descriptions and examples, the book offers much more than "safety tips” as it educates the homeowner in how to control risk through hazard identification. Information is concisely organized, uniformly formatted, and supported by high quality images. Chapter topics include fall hazards (roofs, ladders, stairs, etc.), electrical safety, fire prevention, hand and power tool safety, emergency planning, and others.
The key to emergency response is preparedness. First comes prevention; knowing how to stop emergencies before they happen. Yet if sudden injury or illness occurs, knowing what to do can make the difference between a mild emergency and a serious one, or even between life and death. When you don’t know, panic usually results; now you’re part of the problem. But don’t fret; the information you need to be the first step in the solution – basic first aid and safety skills – is relatively simple and easy to learn. First Aid and Safety For Dummies gives you the tools you need to save a life from performing CPR correctly to accident-proofing your home.
THE HOME SECURITY HANDBOOK: EXPERT ADVICE FOR KEEPING SAFE AT HOME (AND AWAY) LYNNE FINCH
Author Lynne Finch takes a comprehensive look at ways to improve your family’s immediate safety and methods for protecting them in the future. Finch covers a wide range of topics from temporary ways renters can make their home secure, to more permanent changes an owner can make. As well as travel tips for domestic and international travel, with suggestions as simple as how to use your luggage tags to not only make your bag distinct, but to be more security conscious. Through interviews with Law Enforcement officers, Finch provides advice on how to handle various social interactions that keeps you from becoming a victim. HS
BEING SAFE AT HOME SUSAN KESSELRING
Presents tips for being safe around the house, including picking up toys when finished playing, only putting cords into sockets, and what to do when a smoke detector goes off. Did you know only cords should be plugged into wall sockets? If toys or other objects are stuck into wall sockets, you could get a dangerous electric shock. Find out more about how to be safe around the house in Safety at Home, part of the ‘Safety First’ series. This is an AV2 media enhanced book. A unique book code printed on page 2 unlocks multimedia content. This book comes alive with video, audio, weblinks, slideshows, activities, hands-on experiments, and much more.
YOUR FIRST DEFENSE FOR HOME FIRE SAFETY CAPTAIN HARRY FAST
Imagine If a fire started in your living room at 3:00 AM, would everyone in the home be alerted by a smoke alarm? Would they know what to do? Would they be able to safely escape from the home and know where to meet outside at a predetermined place of refuge, such as the sidewalk in front of your house or a neighbor's driveway? This book will teach you how to answer, "Yes" to all of the above. You will look at home fire safety in a whole new way. You will understand the four P's: - Prevention - Protection - Planning - Practice You will create your own Action Plan.
Stay Informed!
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Let’s talk about buying a new home to cook your masterpiece in. options and support you need. Specialized programs homebuyers, newly constructed homes, union members, employees of participating companies, military, or others. Reliable preapproval
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To learn more, call 1-877-937-9357 or visit www.wellsfargo.com/mortgage. and title report. Preapprovals are subject to change or cancellation if a requested loan no longer meets applicable regulatory requirements. Preapprovals are not available on all products. See a home mortgage consultant for details. Information is accurate as of the date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. © 2021 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. NMLSR ID 399801 AP5375479 8/6/21 108880 - 08/21
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EDITORIAL
Pride Festivities are Great but Only Legal Guarantees Will Provide True Equality
D.C. Capital Pride Month has returned after a two-year cancellation of most activities because of the coronavirus-related restrictions. Things have already kicked off with a host of events sponsored by the Capital Pride Alliance including poetry slams, dance parties and drag shows. Hundreds, if not thousands, of members of the LGBTQ+ will be out in “rainbow force” this weekend when the celebration culminates with the highly-popular Pride Parade on Saturday, June 11 and a festival and concert on Sunday, June 12. But while it’s important to allow all members of the human family to safely and openly express pride for being themselves, many fear that the hard-fought and hard-won gains secured by the LGBTQ+ community could be lost without the law on their side. And that’s why there’s a growing sense of urgency and anxiety among those who live these “alternative lifestyle.” Since the days of the discriminatory “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” ban on gay, lesbian and bisexual service members, instituted during the Clinton Administration, which for 17 years sent a message that discrimination was acceptable, America has moved ahead, allowing both gay marriage and the adoption of children by gays and lesbians. But things have not been as easy for transgender adults or youth. Those in prison often face being placed in cells that force them to be housed with those whose gender conforms with that of their birth rather than their chosen gender. As for children, transgender youth in public schools face ridicule and fear as they’re often denied the right to use bathrooms more appropriate for their needs. Further, with the rapid, nationwide surge of book banning initiatives that prohibit the inclusion of materials which include “controversial” topics like gay rights or gay identity, and legislation in states like Florida that regulate school lessons about sexual orientation and gender identity, the “Don’t Say Gay” bill as it’s often called, it appears that pride in America is only tolerated when it’s comfortable for those who hold the cards. It's great to talk about pride. But that’s not enough. We must ensure that the law guarantees all Americans the ability to live, work and play without the fear or possibility of being stripped of that pride and their right for full equality. WI
Bold Action Needed to Save Lives
Gun violence is a pervasive issue impacting Americans all over. It’s rampant and increasingly indiscriminate as deadly violence occurs in nearly every neighborhood regardless of socio-economic status. In D.C., where areas east of the Anacostia River have, for years, notoriously topped the rank of the most violent sections of the city due to gun violence and other violent crimes, a new chapter is turning as residents in the more tony neighborhoods in upper Northwest are also seeing an uptick in gun-related violence. This week, a woman was reportedly injured from a gunshot wound she received while at McDonald’s off Wisconsin Avenue and Van Ness Street, N.W. When the target of the violence is a classroom full of children, a grocery store where the customers are elderly and Black, or a church filled with demonstrably loving and caring parishioners who offer to pray with the gunman before turning his weapon on them, it is no mistake that a cry for stricter gun laws has become a significant rallying call. Years after Ward 8 leaders described the violence in their neighborhoods as a “public health crisis,” community leaders across the country are now echoing the same refrain. Legislators in Congress continue to skirt the issue by invoking the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution as the ultimate excuse for protecting the rights of gun owners. But this time, many Americans are not having it and their political persuasion has little or nothing to do with why they demand stricter gun laws. Nine House Judiciary Committee members passed a bill last week calling for more stringent gun laws following President Biden’s recommendation to ban the sale of high-capacity assault weapons or raise the legal age from 21 to purchase an assault weapon. It is time to end the rhetoric and demonstrate that lives matter. Young leaders will march in D.C. this weekend with March for Our Lives, demanding their own set of gun restrictions. The Reverend William Barber is coming with the Poor People’s Campaign the following weekend, calling for a Moral Revival to address poverty that also contributes to the uptick in gun violence and mental illness. Congressional leaders, especially Republicans, need to hear the cries of the people. They should be deafened by it and forced to act now. No more lives should be lost when taking bold legislative action can save them. WI
TO THE EDITOR An Informed Voter
Affected by Violence
The Washington Informer’s Voter Guide was superb! It was exactly what I was looking for — clear and concise information about who’s running and why. I’ve made sure to share with friends and family.
I am honestly beginning to live in fear, between the mass shootings every day around this country, the gun violence, and homicides in D.C. I am on edge more now than ever. Are there free resources for Washingtonians struggling with this kind of issue? That’s a story I would love to see in the paper.
Laverne Terry Washington, D.C.
Janey White Washington, D.C.
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 27
OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
Julianne Malveaux
Black Buffalo is Hurting from More than the Massacre
I was invited to join folks from Black Lives Matter to meet some of the affected in Buffalo, New York, people who have been traumatized by the awful May 14 massacre of 10 Black people and the wounding of more. I joined Black Lives Matter leaders from all over the country, from Michigan, New York, Los Angeles, Texas and Florida. My BLM colleagues asked me to put the racist attack on Black folks just buying groceries in the context of white insanity and predatory capitalism.
I was humbled to join these warriors, be called to witness the pain that so many are feeling, and humbled to hug a sister, her name is Frangrance, who was in the Tops grocery store and running out when she heard the shots. She ran out and then tried to run back in because she'd left her daughter behind. Rev. Julian Cook, the pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church, opened his facility up to allow people to share how violence had affected them, and Black Lives Matter Grass Roots was there to support them. In addition to those connected to the Buffalo Massacre, I was blessed to have time to connect with Rev. Geneva Reed-Veal, Sandra
Guest Columnist
Bland's mom, who sports a T-shirt that says "Sandy Speaks." Devante Clark, whose brother Stephon Clark was shot dead in his grandmother's backyard, was also there. So were Andrew and Deanna Joseph, whose son, Andrew Joseph, was executed by a police officer in Tampa, Florida, and Bianca Austin, a cousin of Breanna Taylor's, killed by a rogue police officer in Louisville, Kentucky. The pain in Macedonia was palpable. It was so real that you could hold it in your hands. When you went to hug people, they held on, seeking comfort. It was also that they had experiences to share. More, those from Buffalo under-
stand that the killings at Tops were not just killings at the Tops market. They were manifestations of vile racism and predatory capitalism that pervades Buffalo. The Tops market in the eastern part of Buffalo is the only grocery store there. Tops is one of the largest privately owned companies in Buffalo, and they own more than 150 stores in upstate New York, according to Wikipedia. They have started a fund to support victims of the massacre, but they have not owned their responsibility for the killings. Why is there only one grocery store in the eastern part of Buffalo? Anybody
who operates a monopoly can extract surplus value from its shoppers. The dozen or so people I talked to said that customer service at Tops was never great. Why would it be when the store has a monopoly? Without stopping at the East Buffalo Tops and another one in Buffalo, I can guarantee that prices in the 'hood were higher than they were in other parts of town. Tops management would likely say that costs are higher and profit margins lower. I'm not sure that that is the only reason. Predatory capitalists see communities like East Buffalo as profit centers.
MALVEAUX Page 49
A. Peter Bailey
Broadway Veteran Fearlessly Confronts Music Industry Exploiters
Let's begin by introducing Chapman Roberts. In a biographical sketch distributed in a Carnegie Hall celebration of the African American Cultural Legacy, he is described as a "Singer-actor–composer-vocal/choral arranger-conductor-musical supervisor-concert producer." He is also a four-time Grammy Award recipient who has been suc-
cessful in show business for over 50 years. During that time, his vocal arrangements have been acclaimed in hit Broadway and West End shows that have been estimated recipients of at least 50 Tony and Olivier award nominations. Productions arranged by Chapman Roberts have been nominated for or won every single musical theatre award available worldwide. Chapman Roberts shows include "Smokey Joe's Cafe," "Five Guys Named Moe," "Blues in the Night," "Eubie," "Bubbling Brown Sugar" and "Your Arms Too Short to
Guest Columnist
Box with God." Roberts is currently involved in a major confrontation with "big boys" in the music business who have, for decades, financially exploited the talent of Black artists such as himself and their families. Roberts states, "The history of Black musicians is that far too often they died broke." Their plight is usually assumed to be the result of bad living habits and lack of business acumen. That's not always the case. Singer/composer Johnnie Taylor's heirs have been fighting the world's largest music
publishing company, Sony/ATV, for 21 years. Years of such caustic legal wrangling is a favorite delaying tactic of billion-dollar corporations whose pockets are much deeper than those of their beleaguered victims whom they have deprived and drained of their resources and inheritances. My case is the most recent and yet to be revealed as Broadway's largest copyright infringement and premeditated fraud case. I hope that my citing certain cases as a frame for my current situation will also serve to spotlight the systemic pattern of generational
wealth and intellectual property theft from some of the world's most prominent Black artists and their families at the deft hands of music and theatre industry producers and publishers. We are reminded of the phenomenon of cultural appropriation in deliberately unexposed copyright and royalty infringements cases ranging from the iconic Bert Williams (1898), Isaac Hayes, Sam and Dave, Billy Strayhorn, Bill Withers, Tracy Chapman, The Isley Brothers, Lit-
BAILEY Page 49
Marc H. Morial
White Supremacist Attack Shone a Light on Buffalo's Racial Segregation and Poverty
"Racism [in Buffalo] there comes not only in the form of a teenage white supremacist murdering Black people at a grocery store. It is also evident in the policies that encourage disinvestment from public schools attended by Black students, in the annual failure to develop affordable-housing policies, and in the continued use of fees and fines that
28 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
disproportionately impact Black residents." Princeton Professor of African American Studies Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor Before the nation could fully process the horror of the May 14 mass murder at a Buffalo supermarket, we were battered with the heartbreak of another, even deadlier attack at an elementary school Texas. Incredibly, nearly 70 Americans have
died in mass shootings since the Buffalo attack. But even as we focus our energies on solving to the nation's gun violence crisis, we cannot allow fresh tragedies to overshadow the crisis of racism and poverty that allowed the white supremacist gunman in Buffalo to target Black victims with such precision. The Buffalo massacre was the deadliest white supremacist attack in the United States since August 2019, when a racist extremist targeting Latinos
killed 23 people and injured 23 others at a Walmart store in El Paso, Texas. The gunman chose Buffalo's East Side because — due to a history of redlining and residential segregation — it has the highest concentration of Black residents in New York State outside of the New York City metropolitan area. And he knew the Tops supermarket on the East Side would be crowded with Black shoppers because — thanks to decades of neglect — it is the only
supermarket in the neighborhood. Rather, it was the only supermarket in the neighborhood. Since the shooting, the Tops has been shut down, putting further stress on an already strained community. "Tops not only served as a grocery store, but there was a pharmacy there where the community had prescrip-
MORIAL Page 49
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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist
E. Faye Williams
Insidious Oppression
In past articles, I have frequently referred to the subject of "Maslow's Theory of the Hierarchy of Needs." In my opinion, it is one of the most significant behavioral theories that purportedly explains the motivation for actions we could label as "general behavior." Attempting a simplified explanation, Maslow hypothesizes that individuals in the human family are in a quest for the fulfillment of needs. Often depicted as a pyramid, Maslow's theory comprises a
five-tier model of human needs. From the bottom of the pyramid to the top, the needs are ranked as: physiological (food and clothing), safety (security), social (friendship), esteem (prestige and accomplishment), and self-actualization (achievement of full potential). Maslow's theory explains the human motivation from covering the body for warmth (physiological) to living one's "best life" of creativity and achievement (self-actualization). Moreover, Maslow believed that when conflict exists between a lower need and a higher need, the lower need will win out. Throughout history, there
Guest Columnist
are numerous examples of individuals and groups rejecting social conventions and public opinion when faced with the option of starvation versus cannibalism. This theory also offers explanation of how some soldiers placed in a threatening environment 24/7/365 can seemingly lose touch with their humanity and all motivation except that of survival. If there is truth in Maslow's theory, thoughtful reflection can show reason for many of the societal ills we currently face and the motivation for many of the political decisions made for the benefit of the privileged and wealthy. If a ma-
jority are consumed in a struggle for the achievement of lower-level needs, fewer will realize those needs which support competition at a higher societal level. In the Black community, we often hear reference made to "the speech" that Black parents give to their sons, which increasingly includes an audience of daughters. If our children are consumed with the belief that there is no safe space for them, that the aim of the police is to kill them indiscriminately, or that they are subject to animus of a local gang or bully, it is understandable that their future focus might be on navigating and surviving a hostile envi-
ronment rather than becoming Rhodes scholars. Extending that thought, one must ask if this theory gives clarity to the reluctance of Republicans, who overtly demonstrate being obligated to the wealthy and corporate interests, to enact justice in policing legislation or reasonable legislation to reduce gun violence. Without a nudge, few will connect or acknowledge the "possibility" of Maslow's theory having such a negative impact on societal outcomes. Blacks and other people of color are
WILLIAMS Page 50
Charlene Crowell
Despite Years of Payments, Black Student Loan Balances Go Up, Not Down
With every passing day, urgency grows to cancel the nation's $1.7 trillion student loan debt. The current federal pause on payments and interest rates will expire on Aug. 31. If no federal action is taken before that date, 15 million borrowers already struggling with the unfortunate combination of unsustainable debt and little or no wealth will face a daunting challenge with no financial relief in sight.
New research zeroes in on America's student debt dilemma. It also details worsening racial wealth and gender gaps that plague people who despite years of faithful loan payments find themselves now owing more rather than less: nearly 75% of Black borrowers and 63% of Latino borrowers have seen their student loan balances grow rather than shrink, compared to 51% of white borrowers. "Necessary Relief: Substantial Cancellation Will Ease the Burden of Affordable Student Debt and Boost the Economy," the just-released report from the Center for Responsible
Guest Columnist
Lending (CRL), augments an analysis of more than 360,000 credit records of student borrowers with a national series of focus groups and new analyses from the 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances (SCF). The report's multiple findings are as startling as they are widespread. Although Black America represents 12% of the nation's population, we hold 22% of all federal loan debt, affecting multiple generations – including retirees. CRL found that more than half of federal student loan debt is held by borrowers with a net worth of less than $6,370. Moreover, because Black students
are more likely to enroll in for-profit academic institutions with lower degree completion rates, debt repayment is still required for an education that did not provide an earnings boost. "Americans who work, pay taxes and tried to do the right thing have been used as cash cows to enrich unaccountable investors and corporate executives," said Jaylon Herbin, student loan outreach and policy manager at CRL. "The true victims of these abusive loan schemes deserve to have this government-imposed weight removed from their shoulders." The worst income-to-debt ratios
are found in Black-majority neighborhoods, where the average student debt balance is 102%. Low-income senior citizens struggling with student debt on average have a debt balance ratio of 127% and face a growing trend of retirement benefits garnished for lack of repayment. The effects of historic racial wealth disparities result in Black students who pursue higher education relying more heavily on loans than family support to finance their degrees. As a result, over half of all families with Black heads of
CROWELL Page 50
Marian Wright Edelman
Advice for Graduates
This is the traditional season for joyful commencement ceremonies for students across our nation — and this year's high school and college graduates are entering a world where their voices, influence and vision are desperately needed. As the organizers for the March for Our Lives, who are planning new marches on June 11 in Washington,
D.C., and around the country, say: "As a youth-led movement to end the epidemic of gun violence, we believe a new reality is possible — one where we are free from gun violence in all of its forms, including state-sanctioned violence by police. Among young people, gun violence has become a top cause of death. It has many root causes, including hate, poverty and despair. … Our mission calls for something more bold and transformative than gun control alone. We call for a world reimagined:
a world where oppressive power structures are abandoned and community is embraced. A world where all human needs are met and the love of people is centered." Young people will lead the way. Despite all the change and challenges in the world today's graduates will inherit, I do believe there is some enduring advice we can all give them. I agree with Archibald MacLeish that "there is only one thing more powerful than learning from experience and that is not learning
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from experience." I feel strongly that it is the responsibility of every adult — parent, teacher, preacher and professional — to make sure that young people hear what we have learned from the lessons of life that helped us survive and succeed, for them to hear from us what we think matters, and to know that they are never alone as they go to meet the future. Here are nine lessons from the letter I wrote my own three sons that I share again for the Class of 2022.
One: Don't feel entitled to anything you don't sweat and struggle for. Take the initiative in creating your own opportunity, and don't wait around for other people to discover you or do you a favor. Don't assume a door is closed; push on it. Don't assume if it was closed yesterday, it's closed today. And don't ever stop learning and improving your mind. Two: Set thoughtful goals and work
EDELMAN Page 50 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 29
LIFESTYLE
CELEBRATING BLACK MUSIC MONTH
D.C.’s Iconic Band Experience Unlimited Marks Golden Anniversary with New Song Poised to Re-Release 1977 Tune, ‘Peace Gone Away,’ to Address Rising Tide of Violence D. Kevin McNeir WI Senior Writer In 1988, after being tapped by Black film producer and director Spike Lee, the world would be introduced to the electrifying sound of Experience Unlimited (EU) as they struck gold with a song enti-
tled “Da Butt” in the film, “School Daze.” The song, with lead vocals performed by EU’s front man and guitarist, Gregory “Sugar Bear” Elliott, became a Billboard megahit helping the band achieve worldwide acclaim. But for native Washingtonians,
5 Darrin X, Sugar Bear and Mighty Moe. (Photo courtesy Experience Unlimited)
as well as a growing cadre of fans from outside of D.C., all drawn to the unique sound of go-go, a relatively new style of music formed in the District, EU had already claimed a prominent place in their hearts and minds – a band with a powerful onstage presence, an energy that few could match and a
repertoire that included funk, rock and, of course, go-go. And while the band has seen multiple iterations since their formative years when a dedicated group of students from Charles Hart Middle School in D.C.’s Southeast neighborhood of Anacostia teamed up in 1971, EU has weathered the storm and continued to scale new heights. The band celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2021, albeit much quieter than such an achievement deserved and with little fanfare because of the pandemic. But a year later, with more people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and infection rates on the decline, officials in cities throughout the U.S. have lifted restrictions. And EU has wasted little time, already returning to the road and making appearances in the DMV much to the delight of their hometown fans. And on Friday, June 10, they will officially drop the re-release of a song which appeared on their very first album back in 1977. But this time, “Peace Gone Away” has a slightly different vibe, updated for a new generation and produced
by the legendary Roy Battle, along with an accompanying video that will make its debut on the same day on YouTube. The band believes it’s vital for people to reunite for a more peaceful society and to frown upon the recent increase in violence. They chose the release date of the song to coincide with the many observances that will be held throughout the month of June which serves as Black Music Appreciation Month – an annual celebration of African-American music in the U.S. EU legend Sugar Bear strongly believes that music is most effective when it promotes positive messages. He said “Peace Gone Away” represents such an example. “During our reunion activities last year, we looked back at our past and after several discussions, we decided to redo “Peace Gone Away,” one of the songs from our first album,” Sugar Bear said. “I thought it was a great idea and timely because I was becoming so concerned about the level of violence and the number of mur-
EU 50 Page 34
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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 31
LIFESTYLE
Animated Documentary Tells Inspirational Tale of Enslaved Bell Family’s Fight for Freedom William J. Ford WI Staff Writer
5 April Green talks about the history of Daniel Bell. Green’s a descendant of Bell who was born in 1802 and died in 1877. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)
“Freedom. It’s so close, isn’t it? I can feel it. We shall have it.” Those 14 words provide the focus for a live-animated documentary about the family of Daniel and Mary Bell, enslaved in Prince George’s County, Maryland, and Washington, D.C., in the 19th century. The nearly 90-minute film, “The Bell Affair,” premiered Thursday, June 1 at the Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, Maryland. Screenings will be shown nationwide this year including virtually in the fall through the Prince George’s County Memorial Library System. “What our project does is it expands the dialogue . . . and gives
us other histories to talk about,” director Kwakiutl Dreher said Thursday before the film screening. “We’re dealing with details. We’re showing how enslaved people talked to each other, lived with each other.” The Bell’s family history comes from one of several stories featured in a book written by William G. Thomas III, “A Question of Freedom: The Families Who Challenged Slavery from the Nation’s Founding to the Civil War.” Various Prince George’s agencies and groups have committed to using the book as part of a multi-year project to produce programs and host virtual and in-person discussions and other events about families who lived in the county and fought for freedom through Maryland and federal courts starting in the late 1700s.
e m o c el W 2021/22 SEASON Back! $35 Tickets
Forever, We Will Sing: A Gospel Celebration
WASHINGTON PERFORMING ARTS GOSPEL CHOIRS Michele Fowlin & Theodore Thorpe III, artistic directors SAT, JUN 11, 8pm CENTER FOR PERFORMING ARTS AT PRINCE GEORGE’S COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Joe’s Movement Emporium, a cultural arts center in Mount Rainier, plans to showcase a play based on the book through a “Freedom Stories” project led by award-winning playwright Psalmayene 24, née Gregory Morrison. As for the Bell family film, April Green said it’s “overwhelming” to see her family’s history showcased for the nation to see. Green counts as a descendant of Daniel Bell, born in 1802 and died in 1877. Green said Bell organized the largest attempted slave escape in history with 77 people, including four of Bell’s children, on a schooner called “The Pearl.” Unfortunately, they would be captured with most of them eventually sold to slave owners in Vicksburg, Mississippi. “Which is where we live now. Same land. Our church is there. I was baptized there,” she said. “I have goosebumps. This is where my family lived. It’s unbelievable.” Last week’s visit also served as a homecoming for Myeisha Essex, an actress and a 2013 graduate from Howard University in Northwest who portrayed Mary Bell in the film.
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Guest artists include award-winning vocalist and music educator G. Thomas Allen, Children of the Gospel Choir alum Jordan Embrack, Canadian-born songstress, the renowned Monique Steele Griffith, and DMV-based recording artist Sherice Tomlin.
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Special thanks: Jacqueline Badger Mars and Mars, Incorporated; The Edith Glick Shoolman Children’s Foundation; the Beech Street Foundation and Mr. Jeffrey Bauman and Ms. Linda Fienberg; Barbara Myers and Tom Gallagher, in honor of Turnaround, Inc.; Hubert “Hank” Schlosberg and the Schlosberg Family; Bruce Rosenblum and Lori Laitman; Trista L. P. Colbert and Theodore Colbert; the Dan Cameron Family Foundation; Alison Francis; and Mr. and Mrs. Glen Howard.
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“This is a unique project for me because it was all virtually. I was setting up the camera, pressing play, recording and having to upload,” said Essex, who currently resides in Lincoln, Nebraska. “This is crazy this opportunity happened and even crazier [the film] will premier here. It’s amazing.” A future goal will be to showcase similar but shorter films, 10 to 12 minutes in length, and incorporate them into the county’s public schools. One short film in production through Animating History Films, “The Diary of Michael Shiner,” could be completed next summer. “We want to do a series of these shorter films focusing on an individual or a family,” said Thomas, who’s also a history professor at the University of Nebraska. “They are meant to be used in classrooms with supporting documents online that will allow teachers to go deeper. It can be teachable for all ages and the live-action animation helps. We need to do better in teaching history,” he said. WI @WJFjabariwill
Rain or shine.
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LIFESTYLE
EU 50 from Page 30 ders that were occurring in our communities here in the District,” he said. “We all agreed that with just a few changes, the song could serve as an excellent means of deterring negative behavior.” EU’s longtime manager, Charles Stephenson, Jr., said returning to the studio to record the song served as an unforgettable experience with musicians from the band’s past and present all rocking to the beat once again. The vocals of Melva “Lady” Adams and Cleve Battle soared to the heavens; the triumphant horns, led by Greg Boyer, hit it with only one take; JuJu and Mighty Mo held things down while Donald Fields let his guitar assume a new persona; Roy Battle tickled the ivories; and Sugar Bear unleashed his positive energy as the collective band forged a new moment in history. To assist in documenting EU’s musical history, Dr. Natalie Hopkinson, who leads Howard University’s Traditional Arts Program, along with her staff, have begun the task of chronicling the story of Experience Unlimited. “Generations have been partying with EU but what is publicly
known about their story barely scratches the surface,” said Hopkinson, who’s anchoring the project along with other partners and sponsors including the District of Columbia Office of Cable, Television, Music and Entertainment, the Go-Go Museum & Café, Don’t Mute DC, DC Office of Creative Affairs and the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities.” “EU epitomizes excellence, longevity and art with a community purpose . . . and they’re one of music’s great, untold stories,” Hopkinson added. More information about EU can be found on their website, www. EU50yearsofgogocrank.com. Scheduled events for EU’s spectacular summer include: July 10: Virtual EU Reunion – streamed live on Facebook @MakeGoGoForeverDC; July 25: Sugar Bear’s birthday celebration; and August 20: EU in concert at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Northwest. To download EU’s new song, visit music platforms including iTunes and Spotify. You can also tune in to local radio programs whose DJs will be showcasing “Peace Gone Away.” WI @mcneirdk
5 Brian Jordan, Howard University Traditional Arts Program, Sugar Bear and Montu Mitchell, owner, Love DC Go-Go Mitchcraft.(Photo courtesy Experience Unlimited)
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34 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
5 Sugar Bear (second left) with original members of EU. (Photo courtesy Experience Unlimited)
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© 2022 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Jeff Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 38, No. 28
Powerful Plankton
W K O R C I J LV L
Though they are quite tiny, swarms of this plankton are so huge they can be seen from space! Circle every other letter to How many discover its of me can you find name. on this page?
How many plankton are in a teaspoon of water? How many would you guess? Use the secret code to discover the surprising answer!
= SIX = HUNDRED = THAN = MORE = MILLION = PLANKTON = ONE = LESS = THOUSAND 5J A teaspoon of water can contain
Are plankton plants or animals?
A Breath of Fresh Air
The answer is both! There are two main types of plankton: phytoplankton (fi-toe-plank-ton) and zooplankton. Follow the maze to discover which are plants and which are animals.
ANIMAL
PHYTOPLANKTON
PLANT
ZOOPLANKTON
Phytoplankton make more than half of the oxygen in our world. Think of it this way, every time you take four breaths, two of those breaths came from oxygen made by phytoplankton through photosynthesis. So even if you live far from the ocean, you depend on it to survive!
PH = F
Ocean Food Chain
Plankton is made up of tiny, usually one-celled plants and small water animals such as larvae and eggs. Zooplankton and other small marine creatures eat phytoplankton and then become food for fish, crustaceans, and other larger species. Complete this food chain diagram by drawing an ocean predator (shark, orca, barracuda) here: fish larvae phytoplankton
zooplankton
fish
Standards Link: Science: Undertstand how food chains support the life cycles of animals and humans.
In English, when the letters p and h are next to each other, they make an F sound. Words like phytoplankton, phone, photograph and pharmacy. Look through the newspaper and find letters to spell each of these words. Glue the letters onto a piece of paper, spelling out each word. Then read each one aloud. Standards Link: Match letters and sounds to spell words.
The world’s largest animal, eats up to 16 tons of plankton daily. Ten adult men together would weigh about one ton. So 16 tons of plankton would be equal to the weight of 160 men. Good thing it likes plankton and not people! Color the spaces with odd numbers blue to reveal the animal’s name. 3 4
5 1
4 6
2 4
5 3
4 8
8 4
6 2
1 5
8 6
7 3
6 4
7 3
5 4
9 8
6 8
4 2
1 3 7 2
5 6 5 4
7 2 1 6
3 5 5 8
6 8 2 6
1 3 5 4
4 6 3 2
8 8 5 2
6 4 2 4
3 1 3 6
4 2 5 8
7 3 1 4
2 2 6 8
5 3 7 2
7 8 1 6
3 2 3 4
8 6 2 4
2 4 4 8
6 5
8 6
2 4
6 2
4 5
6 8
4 3
4 6
2 1
6 2
4 5
2 1
6 7
2 3
4 2
6 5
8 4
2 4
2 8
6 3
8 5
2 9
3 1 7 3
4 2 8 7
1 3 5 3
8 6 4 3
9 3 9 3
8 2 4 4
7 5 1 3
2 3 6 2
3 5 1 3
8 2 6 4
3 5 1 9
2 1 8 2
4 3 4 6
7 5 1 3
6 8 8 4
3 5 1 9
6 2 8 3
8 6 4 5
6 4 2 6
1 3 9 3
4 9 8 9
6 3 2 3
PLANKTON ANIMALS BREATHE PLANTS OXYGEN CARBON PLANET OCEAN DRIFT WATER FISH SWIM TINY FOOD SEA
1. Phytop plan anim com
2. Zoopla plan anim islan
3. What d in Gree swim drif boa
T W N E H T A E R B
O D O O F M A I D Y P L A N T S T Y R T
N P E H S K O Y I E
O M I W S F N N F N
B S L A M I N A T A R D E L T A F E L L A N W A T E R C K P
C T N E G Y X O O N Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.
Expand a Headline
Look through the newspaper for three headlines. Rewrite each one as a complete sentence. See how many more words you can add to make the longest sentence you can.
4. Where oce pon all o
5. How m oxyge phytop abo 12.4 mo
6. How m does a day? 16 t 100 232
7. How m found Betw Abo Mor
Phot light energy
Standards Link: Language Arts: Write complete sentences.
Message in a Bottle While walking on a beach, you spy a strange bottle with a note inside. What does the note say? What will you do next?
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36 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
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water
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LIFESTYLE
wi book review Juneteenth Books for Kids
c.2022, Various publishers $5.99 – $17.99 Various page counts
Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer You weren't born knowing everything. People had to tell you what you needed to know, and that's how you learn. You can guess sometimes, or figure other things out on your own but mostly, you've been told and then you know. So why not read these books about a fact that was unknown for years … When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation and freed the slaves, the word was spread far and wide … except in Texas. For more than two years after the signing, there were still people in bondage there. In "Opal Lee and What It Means to Be Free" by Alice Faye Duncan, art by Keturah A. Bobo (Tommy Nelson, $17.99), you'll see what happened when those slaves learned, on Juneteenth 1865, that they were finally free. In this book, kids will learn about Juneteenth, the woman whose activism ensured that it would be celebrated across the nation, and why that was important. Meant for kids ages 4 to 8, this book also has further information for grown-ups to help a child understand its meanings, along with a recipe for traditional Juneteenth red punch. For early elementary-aged kids, "Free at Last: A Juneteenth Poem" by Sojourner Kincaid Rolle, illustrated by Alex Bostic (Union Square Kids, $17.99) begins on the day when "the news arrived in Galveston." Here, however, only part of the story is told: kids don't much backstory; the Emancipation Proclamation is never mentioned. Instead, the story is very simplified, bypassing Emancipation in favor of more personal stories, a wide variety of reactions that former slaves might have felt upon hearing the news, and how Texas' newly-freed Black citizens likely would have celebrated their freedom. Like the Duncan story, this book has a nice author's note for parental guidance, and gorgeous illustrations that perfectly evoke the poem as it's told. Older children — those who are well beyond picture books — will find a wealth of information inside "What Is Juneteenth?" by Kirsti Jewel, illustrated by Manuel Gutierrez (Penguin Kids, $5.99). Unlike the above books, this one begins with a quick and basic history lesson that starts with the Middle Passage. Jewel then quickly takes kids through a few pages about Abraham Lincoln and slavery just before and during the Civil War. It's not until then that she explains where former slaves went once they were freed, what they did to be reunited with their families, and what it must've been like for Texas slaves to realize that freedom had been withheld from them for more than two years. Jewel goes forward to explain more of Black history up through modern times, including the story of Opal Lee and her efforts to place Juneteenth firmly in the nation's consciousness. Kids also get brief biographies of notable Black Americans along the way, and there's a handy timeline for reference. This, and the lack of overgeneralizing, make this books perfect for kids ages 7-to-14. And if these books on Juneteenth aren't enough, then ask your librarian or bookseller for more. They'll help you find everything. WI
horoscopes
JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
ARIES It's easy to get carried away by your wildest daydreams and most enticing fantasies early in the week. Spending time journaling, reflecting, meditating, or working on an artistic endeavor can feel especially satisfying now. Lucky Numbers: 18, 22, 24 TAURUS When the week starts, you might be inspired to strike out on your own in a way that surprises even you. This is the beginning of a new personal cycle marked by asserting your independence and unique perspective. Leaning into any impulses to embrace quirkiness or get out of your comfort zone can serve you well now. Lucky Numbers: 1, 20, 33 GEMINI Getting outrageously creative on the job comes naturally when the week begins. You might actually have some trouble pinpointing the pragmatic path to turning your ideas into reality, but you can use this artistic energy and make quite the impression by taking advantage of your amplified imagination now. Lucky Numbers: 12, 31, 32 CANCER At the week's start, you'll be eager to explore the philosophical side of your relationships. This could mean having deep, spiritual conversations with a significant other or signing up for a class with a dear friend. Basically, moving beyond mundane, everyday subject matter is extra appealing now. Lucky Numbers: 10, 11, 36 LEO You'll want to embrace a spontaneous, unusual game plan for connecting with a lover or dear friend early in the week. The energy can make you feel extra playful and inspired to do your best to stay in the present. Get in touch with your inner romantic daydreamer and you'll be blissed out. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 13 VIRGO If there was ever a time for letting go of your analytical tendencies and allowing yourself to be swept up in the moment, it would be early in the week. If you're single, you could meet someone who seems to resemble the partner you've been imagining. If you're attached, you could have an effortless time bonding with your significant other on a spiritual level. Lucky Numbers: 6, 27, 35 LIBRA If you've been wanting to talk to your significant other, close colleague, or dear friend about an emotional issue, you'll do well to take advantage of the self-confident energy early in the week. Although your social graces are generally unparalleled, you'll easily be able to put what's in your heart into powerful words and make the impact you've been hoping for. Lucky Numbers: 12, 26, 44 SCORPIO Embracing your most imaginative impulses feels natural and emotionally rejuvenating when the week starts. You'll do well to carve out time to express how you feel through your favorite art form or explore turning a long-held fantasy into a very real experience that rocks your senses. Lucky Numbers: 2, 4, 22 SAGITTARIUS At the beginning of the week, your sense of security and home life could be challenged by confusing information. Or it might feel difficult to connect with your loved ones on subjects close to your heart. Rest assured that this moment will pass and you'll have clarity once more! Lucky Numbers: 1, 5, 34 CAPRICORN You might be inspired to steer away from cold, hard facts and logic for a moment in order to take a more imaginative, spiritually guided approach to connecting with friends and colleagues at the week's start. Allowing yourself to explore ideas without a pragmatic bent can be liberating and help you land on an exciting, creative proposal. Lucky Numbers: 20, 29, 55 AQUARIUS You could be drawn to even more outlandish, quirky, downright innovative ideas and business proposals than usual at the outset of the week. Colleagues and higher-ups could be impressed with your willingness to take a wild pitch and run with it! Just try not to get discouraged later if you lose some steam and confusion seems to prevent colleagues from getting on the same page. You'll get right back on the horse and your team brainstorms will be on fire! Lucky Numbers: 14, 19, 34 PISCES You'll be more apt to daydream and drawn to escapism even more than usual when the week starts. This can set a lovely tone for experimenting with creative self-expression, artistic idea generation, or getting out of your general mundane routine and setting up a breathtakingly romantic, nearly cinematic moment with someone special. Just try not to put reality entirely on the back burner. Later, you'll be fired up to make a play for more responsibility or an exciting assignment. Believing in yourself and your passion shows higher-ups exactly why they should too. Lucky Numbers: 4, 18, 26
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Harini Logan Crowned 2022 National Spelling Bee Champion Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer The 94th Annual Scripps National Spelling Bee lasted nearly 20 rounds and culminated in an unprecedented spell-off that pitted the top two finalists in a showdown in which they attempted to correctly spell as many words as possible within 90 seconds. In the end, the judges declared Harini Logan of Austin, Texas, the national spelling bee champion. At a frantic pace, she correctly spelled 21 multisyllabic words while second-place winner Vikram Raju of Denver tallied 15 correct words before an audience of hundreds at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at the National Harbor. Hours earlier, Harini, who appeared in the national bee for the fourth time, lost the word-mean-
ing round of the competition when judges said she chose the incorrect definition of the word pullulation. Much to Harini’s amazement, and others watching the event, the judges later reversed their decision and reinstated her. Harini, admittedly shocked by the news, said she tried to remain calm while making her way through the rest of the competition. She described her winning strategy as a combination of keeping a cool head, blocking out the cameras and people and focusing on the ultimate goal. “It was [about] taking time to step into that moment and thinking about the words,” Harini said. “Spelling is something that sticks with you for life. Once you get into this journey, there’s a dedication you develop along with a work ethic. There’s also an added skill of networking for the bee.”
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This year’s national bee, which kicked off on Tuesday, May 31, marked the first time since 2019 Scripps fully hosted an in-person competition. Out of 229 spellers, 106 reached their last year of eligibility. For nearly 50 spellers, this year’s competition counted as another attempt at the championship, while 23 spellers had siblings who participated in previous national spelling bees. At the age of 15, Charlie Palmore, an 8th grader at St. Albans School in Northwest and winner of this year’s Washington Informer spelling bee, counted as the oldest contestant. The Informer sponsored him and Noemie Eva Jackson-Weaver, a 6th grader at New Hope Academy in Landover Hills, Maryland who won The Informer’s Prince George’s County Spelling Bee this year. Earlier in the week, Levar Bur-
BEE Page 40
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5 Harini Logan of Austin, Texas became the 2022 national spelling bee champion on Thursday, June 2 during the Scripps National Spelling Bee at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center at the National Harbor. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
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BEE from Page 38 ton, this year’s spelling bee host, candidly spoke about his attempt to permanently host Jeopardy. On Thursday night, audience members watched his pre-recorded interview with first lady Dr. Jill Biden. While he interviewed 2021 national spelling bee champion Zaila Avant-garde, Burton acknowledged his daughter Mica Burton who also conducted interviews during the evening. After a short opening ceremony on Thursday, a dozen finalists took to the stage at the Gaylord before judges confirmed that Surya Kapu successfully appealed his elimination from the semifinals which took place one the previous day. Moments later, Surya correctly spelled schlager and joined his 12 peers in the competition. For more than three hours, Surya and other youth took to the microphone to correctly spell and determine the meaning of words. By the 10th round, after many of the spellers failed to correctly define words given to them, Harini, Vikram, Vihaan Sibel and Saharsh Vuppula
5 Actor LeVar Burton greets the Scripps National Spelling Bee champion Harini Logan, along with her family. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)
slugged it out for another round. During the last hour of the competition, Harini and Vikram shared the stage in a battle that lasted nearly 10 more rounds before the spell-off. The audience watched intensely watched, at times sighing when their favorite speller incorrectly spelled a word. Other times, cheers and claps reverberated throughout the auditorium when Harini and Vikram
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spelled words of Greek, Latin and South Asian origin. On the road to the finals, participants took the stage, and some left just as quickly as they came. Charlie was eliminated from the third round of the preliminaries when he misspelled “ariose.” Noemie faced a similar fate with the word “moreish.” Despite his loss, Charlie maintained a positive attitude. “I was really happy to represent my city and school,” he said. “There was a bit of nerves being on stage but it was cool to be around the best spellers in the country. The opening ceremony made me realize that I was here.” Meanwhile, Zaila said watching the national spelling bee as an audience member helped her better understand the suspense and tension that pulsated throughout the Gaylord as contestants took to the stage and asked for the definition and origin of words before attempting to spell them correctly. Since winning last year’s bee, Zaila, who aspires to play basketball professionally and work at NASA, has spent time with NASA scientists and rubbed shoulders with retired NBA center Shaquille O’Neal and other famous people. She also graced the cover of Sports Illustrated as the 2021 Sports Kid of the Year. “My participation in the bee was a turning point [and] something that reinforced my need to dream bigger, reach higher and most importantly put in the work,” Zaila said Thursday. “I hope spellers take the lessons of the bee with them and the horizons set at competing at this level.” WI @SamPKCollins
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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT
New Lamond-Riggs Library Honors Lillian J. Huff
"May the work I have done speak for me." Mrs. Lillian J. Huff was my friend, and I'm so delighted to have served on the renaming committee over the past two years. The idea of naming the Lamond-Riggs Library in Mrs. Huff's honor began at her funeral, when one of her longtime friends, Rocky Twyman, spoke prior to his musical selection, saying, "We ought to rename the Lamond-Riggs Library in honor of Mrs. Lillian J. Huff." Soon after, the founder of the Friends of the Carter Barron Amphitheater organized a committee with honorary chair Twyman and former D.C. Mayor Sharon Pratt, to begin the renaming process by putting together the history of how Mrs. Huff had helped to birth the original Lamond-Riggs Library. I'm pleased to have served on the first committee, working closely with Ms. Hightower, and later, the group reorganized under the leadership of Ward 4 resident Rodney Foxworth, Frank Wilds, Ward 5 community activist and Ms. Gloria Hightower as co-chairs. This committee did indeed finish the job! To celebrate this great win, Foxworth, Wilds and Hightower have organized a committee celebration near the library. It will be held at Culture Coffee, located at Riggs Road and South Dakota Avenue in Northeast from noon to 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. The committee will honor Mrs. Huff's tireless efforts over 35 years to not only get the original library built but also to get funds set aside to rebuild it! A brief program has been planned to honor Mrs. Huff and her efforts to get the library built. The group will acknowledge the committee mem-
bers for working on this for nearly two years, and memories will be shared by Mrs. Huff's daughter Diane Huff-Lyons. Further, the committee has invited will acknowledge those elected officials who represent Lamond-Riggs. Key officials who supported this effort includes Pratt, who testified and sent a letter of support to the Library Board, and current Mayor Muriel Bowser. Other invited guests include D.C. Council members, ANC commissioners and two U.S. congresswomen. Organizations adjacent to Lamond-Riggs plus others across the city who sent in letters of support at our request have also been invited, including DC Democratic Women's Club President Jeannette Mobley. Here is the approved resolution: Whereas, Lillian J. Huff was an activist and organizer who, for nearly 20 years led the quest to attain a library in the Lamond-Riggs neighborhood; Whereas, Lillian Huff was a tireless volunteer in the Lamond-Riggs community, devoting thousands of hours to improve education, health care, correctional institutions, community relations with the police force, services to young and elder individuals, and school lunch and food stamp programs, among other things; Whereas, Lillian Huff served as the first President of the Friends of the Lamond-Riggs Library, Vice Presi-
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dent of the Federation of Friends of DC Public Library, and President of the Lamond-Riggs Civic Association; Whereas, Lillian Huff was instrumental in securing the funding from Congress to build the Lamond-Riggs Library, funding that was authorized in 1979, and the new library opened in 1983; Whereas, she was the elected leader of the District of Columbia's Delegation to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services in 1978, and was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to serve as the Vice-Chairperson of the Pre-White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services; Whereas, the naming of a facility is an appropriate recognition for such a distinguished person and many in the community have expressed support for conferring this honor; Whereas, the Library has received feedback from the community expressing the desire to also retain the neighborhood name on the building and that retaining the neighborhood name is in keeping with DC Public Library Board of Library Trustees policy; Now therefore be it Resolved that the DC Pubic Library Board of Library Trustees hereby renames the Lamond-Riggs Library the "Lamond-Riggs / Lillian J. Huff Library. Passed Unanimously on Wednes-
RELIGION Page 48
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jmccollum@jmlaw.net
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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JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 41
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 Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”
Blessed Word of Life Church
Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org
Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ
Church of Living Waters
Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church
Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor 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
Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org
Campbell AME Church Rev. Dr. Henry Y. White 2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study Wednesday: 12:00 Noon Wednesday: 7:00 PM Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020
Turning Hearts Church Virgil K. Thomas, Sr. Senior Pastor/ Teacher 421 Alabama Ave. SE Washington, DC 20032 Phone: 202-746-0113 Fax: 301-843-2445 Service and Times Sunday School: 10:15 AM Sunday Worship Service: 11;15 AM Children’s Church: 11:15 AM Tuesday Bible Study: 6:30 PM Motto : “A Great Commitment to the Great Commandment” Website: www.turningheartschurchdc.org Email: gr8luv4u2@gmail.com
42 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org
Twelfth Street Christian Church Reverend Dr. Paul H. Saddler Senior Pastor (Disciples of Christ) 1812 12th Street, NW - Washington, DC 20009 Phone: 202-265-4494 Fax: 202 265 4340 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion every Sunday: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 10:00 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 12 Noon Pastor’s Bible Study Tuesday: 6:30 PM Motto: “Discover Something Wonderful” Website: 12thscc.org / Email: Twelfthstcc@aol.com
Mount Carmel Baptist Church
“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.
JUNE 9 - 15, 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 000407
2022 ADM 000417
2021 ADM 001051
2022 ADM 000340
2022 ADM 000014
Lavon M. Williams Decedent
Alfred Wiley Decedent
Russell E. Jones, Sr. aka Russell Ernest Jones Sr. Decedent
Andre L. Woods Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC 4201 Northview Dr., Suite 401 Bowie, Md 20716 Attorney
Estate of Steven Anthony Brooks aka Steven Brooks
Taurance F. Williams, Daniel C. Mitchell Sr., whose addresses are #4 Park Terrace W.Orange, NJ 07052/ 5448 Cascades Ct., White Plains Md 20695, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Lavon M. Williams who died on 2/7/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Taurance F. Williams Daniel C. Mitchell Sr. Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Ruth J. Wiley, whose address is 3215 Chestnut Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Alfred Wiley who died on August 4, 2017 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Ruth J. Wiley Personal Representative
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Marie Y. Roberts for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Stephanie L. Royal, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #440 Washington, DC 20015 Petitioner/Attorney:
Kevin Anthony Jones, whose address is 8295 Greenspring Drive, Chesapeake Beach, Md 20732, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Russell E. Jones, Sr. aka Russell Ernest Jones, Sr. who died on 2/20/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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.
TRUE TEST COPY
Date of first publication: 5/26/2022
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Kevin Anthony Jones Personal Representative
In the absence of a Will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative Date of first publication: 5/26/2022
Washington Informer
Richard J. Tappan 830 Boone Blvd. Ste. 250 Vienna, VA 22182 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lisa Russell-Woods, whose address is 3702 Hansberry Court NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andre L. Woods who died on August 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 (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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Lisa Russell-Woods Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
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
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 000429
2022 ADM 000406
2022 ADM 000312
2022 ADM 000475
2022 ADM 000409
Vernecia Mae Tate Roberts Decedent
Gorham Pearsall Decedent
John Phillip White Decedent
Sylvester Williams Sr. Decedent
Edward Robertson Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
William Britt, whose address is 323 Kentucky Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gorham Pearsall who died on 10/30/2001 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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 White Jr., whose address is 608 Morton Place, NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Phillip White who died on 12/18/2021 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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.
Deborah Ann Yates, whose address is 3335 Ames Street NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sylvester Williams Sr. who died on March 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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.
Yvonne Robertson Simms, whose address is 120 45th St., NE, Apt. 636 Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Robertson who died on November 20, 2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022
Date of first publication: 5/26/2022
William Britt Personal Representative
John White Jr. Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Harry V. Roberts, whose address is 2700 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Apt. 2A, Washington, DC 20007, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vernecia Mae Tate Roberts who died on 1/13/2022 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 11/26/2022. 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 11/26/2022, 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: 5/26/2022 Harry V. Roberts Personal Representative
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44 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Date of first publication: 5/26/2022 Deborah Ann Yates Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Date of first publication: 5/26/2022 Yvonne Robertson Simms Personal Representative
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THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM
LEGAL NOTICES
LEGAL NOTICES
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Ronald Spencer© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ SPENCER RONALD© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘RONALD SPENCER© ’’, 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: ‘‘ Ronald Spencer© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’. 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 ILLINOIS – DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, REGISTER FILE NUMBER : 112-50-660413, ‘‘ RONALD SPENCER© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Ronald Spencer© ’’. 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. 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: ‘‘ ronald spencer© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Ronald Spencer© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘ Ronald Spencer 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. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering "RONALD SPENCER 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ THOMPSON WILHEMINIA© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘WILHEMINIA THOMPSON© ’’, 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: ‘‘ Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’. 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 SOUTH CAROLINA – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL, STATE FILE NUMBER : 139-49-056866, ‘‘ WILHEMINIA THOMPSON© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson© ’’. 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: ‘‘ wilheminia thompson© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘Wilheminia Thompson 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. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering "WILHEMINIA THOMPSON 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
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
2021 ADM 001181
2022 ADM 000251
2022 ADM 000452
Herman Chesley Decedent
Mary T. Mallory Decedent
John Combs Decedent
Aimee Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Brenda Nesbitt, whose address is 16607 Medinah Ct., Ashton, MD 20861, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herman Chesley who died on 4/9/2021 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: June 2, 2022
Matthew F. Shannon 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dorothy Bell and Barbara Myles (aka Barbara Miles), whose addresses are 727 Kennedy St., NE, Washington, DC 20011 & 3418 Highwood Dr., SE, Washington, DC 20019, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mary T. Mallory who died on 6/18/2021 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022
Damani Ingram 5457 Twin Knolls Rd. Suite 301 Columbia, Md 21045 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nikki Combs, whose address is 1611 Frazier Ridge Lane, Mebane, NC 27302, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Combs who died on November 6, 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022
Brenda Nesbitt Personal Representative
Dorothy Bell Barbara Myles Personal Representative
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Nikki Combs Personal Representative
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
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 000387
2022 ADM 000231
2022 ADM 000539
2022 ADM 000333
2022 FEP 000059
Samuel Mathis Decedent
Clint A. Lauderdale Decedent
Estate of Dominic J. Monetta
Mary E. Hodo aka Mary Estelle Hodo Decedent
October 14, 2021 Date of Death
NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney
Larry Dewitt Mathis, Sr., whose address is 2332 13th Place NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Samuel Mathis who died on November 28, 2010 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022 Larry Dewitt Mathis, Sr. Personal Representative
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Maria T. Lauderdale, whose address is 3827 Albemarle Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clint A. Lauderdale who died on December 11, 2009 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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: 6/2/2022
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Maria T. Lauderdale Personal Representative
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
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Washington Informer
Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Christopher Monetta and Michael Monetta for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.
Andre O McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway, Suite 420 Columbia, Md 21044 Attorney
Kurt E. Zwilling Name of Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Kathy Gayle Lay whose address is 1216 Hillcrest Lane, St. Charles, MO 63301 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Kurt E. Zwilling, deceased, by the 11th Judicial Circuit Court for St. Charles County, State of Missouri, on February 25, 2022. Service of process may be made upon Joshua Branson 1615 M Street, NW, Ste. 400, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. Decedent has cause of action in DC. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.
Valerie J. Edwards Antonoplos & Associates 1725 DeSales St., NW, Ste. 600 Washington, DC Petitioner/Attorney:
Erik L. Hodo, whose address is 9167 Balaton Lake Lane, Bristow, VA 20136, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary E. Hodo aka Mary Estelle Hodo who died on 2/3/2022 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 12/2/2022. 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 12/2/2022, 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.
TRUE TEST COPY
Date of first publication: 6/2/2022
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Erik L. Hodo Personal Representative
Admit to probate the will dated June 19, 2020 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 6/2/2022
Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Date of first publication: 6/2/2022 Kathy Gayle Lay Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
JUNE 9 - 15, 2022 45
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
2022 ADM 000450
2022 ADM 000457
2022 ADM 000446
Janie Lee Simmons Decedent
Madonna W. McCullers Decedent
Askia Charles Muhammad Decedent
Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office LLC 4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, Md 20716 Attorney
Patricia Koh Friedman, Esq. 3 Leonard Court Rockville, Md 20850 Attorney
James Larry Frazier, Esq. 918 Maryland Avenue, 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
Solomon Stewart Simmons, whose address is 125 Windhaven Court, Stockbridge, GA 30281, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janie Lee Simmons who died on 1/14/2021 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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.
Clinton McCullers, whose address is 327 Possum Court, Capitol Heights, Md 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Madonna W. McCullers who died on 11/6/2021 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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.
Alverda Ann Muhammad, whose address is 15312 Biltmore Street, Detroit, Michigan 48227, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Askia Charles Muhammad who died on February 17, 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 12/02/2022. 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 12/02/2022, 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: 06/02/2022
Date of first publication: 06/02/2022
Date of first publication: 6/2/2022
Solomon Stewart Simmons Personal Representative
Clinton McCullers Personal Representative
Alverda Ann Muhammad Personal Representative
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TRUE TEST COPY
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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
Washington Informer
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
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 FEP 000062
2022 ADM 000456
July 31, 2018 Date of Death
Willie Edward Davis aka Willie E. Davis Decedent
Tapio Ilmari Peltonen Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Raija Kaarina Peltonen whose address is Snellmaninkatu 21 G3, FIN-00170 Helsinki, Finland was appointed personal representative of the estate of Tapio Ilmari Peltonen, deceased, by the Helsinki District Court for State of Finland, on January 30, 2020. Service of process may be made upon Tom A. Lippo 412 First Street, Suite 1, SE, Washington DC 20003 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned District of Columbia personal property. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 6/9/2022 Raija Kaarina Peltonen Personal Representative Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Stephanie L. Royal, Esq. The Royal Legal Group, LLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Naomi T. Hendrick, whose address is 725 Madison Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Willie Edward Davis aka Willie E. Davis who died on 10/25/2021 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 12/9/2022. 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 12/9/2022, 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: June 9, 2022 Naomi T. Hendrick Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY
LEGAL NOTICES In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ THOMAS II, CHARLES RAY© ’’, corp. sole Dba.: ‘‘CHARLES RAY THOMAS II© ’’, 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: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’. 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 NEW YORK – DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH, STATE FILE NUMBER : 156-84-107908, ‘‘ CHARLES RAY THOMAS II© ’’, to the depositor: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’. 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: ‘‘ el charles thomas II© ’’, nom deguerre: ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II© ’’, as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : ‘‘ Charles Ray Thomas II 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. All Attorneys with a License from the Bar Association are explicitly prohibited from administering " CHARLES RAY THOMAS II 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. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off etc., of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction.
LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2022 ADM 000523 Joan M. Jefferies Decedent
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Jacinda Jefferies, whose address is 5810 Blair Rd. NW #201 Washington, DC 2011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan M. Jefferies who died on October 27, 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 12/9/2022. 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 12/9/2022, 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: 6/9/2022 Jacinda Jefferies Personal Representative
TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
Phase 2 Declaration of Nationality Protocol In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that I am: “ Sukkia Toni-Marie Erskine© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “ SUKKIA TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© “, corp.sole Dba.: “ SUKKIA T ERSKINE© “,[SUKKIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA T ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE SUKKIA ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , ERSKINE TONI-MARIA SUKKIA© , ERSKINE TONI-MARIE SUKKIA© , ERSKINE SUKKIA TONI-MARIE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA T© , TONI-MARIE S ERSKINE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA© , QUEEN SUKKIA ERSKINE© ]. As natural clan mother, and guardian of: “ Lei’Lani Nadia Luke© ", the beneficiary and heir of: “ LEI’LANI NADIA LUKE© ”, corp.sole Dba.: “LEI’LANI N LUKE© “, [LEILANI NADIA LUKE© , LEILANI N LUKE© ]. 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: “ Sukkia Toni-Marie Erskine© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ angelique shadiah© ". My beloved daughter, “ Lei’Lani Nadia Luke© ", from this day forward, in harmony with our Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: “ anaia shadiah© ". 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 City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene : STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-95-027795 : " SUKKIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA T ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE SUKKIA ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , ERSKINE TONI-MARIA SUKKIA© , ERSKINE TONI-MARIE SUKKIA© , ERSKINE SUKKIA TONI-MARIE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA T© , TONI-MARIE S ERSKINE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA© , QUEEN SUKKIA ERSKINE© ", &, New York City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene : STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-14-089752 : “ LEI’LANI NADIA LUKE© , LEI’LANI N LUKE© , LEILANI NADIA LUKE© , LEILANI N LUKE© ”, is as a
special deposit order, conveyed to “ Angelique Shadiah Trust© ". Re: New York City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene : STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-95-027795 : “ SUKKIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA T ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIE SUKKIA ERSKINE© , TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , SUKKIA TONI-MARIA ERSKINE© , ERSKINE TONI-MARIA SUKKIA© ERSKINE TONI-MARIE SUKKIA© , ERSKINE SUKKIA TONI-MARIE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA T© , TONI-MARIE S ERSKINE© , ERSKINE SUKKIA© , QUEEN SUKKIA ERSKINE© ", &, New York City Department Of Health and Mental Hygiene : STATE FILE NUMBER, 156-14-089752 : “ LEI’LANI NADIA LUKE© , LEI’LANI N LUKE© , LEILANI NADIA LUKE© , LEILANI N LUKE© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to “ Anaia Shadiah 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 / Guardian: “ angelique shadiah© ", nom deguerre: “ Sukkia Toni-Marie Erskine© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : “ Angelique Shadiah Trust© ", or : “ Anaia Shadiah Trust© ", both Trust being, Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trusts. These deposits are 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.
Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer
46 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
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BLACK PRESS from Page 18 could utilize their gifts and talents beyond the cotton field to voice their struggle.” Chenadra Washington, a leading voice at Washington International LLC, called the 195th observance of the Black Press “huge.” “For me, it’s not only the fact that Black Press America was founded during slavery but also the fact that it is still standing today,” Washington said. “That’s pure resiliency.
“As a recently transitioned entrepreneur, I often think about the courage of my ancestors and the sheer determination to build,” she said. “Knowing that [the Black Press] was founded in 1827 and is still serving and bringing value today makes me beam with pride and helps me stay the course.” The NNPA’s convention and celebration of the 195th anniversary of the Black Press is open to the public. For information, visit https://www. nnpa-events.com. WI
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48 JUNE 9 - 15, 2022
tendent Dr. Christina Grant and Dr. Thomas Farley of DC Health’s Community Health Administration, recently announced the expansion of efforts to fully vaccinate all District youth during an event at Children’s National Health System at THEARC in Southeast. For families unable to receive vaccinations from primary care physicians, District officials have suggested pediatric clinics throughout the city. DC Health has also expanded access to school-based health centers while setting up District mobile medical units at recreation centers and COVID centers. Schools can also request on-site vaccination clinics with healthcare providers. “We have rightfully been focused on protecting our families and communities [against COVID]. It’s critically important to not forget the other infectious diseases that can affect our children,” State Superintendent Grant said on Monday, June 6. “Vaccinations are free. Your health certificate should be a tool your family should have to show you’re up to date. It’s one of our top priorities to make sure our next school year starts strong,” Grant said. This campaign comes as District residents continue to test positive for COVID-19 daily and DC Health recorded one case of monkeypox in a person who recently visited Europe. District officials said they’re shooting for a citywide goal of 100% student vaccination by the start of the 2022-2023 academic year. Dr. Farley said 80% of pre-kindergarten students currently meet vaccination requirements. Ferebee revealed an outreach strategy consisting of phone calls, home visits and leveraging teacher/staff relationships with family members. DC Public Charter School Board Director Michelle J.
RELIGION from Page 1 day, May 25, 2022 at 6:42 P.M by The DC Public Library Board of Trustees. On a personal note, it was because of my relationship with Mrs. Huff that I got my chance to be on the radio, this month, on June 8, 2022, celebrating the 12th year of Radio One's "The Lyndia Grant Show" on Spirit 1340 WYCB. Thank you Mrs.
5 The District government recently announced the expansion of efforts to fully vaccinate all District youth. (WI File Photo)
Walker-Davis, who also attended Monday’s event, said the District’s charter schools are taking similar steps. Bowser considers these measures necessary in preventing what she has described as the unnecessary spread of measles and other preventable diseases. In recent years, vaccinations have been a somewhat polarizing topic among District officials and residents. Last year, the D.C. Council approved legislation mandating FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccinations for school-aged children in the District. Amid a measles outbreak that rocked portions of the D.C. metropolitan area and throughout the U.S., in 2019, legislators coalesced around legislation allowing children to be vaccinated without parental consent, much to the chagrin of some local residents. For Yolanda Powers, keeping her children up to date on their vaccinations has rarely been an issue because of trips to Children’s National Anacostia in Southeast both before
and throughout the pandemic. Despite neighbors’ apprehensions about MMR and varicella vaccinations, among others, Powers has maintained visits to the doctor’s office for her three school-aged children. During their most recent visit this year, Powers’ daughter received the HPV vaccine. While she stopped short of vaccinating her children against COVID-19, Powers said she has no qualms about keeping her children’s health certificate updated and ensuring they can enter school seamlessly with vaccinations which she took as a child. “A lot of people are reluctant because they fear their children getting autism but that’s not how you get it,” Powers said. “They wonder why their children stay sick with the common cold and anything from measles and chickenpox. These vaccines have been around for a long time. That’s the only reason why I’m okay with my children getting them.” WI @SamPKCollins
Huff was helping me to get my start when the husband of former School Board Member, the late Barbara Lett-Simmons passed, when Mrs. Huff asked me to drive her to Ms. Simmons home to pay her respects. That evening lasted for hours, ending when Mrs. Huff asked Barbara Lett-Simmons, "Who is going to host your radio show while you're off grieving and planning the funeral for your husband?" There was my chance!
Having searched unsuccessfully by applying, it was done! Hosting for Mrs. Simmons lasted a couple months, followed by a second yearlong opportunity to host for her during her illness. It gave me my start in radio! It was my pleasure to serve along with the co-chairs and committee to make the Lamond-Riggs Library renaming a reality! Mrs. Lillian J. Huff, the works you have done do indeed speak for you. WI
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REC CENTER from Page 25 of Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center and Ferebee-Hope Elementary School. Months before the project started, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education and the DC Department of General Services released a notice for a charter school to take over the space. KIPP accepted the offer, soon after presenting plans that reduced the square footage of the Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center from 33,000 square feet to somewhere between 20,000 and 25,000 square feet. The DC Council Committees on Business and Economic Development, chaired by D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (D-Ward 5), and Facilitates and Procurement, chaired by D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At large), deliberated on KIPP’s acquisition of the property during July of 2020. On July 21, 2020, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the process that would allow KIPP to start the construction project near Washington Highlands. In response to an Informer inquiry about their attempts to renegotiate the size of the newly-constructed Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center, Ward 8 Councilmember White’s office referenced a recording of a community engagement meeting that took place in March. At-large Councilmember White’s office, presented with the same
GUNS from Page 24 associate professor of sociology and Africana studies at Tulane University. “There is no tangible reason to believe that the U.S. Supreme Court would act differently. By design, it was brazenly and hastily stacked with like-minded, far-right, conservative-leaning justices to reverse abortion, protect gun rights and ultimately decide all things’ pro-white and affluent life,’” Boyles said. “These selections and confirmations were calculated, contentious and politically ill-conceived, along race and gender lines, from the start. The idea that these decisions somehow aim to protect or advance Black babies, Black women and people generally, as many disproportionately reel from current daily, systemic policies and practices in their communities, is inconceivable and disingenuous,” she said.
question, cited a Facilities and Procurement committee report. Washington Highlands resident Schyla Pondexter contends that not enough community engagement took place before KIPP started construction across the street from her community. An additional qualm she expressed centered on the lack of conversation about debris mitigation. Pondexter, who also deals with respiratory issues exacerbated by mold in her kitchen, said the community had to act before MCN Build explored options to protect them from dust falling from the crumbling building. For Pondexter, the environmental hazards of living near the construction have further exacerbated the loss of a public institution for members of the community. This situation has caused her to lose faith in District leadership responsible for tending to the needs of public housing residents. “My children learned to swim at Ferebee-Hope Recreation Center and went to camp there,” she said. “Now, we can’t even go in there and hang out like we used to. They’ve taken a lot away from us.” “Children don’t have access to the playground all the way at the end. The basketball courts are chained up. This is all just backwards. When these projects are done, they wait to get input from the residents. That’s not the way to do things,” Pondexter said. WI Boyles believes the bottom line remains that Black women’s needs and choices concerning reproductive health and health equality matter, as do broader efforts to curb death and safeguard Black lives against pervasive gun violence. “I am bracing for most of the court to toe the line and ironically rule favorably to ‘white powerful men’s right to choose’ – their right to reassert white and patriarchal privileges irrespectively,” Boyles said. “There is no other way to explain this, especially as it is contrary to the will of most of the country who largely support abortion rights and gun restrictions. “Specific to the Black community, it would also confirm and be in lockstep with white historical and ongoing thoughts and believed rights to act treacherously, as if in ownership and control of Black bodies and quality of life,” she said. WI
MALVEAUX from Page 28 They isolate Black shoppers and consolidate their market to maximize their profits. Why is there only one grocery store in an area that serves as many as 100,000 people, many of whom are poor, carless or without options? Why, in our predatory capitalist space, are there no competitors to provide alternative grocery services? Black lives matter, and Black money matters, too. So all
these corporate folks who are throwing dollars to assuage the pain of the massacres might make a difference by building more grocery stores in East Buffalo. I felt the pain in Buffalo, the sidewalks spilling over with flowers, stuffed animals, signs and more. The sidewalks are spilling over with pain. The so many ways that the Buffalo pain is the collective pain of African American people. Much of the pain is the absolute pain of the massacre, and there is also pain
BAILEY from Page 28 tle Richard, Michael Jackson, J. C. Johnson and Duke Ellington to the more recently infamous multimillion-dollar cases of Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, Chuck Berry, Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, Prince and numerous other R&B artists such as Ruth Brown, Bo Diddley and Buddy Guy. Denying Black musicians their royalties has a history emerging out of slavery. BMG's review found four of its acquisitions paid Black artists below the level of non-Black acts on those respective labels. So just who are these fearsome "Big Boys" involved in this current heretofore obscured "David and Goliath" confrontation? Among the well armed gangs of super powerful corporate exploiters seeking to crush Chapman Roberts are: - The American Multinational Technology company self referred to as "one of the most influential economic and cultural forces in the world" and is one of world's most valuable brands. - The independent world leader in the development acquisition and management of recorded music. - The largest publishing and licens-
MORIAL from Page 28 tions filled," Thomas Beauford, president of the Buffalo Urban League, told NBC News. "Many people would cash their paychecks there. And they used Tops to buy money orders to pay a bill. All of that's gone." Beauford noted that the supermarket "didn't have the same level of investment" as stores in Buffalo's white neighborhoods. "It was already inferior," he said. "But it's all we had." On Saturday, I'll join Beauford, his staff, and other community leaders in Buffalo to meet with the grieving families and discuss a plan of action to address the not only the systemic racism that has led Buffalo to this tragic mo-
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from the economic oppression that the people in east Buffalo are experiencing. A highway bisected a Black community so white folks could gain. Been there, done that, in too many cities. Segregating us makes it possible for racist filth to isolate us. And yet, through the pain, we rise. Are there investors who would empower Black Buffalo? Relieve these survivors of their pain? No more thoughts and prayers. Action. Action. Action. WI
ing agent of Broadway theatrical and movie music in the world. - The world's number-one multibillion-dollar music publishing company, namely: (Broadway Royalty) Rodgers & Hammerstein Holding., Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization, Concord Theatrical Corp., Mike Stoller, the estate of Jerome Leiber a/k/a the Jerome L. Leiber 1997 Family Trust, Leiber & Stoller Productions, Inc., Broadway Asia, Inc., Sony/ATV Music Publishing,
HBO, and "The Colossal," Jeff Bezos' Amazon. According to Chapman Roberts, "Collectively, these crooks have knowingly, willfully, repeatedly, and deliberately deprived me of rightful compensation of substantial royalties owed and name credit for contributions to hundreds of unauthorized theatrical productions and tens of thousands of video, film, television, and internet streaming usages worldwide for well over two decades." You see, what the "big boys" failed to realize when they went after Chapman Roberts is that he is much more aware of what goes on under the tables and backstages of the Broadway and music industries than their usual targets. He is a highly experienced and resilient Black artist with a superbly cutting-edge blend of talent, intelligence, keen vision, self-confidence, persistence, savvy and boldness. Another Black cultural giant, the late Ernie McClintock, said, "Serious Black artists have the goal of stimulating an awareness of the Black experience and to express it through theatre which illuminates that experience." Maestro Chapman Roberts is a master at doing just that. WI
ment, but the further emotional, mental and economic burden it has heaped on the Black community. Buffalo Urban League has established a community resource center to offer trauma counseling with a diverse staff of counselors who speak seven languages. Counselors also are meeting people on the streets, circulating among vigils and gatherings, and reaching out to people in their homes. The League is helping a local food distribution center deliver groceries to nearby seniors and offering counseling at the door. Melissa Archer, a psychiatric nurse who runs Buffalo Urban League's NY Project Hope, said nearly 1,000 members of the community have sought counseling. As Beauford told me, "This was not
a natural disaster that struck. It had a face. It had a specific ideology. It had a specific intent to harm Black people." We will not allow policymakers in Washington and around the country to continue to treat systemic racism and gun violence as a natural disaster. In recognition of National Gun Safety Month, the National Urban League has engaged the faith community in our ongoing advocacy and activism with "Sound the Trumpet Sunday," when pastors will share a message of cultural unity and encourage their communities to demand action on racial hatred and gun violence. For more information, text TRUMPET to 52886 and follow the hashtag #SoundTheTrumpetSunday on social media. WI
Denying Black musicians their royalties has a history emerging out of slavery. BMG's review found four of its acquisitions paid Black artists below the level of non-Black acts on those respective labels.
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WILLIAMS from Page 29 not the exclusive victims of this type of negative motivation. It is likely true that whites have been victimized in larger numbers and to greater psychosis than any other group. Stories abound of whites who live in the most remote and whitest of areas of the nation who are
CROWELL from Page 29 household ages 25-40 have student debt, and 85% of Black graduates in 2016 took on debt to finance their undergraduate degrees. The report also finds that Black women today hold median student debt burdens that are two-thirds higher than that held by white men. The lingering effects of pay discrimination affecting even highly educated Black women translate into earnings of only 65 cents for every dollar earned by white males. CRL's report also addresses the competing proposals on student debt forgiveness. "Cancelling $10,000 of federal student loans forgives only 22 percent of Black borrowers' federal student loan debt and 28% of Latino debt,"
EDELMAN from Page 29 quietly and systematically toward them. Resist quick fixes, simplistic answers and easy gains. They often disappear just as quickly as they come. Three: Assign yourself. My daddy used to ask us whether the teacher had given us any homework. If we said no, he'd say, "Well, assign yourself." Don't wait around for your boss or your friends or spouse to direct you to do what you are able to figure out and do for yourself. Don't do just as little as you can to get by. Don't be a political bystander and grumbler. Vote. Democracy is not a spectator sport. If you see a need, don't ask, "Why doesn't somebody do something?" ask, "Why don't I do something?" Hard work, initiative and persistence are still the non-magic carpets to success for most of us. Four: I hope you'll never work just for money. Money alone won't save your soul or build a decent family or help you sleep at night. Don't confuse wealth or fame with character. Don't tolerate or condone moral corruption, whether it's found in high or low places, whatever its color or class. And don't confuse morality with legality. Dr. King once noted that everything Hitler did in Nazi Germany was legal. Don't give anyone the proxy for your conscience. Five: Don't be afraid of taking risks or of being criticized. If you don't want
motivated to fortify their homes with a multitude of weapons in fear of an imminent attack by a horde of people of color or, at least, a large Black man. Fear is crippling. Fear can distort the thinking of otherwise rational individuals. Fear is the foundational emotion in the development of hatred. Tucker Carlson and the cohorts of purveyors
of fear understand the seeds of disruption and discontent that they sow. They understand that their fragile hold on power — social and otherwise — only exists as long as the fear and divisiveness of the bile they spew. Sadly, many allow themselves to be oppressed by fear. Explaining their oppression to them is the challenge! WI
the report says. "In contrast, canceling $50,000 forgives more than 70 percent of these groups' student loan debt." On May 27, a 529-member coalition of diverse interests urged President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris to exercise executive authority to forgive $50,000, an amount that would be proportional to the burden now carried. "Black borrowers report that their student loan debt often feels like a life sentence even if they use relief programs like Income-Driven Repayment because they watch the amount owed balloon over time," the coalition letter states. "Student debt cancellation has the potential to increase the net wealth of Black households and could even help reduce the racial wealth gap." "We call on you to deliver on the promise of the Biden-Harris Racial
Economic Equity plan by canceling federal student debt by executive action immediately," concluded the coalition that includes the American Association of University Women, American Civil Liberties Union, Americans for Financial Reform, International Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Action Network, NAACP, National Urban League, League of Latin American Citizens, and CRL. Another coalition member, the National Consumer Law Center, challenged the White House in similar words. "Cancellation should also be sufficient in amount to provide meaningful relief to all borrowers, including Black borrowers who shoulder an average of $24,000 more in student loan debt than white students four years after graduating college." WI
to be criticized, don't say anything, do anything, or be anything. Don't be afraid of failing. It's the way you learn to do things right. It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. All that matters is how many times you get up. Six: Please remember and help America remember that the fellowship of human beings is more important than the fellowship of race and class and gender in a democratic society. Be decent and fair and insist that others be so in your presence. Don't tell, laugh at or tolerate racial, ethnic, religious or gender jokes — or any practices intended to demean rather than enhance another human being. Through daily moral consciousness, counter the proliferating voices of racial and ethnic and religious division that are gaining respectability over the land. Seven: Don't confuse style for substance, or political charm with decency or sound policy. Words alone will not meet children's or the nation's needs. Political leadership and different budget priorities will. Speak truth to power. And put your own money and leadership behind rhetoric about concern for families and children in your own homes, in your own workplaces and in whatever areas you pursue. Pay far more attention to what our leaders do than what they say. Eight: Listen for the genuine within yourself. "Small," Einstein said, "is
the number of them that see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts." Try to be one of them. "There is," the great Black theologian Howard Thurman told Spelman College students, "something in every one of you that waits and listens for the sound of the genuine in yourself. It is the only true guide you will ever have. And if you cannot hear it, you will all of your life spend your days on the ends of strings that somebody else pulls." There are so many noises and competing demands in our lives that many of us never find out who we are. Learn to be quiet enough to hear the sound of the genuine within yourself so that you can hear it in other people. Nine: Never think life is not worth living or that you cannot make a difference. Never give up — no matter how hard it gets, and it will get very hard sometimes. An old proverb says that when you get to your wit's end, that's where God lives. Harriet Beecher Stowe said when you get into a "tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and the time that the tide will turn." The tide will turn — if you dream it, if you believe in it, if you have faith in it, struggle for it, and never give up. WI
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