The Washington Informer - April 6, 2023

OF PROFESSIONAL

New On-Campus Exhibit Showcases a Century of Eastern’s History

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In commemoration of Eastern High School’s centennial, students, parents, faculty and alumni celebrated the launch of an exhibit that chronicles 100 years of the school’s rich history.

The permanent exhibit, located in the lobby of Eastern High School, represents a collaboration between Eastern High School students and faculty and The Story of Our Schools, a local nonprofit dedicated to showing how local schools have accentuated D.C.’s history.

This school year, a group of students, under the direction of librarian Ellen Dodsworth, used information collect-

D.C. Housing Authority Under Fire with Whistleblower Complaint

Current and Former D.C. Council members Speak about Alleged Corruption, Impact on Residents

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The battle between D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At-large) and the D.C. Housing Authority (DCHA) reached new

HOUSING Page 56

Donald

Trump Arrested,

Ex-Prez

is Officially an Accused Felon

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Former President Donald Trump is now criminal defendant Donald Trump.

For at least several moments on Tuesday, April 4, Trump was placed under arrest.

His Miranda rights read, and fingerprints taken, but authorities spared him a mugshot and customary perp walk.

5 D.C. Councilmember Robert White (D-At-large) and DCHA revealed that an ongoing investigation centers on allegations that a DCHA employed secured housing vouchers for family and friends to move into a complex in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

Still, as he headed to the 15th floor courtroom at 100 Centre Street downtown, Trump joined the nearly 8,000 other

non-violent felony defendants who have been arraigned in Manhattan so far in 2023.

Shortly before 2 p.m. EST, Trump became the first former U.S. President arrested and criminally charged. This is after becoming the first to have been impeached twice.

“Can’t believe this is happening,” Trump posted as he headed into a courtroom where he found, perhaps for the first time in his adult life, that he wasn’t in control of the proceedings in front of him.

Trump being placed under arrest comes some six years after his 2016 campaign, in which he led chants of “Lock her up,” against Democrat Hillary Clinton.

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

And as unprecedented and surreal was the arrest, the charges leveled against the bombastic MAGA leader reveal, what prosecutors claim, is a man who operated as if he were above the law for a long time – including when he ruled the Oval Office.

Indeed, the freshly unsealed indictment brought by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg included 34 criminal charges – all felonies related to falsifying business records, in-

TRUMP Page 56

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 25 • April 6 - 12, 2023

5 Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg handed down a 34-count indictment against former President Donald J. Trump on April 4. (Courtesy photo)

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wi hot topics

Maker’s Mark Celebrates Local Women in the Arts

Filling the bar area of Rare Steakhouse and Tavern, dozens gathered for Maker’s Mark “Made to Be: Celebrating Women in the Arts,” on Thursday, March 30, honoring three local culture curators, who innovate, inspire and empower the next generation of artists through their work.

Hosted by Maker’s Mark, and its beverage producer Beam Suntory, “Made to Be,” recognized filmmaker and entrepreneur Jami Ramberan, DJ and vibe starter MissHer, and award-winning craft cocktail maker Monniquer Peacock.

“It's really, really great to be honored tonight,” Peacock told the Informer during the event. “During the pandemic it was a little scary for me as a bartender and I didn’t know exactly where my life was going to take me, but I wanted to stay the course. And I’m glad that Maker’s Mark saw something in me to honor me, and I’m appreciative. I’ve always wanted to keep going and make my mark on the world one day at a time, and now I can make it one cocktail at a time.”

With spirits flowing, bellies filling, and networking happening, the highlight of the event was celebrating the honorees, all of whom noted the incredible honor it was to be recognized. They awardees also emphasized the importance of uplifting others.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com

WI

Local Boxing Program Coach, DPR Employee in Creed III

“Creed III,” has been in theaters over a month– breaking franchise records, with $58 million in the first weekend alone. Further fuss over the film arose as it features the latest decided eye-candy of early 2023, the franchise’s star Michael B. Jordan and actor Jonathan Majors, who, although currently embroiled in assault allegations, was becoming the talk of the town and Twitter alike due to his acting and muscular physique.

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Beyond the attention the dapper duo has received, “Creed III,” Jordan’s directorial debut, showcases the leading man’s tactful touches— including a local boxing coach who he handpicked to be in the film.

The actor, who plays Adonis Creed, first took note of District of Columbia Parks and Recreation employee and boxing program coach Patrice “Boog” Harris after seeing social media highlights of him training fighters at Bald Eagle Recreation Center in Ward 8.

Jordan tapped the legendary boxing coach to work on the second iteration of the film, before bringing him back for “Creed III.”

“Harris represents the very best of DPRs,” said Delano Hunter, director of DPR. “He honed his skills as a youth in DPR’s boxing program. As a long-time volunteer and eventual employee, he has dedicated his professional career to helping future generations stay engaged by pursuing their dreams.”

Having been raised watching “Rocky,” the boxing coach turned actor explained that being part of the “Creed" franchise is like “living a dream.”

“I am just doing what I love and something I have been doing at DPR for 22 years. I thought I would be a fighter, but it turned out coaching is my calling and helping young people in my community.” WI

Report: McDonald’s Set for Possible Layoffs

International Burger chain McDonald’s is temporarily shuttering its U.S. offices this week in preparation for what industry observers believe could be a round of layoffs.

McDonald’s is the world’s largest fast food restaurant chain serving over 69 million customers daily in over 100 countries in more than 40,000 outlets, company statistics report in 2021. The chain is best known for its hamburgers, cheeseburgers and French fries as well as other offerings such as chicken, fish, fruit and salad.

McDonald’s leaders said in January that it will update its business strategy that may include layoffs in some areas and expansion in others, the Wall Street Journal reported.

In an internal email last week, McDonald’s management requested U.S. employees and some international staffers to work from home from April 3 through April

5 so it can deliver staffing decisions virtually, the Journal reported.

It is not clear how many employees will be laid off, the story reported. The company also requested workers to cancel all in-person meetings with vendors and other outside parties at the headquarters in Chicago.

“During the week of April 3, we will communicate key decisions related to roles and staffing levels across the organization,” the Journal reported the company relayed in a message. WI

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

5 Craft cocktail creator Monniquer Peacock, DJ MissHer and filmmaker and entrepreneur Jami Ramberan were awarded at the 2023 “Made to Be,” honors celebrating women in the arts, hosted by Maker’s Mark. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

CORNER

DJ Doobie: HU’s Black Woman DJ Breaking Barriers

By Hailey McMannen

Alani Hodge, professionally known as DJ Doobie, is a Howard University student from Stockton, California. She has made a name for herself through DJing at school events and eventually moving her way up to getting booked for parties and shows across the DC creative scene.

“Ever since I was a tiny child, I always was drawn to music and gear. I’ve always thought it looked cool, whether it be soundboards, mixers, or a set of drums. I always wanted to play with it,” the DJ said.

Initially interested in singing and rapping, Doobie’s connection with music stems from her early childhood. After being discouraged from pursuing music by her family due to her not-so-melodic singing voice, she continued to foster a deep passion for it. This redirected her to a different path of greatness: DJing and audio production.

From casually DJing shows every couple of months, to getting booked consistently for shows and events all over D.C, it was DJing a Howard springtime “darty” (day party) back in 2022 that was the catalyst for her career. Often praised for her eccentric sound and style, her uniqueness and individuality are what set her apart. WI

Read the full story on www.wibridgedc.com or scan the QR code below.

THE DC EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (DC EITC) is a special tax break, based on the federal EIC, designed specifically for low- and moderate-income workers.

NEW THIS YEAR, the DC EITC has been increased to 70% of the federal EIC. Additionally, individuals with qualifying children receiving the DC EITC will be paid differently than in previous years.

● Taxpayers will receive a refund equal to 40% of their federal EIC as usual after their return is processed.

● The balance of the EITC will be paid in equal monthly installments over the next 11 months.

5 DJ Doobie is a Howard University student from Stockton, California. (Courtesy Photo/ Kayla Wallace)

MUSIC-MEDIA

AROUND THE REGION

APRIL 6 - 12, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Publisher and educator Nathan Hare, the first person hired to coordinate a Black studies program at the university level in the United States, is born in Slick, Oklahoma.

Marian Anderson performs Easter Sunday for 75,000 on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial after she is refused permission to sing before an integrated the Daughters of the American Revolution's Constitutional Hall.

Black engineer Jerry Lawson, inventor of the video game cartridge, dies of complications from diabetes in Mountain View, Calif., at 70.

Lee Elder becomes the first African American to play in the Masters.

1881 – Spelman College, one of the nation's historically Black colleges and universities, is founded in

1899 – Percy Julian, a pioneering African American research chemist, is born in Montgomery, Alabama.

1908 – Jane Boldin, the first Black woman to serve as a judge in the United States, is born in Poughkeepsie, New York.

APRIL 6

1712 – The New York Slave Revolt of 1712, an uprising in which 23 enslaved Africans killed nine whites and injured another six, begins.

1909 – Black explorer Matthew Henson is among a party of six recognized as the first to reach the North Pole.

APRIL 7

1872 – William Monroe Trotter, civil rights leader and editor of The Boston Guardian, is born near Chillicothe, Ohio. He died on his birthday in 1934 after a fall from the roof of his Boston home.

1915 – Legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday is born in Philadelphia.

1940 – The Post Office Department issues a stamp honoring Booker T. Washington, the nation's first stamp to commemorate an African American.

1949 – Actress Juanita Hall begins a run on Broadway as Bloody Mary in the musical "South Pacific," a role in which she became the first African American to win a Tony Award for Best Supporting Actress.

APRIL 8

1946 – Bob Johnson, an entrepreneur and media magnate who founded Black Entertainment Television, is born in Hickory, Mississippi.

1974 – Baseball great Hank Aaron hits his 715th career home run, breaking Babe Ruth's then-record of 714.

APRIL 9

1898 – Paul Robeson, singer, actor and civil rights activist, is born in Princeton, New Jersey.

1966 – Emmett Ashford becomes the first Black umpire in Major League Baseball.

1968 – President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Fair Housing Act, which outlawed discrimination in the sale, rental or leasing of housing.

APRIL 12

1975 – Famed singer and entertainer Josephine Baker dies of a cerebral hemorrhage in Paris at 68.

1981 – Heavyweight boxing great Joe Louis dies of cardiac arrest in a Las Vegas-area hospital at 66.

1983 – Harold Washington becomes the first African American mayor of Chicago. WI

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

LSU women’s basketball player Angel Reese was criticized for taunting Iowa star Caitlin Clark during the NCAA championship game as LSU won the title. Some believe the criticism toward Reese is unfair and shows a double standard for women, particularly Black women. What are your thoughts?

FERN JOHNSON / RICHARDSON, TEXAS

It’s tone policing and controlling Black women. The media has always done this and continues to be a vehicle for white supremacy. All races must work together to dismantle this narrative.

COLLEEN WALLACE / WASHINGTON, DC

If you’ve ever been seething with rage while maintaining your composure (for fear of being unfairly labeled) in a room full of people applying double standards … we are Angel Reese. This is your moment. Thank you, sis!

TATYANA BELL / WASHINGTON, DC

Someone at work tried to tell me this morning how it was tacky for Angel to do this. I said everyone seemed fine when Caitlin was doing it last week … now this week, it’s a problem.

LYNETTE DAVIS / NEW ORLEANS LOUISIANNA

All the Karens and Kens are screaming Caitlin’s a victim when Caitlin committed the same crime. Angel’s unapologetic-ness makes her the assailant. Well, Ken and Karen, we don’t care how you feel. LSU is the NCAA national champion. That’s it, that’s all!

NATALIE GRANT / WASHINGTON, D.C.

I hope she does not apologize for her behavior and stands tall in her decision. Just keep being successful because we got you. As a Black woman, I’m tired of the double standards in society. We just really need to start supporting each other.

AROUND THE REGION

National League of Cities Holds D.C. Conference

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Officials from the Biden administration—including First Lady Dr. Jill Biden— and speakers from the private and nonprofit sectors spoke to hundreds of municipal elected and appointed leaders from across the country at the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Northwest from March 26-28.

“My husband always—often says that local leaders get things done,” said the first lady during a keynote address to the conference on March 27. “When people need safe roads to drive to work, when businesses need more support to stay open, when parents need to know that their children are safe, there’s no time for political posturing or division. You—all of you—you reach across the aisle, and you look for common ground.”

The National League of Cities (NLC) is an advocacy organization based in Northwest that represents the country’s 19,495 cities, towns and villages ranging in size from New York City with its over eight million population to the smallest hamlet. The NLC also represents the 49 state municipal leagues. The organization provides training to municipal officials, holds conferences, lobbies congressional and executive branch members and leaders and provides assistance for cities in educational issues. Clarence E. Antho-

ny serves as the executive director and CEO of the NLC.

The Congressional City Conference convened as the U.S. Congress grapples with the passing of the federal budget. NLC members came to the District to learn about the latest developments on the implementation of the Biden’s administration’s programs such as those in the American Rescue Plan of 2021, the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the U.S. Chips & Science Act as well as exchange ideas on how to boost their local economies and improve public safety. On March 28, members traveled to Capitol Hill to meet with their representatives and senators.

BIDEN LEADERS AND MAYORS ADDRESS THE NLC

On March 26, Biden administration officials John Podesta and Shalanda Young addressed the afternoon session. John Podesta serves as the senior adviser to the president on clean energy innovation and implementation and told the audience Biden’s plans on addressing climate change.

“We have a program through the Department of Treasury where grants can be obtained for programs to push solar power use, foster electric vehicle stations and encourage good storage practices,” Podesta, 74, said. “Our goal is to work toward a cleaner, greener climate and getting people a good job.”

Shalanda Young, the director of the United States Office of Management and Budget, said through Biden’s recently submitted budget to Congress, the administration has four priorities.

“We know that inflation is hurting families so we want to help lower prices,” Young, 45, said. “The administration wants to put money back into your communities so you can help your residents thrive. Protecting Social Security and Medicare are priorities and benefit cuts are off the table. We also want to bring down the deficit by practicing fiscal responsibility.”

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said the District is working to rebound from the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are all things budget,” Bowser, 50, said. “I recently submitted a budget to the D.C. Council and told residents that even though our city is strong fis-

tough choices.”

Bowser said reinvigorating the downtown area is important along with helping students to catch up academically after the pandemic caused schools to go into session virtually. She also said supporting the District’s police department is the key to fighting gun violence.

Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott; Jackson, Mississippi Mayor Chokwe Lumumba; Charleston, West Virginia Mayor Amy Goodwin; and Mesa, Arizona Mayor John Giles spoke about public safety in their cities.

Scott said his $50 million violence intervention program that has a substantial amount of federal funds has aided Baltimore police in fighting crime and “creating a safe ecosystem.”

Lumumba said a lot of the violence in his city is the result of bad interpersonal relationships and his police department is working to address that issue.

Goodman labeled her city as the “opioid capital of the world” and said she is using state and federal money to try to change that perception.

Giles said he has convinced city leaders to treat criminal activity as a public health issue “instead of locking people up.”

Robert Shankle serves as a city councilmember in Lufkin, Texas. Shankle said he was glad to attend the conference.

“This was very informational,” Shankle said. “I represent a small city and we have lots of problems and I have heard some solutions while here. It is also good to come to D.C. and network with other city leaders.” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke to a session of the National League of Cities Congressional City Conference. cally, we will have to make

Activist, Lawyer and TransAfrica

Founder Randall Robinson Dies at 81

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Randall Robinson, a lawyer, novelist, activist, and founder of the District-based TransAfrica, has died.

Robinson, 81, reportedly had been hospitalized with a serious infection.

He died on March 24 in St. Kitts, the Caribbean Island to which he left the United States for in 2001.

In a Facebook post, Anike Robinson paid tribute to her father.

“My father was an artist. He was a photographer and often did mini set designs. My mother, brother and I were the models,” she wrote. “My father liked to make his images timeless, outfitting us in period clothing he’d saved.”

She expressed being grateful that Robinson painted and sketched and allowed her to watch as he built furniture and practiced his craft.

“Daddy was the first artist I studied, worked alongside and learned the power of tools,” Robinson, who is also an artist, continued. “He made many beautiful things. He helped make three children. I am his first born and yesterday my dad died. I feel weird.”

A fierce anti-Apartheid warrior, Robinson was the brother of the late trailblazing journalist Max Robinson, who died in 1988.

Among the human and civil rights undertakings of Randall Robinson was his advocacy of Haitian immigration, and for having been a supporter of former Haitian president Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

He said he left America for St. Kitts after growing frustrated by American society.

Born July 6, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia, Robinson’s parents were teachers Doris Robinson Griffin and Maxie Cleveland Robinson.

He earned a J.D. from Harvard Law School and a bachelor’s from Virginia Union University.

Robinson is survived by his two sisters, actress Jewel Robinson and pastor Jean Robinson.

AROUND THE REGION

In addition to Anike, Robinson’s other children are Jabari Robinson and Khalea Ross Robinson.

According to an online obituary, Robinson practiced civil rights law in Boston from 1971 to 1975 before working for U.S. Congressman Bill Clay and acting as Congressman Charles Diggs’ administrative assistant.

In 1977, Robinson founded the TransAfrica Forum, which serves as a major research, educational, and organizing institution for the African-American community.

The forum offers constructive analysis concerning U.S. policy as it affects Africa and the African Diaspora (African Americans and West Indians who can trace their ancestry back to the dispersion of Africans that occurred because of the Transatlantic slave trade) in the Caribbean and Latin America, according to the organization’s mission statement, is one of the goals of the organization.

Robinson once explained his position that large reparations should be given to African Americans as a means of ending years of de jure and de facto tyranny and discrimination against the community in

HOW CAN LIFE INSURANCE

“The Debt: What America Owes To Blacks,” published in 2001.

The book makes the case for the implementation of lineage-based reparation programs to address persistent social and economic issues in the African American community, such as the high rate of Black people who are incarcerated and the disparity in cumulative wealth between black and white Americans.

In 2003, Robinson turned down an honorary degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, and later lectured at Penn State University’s Dickinson School of Law.

“We would talk fairly frequently back in the day,” Our House DC Editor Austin Cooper stated in an email.

“He was always very gracious when I called to interview him. He was interesting, smart, and principled.”

Washington Informer Journalist Barrington Salmon remembered Robinson as a “good man.”

“A decent man, a warrior, and a race man,” Salmon stated. “He will be missed.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

EVENT DETAILS

WHEN:

Saturday, April 22 10:30 am–12:00 pm

WHERE: Shiloh Baptist Church 1500 9th Street NW

TO REGISTER & GET MORE INFO: DISB.dc.gov/lifeinsuranceinfo

5 Randall Robinson (left) speaks during a panel session at the Brooklyn Book Festival in 2011. (Editrrix via Wikimedia Commons)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Pat Wheeler and Joanne Williams read the Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant."

Anacostia High School students (far right) Nekaeyla Roach and Darion Carter with 6th District Police Commander Darnelle Robinson, MPD Assistant Chief Wright, Ron Moten (Don't Mute DC), and DJ Quicksilver participate in a Community Forum addressing violence in Southeast April 4 -- the 55th anniversary of the Assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

Congressional Committee Grills Local

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In what has been described as further encroachment on D.C. 's Home Rule, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability recently conducted a hearing focused on city management and crime.

The March 29 hearing in the Rayburn House Office Building followed Rep. Andrew Clyde's (R-Georgia) introduction of a resolution striking down local police accountability measures and the passage of another resolution that he introduced to nullify the passage of the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA).

In the hours leading to the hearing, members of the #HandsOffDC coalition took to the streets on Wednesday morning and affirmed their commitment to protecting District Home Rule and advancing the ongoing movement for D.C. statehood.

After the group marched along Pennsylvania Avenue and past the Cannon House Office Building, they gathered on the front steps of Rayburn House Office Building where Makia Green, a #HandsOffDC member and core organizer with Harriet's Wildest Dreams, called the congressional hearing an overt attempt to disenfranchise Black District residents.

“We have just marched to let folks know, from D.C., to the capital city to the federal city, that we are D.C. and we are entering into this building with a hearing where folks who don’t vote, eat or live here and don’t know you and our community and don’t keep us safe, are trying to meddle in our affairs,” Green said. “This isn’t about safety. It’s about right-wing extremism vying for power in Black-led cities.”

#HandsOffDC coalition members spent much of Wednesday listening to the hearing or standing outside the Elijah Cummings Room of the Rayburn House Office Building patiently waiting to speak to congressmen and women walking through the halls.

The Issue at Hand: Police Accountability

Last year, the D.C. Council unanimously approved the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, which codified the District’s use of the force review board, enhanced police auditing capabilities, strengthened training requirements, and prohibited the hiring of officers

who had a history of misconduct.

The legislation also enhanced the police chief’s ability to fire offices who engaged in misconduct or committed serious offenses. The aforementioned measures were initially instituted on an emergency basis in the aftermath of anti-police brutality protests sparked by George Floyd’s murder.

After the D.C. Police Union’s previous attempts to strike down the Comprehensive Policing and Justice Reform Amendment Act, the entity took its qualms to Congress, saying that the legislation laid the foundation for the crime currently gripping the District.

Since last Wednesday's hearing, President Joe Biden (D) said he would veto the disapproval resolution currently under discussion. This stance deviated from his take on the Revised Criminal Code Act.

On Monday, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) speculated that the absence in D.C.'s police accountability bill striking down qualified immunity encouraged Biden's support of the legislation.

While speaking as a witness before the Congressional Committee on Oversight and Accountability, Mendelson noted that the police union’s opposition to the legislation centered on a particular provision it spent months targeting.

“[T]heir primary concern [is] that the law prohibits their ability to bar-

gain the disciplinary process for bad cops,” Mendelson said as he explained the inspiration behind the police accountability measure. “They couch their opposition more broadly but it’s the provision they took to court and lost, and then pressured me to water down or repeal. Our decision to include this prohibition is based on research which shows that police-negotiated discipline is bad for public safety, accountability and oversight.”

LOOKING BACK AT THE CONGRESSIONAL HEARING

Others who were scheduled to speak before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability were D.C. Councilmember Charles Allen (D-Ward 6), D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee, and Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton.

D.C. Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) and Trayon White (D-Ward 8), who were invited as witnesses, didn't attend. On May 16, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is scheduled to testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability.

Throughout much of the hearing, statehood and crime stood out as topics of discussion.

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

5 In the hours leading to the March 29 congressional hearing, members of the #HandsOffDC coalition took to the streets on Wednesday morning and affirmed their commitment to protecting District home rule and advancing the ongoing movement for D.C. statehood. (Photo by Cleveland Nelson)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Anthony C. Bennett

Appointed as Prince George’s Inspector General

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Earlier this year, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) announced a new Inspector General and Director of the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability: Anthony C. Bennett. With the county having faced numerous incidents of police misconduct, ranging from discrimination in hiring to blatant police brutality,

Bennett has a large undertaking. Bennett's office is considered the main source of accountability for county residents.

“We are excited to welcome Mr. Bennett to Prince George’s as the new Inspector General and Director of the Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability,” said Alsobrooks in a press release. “With Mr. Bennett’s background, knowledge, and expertise, we are confident that he will ensure our public safety agencies

operate with the highest level of transparency and accountability. We remain committed to providing strong and effective oversight of our public safety personnel as they work hard to keep Prince Georgians safe.”

The Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability works to provide transparency and oversight of the operations

“I truly applaud County Executive Alsobrooks and her leadership on the County’s police reform efforts,” said Bennett. “This shows that the County has committed the necessary time and resources to ensure that transparency, accountability, and oversight become the pillars of police reform across Prince George’s County.

of Prince George’s County’s public safety agencies. The Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021 implemented various police reforms by jurisdictions across Maryland, requiring Prince George’s County to establish the Office of Integrity, Compliance and Police Accountability under the Office of the County Executive, where the Inspector General serves as the Director.

Office of Integrity, Compliance, and Police Accountability establishes and upholds the highest of policing oversight standards.”

Bennett is also a member of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE), National Honor Society of Criminal Justice, National Honor Society of Public Administration, and American Jail Association.

Congressman Ivey, NASA Host STEM Presentation at DuVal High

DISTRICT24

ARETHA

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

District 4 Congressman Glenn Ivey (DMaryland) joined NASA staff for a presentation about STEM at DuVal High School on March 30. Before the auditorium presentation, they gathered in the newly-built Aerospace Building. Fifteen 3-D printers, a flight simulator, dozens of computers and smart boards adorned the room.

“This is how we support you as the scientists and engineers of the future,” said Bob Gabrys, the Director of STEM at Goddard, during the presentation to over 300 students in the multipurpose room. “One is internships. We know that some of you have applied for internships. What you don’t know is that some of you have been accepted for internships.”

“It’s amazing that this program has a few

IVEY Page 13

Bennett previously served as the Deputy Inspector General for the City of Atlanta, Georgia and as Manager of Investigations and the Accreditation Manager for the Palm Beach County Office of Inspector General in Palm Beach County, Florida from 2019 to 2021. He spent 16 years with the Broward County Sheriff’s Office in Broward County, Florida and served in the United States Army during the Gulf War.

“I truly applaud County Executive Alsobrooks and her leadership on the County’s police reform efforts,” said Bennett. “This shows that the County has committed the necessary time and resources to ensure that transparency, accountability, and oversight become the pillars of police reform across Prince George’s County. I am honored and excited to be at the precipice of this mandate and will be working diligently to engage our communities, our elected and appointed officials, and our law enforcement partners as the

The inspector general was previously housed within the Prince George’s County Police Department.

In July 2020, County Executive Alsobrooks established the Prince George’s County Police Reform Work Group, which was tasked with providing a comprehensive operations and policy review of the Prince George’s County Police Department to develop recommendations to help guide the County’s police reform efforts. One of the recommendations was to create an Office of Integrity and Compliance under the Office of the County Executive, with an inspector general serving as the director.

Bladensburg Councilmember Jocelyn Route (D) wants an active partner in this role. “I want the person in this position to partner with municipal chiefs of police. Oftentimes, municipalities are left out of the work that is conducted in the state and in the County.”, she said.

WI

5 Anthony C. Bennett named Prince George’s County Inspector General (Courtesy photo/LinkedIn)

5 Pictured left to right: Goddard STEM Director Bob Gabrys; Congressman Glenn Ivey (D- District 4); astronaut Kjell Lindgren; DuVal senior Jayson Kiggundu and Aerospace Instructor Monique Scott-Hayes (Richard Elliott/ The Washington Informer)

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

kids in grade school and opens students' eyes to what is possible.” said astronaut Kjell Lindgren, a native to the D.C. area. “I’m inspired by you all.”

“Science is vital for the future. Our community, our country and our planet can continue to thrive with extraordinary contributions by truly talented and motivated people like Dr. Kjell Lindgren. I look forward to one day seeing a student from DuVal High School reach their dreams of a career in the NASA space program,” said Ivey in a press release before the presentation. “I am proud to be a part of this effort of connecting good organizations with aspiring students. STEM learning can be a great equalizer in careers of the future and this partnership fosters just such an aim. ”

During his presentation, Lindgren talked about the effects of weightlessness on the body and the beauty of the Earth as seen from space.

Lindgren understands the importance of early science education and wants to explore future collaboration opportunities between students and

NASA, noting the close distance of Goddard to DuVal.

“When I was about 13, my parents bought me an old Cessna. But it didn’t have the time or commitment to become a pilot in high school. First time I flew was at the Air Force Academy–in a Cessna 172.”, he said.

The Aerospace program recently won first, second and third place in a drone program at Andrews Air Force Base.

Monique Scott-Hayes, the Aviation Instructor for the school, says her favorite part of running her program is giving opportunity to students who didn’t know what was possible.

Jayson Kiggundu, a senior at the school, has been a part of the program since transferring his sophomore year. He wants to use his expertise in aerospace to produce innovation and opportunities for students and staff.

“That’s the heart of my work,” he said.

Mamta Nagaraji, associate chief scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA HQ attended the school presentation, and was reminded of her past.

“As a little girl, I grew up in a small

town in West Texas,” she said. “You could see so many stars at night and I wondered what it be would like to soar through them. I think exploring the unknown is what science is all about.”

Gabrys said he wants NASA to work with the Congressman to advocate for science achievement in the area.

“Clearly the answer is partnerships and building relationships between the Congressman, NASA, and members of the public to determine what can happen in the future,” he said. “These partnerships will enhance our existing mechanisms of communication with both the local and national community.” WI

5 NASA astronaut Kjell Lindgren, left, and Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.), right, meet with students and faculty prior to a STEM event at DuVal High School, on March 30, in Lanham, Maryland. (Courtesy photo/NASA)

I’m Prince George’s Proud to tackle litter and illegal dumping in our County. I invite every Prince Georgian to join us in this fight.

Angela D. Alsobrooks, County Executive

BUSINESS

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

OWOLEWA LAUNCHES MONEY MEETUP MIXER

District Shadow U.S. Representative Oye Owolewa (D) launched the Money Meetup Mixer at Ozios in Northwest on March 22 to increase the diversity of grantees in city government and provide residents with the information needed to transform neighborhoods.

Speakers at the event included Claudia Herrera from the D.C. Department of Licensing and Consumer Protection and Bola Audena from MBA Growth Partners. Herrera and Audena lead a seminar for minority and female business owners to learn where they can apply for grants. The Money Meetup Mixer will have future events and focus on aiding businesses from

briefs

underrepresented groups learn the best ways to receive capital.

“I’d like to thank everyone who’s contributing to the Money Meetup Mixer series,” said Oye. “Gone are the days where folks believe they can’t get the money they need and deserve. Everyone, not just the same few people, deserves to know what opportunities are available. This and future Mixers prepare us not only for today’s D.C. but also the D.C. 15 years from now.”

WARD 8’S THE DOUGLASS RECEIVES DISTINCTION

The Douglass, the anchor building of the Bridge District located in Ward 8, has become the largest multifamily housing project to

As Deadline to File Income Taxes Approaches, African Americans Still Face Systemic Challenges

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

As the April 18 deadline to file 2022 income taxes arrives, many African Americans shared their experiences with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Some said that filing their taxes was hard and they ran into problems, while others were happy with the process.

Recent statistics show that African Americans comprise a large share of taxpayers in the United States. However, many still need help navigating the complex tax system and dealing with the IRS.

One common issue African American taxpayers report is difficulty accessing tax services and resources.

Many live in areas that need access to qualified tax professionals,

making it harder for them to file their taxes accurately and on time. This can lead to costly mistakes, late fees, and other penalties.

Many Black Americans have reported experiencing discrimination and bias while dealing with the IRS.

Such actions can come in many forms, such as being audited unfairly or getting less help than other taxpayers.

A recent study confirmed that Black Americans are three to five times more likely to face an IRS audit when compared with other taxpayers.

Evelyn Smith, an economics graduate student at the University of Michigan and visiting fellow at Stanford University’s RegLab, TAXES Page 16

15% of parking spaces will be “EV ready” for future charging.

Additionally, the building’s advanced, all-electric mechanical system will provide enhanced heating and cooling efficiency via a building-wide condenser loop, which will transfer energy between residential, retail, and other uses.

The Douglass is designed by ZGF Architects and will offer residents ground floor retail space and its proximity to Anacostia Park offers access to greenspace.

pursue Zero Carbon certification from the International Living Future Institute and is presently the one project with that distinction in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area.

The 757-unit building, which started construction in the summer of 2022, will be the first of

5 D.C. Shadow Rep. Oye Owolewa recently hosted an event to aid minority and female entrepreneurs. (WI File Photo) a series of multifamily and office buildings to be built in the mixed-use development over the next several years. All power from the building will come from renewable sources including a solar rooftop. Plus, over 5% of parking spaces will be equipped with electric vehicle charging and another

“The Douglass represents our region’s largest ground-up development designed to be carbon net zero from operations,” said William Passmore, managing partner of Redbrick LMD. “We are pushing the envelope on sustainability with a design that exceeds ILFI and LEED Platinum standards. Sustainable development that promotes human health and well-being and mitigates the impact of climate change is foundational to everything we do.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

BUSINESS

TAXES from Page 15

told CNBC that the audit rate differences seem to be driven by the agency’s focus on “low-dollar, high-certainty cases.”

Specifically, the study examines audits of filers claiming the earned income tax credit, a tax break for low to moderate earners.

The credit is refundable, meaning eligible filers can receive it even with zero taxes due.

The findings show Black filers

claiming the earned income tax credit were more likely to be audited than non-Black filers claiming the same credit.

“It’s a type of audit that the IRS does a lot,” Smith told the network.

“It’s cheap, it’s easy to perform and Black taxpayers get caught up in that disproportionately relative to non-Black taxpayers.”

Those facts have proven discouraging for African American taxpayers, who already have to deal with systemic racism and discrimination

in other parts of their lives.

Despite the problems, many still have found ways to deal with the tax system and file their taxes successfully.

Some have sought free or lowcost tax preparation services provided by community organizations or the IRS.

Others have relied on online tax software and resources to file their taxes independently.

Those who have had positive experiences with the IRS empha-

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunity

This IFB is designated for District of Columbia Department of Small, Local, and Business Development (DSLBD) certified business enterprises only.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Exterior Horticultural Services. Interested parties can view a copy of the Invitation for Bid (“IFB”) by accessing Events DC’s e-procurement website at www.wcsapex.com. APEX BID # 22-S-011-815

Key Dates

IFB Release Date:                 Tuesday, March 28, 2023 1:00 PM

IFB Site Visit:                       Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 11:00 AM

IFB Questions Due Date:      Friday, April 14, 2023, 5:00 PM

IFB Response Due Date:        Friday April 28, 2023, 3:00 PM

size the importance of being organized, keeping good records, and staying on top of tax deadlines.

They also say to find tax professionals or resources early on to ensure the filing process goes smoothly and without stress.

Overall, the experiences of African Americans with the IRS show

that the tax system needs to be fairer and easier to use.

“Taxpayers of all backgrounds should have access to high-quality tax services and resources, regardless of where they live or their income level,” Alton Moore, a tax preparer and accountant, insisted.

“The IRS should get rid of bias and unfair treatment so that

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) Bid Opportunity

This IFB is designated for District of Columbia Department of Small, Local, and Business Development (DSLBD) certified business enterprises only.

The Washington Convention and Sports Authority (t/a Events DC) is soliciting proposals from qualified firms to provide Plant Leasing and Interior Horticultural Services. Interested parties can view a copy of the Invitation for Bid (“IFB”) by accessing Events DC’s e-procurement website at www.wcsapex.com.APEX BID # 22-S-011-816

Key Dates

IFB Release Date:                 Tuesday, March 28, 2023 1:00 PM

IFB Site Visit:                        Tuesday, April 11, 2023, 11:00 AM

IFB Questions Due Date:      Friday, April 14, 2023 5:00 PM

IFB Response Due Date:        Friday April 28 2023 3:00 PM

5 April 18 is the deadline to file 2022 income taxes. (Courtesy Photo/ Matthew Bisanz, Wikimedia Commons).

Ask how you can take advantage of Mortgage Relationship Pricing

* Citi Mortgage Relationship Pricing — A Citibank deposit account is required to receive the interest rate discount or closing cost credit.

Automated monthly transfers of the mortgage payment from a Citibank Deposit Account using automated drafting will be required. Actual interest rate discount or closing cost credit will depend on the level of the Citi Eligible Balances, which will be verified after final loan approval.

Deposit Account Balances must be in the account five (5) Business Days following final loan approval and Investment Account balances must be in the account six (6) Business Days following final loan approval. Citi eligible accounts include a personal, consumer Citibank Deposit Account in which the borrower is a direct signer, Citibank IRAs, and Investments held in linked Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (“CGMI”) accounts. The borrower must be an account holder on investment accounts. IRA and annuity positions shown on linked CGMI Account statements are eligible (except tax qualified annuities under sections 401, 403, or 457 of the Internal Revenue Code). Balances from Citibank Business / Commercial accounts, ERISA accounts, Keogh accounts, Bank Collateral accounts, Foreign accounts, Fiduciary accounts, and Trust accounts where the borrower is only listed as the Beneficiary are excluded. All Custodial type accounts are excluded with the exception of Custodial IRA accounts through Citibank or Pershing LLC where the borrower(s) is the beneficiary, which are eligible unless otherwise noted. Citibank IRAs that are not linked to a Citibank Deposit Account are excluded. The closing cost credit offer will be applied at closing and may not be used prior to closing. In Texas, the credit may not result in you receiving cash back.

If you are interested in Citi’s banking account relationship offers, please contact your Home Lending Officer or Mortgage Representative. Speak to your loan officer about whether the relationship offer is best for you.

Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing for Citibank account holders can only be applied prior to loan closing and is subject to account and balance validation.

Citibank Mortgage Relationship Pricing is subject to change without notice.

Glossary of terms for this offer: Business Day means Monday through Friday and does not include federal holidays; Eligible Balances means total funds showing in the account at the time we verify the balances less any funds we determine you will need for a down payment or closing costs; Deposit Account means a Citibank personal checking and/or savings account as well as certificates of deposit and money market accounts; Investment Account means IRAs and investments held in Citigroup Global Markets Inc. accounts.

Terms, conditions and fees for accounts, programs, offers, products and services are subject to change without notice at any time. Offer may be modified or withdrawn at any time without notice. Offer cannot be combined with other offers, except when applied with specific Community Lending Programs. Offers are not applicable on Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit. This is not a commitment to lend. This offer contains information about U.S. domestic financial services provided by Citibank, N.A. and is intended for use domestically in the U.S.

HUD Secretary Fudge Hosts Black Journalists in Discussion to Fix Housing Crisis

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Marcia Fudge recently held a roundtable with a group of Black journalists to discuss the ongoing issue of housing inequities and the opportunities the Biden-Harris administration has pushed for African American and minority homeownership.

During the roundtable, Fudge talked about how more needs to be done to fix the racial differences in the housing market.

She stated that housing costs are

inextricably linked to inflation and that HUD is committed to doing more to help ensure that everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.

Even though there has been some progress, the Secretary said that the rate of African Americans owning their own homes is still much lower than that of white Americans.

She pointed out that the racial wealth gap, discriminatory lending practices, and other systemic issues are all factors that contribute to this disparity.

To help address these issues,

Fudge discussed several initiatives that HUD is currently working on, including expanding access to down payment assistance programs, increasing affordable housing options, and combating discriminatory lending practices.

One of the main discussion topics during the roundtable was the

effect these initiatives would have on Black communities.

Fudge, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said that fixing the housing problems in these communities is essential for economic growth and social mobility.

The Secretary also emphasized

the importance of working with local governments, community organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that these initiatives effectively address the specific needs of Black communities.

Fudge further discussed the

ARETHA Report: Companies Graded from A to F on Racial and Gender Pay

Target Gets A-Plus known as “Equal Pay Day.”

DISTRICT24

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Arjuna Capital and Proxy

Impact released their 6th Annual Racial and Gender Pay Scorecard last month, showing of the 68 companies surveyed 13 received an “A” and 25 companies graded as an “F.”

The 13 companies getting an “A” are Target, Starbucks, Mastercard, Microsoft, Pfizer, Bank of New York Mellon, Citigroup, Adobe, American Express, Visa, Lowe’s Best Buy and Home Depot. Target is the first company in the history of the scorecard to earn a perfect score—“A-plus.” The Scorecard was released on March 14,

“Target’s score of A-plus is really something to celebrate,” said Natasha Lamb, managing partner of investment firm Arjuna Capital. “Racial and gender pay gaps are structural and persistent, but the Scorecard holds up those companies that are doing the real and honest work to create pay equity.”

The grades are based on quantitative disclosures (versus qualitative assurances). Investors have engaged 68 companies in the ranking through shareholder proposals and asked them to improve their pay equity disclosures.

THE SCORECARD’S METHODOLOGY

The Scorecard assesses companies’ pay equity data against best-practice pay equity reporting standards of one, unadjusted me-

dian pay gaps and two, statistically adjusted gaps, measuring minorities and non-minorities, men and women, performing similar roles.

SPECIFICS OF THE SCORECARD REPORT

The report said Target and Starbucks' perfect and near perfect grades, respectively, reflect the companies racial and gender pay equity on both an adjusted and unadjusted median basis for 100% of their employee population, assessed on all components of compensation—base, bonus, and equity. Fifty percent more companies earned a grade of “A” on this year’s Scorecard than in previous years. Fifteen other companies, such as Lowe’s and Best Buy, saw the largest score increase from an “F” to a “B,” as they began disclosing comprehensive adjusted and un-

adjusted median racial and gender pay gaps.

However, Intel’s “D” and Alphabet’s “F” came from failing to disclose quantitative pay gaps for methodology within the past two years, despite committing to investors that they would do better. Four companies—Cigna, eBay, Intel, and Google lost ground last year. Alphabet, Goldman Sachs, Marriott, Charles Schwab and Walmart were among the 25 companies that received an “F” due to their lack of transparency.

PAY GAPS CONTINUE DESPITE PROGRESS

The Scorecard highlights companies that are working to close the racial and gender pay gap. The gap persists with Black workers’ median earnings representing 81% of their white colleagues and

HUD Page 19

women’s earnings representing 83% of men’s earnings.

“Women and people of color are almost always deeply underrepresented in higher paying positions,” said Michael Passoff, CEO of Proxy Impact. “Median pay gap data sheds a light on that problem, and studies show that companies that disclose pay gaps are more likely to fix them.”

The Scorecard said pay equity leads to improved representation in the workforce, superior stock performance, higher return on equity and is good for the economy. McKinsey projects that closing the racial wealth gap could increase gross domestic production by 4- 6% by 2028, netting the economy $1.1-1.5 trillion.

5 HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge. (WI File Photo/Robert R. Roberts)

HUD from Page 18

need to expand access to affordable housing in urban areas, where the cost of living is often higher than in other parts of the country.

She highlighted the importance of working with local governments to promote mixed-income housing developments, which can help to promote economic diversity and reduce segregation within these communities.

“What we are saying at HUD and the Biden-Harris administration is that we can assist you with down payment assistance, we can assist you by staying in your homes, like giving you longer mortgages, we can make sure that we treat you fairly throughout that lending process,” Fudge asserted.

“We also have resources that we have put out tons of money. We send out community development block grant money, which many of them use. We send home money to communities to help them build housing, as well as we look at a broader picture and understand the significance of the problems.”

Fudge continued to emphasize the need to address the issue of housing discrimination and noted that HUD is working to strengthen fair housing laws and enforce them more effectively.

She emphasized that discrimination in the housing market is morally wrong and against the law and that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to taking

decisive action to fix this problem.

Fudge also said that the Biden-Harris administration is committed to ensuring everyone has equal access to housing and fixing the systemic problems that have led to different homeownership rates for other races.

Acknowledging that much work remained in addressing systemic challenges, Fudge expressed optimism that progress can be made through continued collaboration and commitment to this critical issue.

She encouraged the journalists to continue engaging with HUD and help spread awareness of the ongoing efforts to address these issues.

Noting the commitment both HUD and the Biden-Harris administration have made towards fairness and progress, Fudge said, their efforts are a positive sign that progress can be made in addressing these systemic issues and promoting more equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all Americans.

“This HUD understands what it means to invest in housing,” Fudge insisted.

“We know that when we invest in housing, we invest in people. When we invest in people, we make people feel good. When we make people feel good, we inspire them to do good, and I believe good things happen to good people.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

4 The U.S. Housing and Urban Development under the leadership of Secretary Marcia Fudge is working on initiatives that will increase affordable housing options in the African American community. (Courtesy photo/NAREB)

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5 Shea, due to its numerous benefits, is known as Women’s Gold in Africa. It is considered sacred because of the bounty of goodness it can do for skin, hair, beauty and health. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shea Tree: Empowering African Women Through Sustainable Development

The shea tree, which grows only in Africa and whose fruit is harvested almost exclusively by women, is emerging as a real development tool in some of the world's poorest countries.

Mali is one of the world's leading producers of shea butter, along with Nigeria and Burkina Faso.

In the rural commune of Siby nearly one thousand women work at the local cooperative Maison du Karité.

"Once drawn from the pot, we proceed to the filtration with a rod. Then, we remove the impurities. The next day, we come back to stir the liquid and remove the impurities at the bottom of the pot. Finally, we do the filtering, knowing that the oil is ready before putting in the jars", said Salimata Camara, a Maison du Karité employee. According to the Global Shea Alliance (GSA), 16 million African women from Senegal to South Sudan live or survive off the shea tree, mainly in rural areas.

"One of the benefits of the cooperative is that it has provided employment for the women. Before the cooperative, the women's activity was limited to the rainy season. But now it is year-round", added Filfing Koumare, Maison du Karité store manager.

One of the challenges is the lack of training and financial support, particularly for marketing.

"One of the difficulties is the lack of support. There is no support. The fact that all the expenses fall on the House, that is a huge difficulty", denounced Assitan Kone Camara, president of the Cooperative of Women Shea Butter Producers in Siby.

The mayor of the local town recognises the importance of this activity.

"They (Maison du Karité, editor's note) contribute greatly today to the socio-economic development of the commune through the products made and sold on site. And, beyond that, you know that the Maison du Karité, the advantage of this company today is that it attracts a lot of outside customers", concluded Daouda Keita, Mayor of Siby.

Demand for the product, used in particular in food (chocolate and biscuits) and cosmetics (creams), has exploded in recent years, driven by Western consumers, who are increasingly keen to buy products presented as organic or natural. WI

Jamaica to Maintain Best of its Heritage and Culture

As Jamaica begins its transition to a Republic, the country intends to maintain the best of its heritage and culture, says Minister of Legal and Constitutional Affairs, Hon. Marlene Malahoo Forte. The Minister was speaking at the first Indian Diaspora Conference, held on March 26 at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

5 Mrs. Malahoo Forte, who is of Indian descent, said her father raised her to honour the core Indian values and to be proud of her heritage.

“We intend to preserve the best of our past and present that has made us a stable democracy, while affirming our self-determination and cultural heritage,” she said.

The event, organized by the High Commission of India, featured a photo exhibition and documentary that chronicles the journey of Indian indentured laborers to Jamaica, from 1845 to the present. The Indians were brought by the British to supplement the labor force, which was then enslaved Africans.

Minister Malahoo Forte commended India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Rungsung Masakui, for hosting the Conference, which, she said, was taking place at a time when Jamaica is embarking on the most comprehensive and consequential constitutional reform work to be undertaken in the nation since the attainment of political independence in 1962.

She said the Conference was also being held when the Government of India had assumed the Presidency of the G-20 (Group of 20 countries) and the leading voice for the Global South on the international stage.

Mrs. Malahoo Forte, who spoke on the topic ‘Shaping the India-Jamaica Identity,’ said her father, who is of Indian descent, had raised her to honor the core Indian values and to be proud of her heritage, according to Jamaica Information Services (JIS). WI

Accessing Healthy Food Options in Low-Income Communities

Submitted by AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia

Good nutrition is essential to living an active, healthy lifestyle. If you find that accessing affordable, nutritious foods in your neighborhood is difficult, it is likely that you live in a food desert.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, an estimated 23 million people live in food deserts, and most of them are living in low-income areas.1 If you find yourself living in a food desert, here are a few tips you can follow to find and afford healthier food options for you and your family.

What are food deserts?

Food deserts are communities that have poor access to healthy and affordable food.2 Income level is often a factor in affording healthy food options. Of the 23 million people living in food deserts, 11 million live at or below 200% of the poverty line.3

Living in a food desert with low access means that a supermarket is more than one mile away in an urban area or more than 10 miles away in a rural area.4 Rural areas are more likely to be food deserts, as they make up 87% of counties with the highest rates of food insecurity.5

How do food deserts impact communities?

Food deserts impact communities through certain social and economic factors. Those with little access to large supermarkets can suffer greatly because of food deserts. Instead of sufficient grocery stores that carry fresh food options, these areas are home to fast food chains or smaller convenience stores that do not offer healthy alternatives.

A diet without decent fruits, vegetables, and other essential nutrients can lead to health issues.6 In 2021, nearly 20% of African Americans lived in a food insecure household, making Black people almost three times as likely to face hunger as white individuals.7

Living in impoverished neighborhoods also contributes to hunger through transportation needs. Vehicle ownership is a factor that plays a role in accessing food.8

Accessing Healthy Food Options in a Food Desert

A lack of access and income does not have to get in the way of living a healthy, balanced lifestyle. If you are on a budget, you can maintain a healthy diet by: 6,9

• Buying canned or frozen foods. Canned and frozen foods tend to be less expensive and last longer than fresh, raw foods. Frozen foods also have been proven to contain the same nutritional value as fresh produce.

• Getting your protein from sources other than meat. Meat alternatives like beans and dried peas have just as much protein as meat, but are sold at a cheaper price so you can stay within your budget.

• Freezing your leftovers. Freezing leftovers is a great way to preserve food and cut down on costs. You also can follow the National Center for Home Food Preservation’s step-by-step instructions on how to preserve food at home.10

• Starting a fruit and vegetable garden. If you can, begin growing your own fruits and vegetables right at home. Starting your own garden guarantees fresh produce and allows you to rely on grocery stores much less.

Sources:

1. “Access to Affordable and Nutritious Food: Measuring and Understanding Food Deserts and Their Consequences,” U.S. Department of Agriculture, Economic Research Service, https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/ publications/42711/12716_ap036_1_. pdf?v=41055

2. “A Systematic Review of Food Deserts, 1966-2007,” National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Information, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC2722409/

3. “How to Combat ‘Food Deserts’ and ‘Food Swamps,’” Healthline.com, https://www.healthline.com/healthnews/combat-food-deserts-and-foodswamps#Results-from-research

4. “Food Deserts and Inequality,” Social Policy Data Lab, https://www.socialpolicylab.org/post/ grow-your-blog-community#:~:text=New%20analysis%20from%20 the%20Association,Americans%20 struggles%20to%20eat%20daily

5. “Food Insecurity in the U.S. by the Numbers,” NPR, https://www.npr. org/2020/09/27/912486921/food-inse-

curity-in-the-u-s-by-the-numbers

6. “Do You Live in a Food Desert? Eight Ways to Eat Healthy if You Do,” Rally Health, https://www.rallyhealth.com/food/doyou-live-in-a-food-desert-8-ways-to-eathealthy-if-you-do

7. “Hunger Hits Black Communities Harder,” Feeding America, https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-in-america/african-american

8. “Car Ownership and the Association between Fruit and Vegetable Availability and Diet,” National Institutes of Health, National Library of Medicine, National Center for Biotechnology Infor-

mation, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/ articles/PMC3871886/

9. “What Are Food Deserts? All You Need to Know,” Healthline.com, https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/food-deserts

10. “National Center for Home Food Preservation,” University of Georgia, National Center for Home Food Preservation, https://nchfp.uga. edu/#gsc.tab=0

All images are used under license for illustrative purposes only. Any individual depicted is a model

• Advice on healthy eating

• Healthy cooking classes

• Résumé assistance

#BestMe Visit the New Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center

The AmeriHealth Caritas District of Columbia (DC) Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center has a new location! Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the new center offers wellness classes to AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees, as well as a kids’ zone for children, at no cost.

Other services offered include:

• Fitness classes such as Zumba®, yoga, and aerobics

• Finance classes

AmeriHealth Caritas DC enrollees also can walk in without an appointment to get help with care management and other benefits. For more information, call:

• Medicaid Enrollee Services at 1-800-408-7511

• Alliance Enrollee Services at 1-866-842-2810

Visit the new Enrollee Wellness and Opportunity Center at:

1209 Good Hope Road SE Washington, DC 20020

HEALTH

Judge Rules Health Insurers Don’t Have to Cover Preventive Care

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a big blow to health insurance in the U.S., a federal judge has ruled that insurers no longer have to pay for preventive care services like cancer and heart disease screenings.

The ruling comes as a result of a lawsuit brought by a group of insurers who argued that the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exceeded its authority by requiring them to cover certain preventative care services without being able to charge copayments or deductibles.

The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, was signed into law in 2010 to make it easier for millions of Americans to get health insurance.

One of the law’s key provisions was the requirement that insurance companies cover certain preventative care services without cost-sharing, including immunizations, blood pressure

screenings and mammograms.

However, the recent ruling by U.S. District Judge Reed O’Connor, of the Northern District of Texas, has effectively invalidated this provision of the ACA.

In his ruling, Judge O’Connor wrote that the ACA’s requirement for insurers to cover preventative care services “exceeds the powers of Congress under the Commerce Clause” of the U.S. Constitution.

The ruling is likely to significantly affect health insurance in the U.S., especially for people who already have health problems like cancer or heart disease.

If insurance companies weren’t required to cover preventive care services, patients might be less likely to get the screenings and tests that could catch these health problems early.

Experts said this could lead to serious health problems and higher healthcare costs.

“The President is glad to see the Department of Justice is appealing the judge’s decision, which blocks a key provision of the Affordable Care Act that has ensured free access to preventive health care for 150 million Americans,” White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated.

“This case is yet another attack on the Affordable Care Act – which has been the law of the land for 13 years and survived three challenges before the Supreme Court,” Jean-Pierre continued:

“Preventive care saves lives, saves families money, and protects and improves our health. Because of the ACA, millions of Americans have access to free cancer and heart disease screenings. This decision threatens to jeopardize critical care.

“The Administration will continue to fight to improve health care and make it more affordable for hard-working families, even in the face of attacks from special interests.”

Critics of the ruling include healthcare advocacy groups and politicians. They say it will make it more complicated and expensive for millions of Americans to get health insurance. In a statement, Dr. Patrice Harris, president of the American Medical Association, called the ruling “a clear step backward for our health system.”

“Preventative care is a cornerstone of good health,” Dr. Harris said. “It’s critical that patients have access to these services without cost-sharing to stay healthy and catch health problems early before they become more serious and more costly to treat.”

The ruling is also likely to face legal challenges in the coming months. Several states and healthcare advocacy groups have already said they will appeal the decision. They say that the ACA’s requirement that insurers cover preventive care services is a crucial part of the law’s goal to make more people eligible for health insurance.

In the meantime, patients and healthcare providers alike are left to grapple with the uncertain future of healthcare coverage in the U.S. Without the assurance of coverage for preventative care services, and patients may be forced to choose between paying out-of-pocket for these services or foregoing them altogether, potentially putting their health and well-being at risk.

“Once again, an extreme activist

judge is taking a monumental swing at the Affordable Care Act, which has saved millions of lives and made Americans healthier for the last 13 years,” Congressional Black Caucus Chair Steven Horsford (D-Nevada) stated.

“The preventative care provisions in the law have ensured that, without concern for cost, Americans have been able to get screened for things like diabetes, breast cancer and heart disease. “It also puts the brakes on critical preventative treatments like immunizations and PrEP for HIV.

“The impact of this ruling, especially on working Nevadans and communities of color, will result in the loss of lives, increased costs for treatment of preventable illnesses, and increased inequities in our already unbalanced health care system.” WI

5 A federal judge’s ruling means insurers don’t have to cover preventive care for cancer and other illnesses. (Courtesy Photo/ Rhoda Baer, Wikimedia Commons)

“This case is yet another attack on the Affordable Care Act – which has been the law of the land for 13 years and survived three challenges before the Supreme Court,” Jean-Pierre continued.

Inflation Poses Greater Threat On Food Insecurity Crisis

New Poll Reveals Stark Disparities

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Increasing numbers of District parents are battling the disheartening challenge of providing their children with healthy meals due to increasingly expensive food prices, as revealed in a new survey released by No Kid Hungry, a national campaign working to eradicate childhood hunger across America.

The public survey examines responses conducted by Ipsos, showing greater disparities for Black lower, and middle-class families while evaluating roughly 3,000 parents with children attending public-schools. According to the survey, 68% of lower-income, and 58% of middle-income families reported increasing hardships in being able to afford enough food to feed their children over the recent year. Overwhelmingly, 93% of participating parents of middle incomes, along with 87 % percent of parents with lower incomes shared the rising costs of food prices as the primary reason for this issue.

The numbers are daunting, as a USDA 2021 report emphasizes the large gap of over 22% percent of Black households with children experiencing food insecurity at almost three times the rates of White households with children, averaging at almost 8%.

Many of the surveyed families are skipping meals to ration enough money for other household needs, causing a large portion of middle-income families to utilize food assistance programs for their first time.

“It kept me at ease that at least my kids are eating properly, as inflation rises it is getting harder for me to keep up,” a middle-income father shared on the survey. WI

HEALTH SCDAA Expands Access To Clinical Trial Participation

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Member

The Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) is extending efforts to increase, and diversify participation rates of underrepresented demographics in clinical trials through their C.A.R.E.S. Consortium initiative.

The association’s C.A.R.E.S. Consortium, a collaboration of pharmaceutical companies uniting to educate, and promote clinical trial participation, has created a free sickle cell disease clinical trial finder, providing easier accessibility for qualifying individuals, furthering confirmation of potential drugs and therapies, and how certain parameters may be helpful or require change.

“Our sickle cell disease clinical trial finder, which is on our website, is just

clinical trials for sickle cell, whereas many of the other clinical trial finders that are very helpful, cover several different types of diseases. If you are living with sickle cell disease, or a caregiver for someone with [the disease], you can come right to the website. We also have a mobile app that people can download [for] free,” shared SCDAA President and CEO Regina Hartfield.

According to a report published by the Association of American Medical Colleges, Black Americans account for roughly 5% of clinical trial participants across the United States. The participation rates rank well beneath the mark to ensure significant representation in research on Black American people facing various diseases, including sickle cell disease. Reportedly, one out of 365 Black or African Americans is born with sickle cell dis-

ease, compared to one out of every 16,300 Hispanic-American births. Likewise, roughly one in 12 Black or African-Americans are born with the sickle cell trait.

Historically, large proportions of Black Americans remain skeptical of clinical trials and medical campaigns targeting minority populations. Hartfield recognizes the prevalent distrust when we observe the lack of diversity in clinical studies examining Sickle Cell Disease, while additionally emphasizing the association’s focus to help address the barriers and concerns that people are expected to have when considering participation.

“The sickle cell disease community is very knowledgeable, and well informed about the disease, but they will also have the opportunity of understanding who this pharmaceutical company is in their space, and is

running this particular clinical trial,” Hartfield explained. “Not only are they going to have access to all of the information about the clinical trial, the criteria, process, level of commitment, and all of those things, but they want to understand what this particular pharmaceutical company focuses on, and more about the study itself and their history of working with the Sickle Cell Disease community.”

While Black communities remain skeptical of becoming the subject to a potentially disastrous medical trial, brave survivors similar to Dr. Patrise Holden, founder of The Language Key, has taken the leap of faith to participate in a few clinical trials, as she has faced a lifelong battle of Type SS Sickle Cell Disease - the most aggressive form of the illness.

“Quite frankly, it wasn’t comfort that caused the urge to participateit was gross discomfort. Sickle Cell is a terrifyingly painful illness. It is hallmarked by paralyzing fatigue because of the inherent incapability of the red blood cells to trade oxygen, so your hemoglobin is always low, which is the blood count. So due to that paralyzing fatigue and debilitating pain, for me it wasn’t [so much], ‘Hey, I should trust these people and do these clinical trials.’ It was, ‘What could be worse than this,’” Dr. Holden explained, adding that she held optimism that the trials could actually be beneficial.

Holden has had her share of successes with sickle cell clinical trials, as one of her most successful introduced her to the drug Procrit (that goes by the generic name Epogen), an extremely expensive injection accidentally found to help encourage the birth of normal birth cells for sickle cell patients, while initially used for cancer patients to help increase avail-

able red blood cells. The renewed energy birthed from the injections in cancer patients was later used to help manage the pain endured by sickle cell patients. Holden’s care team played a major part in encouraging her participation that led to her discovery of the medication.

“The relationship that I had with whoever was presenting this to me, that went a long way. So sometimes if a trusted source like a doctor that is beloved to you, brings it to you, then you already know this person is invested in you. If it is a beloved caregiver that brings it to you then you feel a little more comfortable because you feel this person has done some level of due diligence,” Holden said.

Holden also explained that participating in trials, for some, is due to dire straits, after years of debilitating pain.

“If the oxygen is not being carried by the red blood cells, that means your critical systems and organs, over the years, are being starved of critical oxygen. So systems are breaking down at a very young age with us, so we get desperate quickly. Sometimes it’s that combination of desperation for a lot of us, and the right person at the right time with the message, that can break through that wall and get us to agree,” she said.

The SCDAA continues to remain hopeful of increasing participation from minority demographics by creating sincere, and verifiably safe environments for clinical testing.

“[Within] the C.A.R.E.S. Consortium, we feel that we have an opportunity and a responsibility to change the perception of clinical trials-- to reach people to understand what their concerns are, what some of the barriers are to participating in clinical trials, and to address those so that people may feel more comfortable,” Hartfield said. WI

5 After years of battle sickle cell, Dr. Patrise Holden said she has participated in clinical trials with the hope that there will one day be an answer to address the extreme pain. (Courtesy Photo)

A Q&A With Public Service Commissioner Ted Trabue

By Kayla Benjamin Climate and Environment Reporter

One of the most important decision-makers in the cost of your energy bills and the fate of D.C.’s climate change action is a tiny governmental body that packs a lot of power: the D.C. Public Service Commission. Made up of three commissioners appointed by the mayor, this agency regulates Pepco, Washington Gas and Verizon (which provides landline service in the District). Recently, the DCPSC has come under fire from local climate activists for approving a multi-billion dollar project by Washington Gas to replace pipe infrastructure, despite the city’s commitments to move away from fossil fuels.

Commissioner Ted Trabue joined the DCPSC in December of last year. Before this role, he spent more than a decade as the first Managing Director of the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility. After getting a law

degree at Howard University, Trabue worked in both local government and the private sector on job creation and energy policy. The father of two and fourth generation Washingtonian spoke to the Informer about his background and priorities at the Public Service Commission.

This conversation has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Kayla Benjamin: Tell me a little bit about your family—did you grow up in D.C.?

Ted Trabue: My father came here in the late ‘40s, as a product of a racist regime in Alabama that would not allow him to go to college in the state of Alabama. So Governor Wallace basically was like ‘we'll sponsor you to get out of here.’ So my father came up here to go to Howard University for undergrad. My mom grew up here, in a house that’s basically on the corner of First and V, in Northwest. She was basically born and lived there until she went to Howard University as well. That's

where she and my dad met during their years of undergrad.

Prior to Dr. King's assassination, we lived on Whittier Street Northwest, which is the neighborhood bordering Takoma Park, D.C. And then after Dr. King was assassinated, there was a tremendous amount of white flight from the city. Late ‘60s, a lot of whites who owned houses west of the park, where there were restrictive covenants on the houses that said they couldn't be sold to African Americans or Jews, ignored those covenants. And that allowed my parents to buy a house, west of the park. So when I was nine, we moved over to a house that's basically about two blocks from St. John's College High School. And I've lived in that house off and on for 54 years now.

KB: You were the first managing director at the D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility when it was started in 2011. What kept you there, working on energy efficiency and solar installations, for more than a decade?

TT: You know, I looked at what we were doing at the Sustainable Energy Utility, and I really started to see the impacts we were having, particularly on residential customers’ lives.

I remember this lady, I'll never forget her. We put a solar system up on her house. And she was like, ‘I used to get around town in my ‘BMW’: bike, metro, or walk. She said, ‘I'm saving so much money

now on my energy bill—for the first time in my life, I've been able to buy a car.’ It was a used car, cost her $800. But she said, ‘I've put together enough money to buy a car, I can take my son to school and take him to football practice, pick him up from football practice. These were life changing things that were going on in people's lives.

KB: Coming from that background, what are your top two or three priorities going forward on the Public Service Commission?

TT: One of the areas that we're going to look at in the near term— and I think we will be looking at it, quite frankly, for the next half a decade or more—is ‘how do we help the city meet its long term climate goals?’

Second, I would say—and this is work that I think that we can take on more directly here at the Commission than we've probably done in the past—I believe that those pieces of the work that revolve around economic opportunities for residents and businesses are not off the table, in terms of how do we incorporate that into the work that we do here at the commission? At our oversight hearing, Chairman McDuffie asked the question three or four different ways: what are the utilities doing, to hire D.C. firms to do work there?

[The utility companies] are some of the largest businesses in our city, and their economic viability is paramount. That's one of the first things it says in the mission of the Public

Service Commission: to maintain economically healthy utilities. You want to make sure that these people are on good financial footing, [because] we're gonna have a storm, when a quarter or a third of the system goes out, and the meter stops running, okay? And you need to expend millions of dollars to get the system repaired and brought back up. So you've got to have economically healthy utilities to take you through times like that.

KB: Would you describe yourself as an environmentalist?

TT: I would describe myself as a people person who has found that all of us live in this environment, all of us can either have detrimental effects or very positive effects from things that go on in the environment. And I have found that working in this environmental space allows me to have a very positive impact on a lot of people's lives. And that impact includes better health outcomes: lower incidence of asthma, because you're improving air quality in the city. You're giving people economic opportunities that they didn't have before, job opportunities, opportunities to sustain themselves. Having lived in this town all my life and looking at all of these people as my neighbors, I’m trying to improve quality of life here in the city.

Readers: The Informer has exciting plans for our environmental coverage this spring—and we want to hear from you! Do you want to read more of our conversations with key environmental decision-makers in D.C.’s government? Let us know at kbenjamin@ washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Public Service Commissioner Ted Trabue stands with the sports jerseys decorating his office. (Kayla Benjamin / The Washington Informer)

GET TO KNOW YOUR GOVERNMENT

“You know, I looked at what we were doing at the Sustainable Energy Utility, and I really started to see the impacts we were having, particularly on residential customers’ lives."

Welcome to Earth Month – A Reflection

By Kayla Benjamin Washington Informer Climate & Environment Writer

The Informer is getting ready for Earth Day on April 22 by celebrating the earth all month long. Our theme for April, in connection with the international Earth Day theme, is “Invest in Our Earth.” Since this time last year, our newsroom has put increased emphasis on continuing coverage about the environment and how it impacts Black DMV residents—we added this Our Earth section, for one thing! Stay tuned on Twitter (@WashInformer) or Instagram (washinformer) for environmental facts, nature pictures and information about how the Informer celebrates our earth.

Spring blooms and warmer weather this month make it easy to appreciate natural beauty in our city. It’s a good time, not only to read about the environment, but also, to get out into it. Organizations all over the DMV offer a bonanza of ways to get involved throughout the month through opportunities to volunteer, learn and just enjoy springtime.

But for me, Earth Month is also a time to reflect on why all of that matters. What do cherry blossoms and green grass have to do with other, more abstract things that I care about: health and wellbeing, jobs and justice.

Environmental hazards in our region, which range from lead pipes to air pollution to flooding and heat exposure, all hit Black communities and low-income communities hardest. Those hazards—many of which will become more frequent or more severe as the world continues to warm— impact our health and our communities’ stability. Caring for the Earth isn’t just about saving polar bears. It’s about saving us.

“This is fundamentally a movement about the future of our children,” Ben Jealous told me in an interview after a rally a few weeks ago. The former head of the NAACP recently took the helm at the national environmental group Sierra Club.

“I was prodded into this move,

to get back involved in the environmental movement, by Lou Gossett, Jr. who said to me quite plainly: ‘the planet is dying and it won't matter who's in first class on a dead planet,’” Jealous said.

Black History and Earth Day

Around the first Earth Day in April 1970, activists in St. Louis, Missouri put together a series of skits titled “Black Survival” about how environmental issues impacted Black residents of urban areas. At the time, few others had begun connecting environmentalism to the fight for civil rights or economic justice.

But “Black Survival” foreshadowed many of the issues that sit front and center in today’s environmental justice movement, including lead poisoning and air pollution. It was developed and performed by a short-lived environmental group called the St. Louis Metropolitan Black Survival Committee, chaired by Mrs. Freddie Mae Brown, a Black social worker.

“How long must we wait before the world is free of pollution? Must we first stand on the brink of extinction, and be devoured by rats and cockroaches and wars that never end,” the script reads.

“Our rich white brothers deny the Black, the Indian, the Chicano, and the poor, food to eat… [They] aren't concerned about poor people being unemployed, they don't care about the lousy schools, or cops who whop the heads of the poor. And they don't care about the expressways that displaced our neighborhoods and the problems of pollution they bring in. As a matter of fact, they never cared at all about the problems until they started calling them environmental problems and saw that the mess in the food, water, and air wasn't just killing poor folk but was killing them too.”

But “Black Survival” was notable partly because it was an exception. While around 20 million Americans participated across the country, very few of the protesters turning out on April 22, 1970 were Black. The Philadelphia Tribune—one of the nation’s oldest African American newspapers—

published a story later that week with a headline reading “Less Than 100 Blacks Take Part in Gigantic Earth Day Rites Here.” The crowd in Philadelphia had at least 25,000 total people.

In the early 1970s, most civil rights leaders saw the environmental movement as a distraction from the true fight for equality. And the early environmental movement, led primarily by upper-class white environmentalists, excluded Black, brown and poor Americans from the conversation—sometimes intentionally. It would take nearly two decades for scholars and ac-

tivists to force the environmental movement to own up to its racial blindness by documenting the alarmingly disproportionate number of hazardous waste facilities sited in Black communities.

Since then, the environmental movement has heavily increased its focus on how environmental harms hit minority and low-income communities hardest, in the U.S. and globally. Earth Day has become a global event, too: according to the official Earth Day international network, more than a billion people across the planet mobilize for the event each year. WI

5 Naadiya Hutchinson speaks at a climate rally in front of the Supreme Court building in D.C. on July 6. (Kayla Benjamin/The Washington Informer)

“‘The planet is dying and it

matter who's

OUR EARTH Environmental Events to Celebrate Our Planet

By Kayla Benjamin Climate and Environment Reporter

Environmental events don’t just include trash pickups—between film screenings and tree plantings, there’s something for everyone. That’s especially true during April.

If you’re looking for a way to give back, learn something new or enjoy art that appreciates nature, check out these events going on this week and next. Most are free!

“RiverRun” Festival at the Kennedy Center (through April 22)

Everything from interactive tango performances (April 7 and 8, $15$35) to wine tastings paired with Czech jazz (April 13, $50) appear on a packed lineup of shows at the Kennedy Center this week as part of its month-long festival, “RiverRun.” The entire festival, which kicked off on World Water Day on March 22 and runs until Earth Day on April 22, focuses on celebrating and conserving our planet’s rivers.

A dozen art installations and exhibits—ranging from intricate steamboat models to graffiti murals depicting life in the Amazon—will remain in the Center throughout the month, with free entry. The festival also features family-friendly exhibits and events, free expert presentations on a wide range of subjects and two film screenings.

Tree Plantings and Walks with Casey Trees (April 8, 14 and 15)

Planting trees is an Earth Day classic. Casey Trees, a local organization dedicated to conserving tree canopy in the District, has two volunteer opportunities over the next weeks, both in Northeast. One is at Olivet Cemetery on April 8; the second is at Gallaudet University on April 14. Both events begin at 8:30 a.m. and all the tools are provided.

If getting your hands dirty isn’t your thing, Casey Trees also offers a Sustainable Development Tree Walk at Reservation 13, near Congressional Cemetery. The one-hour

walking tour of the area—one of the last remaining large-scale waterfront developments in the District—will highlight ways that the built environment can remain eco-friendly. It’s on Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. All of the above events from Casey Trees are free but require registration at caseytrees.org/get-involved/ volunteer-events.

Environmental short films screened at the Washington Hilton (April 15)

From Mozambique to Guatemala to Ukraine, climate change has played a role in cycles of violence and displacement. This film screening, hosted by the Pulitzer Center and the Consortium of Universities for Global Health, tells stories from

around the world about the connection between climate change, conflict and migration. The 90-minute event schedule looks jam-packed, with eight short documentaries and a live conversation with a journalist and filmmaker following the screenings.

The event will be held at the Washington Hilton Hotel, in the International Ballroom East on Concourse Level, at 6:30 p.m. on April 15. Register for free at pulitzercenter.org/event/cugh-pulitzer-center-annual-film-festival.

Volunteer at the National Arboretum’s Springhouse Run Stream (April 8 and 13)

Friends of the National Arboretum hosts volunteer days throughout the year, and April offers a great time (warmer weather, not too humid) to lend a hand. Volunteers will pull invasive plants and weeds from the Springhouse Run stream on the grounds of the National Arboretum. Plants that aren’t native to an ecosystem can disrupt the health of the stream and the other wildlife that makes a home there. At Springhouse Run, that includes beavers, a “keystone species” that researchers have determined essential for the rest of the ecosystem. The stream feeds into the Anacostia River and eventually the Chesapeake Bay.

Participation is free, and the hosts will provide tools, gloves and a small snack. Register here: eventbrite. com/cc/volunteer-days-at-springhouse-run-1049499.

“Cloudy with a Chance of Science” Presentation at MLK Library (April 12)

One of the world’s leading experts on weather and climate, Dr. J. Marshall Shepherd, will discuss how people—both the general public and decision-makers in power— consume science information. He’ll examine social problems that overlap with climate change and weather issues, adding complications to attempts to use science to understand and solve problems. The talk, hosted by Carnegie Science, will take place at Martin Luther King, Jr. Library on April 12 at 6:30 p.m.

The event will also be livestreamed for virtual viewing. Register for in-person or online attendance at carnegiescience.edu/april-12cloudy-chance-science. WI

5 A Casey Trees crew member plants a tree during a 2014 Earth Day celebration at Joint Base Anacostia-Bolling. (Defense Visual Information Distribution Service)

Out-of-School Time Providers Organize for Budget Enhancements

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the days leading up to a budget oversight hearing the D.C. Council’s Committee of the Whole conducted for all education agencies, members of local nonprofit coalition DC Action encouraged local advocates, parents and community-based organizations to testify in favor of increasing out-of-school time funding.

While Lauren Grimes, executive director of Community Enrichment Project (CEP), had that goal in mind, she also demands that the Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, also known as the OST Office, better ensures that young people in the trenches are made aware of grant opportunities and provided resources to navigate the application process.

Grimes, a D.C. Public Schools alumna, recounted an unsuccessful attempt earlier this year to help young people secure a Learn24 outof-school time grant. She said that she and her students didn’t learn until weeks after applying for the grant that they submitted their application too late into the grant cycle.

In their April 5 testimony, Zoë Smithen and Hannah Wilson, CEP participants, signed up as public witnesses to request greater transparency about out-of-school time grants, and, in general, opportunities for youth to express their views on political matters with elected officials.

“We appreciate what Learn24 is doing in the community, but people have to know about the programming and where additional support is needed to keep it going,” Grimes said. “Young people go through a lot in the community and want to see [conditions] get better. Out-of-school time

programs are proven [to help do that] and young people are asking for alternatives to policing in schools [and other punitive measures].”

D.C. MAYOR BOWSER’S INVESTMENTS IN OUTOF-SCHOOL TIME PROGRAMMING AND ACCESS

In a statement, the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Education (DME) pointed to a bevy of strategies executed by the OST Office to encourage people in the Learn24 network to apply for new and existing grants, including a newsletter, emails to grantees, website updates and direct outreach by out-of-school time staff.

Learn24, in coordination with the Commission on Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes and an

external partner, provides grants to organizations that provide children and youth with out-of-school time programming. During this fiscal year, funds had been allocated for organizations that could facilitate Safe Passage, Safe Blocks programs and conduct programming at D.C. Housing Authority and Department Human Services sites. Students could also apply for scholarships of between $1,000 and $10,000 to participate in approved out-of-school time activities. In Feb-

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ruary, the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) announced a $3 million investment in the “Recreation for All” community grants for organizations providing programming for young people between the ages of 6 and 18.

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal builds upon present out-of-school time offerings with an allocation of $5 million for the“My Afterchool DC'' central online out-of-school time programming hub and $6.8

million for a Special Education Enhancement Fund (SEEF) that creates childcare and out-of-school time slots for special-needs children.

My Afterschool DC will be piloted to elementary schools determined as having the greatest need and students with limited out-of-school time opportunities. Funds dedicated in the fiscal year 2024 budget toward developing the online system stand to create 1,000 seats at the elementary level, DME told The Informer.

During the latter part of March, Bowser and State Superintendent Christina Grant visited Easterseals Child Development Center in Northwest in recognition of the aforementioned investments. Bowser noted that part of the amount allocated in SEEF would be awarded to child development facilities that operate before and after-school programs with offerings geared toward infants, toddlers, and school-aged children with disabilities and developmental delays.

Bowser’s budget proposal also raises the eligibility for the childcare subsidy from 250% of the federal poverty line to 300%.

In the aftermath of Bowser’s fiscal year 2024 budget release, Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn engaged out-of-school time providers and partners, telling them that, despite lower-than-usual revenue projections for years to come, the administration continues to prioritize students’ post-pandemic recovery.

WI @SamPKCollins

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com

Federal Small Business  (UBE) Bid Opportunity

Project: NAVFAC P-3002 Relocate Cargo Pad Camp Springs, MD

Encouraging all SBE, SDE, WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, HUBZONE

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Virtual Bid Kick-off meeting 04/14/2023 at 10:00AM

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5 Lauren Grimes, executive director of Community Enrichment Project, demands that the Office of Out-of-School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes, also known as the OST Office, better ensures that young people in the trenches are made aware of grant opportunities and provided resources to navigate the application process. (Courtesy Photo)

EDUCATION Chairman Mendelson Talks about Education Budget on Special Edition of WIN-TV

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

With enrollment in the District’s public and public charter schools reaching its highest levels in 15 years, education funding has been a hot-ticket item this budget season, especially for residents whose children attend public schools anticipated to lose thousands of dollars.

That’s why, with the D.C. Council scheduled to present adjustments to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s (D) budget proposal, Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said he wants to ensure that all District public schools receive adequate funding.

“Something like 67 out of 116 schools were being cut -- one-third of them were east of the [Anacostia] river,” Mendelson said on a special edition of WIN-TV that aired on March 27.

The 30-minute interview about the budget focused on housing, development, transportation, public safety and government accountability. However, education accounted for nearly half of the segment, perhaps because of what Mendelson described as a need to address quality-of-life issues that manifest in inequitable access to resources and low academic achievement.

“That’s wrong if we want kids who come to schools with challenges to learn,” Mendelson added. ”Every kid can learn but I don’t believe the chancellor believes that, or if he did, he would provide additional resources to these schools rather than cutting them.”

FUNDING AND THE SCHOOLS FIRST IN BUDGETING ACT

Over the last few months, Men-

delson has struggled to get DCPS Chancellor Lewis Ferebee and Deputy Mayor for Education Paul Kihn’s cooperation on adhering to the Schools First in Budgeting Act. This legislation requires DCPS’ central office to fund schools at a level no less than what had been budgeted during the previous fiscal year.

In February, DCPS didn’t send preliminary budgets to each District school by a deadline imposed by the Schools First in Budgeting Act. Ferebee and Kihn later explained that, given uncertainty about projected enrollment, it was difficult to estimate how much each school would receive.

As the duo warned at a council hearing, the budget proposal DCPS released weeks later deviated from the Schools First in Budgeting Act.

Under D.C. Public Schools (DCPS)’ budget model, no school loses more than 5% of their budget submitted during the previous fiscal year, regardless of enrollment shifts or one-time local funds that were included. According to the DCPS budget pocket guide, factors that determine the amount each school receives include enrollment, targeted support and year-over-year stability.

The goal, as Ferebee and Kihn explained earlier this year, centers on not only ensuring that each school has the staff required for the anticipated student population,

but that schools can provide education services and weather midyear enrollment increases.

For the 2023-2024 school year, enrollment-based funding came out to $709 million, while targeted supported funding and stability funding came out to $171 million and $29 million respectively.

DCPS invested an additional $35 million in schools, compared to the previous year.

The education budget for the upcoming school year reflects declines in COVID relief funds and local revenue projections. Notable elements include: a 5.05% increase in per-pupil funding, the allocation of $5 million toward the launch of “My AfterSchool DC” central online hub for families to peruse after-school programs, $1.6 million for a teacher apprenticeship program, $6.8 million for a special education enhancement for childcare and out-of-school time slots for special-needs children.

In early May, the D.C. Council is expected to conduct the first reading on legislation that includes edits to Bowser’s budget proposal. Until then, council members will participate in hearings, committee markups and meetings that will determine what portions of Bowser’s budget proposal will remain intact, and what will change.

With nearly $20 billion on the table, and a $1.7 billion deficit to close, Bowser made across-theboard cuts that perturbed advo-

cates and working-class District residents. For Mendelson, securing more funds so that no District school has funding less than what they received this year counts among his top priorities.

Since the start of this council period, the council chairman has also pressed DCPS about other budgetary matters, including contract procurement. At the culmination of a protracted teacher contract negotiation process, Mendelson questioned how DCPS and Bowser could’ve expedited the nearly fouryear process. In aligning with his council colleagues Trayon White (D-Ward 8) and Robert White (DAt large), Mendelson has also cited school lunches and school building repairs as an issue worthy of discussion.

During his WIN-TV interview, Mendelson expressed a desire to continue exploring avenues for holding government agencies accountable and ensuring that funds are spent wisely on quality services.

“The council oversight process [can] expose where there’s waste and ineffectiveness,” Mendelson said. “We’ve seen that with efforts to get the Department of General Services to do a better job with our schools. The council doesn’t run the government, but we can do oversight to bring sunlight into what’s working and what isn’t working.”

WI @SamPKCollins

5 WI Staff Writer Sam P.K. Collins interviews Council Chairman Phil Mendelson on WIN-TV on March 27. (Screenshot)

Alleged Incident at Patterson Elementary Intensifies Debate about School Safety Legislation by Councilmember Zachary Parker Creates Safety Director for Each School

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Community members at W.B. Patterson Elementary School in Southwest continue to reel from allegations that officers of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) harmed male students during an event on school grounds last week.

As the investigation continues, some people, like a community member who requested anonymity, called the visit in question a positive experience in an open space that solidified bonds between the officers and the third graders-- some of whom were in danger of succumbing to the pressures of gangs and bullying.

The community member who had knowledge of last Thursday’s assembly told the Informer that photos of the bruised third graders that have been circulating online were related to another incident. They went on to say that the allegations threaten to taint the work school administrators and teachers have done to support students and their families.

“The officers were a great example of what was needed,” the community member said. “They were simply here to talk to students about avoiding gang activity and what it means to be a bully. They encouraged [the students] to do well in school and focus on their journeys. They reinforced their support as mentors and motivators. There weren’t any negative or aggressive interactions. After the event, it appeared as though the students responded positively based on their conversations with others in the school community.”

THE ALLEGATIONS

Last week,a Patterson Elementary School parent told a local news outlet that her son revealed to her that an MPD officer took him and two other third graders to a computer room, accused them of admiring gangs, and engaged them in a physical confrontation that busted her son’s lip and chipped another student’s tooth.

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to establish contact with parents of Patterson students alleged to have been harmed by MPD.

According to a letter that Dr. Victorie Thomas, the principal of Patter-

son Elementary School, sent to parents, the alleged incident had been referred to MPD and reported to the Child and Family Services Agency. D.C. Public Schools (DCPS)’ Central Services Comprehensive Alternative Resolution & Equity (CARE) Team has also been dispatched to provide students and families with support.

DCPS didn’t respond to an inquiry about the status of the students directly involved in the alleged incident. MPD said its Internal Affairs Division is currently conducting an investigation.

EXAMINING LEGISLATION

Last week’s incident intensified on going discussions about the necessity of having police officers in District schools.

D.C. Council legislation approved after George Floyd’s murder has in crementally removed school resource officers (SROs) from District schools. However, public and public charter school administrators have appealed to D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the D.C. Council to change course in light of increasing incidents of on-campus physical conflicts.

In her fiscal year 2024 budget pro posal, Bowser allocates funds for only 40 SROs. Much to the chagrin of ad vocates, the budget proposal doesn’t include enhancements for school safety.

As the D.C. Council continues to gather input from community mem bers and agency leaders at hearings, D.C. Councilmember Zachary Park er (D-Ward 5) has expressed a desire to expand the scope of what schools can provide its students and faculty in the realm of safety.

"There is no proposal to change from the status quo and I'm hearing that we need an alternative that ex pands capacity [for keeping students safe] in schools,” Parker said. “The qualifications for director would be decided by OSSE and a working group. We know it would need to be someone familiar with our schools, with the [ability] to improve safety. We're hoping we can allocate funds for FY 2024 since there are no enhancements for school safety."

In the aftermath of the alleged in-

cident, administrators at Patterson Elementary School continue to reassure community members that students are safe on school grounds, whether they are around their peers or adults.

"I want to assure you that the safety and well-being of our students are our top priority; and I recognize that this news is concerning,” Thomas said in the letter sent home to parents last week. “Patterson’s dedicated mental health team members are available to support any students who are impacted by what they may have seen—we are here to provide them with the time or space to react and share their feelings." WI

@SamPKCollins

Read the full story on www.washingtoninformer.com

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5 D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5), who said he has been in communication with council colleagues about the alleged incident at Patterson Elementary School, said he drafted the School Safety Enhancement Amendment Act out of concern about SROs’ ability to manage the crises that students experience.

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41st Annual

Spelling

Bee DC City Wide

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

HISTORY OF THE DC CITY WIDE SPELLING BEE

Since 1981, The Washington Informer has officially sponsored the D.C. City Wide Spelling Bee. Dr. Mary E. White, former supervising director, D.C. Public Schools Division of Instructional Services, Department of English, believed it was time for D.C. students to participate in Scripps National Spelling Bee held annually in Washington, D.C. She appealed to Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr., Informer publisher. He agreed that his newspaper should apply.

In prior years, The Washington Daily News sponsored the local spelling bee. Subsequently, when The Washington Star purchased the Daily News, it was decided to discontinue sponsoring the spelling bee. For more than 15 years, the D.C. public, private, and parochial school students could not participate in the national competition for lack of a sponsoring newspaper.

Dr. White solicited support from the Washington Post, hopeful that the publisher would agree to become D.C.’s official sponsor. According to Dr. White, Post officials told her that since the daily newspaper was a regional publication, their sponsorship would have to include both D.C. and suburban Maryland and Virginia. However, at that time, the Journal newspaper chain had served as the suburban sponsor for several years, resulting in the Post refusing to sponsor the bee solely for students enrolled in D.C. schools.

Dr. White then appealed to Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, a friend and supporter of the D.C. Public Schools, president, and founder of the United Black Fund, Inc., and publisher of The Washington Informer newspaper. She hoped he would use his influence to persuade Post officials to sponsor the D.C. spelling bee.

Dr. Rolark volunteered his newspaper instead, a local, weekly, Black-owned community newspaper serving residents since 1964. He engaged his daughter, Denise Rolark, managing editor of The Washington Informer, to assist in coordinating D.C.’s first spelling bee. He believed the Informer was ideally suited to sponsor the spelling bee.

The first citywide spelling bee was held at Backus Junior High School in Northeast in March of 1982. John Krattenmaker, a sixthgrade student at Mann Elementary School in Northwest, was the winner. Dr. Rolark was disgruntled after Scripps denied John’s participation in the Scripps National Spelling Bee held the following May. According to Scripps rules, only daily newspapers qualified for sponsorship, and the Informer was published weekly.

Dr. Rolark, a member of the board of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), the trade association for nearly 200 African American-owned newspapers in the U.S., concluded that the national spelling bee’s policy was discriminatory. Since there were no African American-owned daily newspapers in the U.S., Black publications were blocked from sponsorship even in markets where no other publications would sponsor a local spelling bee.

PURPOSE

Scripps, a diversified multi-media compa ny, established the National Spelling Bee to help students improve their spelling, increase their vocabulary, learn concepts, and develop correct English that will help them all their lives. Spellers experience the satisfaction of learning language not only for the sake of correct spelling but also for the sake of cultural and intellectual literacy.

The Washington Informer’s participation in Scripps National Spelling Bee helps to further the goals of Scripps in the District of Columbia and to address the issue of illiteracy, particularly among African American youth. “If we want to improve the quality of life for all Americans,” said the late Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, publisher, “then we must begin by teaching our children to read, which they will not be able to achieve until they can learn to spell.”

Dr. Rolark engaged legal counsel from his wife, Attorney Wilhelmina J. Rolark, who informed Scripps of their plans to file an injunction in court that would forbid the national competition to be held in the District of Columbia until the court ruled on the merits of the case. Scripps quickly reversed its policy, and the following year, the national spelling bee winner was sponsored by the Loudon County Times, a weekly newspaper based in Loudon County, Virginia. The Times was the only other weekly newspaper to participate along with the Informer in the national spelling bee that year.

Nearly 4,000 students enrolled in more than 200 D.C. schools, including private, parochial, independent, charter, and home-schools, participate in The Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee each year. For 36 years, the DC City Wide Spelling Bee was held at the television studios of NBC4. It was taped and later aired for general viewership throughout the Washington metropolitan area.

In 2020, the 38th Annual Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee was held in the studios of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME).

In 2021, due to the pandemic, the 39th Annual Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee was held virtually with students eager to win the citywide title despite the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last year, the 40th Annual Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee was held in person, with students returning to OCTFME for the exciting spelling competition.

5 Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Brown and the newspaper’s Advertising Director Ron Burke welcome spellers and viewers to the 41st annual Spelling Bee held in the studio of the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME). (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

3 Director of the Office of Cable Television, Film, and Entertainment LaToya Foster welcomes parents, students, and sponsors to the 41st Annual DC City Wide Spellling Bee. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Each Speller received a trophy and a Washington Informer gift bag filled with goodies from the sponsors.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

41ST ANNUAL

DC CITY WIDE SPELLING BEE

COMPETITORS FORGE A BOND AT THE 41ST ANNUAL SPELLING BEE

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

St. Albans School clinched victory for the second consecutive year at the Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee when Jerald Campana, an eighth grader, and Alexander Perez, a fourth grader, secured the first and second place spots, respectively.

Even in the midst of intense competition, the two schoolmates established a bond built on mutual respect and their love of spelling multisyllabic words. Alexander, a novice spelling bee participant, said he learned so much talking to Jerald and watching him leverage his years of spelling bee experience into wins at each level of the competition this year.

With four more years of eligibility left, Alexander said he hopes to enter future spelling bees and follow a path similar to Jerald’s.

“I learned new words and now I’m seeing those words and going back to them when I read books and write,” Alexander said. “The competition is fun [because] you meet other people and talk to them. You can make friends at the spelling bee, especially when you’re studying. The people who study go further.”

Jerald and Alexander counted among nearly 30 District public, public charter, private and parochial students who competed in the 41st annual Washington Informer DC City Wide Spelling Bee on March 18. For the fourth consecutive year, the Office of Cable Television, Movies, Film and Entertainment (OCTMFE) hosted the competition, which carried several notable moments.

an 8th grader at St. Albans School spells his last word that brought victory as the winner of the 2023 DC City Wide Spelling Bee. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

For three hours, the pool of spellers slowly dwindled. Returning citywide spelling bee champion Nalleti Otieno, an eighth grader at St. Augustine Catholic School, made it through the fourth round before she was eliminated. Meanwhile, Eldana Mulugeta, a fourth grader at Center City Public Charter School Brightwood Campus, reentered the competition early on after successfully challenging the judges’ call about her spelling of “debunk.”

By the fifth round, nearly a dozen students were still standing strong, with standouts including Gael Romero, an eighth grader at Oyster-Adams Bilingual School and Samuel Aydahis standing out as formidable competitors. By the 10th round, Gael counted among four students left on the stage, and even successfully rebuffed elimination at one point.

However, by the 12th round, the spelling bee narrowed down to Jerald and Alexander.

After 14 rounds, Alexander misspelled teledu, defined as a stink badger with brown and black fur and a white stripe along the top of its head and back. Jerald then swooped in and took the first place spot with his correct spelling of coup de grace, defined as an event that puts an end to a negative situation.

In the weeks leading to the citywide spelling bee, Jer-

CONTINUED ON PAGE S-7

4 Alexander Perez, a 4th grader at St. Albans School earned second place in the 2023 DC City Wide Spelling Bee. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Jerald Campana,

CONTINUED FROM PAGE S-6

ald, with the help of his mother, studied words from the champion-level spelling bee list provided to him. He also relied on the nearly two years of Latin instruction he received at St. Albans to help him recognize root words and origins.

Jerald said those elements, along with a familiarity with the spelling bee stage, laid the foundation for a solid victory. Now he will represent Washington, D.C. in the Scripps National Spelling Bee, scheduled to take place between May 30 and June 1 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland.

“I’m anticipating the nationals will be a lot harder,” Jerald said as he reflected on the significance of the moment. “Since I won, I’ve gotten a lot of materials [and] a subscription to Webster’s Dictionary. It makes me feel proud to be a St. Albans student and part of that legacy. Historically we had a lot of winners and national spelling bee participants. I’m proud to be one of those that people could say was with the best spellers.”

The Washington Informer has hosted the citywide spelling bee since 1981. Every year, thousands of students from more than 200 District schools participate in the competition, which had been taped and aired at NBC4 studios at one point. Even through the transition to OCTFME and a pandemic that relegated the bee to the virtual realm, D.C.’s best and brightest spellers continued to give it their all.

Sponsors for this year’s spelling bee were: Washington Informer Charities and OCTFME along with Washington Gas, Pepco, Safeway Foundation, Comcast, D.C. Public Schools, Delta Kappa Gamma District of Columbia State Organization, Foundation for the Advancement of Music and Education, Merriam-Webster, National Spelling Bee, Silver Spring Signarama, XBOX, and the D.C. government.

OCTFME’s own Cecily Fernandez hosted the spelling bee, while David Zahren served as pronouncer. Dr. Elizabeth Primas, the National Newspaper Publishers Association’s education programs manager, Jason B. Moore, manager of secondary assessments and interventions at DCPS, and author-editor-poet Jonathan C. Lewis served as judges.

LaToya Foster, in her first year as director of OCTFME, also took to the stage to welcome students, parents and community members who took part in what she described as a significant educational experience. “It’s always exciting for children and parents,” Foster told the Informer. “This is about D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s commitment to youth and literacy. We look forward to doing more in line with that.”

Amar Barber, an eighth grader at Walker-Jones Education Campus in Northwest, counted among those who entered the citywide spelling bee for the first time. Earlier this year, Amar entered the spelling bee at his school at the recommendation of his gym teacher. Much to his surprise, he rose through the ranks at the school-level bee and cluster bee.

In the citywide bee, Amar was eliminated in the second round when he misspelled panorama. Though he admitted the loss briefly shocked him, Amar told the Informer that he gained an appreciation for the work that it takes to prepare for a spelling bee.

With his eyes on Friendship Public Charter School - Northeast Campus for the next level in his academic career, Amar, an aspiring firefighter, said he feels better prepared to take on new challenges.

“I wasn’t expecting to go to the citywide bee [but} I tried my best,” Amar said. “Practice makes perfect. Someone out there has more experience and deserves [the win]. This experience helped me gain confidence and understanding about what it’s like to be a finalist.”

@SamPKCollins

5 2023 DC City Wide Spellers

3 2023 DC City-Wide Spellers

5 Amar Barber, an 8th grader at Walker-Jones Education Campus thinks hard about the spelling word. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

MEET THE SPELLERS

Gael Romero Oyster-Adams Bilingual School 8th Grade

Gabriel Boorstein-Foss Oyster-Adams Bilingual School 8th Grade

Caroline Consentino Mann Elementary School 5th Grade

Nora Baker BASIS DC / 5th Grade

Bianca Curry Janney Elementary School 5th Grade

Noah Lee National Presbyterian School 6th Grade

Liam Stockton Hearst Elementary School 4th Grade

Kenechukwu Anikwe Garrison Elementary School 5th Grade

Javier De La Cruz Elsie Whitlow Stokes Community Freedom- Brookland / 5th Grade

Nalleti Otieno St. Augustine Catholic School 8th Grade

Mallory Chugh Eaton Elementary School 4th Grade

Lucy Newman Oyster-Adams Bilingual School 6th Grade

Abraham Latner BASIS DC 6th Grade

Eldana Mulugeta Center City Brightwood Campus 4th Grade

Konstantina Labrou Maury Elementary School 5th Grade

Abagia Mersha St. Augustine Catholic School 8th Grade

Aurora Felton Deal Middle School 6th Grade

Amar Barber Walker Jones Education Campus 8th Grade

Neila Wright Washington Latin Middle School 8th Grade

Samuel Aydahis Eaton Elementary School 5th Grade

#11

MEET THE SPELLERS

Dania Johnson Shining Stars Montessori Academy 6th Grade

Jerald Campana St. Albans School for Boys 8th Grade

Alexander Perez St. Albans School for Boys 4th Grade

Solveig Smith Washington Yu Ying 5th Grade

Malda Dilargachi Janney Elementary School 5th Grade

Emma Weeks Key Elementary School 5th Grade

Jaylen Thompson Nalle Elementary School 5th Grade

Zoe Stobart National Cathedral School 6th Grade

Shauna Motes Friendship Armstrong Elementary Academy 7th Grade

Jane Volmer Holy Trinity School 8th Grade

#26

#22

#28

#29

#30

MEET THE PRONOUNCER

This is his 7th year as the Citywide Spelling Bee Pronouncer.

Mr. David Zahren is currently a television instructional specialist with the Prince George’s County Public Schools’ Department of Television Resources and Web Services. This is his 49th year with PGCPS.  Over the past 30+ years, Mr. Zahren has written, produced, and hosted four award-winning science programs that have aired on cable television: “Give Science A Hand,” a hands-on approach to science aimed at elementary school students; “Science Bowl,” an interscholastic science game show; “Under the Microscope,” a series of staff development programs for elementary teachers that also airs nationwide on PBS stations, and a new series, “Anatomy of a Lesson.” This is his 22nd year as the Prince George’s County Spelling Bee Pronouncer.

Mr. Zahren is a cum laude graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and has a master’s degree in school administration and human relations from George Washington University. In 1985, after a teaching career that had spanned fourteen years, including three years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Nairobi, Kenya, Mr. Zahren was selected as Maryland’s Teacher in Space candidate. He was one of 100 teachers chosen from the 40,000 applicants nationwide to vie for a flight aboard the space shuttle Challenger.

Mr. Zahren has received a number of awards, including the CINE Golden Eagle, for his work as a science teacher, a television host and producer, and a space educator. He continues to produce and host public television programs with the Department of Television Resources and Web Services in Prince George’s County and served for 17 years as host of “It’s Academic,” a high school quiz program that aired on WJZ-TV, the CBS affiliate in Baltimore.   He retired in 2015 from Washington’s WJLA-ABC 7/News Channel 8 after working 25 years as a part-time weather forecaster.

Elizabeth Primas Education Program Manager  National Newspaper Publishers Association

Jason B. Moore

Manager: Elementary Assessments & Interventions DCPS

Jonathan C. Lewis

Author, Editor, Poet

Mawuena De-Souza

Manager: Secondary Assessments & Interventions DCPS

Dr.

5 David Zahren

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5 City wide spellers Nalleti Otieno (2) and Abagia Mersha (14) with their parents and Washington Informer Publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes. (Roy Lewis/ The Washington Informer)

5 City wide spellers wait attentively to be called to spell a word. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Denise Rolark Barnes greets spellers and their families during the DC City Wide Spelling Bee at the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME). (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

THE MOMENT

TUESDAY, APRIL 11 AT 7:00PM

5 From left – DC City Wide Spelling Bee Coordinator Jason B. Moore, Tamica Jones from Pepco, Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes, 1st place winner Jerald Campana, runner-up Alexander Perez, OCTFME director Latoya Foster, Tracye Funn from Washington Gas, and Washington Informer Advertising Director Ron Burke pose in front of the studio audience following the competition

5 Audience members listen closely to spellers. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

5 Nalleti Otieno attempts to spell a word during the 2023 DC City Wide Spelling Bee. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

because we know that diverse teams drive powerful outcomes. We take pride in our long history of inclusion and are committed to promoting change that leads to improved economic and social equity in our communities. That’s what drives us.

We are proud to support the 41st annual D.C. Spelling Bee, presented by The Washington Informer, and congratulate this year’s participants.

pepco.com

On television and streaming, the Bee will premiere on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00pm on the DKN channel on cable and on the streaming network, DCE.

A. On cable channels in the District, DKN can be found on Comcast, channel 99; RCN, channel 18 and Verizon, channel 12. It can also be found in HD on RCN, channel 1057 and Comcast channel, 1091.

B. How to view the 41st Annual Washington Informer Spelling BeeDCE is available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iPhone and Android.

C. For all those interested in watching the Bee, please go to DCEnetwork.com and download the free app.

Winning African American

Winner Jerald Campana

St. Albans School for Boys / 8th Grade (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

Why the Recent Dozens of Deaths from Tornadoes Represent Bigger Issues

With at least 26 fatalities associated with the tornadoes that have been ravaging through the South, Americans nationwide are becoming more aware about the realities poor people face in this country.

From a community of mobile homes practically decimated, to people displaced and scrambling for financial assistance due to poor insurance rates, there are thousands of victims of the recent tornadoes.

Rolling Fork, Mississippi, with its about 2,500 residents– 80% Black– was hit hard by the storm, and with the full recovery process to take years, in some cases, President Joe Biden provided emergency funds for the four counties most affected by the storm, which houses 41% Black residents.

Some of the affected residents are dealing with the effects and post traumatic stress of Hurricane Katrina and other social, environmental and national challenges. However, notwithstanding other long term effects that were instrumental in the devastating natural disaster turned tragedy for many, there are systemic issues that play a role in why Black Americans seem to be disproportionately impacted by such events.

Yes, when white America gets a cold, Black America gets a flu, but there’s more.

Rural, poorer, communities of color don’t have the same access to evacuate in times of crisis.

Let’s go back to Rolling Fork, where only 40% of the residents are likely to have a vehicle according to Capital B News. Furthermore, even if one has the means to drive out of the danger zone, it is another expense to find safe shelter, which leaves many people deciding to bet on optimism during threats of inclement weather and trying to ride out potential storms.

Moreover, Rolling Fork is in Mississippi, the state with the fourth largest population of mobile homes. Residents living in mobile homes are 15 to 20 times more likely to be killed in a tornado than those living in permanent structures, Capital B reported.

The Institute of Labor Economics (IZA) defines economic inequality as the “unequal distribution of income and opportunity between different groups in society.”

“Often people are trapped in poverty with little chance to climb up the social ladder,” according to IZA.

If that’s the case then the people in Rolling Fork were victims of economic inequality before and, thus, more susceptible to the dangers that come with such injustices, even before the tornado hit. Work must be done to address economic injustice in this country in order to avoid the challenges that come with such inequities including: increases in crime, decreases in health, food insecurity, increases in political inequality and more.

While legislation for reparations waits for formal oversight, more efforts must be considered to address economic inequality to improve communities and save lives. WI

Consider Others’ Beliefs and Practices During High Holiday Season

The season of high holidays for Muslims, Christians and Jews worldwide is in full swing, and with that comes individuals, families, organizations and even retail establishments, acknowledging or practicing customary and, oftentimes, sacred traditions.

With Ramadan beginning March 22 and lasting through April 20; Palm Sunday, which was on April 2, kicking off the Christian Holy Week, leading up to Easter Sunday on April 9; and Passover April 5- 13, public spaces are filled with Americans who are working to simultaneously balance religious values and quotidian work responsibilities– which can at times be as hard as patting your head and rubbing your belly at once.

According to the 2020 Census of American Religion “American Religious Landscape in 2020,” 70% of Americans identified as Christian and 5% – with 1% Jewish and 1% Muslim– accounted for other religious U.S. citizens. While the bit less than quarter of Americans who are religiously unaffiliated aren’t necessarily practicing any sacred traditions, many people are fasting, meditating, worshiping, meeting with family and friends and working to appreciate the holiness of the moment.

Notwithstanding the constant commercial reminders that Easter season is upon us–with advertisements for specialty greeting cards, bunnies, egg dyes, baskets, and sweets found in most major grocery and big box stores, all people should be mindful that many of their colleagues are concluding, beginning or in the middle of their holy season.

Consider the same holiday cheer that comes with ChrismaHanuKwanzakah season. People are extra merry and bright, and use the safe, catch-all “happy holidays,” to spread

Love for the Bridge

Super cool issue of the WI Bridge. The photography and graphics were A-1.

Melanie Gill Washington, D.C.

TO THE EDITOR

A Dream Realized

Shout out to the young brother Miguel Coppedge for being selected as a Disney Dreamer for the Walt Disney Academy. Keep making the District proud!

T. Bell-Green Washington, D.C.

seasonal greetings and joy.

The ChrismaHanuKwanzakah spirit can be applied to this season— let’s call it EasteRamaPassodan. Perhaps instead of intense cheeriness, during EasteRamaPassodan, people can work on being intentionally respectful, mindful, develop better lifestyle choices and consider a history of pain and trials, while commemorating resilience and freedom and celebrating new and restored life.

Even those who consider themselves religiously unaffiliated should know what’s happening during the EasteRramaPassodan season in order to be re-

spectful to and supportive of those around them– perhaps honoring fasting friends’ practices by not tempting them with food or vices, ensuring that Jewish coworkers are off in time to go to Seder dinner, or acknowledging that some colleagues might have to head to Good Friday service during a regularly scheduled workday are some of the many ways others can be considerate of others during this high holy season.

Further, in beginning to be intentional about recognizing and respecting others’ values, people will begin to adapt such thinking in their daily lives.

WI

Guest Columnist

Why Are We Ignoring Our Children?

The recent massacre of three students and three adults in Nashville is alarming. How and why did a former student invade the school locked and loaded with an automatic weapon and ruthlessly kill innocent students and their caretakers? While it is useless to speculate on the thought process that led someone to kill people, perhaps to make a statement, it is clear that the multiple school shootings that have

taken place in the last several months have encouraged many to continue the trend by executing shootings of their own. In the wake of the March 27 Nashville shooting, we were treated to the usual rhetoric of "thoughts and prayers" and even calls for stronger gun legislation. But the gun lobby is so strong and gun-toting zealots so politically powerful that attempts to limit the availability of automatic weapons get caught in the political crossfire. Anyone can offer thoughts and prayers. Who is willing to change policy to protect our students?

Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

While I am wondering how students are reacting to the ever-present school shootings, the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP), and the Children's Hospital Association declared a national emergency in children's mental health two years ago, citing the severe toll of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of existing challenges. While their report does not explicitly reference school shootings as part of the problem, Lee Savio Beers, AAP president, said, "Young people have

Beyond Thoughts and Prayers

at Covenant Presbyterian Church, the congregation where the private pre-K through sixth grade school was located.

endured so much throughout this pandemic, and while much of the attention is often placed on its physical health consequences, we cannot overlook the escalating mental health crisis facing our patients." The mental health crisis shows up through increasing incidences of child suicide, the second-leading cause of death for young people ages 10-24 in 2018.

The number has likely increased since we have experienced much disruption since the COVID epidemic that shifted life paradigms between 2019 and 2021. If adults have prob-

Marian Wright Edelman

It happened again.

This time, the mass school shooting was at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. The victims were custodian Michael Hill, principal Katherine Koonce, substitute teacher Cynthia Peak, and 9-year-old third graders Evelyn Dieckhaus, William Kinney and Hallie Scruggs. Hallie was the daughter of the senior pastor

Once again, a place of worship and elementary school that should have been sanctuaries were instead reminders that there are no safe havens from guns in our nation. And once again, the shooter was armed with a handgun and two assault-style rifles. As Newsweek reported, "one of the weapons used appears to be a KelTec SUB2000 carbine rifle, a foldable semi-automatic weapon that the man-

Guest Columnist

ufacturer describes as "fun to shoot." The KelTec website went on: "Folded, it tucks away nicely in situations where space is limited, but it's quick to deploy in situations where time is of the essence."

Why does our nation continue to allow weapons of war that have no business in civilian hands to be manufactured, marketed and mass-distributed as fun to shoot, convenient ways of killing our children?

Soon after the shooting Rep. Andy Ogles, the Republican member of Congress who represents the Nashville

David W. Marshall

community where the shooting happened, said in a statement that as a father of three he was "utterly heartbroken by this senseless act of violence." But others were quick to re-share the Christmas message Rep. Ogles posted to social media in 2021 that featured a photo of him, his wife and two of their three children smiling and holding rifles as they posed in front of a Christmas tree. His caption read: "The very atmosphere of firearms anywhere and everywhere restrains evil influence — they deserve a place of honor with all that's good." And so in that family

From the Central Park Five to a Trump Indictment

are considered to be inferior, it draws the attention and passionate reactions of other like-minded individuals.

Kindred spirits will always be drawn to one another. Therefore, positive-driven people will be attracted to the strong motivation and integrity which comes from other positive-driven people. Unfortunately, the opposite is true. When the written and spoken rhetoric by divisive-driven people is used to promote intimidation, hate and animosity toward those in society who

Words are powerful; therefore, hate filled words have historically been used as an effective rallying cry for racial violence. The motivation behind hatefilled words is a distinct part of American history where the threat of Black political power, the social mobility of Black people or just being Black has led to deadly actions by white lynch mobs. Many Black massacres in the U.S. included widespread destruction of property, deaths and the exile of Black

residents from their communities. It takes one person to make a false accusation motivated by racial hatred, and it has led to lynching, massacres and the wrongful imprisonment of Black people.

The pattern throughout history is clear. In late May 1921, a Black teenager was falsely accused of assaulting a white woman in Tulsa, the result was the Tulsa massacre. In January 1923, a mob of over 200 white men attacked the Black community in Rosewood, Florida, killing over 30 Black men, woman and children, burning the

lems handling this disruption, how do we think our children and young adults are faring? "We are caring for young people with soaring rates of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness, and suicidality that will have lasting impacts on them, their families, their communities, and all of our futures," said AACAP President Gabrielle A. Carlson, M.D. "This is a national emergency, and the time for swift and deliberate action is now."

The 2021 report noted that young

MALVEAUX Page 61

picture, guns were given their place of honor alongside the symbols of the good of Christmas.

Rep. Ogles is just one of a group of elected officials who have made a deliberate show of displaying themselves and their children in Christmas cards that glorify guns along with the birth of Christ. Meanwhile, as many of those same officials once again offered their thoughts and prayers, another Republican Tennessee Congressman, lifetime NRA member Tim Burchett,

town to the ground, and forcing all survivors to permanently flee Rosewood. It began with a young white woman claiming she was assaulted by a Black man despite there being no evidence against the man.

Yusef Salaam was one of the five New York teenagers who was wrongly convicted and imprisoned for the 1989 rape and assault of a white woman jogging in Central Park. The five Black and Latino teens were beaten and coerced by New York City police into falsely confessing to the rape and assault. As a 15-year-old teenager, Salaam

was arrested but eventually exonerated after being imprisoned for over six years for a crime he did not commit. In early 2002, Matias Reyes, a convicted murderer and rapist, admitted that he alone was responsible for the attack.

When referring to the false accusations from those in law enforcement, Salaam said, "The overwhelming feeling that I have toward the police and prosecutors is that they knew that we had not done this crime. They knew it,

E. Faye Williams

Disposable

Dispose — the root word of the word disposable. It suggests to all that something has reached the end of its usefulness and should/ will/must be discarded or eliminated.

I began taking a harder, deeper look at the word "disposable" when cloth diapers were replaced by disposable diapers. I think that folks in, and preceding, my gen-

eration were accustomed to "durable goods" which would have a lengthy, useful service life. So often at the end of the original service life of these "durable goods," they were re-purposed for additional utility. The aforementioned diapers often served two or more infants consecutively. Some remember, when they were no longer fit for infant use, old diapers (cleaned and washed) were found as rags used for washing cars, dusting, or other down-to-earth purposes. That was then!

Nowadays there are far few-

Guest Columnist

er "durable goods." "Useful service-life" has gone the way of "durable goods" and is, if at all, marginally applicable in the contemporary lexicon.

The one undesirable application of the term disposable is as it is currently applied to African Americans. As we see increasing incidents of acts of genocide against African Americans, we can only infer that perpetrators of this genocide view us as "disposable." Certain names bring this brutal reality into focus. Floyd, Bland, Taylor, Brown, Till and a myriad

Marc H. Morial

of other decedents illustrate my point.

Recently, at Tyson's Corner, a Northern Virginia shopping center 14 driving miles from Washington, D.C., a young Black man was shot to death. According to the website for WTOP, a local news radio:

Police in Fairfax County, Virginia shot and killed a man who they said was suspected of stealing from a store in Tyson's Corner Center. Police did not say whether the man was armed.

Fairfax County Police Chief Davis said the alleged theft happened

inside the mall. The man ran from the police into a small, heavily wooded area nearby the shopping center. A uniformed officer and a plainclothes officer gave chase, and Davis said police issued commands. At some point during that chase, the two officers discharged their firearms but Davis did not say what caused them to shoot.That man was taken to the hospital with life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead. No officers were hurt, Fairfax County police said.

WILLIAMS Page 62

Randall Robinson Opened the Door of Freedom in South Africa and Challenged America

TransAfrica founder and President Randall Robinson address the National Urban League's 75th Anniversary Conference.

"We want our brothers and sisters in South Africa to know that we are with them today, we will be with them tomorrow, and we will be with them until their final freedom." –Randall Robinson, 1985 National Urban League Conference, Washington, D.C.

Thousands had gathered to hear

He almost didn't make to his own speech. Earlier in the day, he and then-National Urban League President John E. Jacob, along with dozens of other Urban Leaguers, had been arrested at the South African Embassy during a peaceful mass protest against apartheid.

I was arrested during a protest at the same embassy just a few

months later. It remains among the great honors of my life to have stood in that movement alongside the man who was singularly responsible for forcing the United States to confront the apartheid regime in South Africa.

Robinson died last month at the age of 81.

That July 1985 protest drew 1,500 people, most of whom were there to take part in the National Urban League Conference where U.S. policy toward South Africa was a major theme. During the

demonstration, before he and Jacob were arrested, Robinson said they were delivering ''the knock of freedom on the door of the South African Embassy."

Within a little more than a year, Congress would override President Ronald Reagan's veto and impose economic sanctions against South Africa. The resulting withdrawal of large, multinational corporations crippled the South African economy.

Robinson and the organization he founded in 1977 are best known

Addressing the Issues Around Public Safety and Policing

Following the murders of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd in 2020 at the hands of law enforcement — two in a long line of avoidable tragedies — Democrats reaffirmed our commitment to ensuring that law enforcement truly protect the communities they serve. House Democrats passed the George Floyd Justice

in Policing Act to prevent police misconduct by improving law enforcement practices and enhancing accountability. Regrettably, the bill stalled in the Senate due to Republican opposition. Since taking office in 2021, President Joe Biden has restricted the transfer of military equipment to police departments and directed federal law enforcement agencies to end the use of chokeholds and no-knock warrants.

A renewed call for action emerged earlier this year as the

country mourned the violent death of Tyre Nichols, yet another unarmed Black citizen murdered by police. It has become undeniable that the culture of policing must improve. To reform this violent culture, we must enact public safety reforms that address the lack of accountability and transparency in policing while increasing the standards for those who wear the badge.

Our communities deserve meaningful change in how they are policed, and increased account-

ability will further that goal. It is unconscionable that a police officer can be fired from their local department for misconduct only to find employment in another department without consequence.

Lawyers, doctors, public school teachers, and nearly all other professionals face accountability. Police officers have a sacred responsibility to protect the public—they should certainly not be immune from it.

Increased accountability goes hand in hand with increased

for their role in ending apartheid. But the movement grew out of opposition to U.S. policy toward the former Republic of Rhodesia, then under white minority rule.

"It was 1976, and I was working for Charlie Diggs [then-chairman of House foreign affairs subcommittee on Africa], when several of us became concerned about the administration's handling of the Rhodesia issue," Robinson said in 1993. "Diggs and Andy

transparency. Police department data, information, and policies should be made available to the communities they serve. There are more than 18,000 local police departments in the United States. However, there is no national requirement for collecting and sharing use-of-force data. Nor is there a nationwide database or registry that tracks problematic officers, preventing those who have been fired from moving on to another

Rep. James E. Clyburn CLYBURN Page 62

Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist

Exhibition Shows How Black Women Activists Influence Public Policy

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Moving through large photo murals one can see inspiring images of women determined to make change in “We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC,” an exhibition that was recently unveiled by the National Women’s History Museum. Along with murals are large interactive video screens and a timeline of milestones in DC’s Black feminist history that evoke feelings of pride. This exhibition is on view until September 15, 2024, during regular hours at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, D.C.

The exhibition, curated by historians Sherie M. Randolph and Kendra T. Field, features 23 women at the forefront of Black feminism. A few who are highlighted include Pauli Murray, Lucy Diggs Slowe, Ella Baker, June Jordan, and Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.)

Components of “We Who Believe

in Freedom: Black Feminist DC” allows visitors to move comfortably to see work that has been accomplished by feminists to move D.C. and the nation forward. One mural shows female students at Howard University who appeared to be taking a stand on an issue. Another mural shows a diverse group of marchers in 1968.

“There’s the earlier period beginning at the turn of the century with the Black women’s club movement,” said Susan Johnson, a consultant to the Women’s History Museum who led a pre-opening walkthrough.

“Then there is an area where you can make your own manifesto choosing things you want to fight against. There are also videos from contemporary scholars on Black feminism today.”

Strolling through the exhibition, visitors will see the work divided into four sections of Black feminism. Sections for the exhibition begin with the post-emancipation era, then the Civil Rights and Black Power eras, and ends with a section that asks,

“Where

Do We Go From Here?”

There is empowerment and strength from the images, with an understanding the work must continue.

“We Who Believe in Freedom: Black Feminist DC,” is open during regular hours at the MLK, Jr. Library: https://www.dclibrary.org/ mlk. WI

5 On May 13, 1968, Welfare Right Organization marchers were photographed by W.H. Spradley. (Courtesy Photo/ George Mason University Libraries)

Driskell Center Host Print Works By Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

A historic art exhibition is now at the David C. Driskell Center on the University of Maryland-College Park campus. On view until May 22, “RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix” features the work of Faith Ringgold and Betye Saar, two of the most prolific artists working in printmaking art. Both women, in their 90s, are still producing art. Though they have individually beenU included in numerous exhibitions throughout their careers, this Driskell Center showcase is the first time Ringgold and Saar’s works are featured exclusively in an exhibition.

“The majority of these works were in the David C. Driskell collection,” said Professor Curlee R.

Holton, director, and artist-in-residence of the Driskell Center.

“Young scholars being involved with this access is just phenomenal.”

WELCOME TO THE RINGGOLD/SAAR MATRIX

“Meeting on the Matrix” displays Ringgold and Saar's intricate, painstaking work. Most approaches to printmaking art layer multiple applications of different colors. Through the years, some art critics have dismissed this genre of art with a mindset that paper art does not compare to sculpture or works on canvas.

“Ninety-nine percent of the show is their print work,” said Clea Massiani, one of nine Ph.D. stu-

dent curators who assembled the exhibition. “Both of these artists are known for many things, but not necessarily their print work,” said the art history major and Driskell Center graduate assistant.

The meaning behind the show’s title, “Meeting at the Matrix,” references any printmaking that transfers ink to another service.

The Driskell Center has created an intentional exhibition for art lovers to feel print works of the Ringgold and Saar in various forms.

Ringgold is famous for her quilt works, of which one is on view. She was also a teacher and author of children's books.

Saar is known for her sculptures, particularly those with found materials, a technique called “assemblage.” Massiani explained that Saar would go through thrift

stores or find things on the street, then take those items back to her studio and assemble them to create a new sculpture. There are a few of Saar’s assemblage works in the show.

CURATED WITH INTENT TO HONOR

The students who curated “Meeting at the Matrix” worked meticulously to design a look that captured an impactful and colorful look at American history from the Black Women’s viewpoint.

“We wanted to create a visual identity for the show’s title. We’re talking about everything, including the color of the walls,” said Massiani about the approach taken by the cohort. “As Ph.D. students, we have worked with

exhibitions and museums before. It was important for us to make ‘Meeting at the Matrix’ memorable.”

“RINGGOLD | SAAR: Meeting on the Matrix,” a history-making exhibition, is on view until May 22. For this exhibition, the gallery is open Monday–Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Follow the David Driskell Center on social media to see some Saturday hours for this show– Instagram/Twitter: @driskellcenter and Facebook: https://www.facebook. com/TheDCDC Also, a preview of this exhibition can be seen at https://youtu.be/v3GfO7C2T3Y.

A podcast series is also available at: https://bit.ly/RINGGOLD-SAARPodcast_WI WI @bcscomm

Dreaming of homeownership?

Bowie State Officially Opens Warwick Theater

Legendary Singer Appreciates Tribute

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

With legendary Dionne Warwick present to witness a space revealed in her honor, hundreds gathered at Bowie State University (BSU) on Saturday, April 1 to celebrate the opening of the Dionne Warwick Theater inside the institution’s Fine and Performing Arts Center. Viewing her name beautifully lit in the space, Warwick was visibly pleased by the honor.

As tributes to the singer, the BSU Choir performed, “I Say A Little Prayer,” to begin the ceremony and gospel singer BeBe Winans performed “Amazing Grace.”

Video messages of support from celebrities such as Phylicia Rashad, Debbie Allen and Tom Selleck were also shown.

BSU President Aminta Breaux listed off numerous honors and accomplishments from Warwick’s career and gave an official commendation on behalf of the university to the celebrated singer. This is not her first honor even from BSU: Warwick held a public conversation with Dr. Stephanie Shonekan, Dean of the College of Arts and Humanities, in recent weeks.

Warwick, whose musical career began in 1961, has won six Grammy Awards and her top songs on Spotify currently are “That’s What Friends Are For,” with over 127 million streams, and “I’ll Never Love This Way Again” with over 80 million streams. Her other honors include the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Apollo Theater Hall of Fame, the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A documentary chronicling her life and achievements entitled “Don’t Make Me Over” came out earlier this year.

She has also been active on Twitter and earned new fans there, particularly for criticizing Elon Musk as Twitter CEO. Breaux even called her the “Queen of Twitter.”

This is the first performing arts venue that bears Warwick’s name. Concerts, plays and other live performances are coming to the Warwick Theater soon.

Appreciating the honor of receiving a theater in her namesake, Warwick emphasized the importance of institutions such as Bowie State. “[This university] represents excellence and that is something we all should strive for,” Warwick said. “I’m thrilled to be part of that.” WI

5 Legendary singer and performer Dionne Warwick was honored by the theater opening. Here, she is escorted by BSU President Breaux. (Courtesy Photo: Bowie State University)

Restaurateurs Argue D.C. Needs More Neighborhood Eateries

By Andrew S. Jacobson WI Contributing Writer

Food deserts are real. With four quadrants and over 700,000 residents, where do folks frequently convene for a sit-down meal?

Do they dine at eateries in Penn Quarter, on H Street N.E., at the Wharf, or in Eastern Market?

Though there are several high volume corridors and recently emerging community restaurants, some argue the city still has an under-

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The

whelming selection of sit-down dining experiences, outside of its notable corridors.

What this means is that District residents must either travel to these corridors, or face carry-outs, fast food, or quick-serve options.

That withstanding, there are a few neighborhoods where the restaurant industry has thrived organically in creating sit-down experiences.

Some residents and restaurateurs note neighborhoods such

as Mount Pleasant, 11th Street Northwest, and Pennsylvania Avenue (near Potomac Ave Metro Station) have done a terrific job of incorporating new concepts, with favorable responses from the community.

However, just across the bridge, off of 295, Pennsylvania Avenue struggles, where it intersects with Minnesota Avenue. Despite the stretch of retail storefronts, there are no sit-down restaurants with table service. Many neighborhoods East of the River, Southwest, and far Northeast suffer from this predicament.

For years, Martin Luther King Jr. Avenue, in Anacostia, only had Busboys and Poets. That is, until recently with the opening of such establishments as D.C. Smokehouse and Kitchen Savages on Good Hope Road SE. If the District is to create equal food access for all residents, then the question becomes: Why don’t more restaurants take risks in neighborhoods and help further communities?

The Informer spoke with local restaurant consultant, Ty Pate. Pate is working on helping to fabricate a new sit-down concept called Cafe Poulet. Located in the heart of the District’s burgeoning Congress Heights neighborhood, Cafe Poulet will be the second notable sit-down eatery, after Georgina’s.

Pate shared that foot traffic and parking significantly improve the odds for restaurants’ success.

“Typically guests are going to come from high-density developments or large government insti-

tutions,” Pate said. The restaurant aficionado went on to explain that part of some restaurants' success in Navy Yard, like Chloe and District Winery, can be attributed to their proximity to the Department of Transportation and nearby Metro Station. Pate is implementing this same concept mere steps away from the Congress Heights Metro Station and St. Elizabeth’s Campus.

Other restaurateurs attribute success to operating in community restaurants, post-COVID.

“As a result of the pandemic, the uptick of community restaurants are more prevalent than ever,” Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (RAMW) CEO Shawn Townsend explained.

The restaurant executive went on to share that operators have become more strategic, leveraging

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s signature Food Access Fund grant, and Building Acquisition Fund dollars, to acquire space in upand-coming areas.

Townsend explained that he predicts the most strategic operators will bridge the Mayor’s Comeback Plan, to revitalize downtown, and the idea of creating more neighborhood restaurants.

“Operators are thinking non traditional when thinking about a target area for their business,” Townsend told the Informer.

Despite the arguments for downtown revitalization, COVID-19 changed the landscape of D.C. hospitality. District residents are split between a newfound appreciation for cozy neighborhood restaurants and a desire for the revitalization for downtown. What’s unknown is whether restaurants will refocus around office building conversions and in-person workers, or whether more companies will embrace remote work and the community restaurant industry will grow.

The mayor has committed to significant investments through her Comeback Plan and economic development programs for D.C.’s restaurants to thrive.

Should restaurateurs continue to adopt their non-traditional investments, which neighborhoods will flourish and how will diners adapt? WI

“Thought-provoking, challenging and complex...it’s all that and more” –Ashland News

5 (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

Words Beats and Life Presents Festival, Bilal Headlines Concert

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

With April kicking off both National Poetry Month and Jazz Appreciation Month (JAM), and offering the beauty that is spring, local organization Words Beats and Life is presenting its annual festival with six days of free programming that celebrates and uplifts the beauty of music, poetry and spring.

“Well we’re really excited to be continuing our partnership with the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, and this year we’re hosting an event with them called Jazz and Blossoms,’ part of our seventh annual festival,” Mazi Mutafa, founding executive director of Words Beats and Life told the Informer on WIN-TV.

With the first event Tuesday and the last Sunday, the festival includes 14 free activations including the “Jazz and Blossoms,” concert. Held at Franklin Park on April 8, “Jazz and Blossoms,” is part of the National Cherry Blossom Festival and in collaboration with the Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), featuring Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Bilal and Pete Rock and The Soul Brothers.

Other performers include DJ John Murph, Ayo, Imani Grace and Her Big Black Band, Daylight DC featuring DJ Divine and Big Tone All Day.

And Saturday’s entertainment goes beyond musical performances.

“They also have multiple food trucks. Holly Bass, who’s an amazing curator here in Washington, D.C., she’s working on a tweed-inspired fashion show, so we’re encouraging people who show up, to wear either floral inspired for the cherry blossoms,” he said. “It’s just a really exciting, multi-element event. It’s going to have haiku poetry, youth poets performing, face painting of flowers and balloon flowers.”

5 With 14 events from April 9-14, Words Beats and Life festival is presenting it annual festival with programming including a concert on April 8 featuring Bilal and Pete Rock and The Soul Brothers.

5 Micha Green, WI managing editor, chats with Mazi Mutafa, founding executive director of Words Beats and Life on WIN-TV. (Screenshot)

Tickets On Sale Now!

Woolly Mammoth Announces New Managing Director Kimberly E. Douglas

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Native Washingtonian Kimberly E. Douglas has come a long way in her artistic career– beginning as a student at Duke Ellington School of the Arts, to now serving as Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company’s new managing director.

“My journey within the D.C. arts community has been an extraordinary experience of growth, perseverance, and authentic dedication to uplifting the arts,” Douglas said in a statement. “I’m overjoyed for this new role, and I look forward to contributing my gifts to Woolly Mammoth as we make bold, audacious, theatre; make an impact in the arts community and society; and tell the important and necessary stories, onstage and beyond.”

The second Black woman to hold the post as managing director, Douglas will work closely with

Woolly’s Artistic Director Maria Manuela Goyanes to continue the theatre company’s legacy of bringing strong, thought provoking and engaging art to District audiences.

“Kimberly Douglas is as Woolly as they come! She is an out-ofthe-box thinker with incredible integrity, who cares deeply about the role of theatre to ignite conversation in the DMV,” the theatre company’s artistic director said.

Douglas and Goyanes have collaborated on previous projects, with the new managing director already having served on the theatre company’s Board of Directors since 2021. Before her new post, the Howard University graduate worked for THEARC Theater for 14 years, working her way up from production manager, to director of Theater Operations and Programming and, finally as managing artistic director.

“I cannot wait to see what we cook up for D.C. as she steps into this role,” Goyanes said. WI

5 Kimberly E. Douglas will serve as the new managing director for D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company. (Courtesy Photo)

his Easter, Buzz and Beeper didn’t find eggs in their baskets. They found a mysterious message! Every bunny needs a buddy and these bunnies need YOUR help to discover how to read the message.

Find

The baskets that belong to Buzz and Beeper are identical.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Follow simple written directions.

The secret code to crack the answer to this riddle is hidden in this egg border.

is the letter A.

To find out what letter each egg stands for, find .

The alphabet follows in order by going clockwise around the border. Each egg stands for one letter of the alphabet.

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

Whom do you trust? Do you know why? Can you find a picture in the newspaper of someone you trust? Can you find a picture of someone you would not trust?

Standards Link: Health: Students recognize and identify positive character traits in themselves and others.

Beeper didn’t finish coloring her egg. Do the rest for her. Have more fun with your buddy! Draw an egg and color half of it. Then let your buddy finish your design.

How many eggs can you find on this page in 60 seconds? Race your buddy!

How many times can you find the word EGG in the puzzle?

Hint: The word EGG is spelled forward, backward, up, down and diagonally. You may use the same letter more than once.

Standards Link: Letter Sequencing: Skim and scan reading.

Reporter Game

With a partner, read a newspaper article. One of you must choose to be a person in the article and the other should be the reporter. Decide what questions were asked to get the relevant information and then role-play the interview.

Standards Link: Reading Comprehension: Ask clarifying questions about essential textual elements, restate facts and details, clarify and organize ideas.

Easter Bunny

Spotted!

Write about catching sight of the Easter Bunny leaving eggs.

© 2023 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 39, No. 19

somebunny to be your buddy and do this page together! If this page looks easy to do, share it with somebunny younger than you. If it looks hard, share it with somebunny older!

review wi book

Poetry Books by Various Authors

c.2023, Amistad, Penguin

$16.99 — $18.99

Various page counts

horoscopes

ARIES Make a big splash as the week begins! Monday is an excellent day for pioneering ideas and activities, and all eyes are on you as you forge a new path. On Tuesday and Wednesday, count on your ambition and enthusiasm to drive you ahead, and don't get too preoccupied with how your actions might be taken by others. You just need to focus on getting things done. Lucky Numbers: 2, 21, 46

TAURUS You might have a hard time trusting others on Monday, and you should pay heed to that hesitance. Risks right now probably won't pay off, and you need watch out for your own priorities. On Tuesday and Wednesday, make people plans. You'll be energized by socializing, and you'll learn a lot by mixing up ideas and activities with like-minded people. Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 31

Terri Schlichenmeyer

WI Contributing Writer

You have a story to tell.

It's not a long one, but you like to think of yourself as a person of few words anyhow. So why not see how others tell their tales in verse, in form, in total, and with great meaning. Take a look at these new poetry books …

Black culture and the women's movement feature heavily in the poems of Anastacia-Reneé in her new collection, "Side Notes from the Archivist" (Amistad, $16.99).

Beginning in the 1980s with "a badrillion girl bands & boy bands & big group bands," this book looks at life in "retroflect" from a middle-schooler's point of view — which feels quite nostalgic, until the author reaches adulthood in her narrative. From there, the collection reads like a list of "episodes" of a TV show, tales of love of self and others, Black queer life, and a surprisingly overwhelming sense of power to round up the book.

"Side Notes from the Archivist" is a book for older teens and adults only.

When you pick up a copy of "No Sweet Without Brine" by Cynthia Manick (Amistad, $16.99), you'll see that the title tells you everything you need to know: this book will make you smile with bits of gentle poetry that'll suddenly sneak up on you and smack you with the vinegar of reality.

In this random-not-random collection, you'll find an "Ode to JET Magazine," an out-loud musing on parental love, and a list of "Fears and Questions." There's advice for Black girls in this book; advice on living a good life despite disrespectful (and unnecessary) words from a doctor; musings on movies, celebrities, history; being a woman in today's world; and dealing with racism that borders on ridiculousness.

Check it out first, but "No Sweet Without Brine" is a book that might fit for readers ages 15 to adult.

And finally, there's no better time to introduce your 3-to-6-year-old to poetry than today, and "The Knowing" by Ani DiFranco (Penguin, $18.99) may be a great start.

This is a book about a very young girl who has a story to tell. She has color in her hair and skin but that's not who she is. She has many favorite belongings, foods she prefers, games she loves to play, songs she likes to sing, a family, and a village she's lived in all her life. What's important is that she has "The Knowing," which is "underneath all that I know," she says.

This book takes a little getting used to, but poetry lovers may cherish it. Young readers are never exactly clued in on "The Knowing" but artwork by Julia Mathew gives them imagery that can help parents to spark imagination and spirituality.

If these poetry books don't quite fit what you're looking for, then get yourself to your favorite library or bookstore and let them find for you the book you need. Rhyme, not rhyme all the time, that's fine but not needed, not heeded, not conceited. Don't you want to glory in a poem story? WI

GEMINI You just can't beat teamwork, at least not on Monday. You'll get the most done (and have the most fun) if you can partner up with others and work toward a common goal. On Tuesday and Wednesday, though, those alliances could become troubled (maybe someone else is trying to take charge), and you might have trouble making sense of someone's agenda. Lucky Numbers: 6, 15, 35

CANCER Do something for yourself on Monday! You've done enough for others lately, and you deserve some healthy self-indulgence, especially if it involves some quiet time to yourself. On Tuesday and Wednesday, expect that introverted trend to continue. Work things out on your own rather than looking for help, and strive to strike a balance between ideas competing in your head. Lucky Numbers: 31, 47, 49

LEO Romance is on the rise on Monday! You're full of fire and flirtatiousness as the week begins, and your energy knows no bounds. Expect others (naturally) to fall smitten at your feet. The confidence and charisma continue into Tuesday and Wednesday, and you'll have the drive to get what you want, provided you're willing to help others get what they want too. Lucky Numbers: 32, 41, 54

VIRGO You'll want to rush ahead on Monday, but you can't. Obligations and obstacles block your way as the week begins, and you'll need to just go with the flow. On Tuesday and Wednesday, all that hard work and planning you did will finally pay off. Your ambitions will be satisfied right now in your work and maybe even in your love life. Lucky Numbers: 4, 12, 29

LIBRA You can communicate with unusual quickness and clarity as the week begins. Use your excellent articulation to explore big ideas and let others know what you're really thinking. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll feel the depressing pressure of old problems and issues, but don't give in to that maudlin mood. You're too affable and easygoing for such self-indulgent whining. Lucky Numbers: 6, 9, 10

SCORPIO Go on and get up caught up in the moment on Monday! Your week begins with an overdue surge of impulsiveness, although beware that someone influential might encourage you to take a clearly unreasonable risk. (Find the balance between being brave and being foolhardy.) On Tuesday and Wednesday, hit up the boss (or some other authority figure) to get what you want. Opportunities have finally aligned themselves to match your ambitions, and you need to strike while the iron is hot.

Lucky Numbers: 5, 8, 14

SAGITTARIUS It's a red-letter Monday! Ah, if only all your weeks could start out this way. All your best qualities (your playfulness, optimism, and good-natured charm) are doubled for the day. People, predictably, just can't stay away from you. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you might find yourself feeling a little more conservative. Satisfy this unusual obsession with details and penny pinching by dreaming up original ways to save (like packing your own gourmet lunch). Lucky Numbers: 5, 15, 23

CAPRICORN Anything is possible on Monday with a little perseverance. You just need to dig in and stick to your plans to make things happen as the week begins. On Tuesday and Wednesday, your amazing proficiency for planning continues to save the day, and others will be impressed and amazed by how much you're able to get done. Lucky Numbers: 16, 30, 36

AQUARIUS Find a common cause on Monday. You'll do your best work (and have the most fun too!) if you can connect with others who want the same things you do. On Tuesday and Wednesday, you'll need to buckle down a little if you're hoping to make the same progress. That rebel spirit of yours has you champing at the bit, but fighting the flow will only leave you feeling worn out. Lucky Numbers: 22, 38, 52

PISCES Luck is on your side on Monday! Fortune favors you as the week begins, provided you're smart and attentive about how you press your advantage. (One tip: just be sure to think before you speak.) On Tuesday and Wednesday, lead the way. Others will look to you to guide the group, and you'll have no problem picking the proper path. Lucky Numbers: 5, 18, 43

George Mason, American Named Two Locals to Head Basketball Program

By Edward Hill WI Contributing Writer

As college basketball came to a close with the recent NCAA Tournament, it has just begun for two of the local schools. During the past week, George Mason and American University announced the new head men's basketball coaches. George Mason named former standout, Tony Skinn and American selected Duane Simpkins.

Both played locally, Skinn at Takoma Academy and Simpkins at DeMatha. This is the first head coaching opportunity for each.

Skinn led the Patriots to their only Final Four appearance while Simp-

kins helped guide Maryland to two Sweet 16 appearances during his career in College Park.

It seems only natural that those respective schools would take notes on what Kenneth Blakeney, another local native (DeMatha) did with the Howard University program in just four years, leading the Bison to their first MEAC regular season and tournament title in 31 years.

Skinn was a starter on the 2006 Patriots Final Four team. He has paid his dues after serving as assistant coach at Louisiana Tech, Seton Hall, Ohio State and most recently at Maryland.

He spent this past season on Kevin Willard's staff at Maryland, where

he helped lead the Terps to a 22-13 record and an NCAA Tournament victory over West Virginia.

A two-time All-CAA selection with the Patriots from 2003-2006, Skinn scored 1,079 career points while starting 68 games in his George Mason career. During the

2006 NCAA Tournament, he averaged 11.3 points and shot 35% from three-point range while leading the Patriots to the national semifinals.

“It is with great excitement that I return home to George Mason," Skinn said in a statement. "I am committed to greatness! We will set

our standards high, hustle every step of the way and compete amongst the best. It's an unbelievable feeling to step back on campus. I've had some of my greatest memories here and I'm looking forward to making new ones with our fans and our community. Our best days are ahead!"

Simpkins spent the past eight years at George Mason, where the team finished with a 20-13 record this season. He previously served as an assistant at UNC Greensboro for three seasons. He also had stops at Towson, UNC Greensboro and at the high school level at Sidwell Friends and St. Albans.

Simpkins earned McDonald’s high school all-American honors at DeMatha and was All-ACC honorable mention three times while helping the Terrapins to three NCAA tournaments, including a pair of Sweet 16 appearances. A former Maryland captain, Simpkins still ranks eighth.

“We are thrilled to welcome Duane Simpkins, a proven talent and respected coach into our AU Athletics family,” American Athletic Director Billy Walker said in a statement. “His passion for positively shaping the lives of young student-athletes was evident during the selection process. His close ties to the area as a coach and player, along with a tremendous recruiting acumen and unbending character, make him an ideal choice to lead our program.” wi

5 American University Basketball Coach Duane Simpkins (Courtesy photo)

5 George Mason Basketball Coach Tony Skinn (Courtesy photo)

4 Erasmo Ramirez (61) throws a pitch at the season opener during a Washington Nationals loss to the Atlanta Braves 2-7 at Nationals Park on March 30.

(Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer)

CAPTURE the moment

5 Cherry Blossom trees frame the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 The Cast of All Stars dancers pose for a photo opp. after a performance at Oxon Run Park for the Pinknic and Kite Fly presented with the National Cherry Blossom Festival on April 2. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Families had no trouble getting kites up at Oxon Run Park during the Pinknic and Kite Fly presented with the National Cherry Blossom Festival on April 2. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 Washington Informer reader Nate Weldon captures the beauty of the Cherry Blossom trees from an angle on the waterfront with the Capitol in the background. (Courtesy photo)

5 The most popular Cherry Blossom tree at the Tidal Basin. (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

4 Fitness instructor Edward Hardy (left) leads participants in exercise at Oxon Run Park for the Pinknic and Kite Fly presented with the National Cherry Blossom Festival on April 2. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

bulls that granted such “rights” to colonizing sovereigns have never been a part of the Church’s Magisterium.

NPR noted that the doctrine was laid out in a series of papal “bulls,” or decrees; the first one was issued in 1452.

The Vatican Denounces 'Doctrine of Discovery,' Used to Justify Colonialism

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The Vatican has responded to Indigenous demands and formally repudiated the “Doctrine of Discovery,” the theories backed by 15th-century “papal bulls” that legitimized the colonial-era seizure of Native lands and form the basis of some property laws today.

A Vatican statement said the pa-

pal bulls, or decrees, “did not adequately reflect the equal dignity and rights of Indigenous peoples” and have never been considered expressions of the Catholic faith.

The statement, from the Vatican’s development and education offices, reportedly marked a historic recognition of the Vatican’s own complicity in colonial-era abuses committed by European powers.

It was issued under history’s first

5 Doctrine of Discovery. (Courtesy Photo/ United Church of Christ)

Latin American pontiff, exactly one year after Pope Francis met at the Vatican with Indigenous leaders from Canada who raised the issue. Thanks to dialogue with indigenous peoples, “the Church has acquired a greater awareness of their sufferings, past and present, due to the expropriation of their lands … as well as the policies of forced assimilation, promoted by the governmental authorities of the time, intended to eliminate their indige-

nous cultures,” according to a joint statement issued by the Dicastery for Culture and Education and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development.

The document states that the “Doctrine of Discovery” – a theory that served to justify the expropriation by sovereign colonizers of indigenous lands from their rightful owners – “is not a part of the teaching of the Catholic Church.”

It further affirms that the papal

Celebrating A Washington Area Choir Director: Joyce Garrett

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

Whether she is playing the organ at Alfred Street or directing choirs at Eastern High School or the United States Naval Academy, Joyce Garrett has been a musical virtuoso who has trained voices in venues across the area for more than 50 years.

Last Friday, Garrett was inducted into the Eastern High School Hall of Fame as part of the school’s Centennial Celebration. “It is quite an honor,” said Garrett, who is one out of 12 honorees being inducted.

“I'm doing what I always wanted to do,” said Garrett, who has trained voices to perform at the White House under Ronald Reagan and RFK Stadium for the Washington Commanders.

“Playing church music is something that gives me feelings that you wouldn't want to be anywhere else,” said Garrett, who spends much of her time working with the Rev. Howard John Wesley and the members of Alfred Street Baptist Church.

Garrett sat down at the organ of

the Alfred Street at 9 a.m. and started to play “O Sacred Head Now Wounded.”

Garrett’s hymn selection wasn't by accident. Easter was two weeks away and the veteran musician wanted to set the tone for the Holy season as hundreds filled the sanctuary and overflow rooms in Alexandria, Virginia.

“‘O Sacred Head,’ is associat-

ed with the Lenten season, and I selected it as a prelude to set the atmosphere for worship,” said Garrett, who, on this Easter Sunday, will direct a mass choir at the St. Elizabeth's East Entertainment and Sports Arena.

MINISTERING THROUGH MUSIC

Before Covid, Alfred Street held four services a week. But today, the church has one service, but on Mother’s Day, they will go to two services.

“Alfred Street has a comprehensive music and worship arts program,” said Garrett, adding that the church has two orchestras, several choirs, and a Praise Team.“My motto is Excellence Without excuses.”

Mary Ware, 90, Director of the Sunday School and the church’s first female Deacon, praised Garrett’s effort saying, “I knew her when she first got here.”

Many church leaders echoed those sentiments. This week Garrett and the voices from Alfred Street will perform in Southeast after a sunrise service at the church at 6 a.m.

A PERFECT DUET

Garrett’s best friend is James, her husband of more than 50 years. They live in Fort Washington, where they raised three children, two sons and a daughter.

Garrett and her husband talked about her ministry.

”He has been my number one supporter,” Garrett said of James, who talked about when he first met his future bride 57 years ago.

“I saw her in the Hot Shoppes, and I asked her if I could walk her home. Back then, you didn't ask girls to take them home in a car,” he said.

“Joyce is an amazing person, and I am always part of her team, but I don't sing,” James said.

The two emphasized they work together to share all their loads.

“I became the primary cook, and I am still the cook,” Joyce responded. “He is great with collard greens; I have the cornbread. We have a great partnership.” WI

Read the full story on www. washingtoninformer.com

They authorized colonial powers such as Spain and Portugal to seize lands and subjugate people in Africa and the “New World,” as long as people on the lands were not Christians.

The outlet further noted that scholars widely note three bulls: Pope Nicholas V’s Dum diversas (1452) and Romanus Pontifex (1455); and Pope Alexander VI’s Inter caetera (1493).

“Back in the 19th century, it was used as a precedent which gave people a sense of title to land that had not been owned with an official title in deed,” the Rev. David McCallum, executive director of the Program for Discerning Leadership based in Rome, told NPR.

So what began as a religious decree in the 1400s then became the basis for a legal concept in the U.S., when the Doctrine of Discovery was invoked in an 1823 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that Indigenous people had only rights of “occupancy,” not ownership, over lands they had long lived on.

The land, then, was open for the taking.

“As a result of this being written into the American property law, it was actually considered a precedent,” McCallum said, including citations as recent as a 2005 case in upstate New York, involving the Oneida Indian Nation.

Invoking the Christian mandate to respect the dignity of every human being, the Vatican said on Thursday, “The Catholic Church therefore repudiates those concepts that fail to recognize the inherent human rights of indigenous peoples, including what has become known as the legal and political ‘doctrine of discovery.’

“I know there’s a lot of other news clogging the airwaves right now but this action by Pope Francis and the Vatican is by far the most important that is happening in the world right now,” environmental justice pioneer, civil rights and racial justice advocate Vernice Miller-Travis wrote on Twitter.

“Few things have done more damage the world over than the papal ‘Doctrine of Discovery.’” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Joyce Garrett. (Courtesy photo)

Create in me a clean heart, O' God, and renew a right spirit within me. — Psalm 51:10

April 1 was my mother's birthday. She has been gone now for more than 23 years. Mother Fannie Estelle Hill Grant would put every child to work on that first weekend of spring. We had to rake the yard, wash windows inside and out, wash fingerprints off the walls and doors — you name it, and every man who had a hand, had a right. We did it as a family.

Yet, when it was all over, we could breathe a sigh of relief. It felt good for everything to be so clean! The clean smell of furniture polish, window washer and scented detergents, including bleach. Everything was spotless. You know the saying, "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." When we grow up cleaning for spring, we pretty much will keep that tradition going throughout our entire lives. I know I do.

In fact, this past weekend, I found myself washing windows, inside and out, and I started throwing out junk from closets and drawers. Things are looking much better now. So I'm thankful for my mother for instilling this sense of cleanliness in me. She would say often, "Cleanliness is next to godliness."

This reminds me of the Bible story of when Jesus was cleaning the temple. Let us compare the spring cleaning of our home to the cleansing of the temple.

Jesus made everyone get out of the house of God and cleansed it of its corruption and disorder. He stood against the sinful trappings that worked their way into the house of worship. The practices of the people

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

of His day were under attack, and in order to make the temple pure and holy again, Jesus cleaned house, as they say today!

Allow that story to speak to your soul. Take a moment to look more closely, paying special attention to how this story speaks to us today. It begins, "The Passover of the Jews was near, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem …" (John. 2:13).

During Passover, they were celebrating how so many homes that had a bloodstain over the door had been spared. These were Jews who felt thankful for being saved, however, the crowds would enlarge to three times the normal size. Just think, then and now, during the Passover season, folks are shopping, buying new clothes, shopping for all of the children, getting them all something new to wear for Easter Sunday. But somehow, they lost control at the space inside the temple.

In the new testaments of Matthew, Mark and Luke, Jesus accuses the merchants of cheating the people. He says, "My house shall be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of thieves." (Matthew 21:13)

Perhaps there were some merchants who were raising their prices, but this is not the focus of Jesus' anger, according to John. As far as John is concerned, Jesus is upset because all this buying and selling intruded upon the sacred space for worship. In John's gospel, Jesus says, "Take these things out of here! Stop making my

Father's house a marketplace (a house of commerce)." (John 2:16).

This is a good example of how good intentions often get out of hand. For example, one merchant who had pure intentions set up a small table in the corner of the temple, hoping that a few worshipers might stop by on their way home and maybe buy a couple items. Then another businessman does the same thing, then another and another, until, before you know it, the temple was turned into a small shopping area.

The Passover season comes during spring, March and April. In fact, it leads up to Easter (Resurrection Sunday for some) and warmer weather is spotty, coming along here and there.

Remember as you clean your home, be sure to include cleansing your temple — your body is indeed a temple. Fast, pray and think of God and all of His goodness; maintain control. We have all been indoors for the most part, for most of the winter season!

Let's be honest with ourselves — we all have some things we need to let go to the trash. These are things we never use. Why do we have them at all, yet keep them tucked away in a safe place?

Don't allow your sins to hang around. We can give sin a safe harbor, where we have so much guilt and shame over mistakes we have made years ago. We must let that stuff go. Turn it over to Jesus — He will fix it for you! WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop

Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

Pilgrim

www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

Dr.

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011

(202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

Service and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org E-mail: church@blessedwordoflifechurch.org

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

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

Services and Times

Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services

Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM)

Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power

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

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

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

Reverend Dr. Paris L Smith, Sr. Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423

Service and Times

Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM

Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM

Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM

Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

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

Services and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Crusader

Street

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

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM

Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

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

St

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

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

headline and photo for LIF - MALCOLMXDAY

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr. 1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Service and Times

Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

“Friendliest Church in the City”

Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D.

Third

Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Marks Baptist Come Worship

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.;

Dr. Dekontee L. &

Ayele A. Johnson Pastors

Zion Baptist Church

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

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

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Park

Interim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM

Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM

Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020

(202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday

Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM

Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor 623 Florida Ave.. NW - WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 / Study (202) 265-0836

Home Study (301) 464-8211 / Fax (202) 483-4009

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM

Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM

Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM

Pastor’s Bible Study:

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

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

St. Matthews Baptist Church

Reverend Peter R. Blue Sr. Pastor 2001 Brooks Drive  District Heights MD. 20744 240.838.7074

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"

Email: revprbstmbc@gmail.com

Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Curtis l. Staley Pastor 621 Alabama Ave., S.E.- Washington, D.C. 20032

P: (202) 561-1111 - F: (202) 561-1112

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

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

“Real

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Senior Pastor

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 Fax 202-678-3304

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM

Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM

Sunday School: 8:15 AM

Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon

Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002

Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836

Service and Times

Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM

“The Loving Church of the living lord “

Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor 602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001

Office:(202) 289-4480

Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times

Sunday School for All Ages: 8:00 AM

Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM

Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM

Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM

Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org

Website: www.firstrising.org

“Changing Lives On Purpose “

Kelechi Ajieren Coordinator 6839 Eastern Avenue, R1 Takoma Park, MD 20912 (202) 556-7065

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM

Wednesday Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Friday Evening Service: 7:00 PM ; Last Friday

“…Giving Your Life a Meaning” www.Christembassydc.org Christ.embassy.dc@hotmail.com

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church

Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500

Service and Times

Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 AM

Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 PM

Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 PM Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln

United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

heights on March 30, when White revealed whistleblower complaints made against the agency that have since been referred to the D.C. Office of the Inspector General.

White, chairman of the D.C. Council Committee on Housing, said an ongoing investigation centers on allegations that a DCHA employee secured housing vouchers that unqualified friends and family used to move into Rise at Temple Courts in Northwest.

Other cases involve an alleged conspiracy to steer voucher holders toward a particular building and prevent competitive contracts for a project. White said DCHA even fired an employee for refusing to take part in some of these schemes. He and the Stabilization and Reform Board, also known as the STAR Board, received reports about the complaints earlier this month.

These allegations follow what White described as DCHA’s lack of cooperation with the D.C. Council Committee on Housing in the oversight process. He mentioned soon-to-come legislation designed to boost transparency within DCHA, though he declined to speak on the specifics.

“When I see patterns of wrongdoing that require proactivity, we need to deal with it to change the culture and expectations,” White said. “There’s no path forward without instilling trust in the agency. It makes me so angry that people paired with taxpayer money have acted in self-interest. To the District residents who deserve DCHA to be high functioning, I see what you’re dealing with.”

DCHA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BRENDA DONALD RESPONDS

Last year, DCHA’s compliance office found that the agency awarded nearly $1 million in illegally sourced contracts to a software company. That investigation followed the release of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) report that revealed a systemic failure to maintain suitable housing for low-income residents.

The STAR Board, installed via D.C. Council legislation last year, will soon approve a set of policy changes that the HUD recommended in its report last year. The policy changes serve as the starting point in strengthening processes for DCHA voucher participants and ensuring that public housing units are habitable.

On April 10, DCHA executive director Brenda Donald is scheduled to testify before the D.C. Council Com-

assignments, but steps her agency is taking to curb illegal activity.

On Thursday, immediately following White’s press conference on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest, Donald countered the notion that DCHA hadn’t been transparent in its dealings.

With STAR Board Chair Raymond Skinner and Commissioner Rosa Burbridge standing next to her, Donald said DCHA was on track to inspect its entire affordable housing portfolio by June. Other gains she mentioned was rehabilitation of 500 units within the last year and what she described as the net gain in public housing not seen in several years.

In regard to the whistleblower allegations, Donald said such incidents don’t reflect on DCHA’s ability to serve District residents.

“We take all allegations seriously. We’ve taken actions to refer to the inspector general,” Donald said. “We have a zero tolerance policy for fraud. This is not widespread corruption, just isolated incidents. We have employees who work hard and [there are] one or two bad apples. These… incidents stand on their own [and] it's wrong and unfair [to judge] any [other] employees.”

ELISSA SILVERMAN POINTS OUT A PATTERN

For some people, including former D.C. Councilmember Elissa Silverman, recent revelations of malfeasance within DCHA count as part of an neverending story where working-class Washingtonians become further marginalized.

Toward the end of last year, Silverman, then an At-large D.C. councilmember, expressed her opposition to the formation of the STAR Board. She cited D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s plan

cluding several relating to allegedly making hush money payments to porn star Stormy Daniels and former Playboy model Karen McDougal.

Judge Juan Merchan, a former prosecutor with 16 years on the bench, unsealed Indictment No. 71543-23, after Trump’s team reviewed them.

Bragg alleged that Trump falsified business records to hide other crimes, including illegally pumping up his presidential campaign with ill-gotten cash.

blazoned with the words “Not Guilty.”

Reportedly, Trump has raised more than $8 million since word of an indictment spread.

to remove Bill Slover and other DCHA commission board members who had been vocal DCHA critics.

Shortly before joining D.C. Councilmembers Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4), Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), and Trayon White (D-Ward 8) in voting against the emergency legislation that would launch the STAR Board, Silverman demanded that the D.C. Council took greater and more permanent steps to guarantee accountability within DCHA.

Those steps included DCHA’s establishment as a truly independent board, as outlined in legislation that Silverman and Pinto introduced weeks before the council approved STAR’s formation.

While Silverman acknowledged that Donald inherited DCHA’s systemic failings, she said that Donald couldn’t escape responsibility for the recently alleged voucher fraud that’s taken place with her sitting at the helm.

Additionally, Silverman took issue with Skinner supporting Donald when, in his capacity as chair of the STAR Board, he’s supposed to perform independent oversight of DCHA.

That, for Silverman, further affirmed her stance about the STAR Board serving the mayor’s interests and not that of D.C. residents. That’s why in her capacity as a D.C. resident, Silverman continues to recommend that the D.C. Council takes DCHA from under the purview of the mayor and requires it to report to the D.C. Council as an independent agency.

“Thousands of people depend on DCHA to get and maintain a safe place to live and call home. This is not some bureaucratic kerfuffle,” Silverman said. “People’s lives are impacted here. There’s an abuse of power in the voucher program and people were denied vouchers or still had to keep waiting. There was real life human impact. Now that I’m off of the council, I’m tired of reading about District dysfunction without a solution.” WI @SamPKCollins

Specifically, the indictment alleges that Trump conspired with others to undermine the integrity of the 2016 election, a contest in which Trump defeated Clinton.

Prosecutors alleged that Trump took part in an unlawful “catch and kill” scheme that included an illegal $130,000 payment he ordered to suppress information that would hurt his presidential campaign.

Trump violated state and local election laws, making the charges a felony.

The charges potentially carry a four-year prison sentence, which could mean that Trump, the current GOP 2024 presidential frontrunner, has entered a race that could end with him either in the White House or prison.

Despite the apparent somber mood displayed by Trump that signaled just how weighty the proceedings were, his campaign released a fundraising email seeking contributions of at least $47 for a T-shirt that contained a fake mugshot of the ex-president em-

With security a big issue in the ex-president’s arraignment, the prosecutors in Atlanta and Washington investigating Trump were provided the ability of witnessing how New York handles a case involving a former commander in chief in a safe and drama-free way. The potential cases against Trump in Atlanta and Washington relate to the former president’s interference in the 2020 presidential election in Georgia and the January 6 insurrection on Capitol Hill that left several people dead.

Many top Republicans, including some of Trump’s potential rivals in next year’s GOP presidential primary, have criticized the case against him.

However, Biden has yet to announce that he’s seeking reelection next year, and other leading Democrats have primarily had little to say about it.

Prosecutors insist their case against Trump has nothing to do with politics.

“Manhattan is home to the country’s most significant business market,” Bragg stated.

“We cannot allow New York businesses to manipulate their records to cover up criminal conduct. As this office has done time and time again, we today uphold our solemn responsibility to ensure that everyone stands equal before the law.” WI

5 The DC Housing Authority Executive Director Brenda Donald at a press conference in September 2022. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis) mittee on Housing where she’s expected to speak, not only about the progress made in relieving the backlog in affordable housing

@StacyBrownMedia

TRUMP from Page 1

5 Former President Donald Trump is arraigned in Manhattan court on April 4.

(Courtesy photo)

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EASTERN from Page 1 ed from local archives and alumni oral history to create mini-documentaries that not only highlight aspects of Eastern’s history but reflect their personal interests.

These mini-docs have been included in a digital archive that will be expanded for years to come.

Demar Franklin, a junior at Eastern, counted among those who produced their mini-docs with the help of Rodney “Red” Grant, founder of local nonprofit “Don’t Shoot Guns, Shoot Cameras.” For his project, Demar traced how technology enhanced education at Eastern throughout its 100-year history.

Elements of Demar’s project focused on the printing press, projector and early test-taking machines. Demar used yearbook photos to explain how the printing press helped Eastern students create and circulate their school newspaper. For his mini-doc, Demar, an e-sports enthusiast, interviewed Lee James, the head of the e-sports program and Paul Howard, his coach, to gather their insight about the modern application of technology.

Demar described his project as an opportunity to show his appreciation for what Eastern provided, especially as a student who started high school quarantined at home at the height of the pandemic. “There’s a sense of community within Eastern then and now,” Demar said.

mographic shift, with Eastern’s student population changing from mostly white to mostly Black during the second half of the 20th century. Years later, Black students stood up against low academic achievement and subpar lunch. During the Civil Rights Movement, a group of students known as the Modern Strivers advocated for a curriculum centered on Black history and culture.

Eastern’s centennial exhibit captures that spirit of activism with a replica of a Greensboro Four lunch counter, where Franklin McCain, an Eastern alumnus, staged sitins during the early 1960s while a student at North Carolina A&T University. That exhibit counts among a bevy of items that document Eastern’s accomplishments in the realms of academics, sports and culture.

Alumni and others who are viewing the exhibit can scan a QR code to upload photos documenting their Eastern experience.

In preparing the exhibit, The Story of Our Schools conducted high-level research on Eastern’s history that was condensed into a three-day presentation given by Kimberly Springle, executive director of the Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives, the official museum and repository for D.C. Public Schools. From that point, students who contributed to the exhibit spent one day a week working on their projects with Dodsworth during their lunch break.

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“People find newfound friends in the band [and other activities],” he continued. It’s important to build community after being in quarantine without the social connection. It’s good that we have these clubs and communities so that people can grow past what happened…and discover themselves in these social groups.”

DOCUMENTING A CENTURY OF SCHOOL HISTORY

Eastern High School was founded in the late 19th century as Capitol Hill High School on the campus of what’s now known as Peabody Elementary School. In 1923, after getting renamed and moving to its current location on 17th Street and East Capitol Street in Northeast, Eastern’s student population swelled beyond 1,000.

Over the next few decades, integration policy compelled a de-

Following the completion of the students’ mini-docs, the exhibit entered a conceptualization stage where a review committee composed of community members ensured that content and language was appropriate for the school community.

Jen Harris, founder and executive director of The Story of Our Schools, said that the project, which was two years in the making, sparked much enthusiasm from administrators at Eastern and members of the community. “We all knew that Eastern had this rich history and that our program would work really well here,” Harris said.

“When their centennial anniversary rolled around, Capitol Hill Community Foundation took interest [as] a big funder of the project, and Sah Brown who was the EASTERN Page 60

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000240

Akira Khalijah Wilson

Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq.

1825 K Street, NW

Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Toni R. Cole, whose address is 2537 18th Street, SE, Washington, DC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Akira Khalijah Wilson who died on 11/19/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Toni R. Cole

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000261

Martella W. Pollard aka Martella Pollard Decedent

Aimee D. Griffin, Esq.

5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Derek Pollard, whose address is 5308 Chestnut Manor Court, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Martella W. Pollard aka Martella Pollard who died on 10/11/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023.

Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Derek Pollard

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000239

Gary K. Wilson Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lakeisha Wilson, whose address is 1028 Mondrian Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gary K. Wilson who died on April 26, 2020 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

3/23/2023

Lakeisha Wilson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 001307

Leonder L. Lee, Sr. aka Leonder Leopold Lee, Sr. Decedent

Glenda M. Wheeler Allen, Esq. Law Office Glenda M. Wheeler 808 E. Street, NE Ste A Washington, DC 20002 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lorna Washington, whose address is 403 Rexburg Ave., Fort Washington, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leonder L. Lee, Sr. aka Leonder Leopold Lee, Sr. who died on 10/29/2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Lorna Washington Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000217

Angela D. Brailsford-Saunders

Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Wayne O. Saunders, whose address is 1015 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Angela D. Brailsford-Saunders who died on September 27, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Wayne O. Saunders

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000236

Valerie G. Wheeler Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Nathan A. G. Wheeler, whose address is 66 New York Avenue, NW #401 Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Valerie G. Wheeler who died on July 26, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Nathan A. G. Wheeler Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 267

Julia E. Frane Decedent

Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Steven A. Mansbach, whose address is 159 Poverty Hollow Road, Newtown Connecticut 06470, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Julia E. Frane who died on September 25, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred.

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/30/2023

Steven A. Mansbach Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000228

Frank I. Benion Decedent

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

Ahsaki Benion, whose address is 1295 5th Avenue, Apt. 26D, New York, NY 10029, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frank I. Benion who died on 8/5/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Ahsaki Benion

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0075

Parthia Brown Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006 Attorney

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

Shonetta Brown, whose address is 3500 South Foster Edge Road, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Parthia Brown who died on March 9, 2012 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred.

Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Shonetta Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000235

Lolly G. Berry

Decedent

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

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

Richard Poindexter Berry, Jr. and Steven Douglas Berry, whose addresses are 7154 Presley Rd., Lanham, MD 20706 & 6100 Westchester Park Dr. #1619, College Park, MD 20740, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Lolly G. Berry who died on 1/6/2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/23/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/23/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/23/2023

Richard Poindexter Berry, Jr.

Steven Douglas Berry

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 277

Renard Wheeler Harris Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sean J. Harris, whose address is 4014 Bunker Hill Rd., Brentwood, MD 20722, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rernard Wheeler Harris, Sr. who died on December 11, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/30/2023

Sean J. Harris Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 12

Julia E. Frane

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Julia E. Frane whose address was 3100 Connecticut Avenue, NW #401, Washington, DC 20008 created a revocable trust on October 24, 1997, which remained in existence on the date of her death on September 25, 2022, and Steven A. Mansbach, whose address is 159 Poverty Hollow Rd., Newtown, CT 06470, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Jeffrey K. Gordon, Esq. at Tobin O’Connor Concino, PC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW #400, Washington, DC 20015.

The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances.

Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before 9/23/2023 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) 9/25/2023, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2), 9/23/2023 (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Date of First Publication: 3/23/2023

Steven A. Mansbach

Signature of Trustee

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 278

Chander K. Sehgal Decedent

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

Rajiv K. Sehgal, Mona K. Sehgal and Renuka K. Aldrich, whose addresses are 2133 1st St., NW Washington DC 20001, 2132 Greenwich St. Falls Church VA 22043 and 7922 Denton Dr., Clinton MD 20735, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Chander K. Sehgal who died on 1/29/2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

March 30, 2023

Rajiv K. Sehgal

Mona K. Sehgal

Renuka K. Aldrich

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000299

John B. Adams, Sr.

Decedent

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

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Michael J. Adams, whose address is 5316 59th Avenue, Riverdale, MD 20737, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John B. Adams, Sr. who died on September 18, 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/6/2023

Michael J. Adams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000149

Winston R. Woods, Jr. aka Winston Raymond Woods, Jr. Decedent

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

Christopher Woods and Malik Woods, whose addresses are 643 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002 and 643 L Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Winston R. Woods, Jr. aka Winston Raymond Woods, Jr. who died on 2/18/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/30/2023

Christopher Woods Malik Woods Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000309

Rose M. Janifer aka Rose Marie Janifer Decedent

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

James E. Janifer, whose address is 6502 Wood Pointe Dr., Glen Dale, MD 20769, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rose M. Janifer aka Rose Marie Janifer who died on August 30, 2019 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

James E. Janifer Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000275

Helen S. Turner Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lisa Holden-Pitt, whose address is 513 Fairhill Drive, Silver Spring, MD 20904, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Helen S. Turner who died on 12/5/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/30/2023

Lisa Holden-Pitt Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000292

Ella Mae Joyner

Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Zakia Joyner-Kennedy, whose address is 4307 Gorman Terr., SE, Washington DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ella Mae Joyner who died on October 10, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 9/30/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 9/30/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 3/30/2023

Zakia Joyner-Kennedy

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000343

Sedgwick Dyson Landers III

Decedent

Michelle Lanchester, Esq. 601 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite 900, South Building Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tomiko C. Lopez, whose address is 3305 Oxon Run Rd SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sedgwick Dyson Landers III who died on May 15, 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Tomiko C. Lopez Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2023 ADM 000241

M. C. Fry Decedent

Brian L. Kass, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave. NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

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

Michael Conrad Fry, whose address is 1333 Elsinore Ave., McLean, VA 22102, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. C. Fry who died on 3/5/2016 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Michael Conrad Fry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

PROBATE DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000013

2/11/2004

Date of Death

Donald Edward Bell

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Anthony C. Brown whose address is 1703 Pepper Tree Court, Bowie MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Donald Edward Bell, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Prince William County, State of Virginia, on 12/8/2022.

Service of process may be made upon Glenda Blackstone 1232 Rhode Island Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20018 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.

¼ interest ONLY 1336 Oak Street NW, Washington, DC 20010

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:

4/6/2023

Anthony C. Brown Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000322

Gloria W. Wilson aka Gloria Wison Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Alfred N. Wilson, Jr., whose address is 4215 Grant Street, NE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gloria W. Wilson aka Gloria Wison who died on December 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Alfred N. Wilson, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000252

Jacqueline E. Catoe Decedent

Michael K. Catoe, Esq. 3524 Texas Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20020 Attorney

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

Rodwell M. Catoe, whose address is 1515 Anacostia Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jacqueline E. Catoe who died on 4/9/2022 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Rodwell M. Catoe

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000307

William Joseph Carter Decedent

Suren G. Adams, Esq. Adams Law Office, LLC

4201 Northview Drive, Suite 401 Bowie, MD 20716 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Vince Carter, whose address is 7810 West Portland Avenue, Littleton, CO 80128, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William Joseph Carter who died on January 8, 2023 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Vince Carter Personal Representative

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Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

principal before Principal [Steve] Miller also took an interest,” she added. “So those three and us started getting the ball rolling. Mr. Miller was really excited about the project and wanted to push it forward.”

CURRENT EASTERN STUDENTS AND STAFF INFLUENCED BY SCHOOL’S HISTORY CULTURE

During the 2021-2022 school year, Eastern High School had 766 students, the majority of whom were Black. Among all of the District public school feeder patterns, the one leading to Eastern most closely represents the District’s racial demographics, according to a report the D.C. Policy Center released earlier this year.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000430

Joseph Young Decedent

Colline Silvera

7731 Belle Point Dr. Greenbelt Md 20770

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lynnette Young, whose address is 2302 Colston Drive, #103, Silver Spring, MD 20910, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joseph Young who died on 1/14/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 0103

Donta Lee Brown Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150

Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

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

Shonetta Brown, whose address is 3500 South Foster Edge Road, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donta Lee Brown who died on July 25, 2012 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

Shonetta Brown Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000264

John Desmond Dolan Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

William T. K. Dolan and Thomas Joseph Dolan, whose address is 1105 Redwood Drive, SE, Vienna, VA 22180 and 1505 Princess Anne St., Fredericksburg, VA 22401, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of John Desmond Dolan who died on August 18, 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 10/6/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/6/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/6/2023

William T. K. Dolan

Thomas Joseph Dolan Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In 2015, Eastern issued its first International Baccalaureate World Diploma, which translates to college credit for any high school student who receives it. Other academic and enrichment offerings include an Academy of Health Sciences, soccer, football, basketball, volleyball, marching band, advanced visual arts, debate club and D.C. Youth Orchestra.

For Steve Miller, a principal in his first year at Eastern, sitting at the helm of the Capitol Hillbased high school requires learning about and deeply appreciating its history. That’s why, during the official launch of the centennial exhibit on March 31, he spent time hearing from alumni and further solidifying relationships with people who’ve played various roles within the Eastern community. .

“The exhibit showcases the legacy, rich history and culture at Eastern High School,” Miller said. “That’s one of the things I had an inkling about, but learned about starting here as principal. There’s so much pride and rich history with our alumni. The exhibit really captures that in a way that will ground our school culture this year and all the years forward.”

WI @SamPKCollins

people in communities of color had been impacted by the pandemic more than others and how the ongoing struggle for racial justice is inextricably tied to the worsening mental health crisis. When young people witness the heinous killings of Black motorists or people simply "walking while Black," how does it affect their mental health? While our attention is focused on young people who are students, we have often ignored the children who, as young as twelve or thirteen, are working in unsafe environments. There are federal child labor laws that restrict the hours that those under 16 can work, especially during school hours. Too many employers ignore the

EDELMAN from Page 34 was singled out for candidly explaining what he thought they would do next in our nation that stands alone as the only industrialized nation where gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and teenagers: "It's a horrible, horrible situation. And we're not gonna fix it." When a reporter followed up to ask Rep. Burchett if he thought there was any role Congress could play, he answered, "I don't see any real role that we could do other than mess things up." When another

MARSHALL from Page 34

but yet they chose to move forward … the people who are suppose to uphold the law, it is criminal when they do the exact opposite of that." Salaam no longer refers to the men as the Central Park Five, but the Exonerated Five.

Dr. Yusef Salaam's remarkable journey took him from being wrongfully imprisoned as a teen to becoming an award-winning motivational and transformational speaker, thought leader, trainer, New York Times Best Selling author and coach. His time in prison was not wasted. He used it to not only find his purpose in life, but to become a writer. While Salaam is currently a prison reform activist who has formally announced his candidacy for the New York City Council seat in Harlem's 9th District, he will forever be tied to Donald Trump. As Trump runs for president for a third time, we should never forget how he led the charge against the Exonerated Five with his divisive and hate-filled rhetoric. Now that Donald Trump himself is indicted, for a brief period, the former president will become an ordinary citizen when he is formally booked for criminal charges. Thirty-four years after the arrest of

rules and are rarely held accountable.

The National Child Labor Coalition has documented the reckless use of children in manufacturing plants, especially automobile manufacturing plants in Alabama (Kia and Hyundai are especially egregious violators). Nearly half of all employed children work in agriculture, where they are exposed to, among other things, life-threatening pesticides. While laws prevent child labor, enforcement is lax when regulatory agencies are understaffed. Louis Hine photographed jarring images of children working in agriculture, mines and other dangerous places.

His work, much of which was documented at the turn of the twentieth century, was responsible for the child

reporter asked specifically what else could be done to protect other children like his own little girl and keep them safe at school, he replied that his child was home-schooled.

In his opening prayer in the Capitol the day after the shooting, Senate Chaplain Retired Rear Adm. Barry C. Black gave a rare, pointed, powerful plea on behalf of our nation's leaders that stands as a prayer from all of us:

Eternal God, we stand in awe of You.

Lord, when babies die at a church

Yusef Salaam, Donald Trump will be fingerprinted and photographed for a mug shot like Salaam and the other members of the Exonerated Five. He will be read the standard Miranda warning like every other person who has ever gone through the booking process. While the indictment of a former president is a sad moment in our nation's history, it becomes a vindication of the principle that no person is above the law. His arrest in Manhattan has great significance.

Before the five teenagers were convicted in 1989, Trump spent $85,000 on a full-page ad that ran in all four of New York's major newspapers. The ad was a hate-filled message which called for the return of the death penalty in response to the attack. For a man who has a lot to say, he never issued an apology or any acknowledgement of their innocence after the men were cleared. The ad ran in part:

"Mayor Koch has stated that hate and rancor should be removed from our hearts. I do not think so. I want to hate those muggers and murderers. They should be forced to suffered. … Yes, Mayor Koch, I want to hate these murderers and I always will. … How can our great society

labor legislation from 1912, and was part of the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938. Our nation is moving backward in protecting children, but that is no surprise since we are going backward using legislation to prevent exploitation. Still, too many of us mouth the platitude that we believe that children are the future while ignoring our children's mental health in the classroom, the workplace, and the world. Our indifference to our young people will likely result in their indifference to us a decade or two from now.

Can we expect the young people we have ignored to protect our Medicare or Social Security? Why should they care for us when we have not cared for them? WI

school, it is time for us to move beyond thoughts and prayers.

Remind our lawmakers of the words of the British statesman Edmund Burke: 'All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good people to do nothing.'

Lord, deliver our Senators from the paralysis of analysis that waits for the miraculous.

Use them to battle the demonic forces that seek to engulf us.

We pray, in Your powerful name, Amen. WI

tolerate the continued brutalization of its citizens by crazed misfits?"

In a 2019 interview, Salaam said, "We were convicted because of the color of our skin. People thought the worst of us," he said. "And this is all because of prominent New Yorkers-especially Donald Trump." He added, "I look at Donald Trump, and I understand him as a representation of a symptom of America."

Many of Trump's supporters will continue to vote for him despite two impeachments, one insurrection and now a criminal indictment. At times, his divisive hate-filled rhetoric connects with the motivations behind the death of Emmett Till and the massacres in Tulsa and Rosewood. The motivation to seek the death of a Black person when it comes to a Black man attacking a white female is a symptom of America even when the accusation is known not to be true.

Trump's arrest may be violently opposed by many of his supporters, but to see that Trump may likely walk into the same courtroom where the Exonerated Five were falsely convicted is priceless. WI

WILLIAMS from Page 35

That man, unarmed 37-year-old Timothy Johnson, was suspected of shoplifting a pair of sunglasses. According to Washington's NBC4, Johnson's mother, Melissa Johnson said after viewing the eight-minute body-camera video, "No parent, no parents should have to view the killing of their child and then be asked to give remarks." She added, "The only thing they knew was that he was Black and male and had allegedly triggered an alarm at a store for

MORIAL from Page 35

Young called together some 120 Black leaders to figure out what we ought to do. I was named chair of a working group charged with organizing an institution to galvanize Black public opinion in support of U.S. Africa policy. That was the beginning of TransAfrica."

Robinson's 27-day hunger strike in 1994 pressured the Clinton administration into changing its policy of turning away Haitian refugees without a hearing.

"My view has always been ... it doesn't matter whether a country is Black or white, left or right, you judge human rights observance with the same yardstick," he told his hometown newspaper, "And where I have seen human rights abuse, I have criticized it with as much tenacity as I can muster. And that's been the case in Ethiopia, it's been the case in Liberia, it's been the case in Zaire, it's been the case, of course, in South Africa. And it's been the case in Haiti."

Though I still was a teenager

CLYBURN from Page 35

jurisdiction without accountability. The lack of transparency erodes public trust and allows dangerous actors to patrol our streets.

Increasing the professional standards for those who serve involves setting national practices and instituting mandatory trainings to ensure officers have the communication and de-escalation skills they need to better connect with their communities and prevent the deadly escalation of force. Training officers in these areas would improve police conduct and help officers better serve their communities.

some sunglasses. Was shoplifting right? Absolutely not. But we have laws in place to address shoplifting. Should my son have been murdered because he shoplifted from the mall?"

Ms. Johnson asks a valid question. Stated differently, is shoplifting a capital crime? Should we continue to lose lives at the hands of individuals who, arguably, perceive us as "disposable"? Sgt. Wesley Shifflett, a seven-year veteran, has been terminated for a "failure to live up to the expectations of a particular use of force policies, protocols, and procedure."

when Robinson founded TransAfrica and focused the nation's attention on human rights abuses there, he inspired me as few others before or since. In the early 1980s, I was part of a leadership team of National Black Law Students Association that pushed for divestment of South African investments by U.S. companies. I had the privilege of serving with Robinson as a panelist for Tavis Smiley's State of the Black Union forum in 2009. By then he had been living for several years in St. Kitts, where he emigrated out

As African Americans, we must also focus on our collective disposal. I recently read a social media meme by Milan Kundera that states the obvious:

"To liquidate people, you start by depriving them of their memory. They destroy your books, your culture, and your history. And someone else writes other books, gives them another culture, and invents another story; after that, people slowly begin to forget what they are and what they were. And the world around you forgets even faster."

Familiar? WI

of frustration toward the nation's exploitation of people of color and the poor.

"I tried to love America, its credos, its ideals, its promise, its process," Robinson wrote in "Quitting America: The Departure of a Black Man From His Native Land." "I have tried to love America but America would not love the ancient, full African whole of me."

The National Urban League mourns his passing and honors his legacy by striving to hold America to its credos, its ideals and its promise. WI

"I tried to love America, its credos, its ideals, its promise, its process," Robinson wrote in "Quitting America: The Departure of a Black Man From His Native Land." "I have tried to love America but America would not love the ancient, full African whole of me."

In his Jan. 7, 2023, State of the Union Address, President Biden urged us to "rise to this moment. We can't turn away. Let's do what we know in our hearts we need to do. Let's come together to finish the job on police reform." It is time for us to enact the reforms necessary to save lives. I call on our colleagues across the aisle to join in this critical effort.

To those who have lost loved ones to police violence, know this: just because you're not in the headlines doesn't mean you're absent from our hearts and minds. South Carolina remembers Walter Scott, who was shot in the back and killed by a North Charleston

police officer the morning of April 4, 2015. His brother, Anthony Scott, was my guest for this year's State of the Union Address. Together, we heard President Biden's call for action, and I can assure you that I will do all within my power to answer that call.

2nd Chronicles 15:7 urges, "Be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded." The road to achieving police reform may be long, but we must not tire. Instead, we must press on in honor of those we have lost and to prevent more Black men and women from falling victim to the same fate.

WI

More than 15 performances including Go-Go Gadjet, White Ford Bronco, and Jerreau Williams Experience (JWX)

Official Festival Fireworks over the Anacostia River as the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge lights up in pink

A Pet Comfort Station presented by

Don’t miss the nation’s springtime parade, featuring:

DC area Native and The Voice Semifinalist Parijita Bastola

12 Marching Bands from across the country

AM - 12 Noon Constitution Ave NW, 7-17th Streets

Grand colorful balloons, including Peppa Pig, Alma from Alma’s Way, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle

The Washington Informer and Washington Informer Charities Congratulate our Washington Informer

On television and streaming, the Bee will premiere on Tuesday, April 11 at 7:00pm on the DKN channel on cable and on the streaming network, DCE.

A. On cable channels in the District, DKN can be found on Comcast, channel 99; RCN, channel 18 and Verizon, channel 12. It can also be found in HD on RCN, channel 1057 and Comcast channel, 1091.

B. How to view the 41st Annual Washington Informer Spelling BeeDCE is available on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, iPhone and Android.

C. For all those interested in watching the Bee, please go to DCEnetwork.com and download the free app.

The Award Winning African American Newspaper Celebrating Our 58th Year of Service We celebrate all of our finalists and everyone who helped make our 41st Annual Washington Informer Spelling Bee a huge success.

Winner Jerald Campana

St. Albans School for Boys / 8th Grade (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)