The Washington Informer - May 25, 2023

WINNER OF SIX SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS D.C. AWARDS FOR 2022

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 32 • May 25 - 31, 2023

Honoring Black Americans’ Role in the Inception of Memorial Day

Ambassador Andrew Young Weighs in

on Black Participation

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Memorial Day has a deep historical connection to the African American community in the United States.

The holiday, which originated as Decoration Day, initially began when formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants gathered to honor and decorate the graves of Union soldiers who fought during the Civil War.

“Oddly, that’s a fact that I wasn’t fully aware of,” former U.S. Ambassador Andrew Young told the Informer.

“It’s not surprising, though,” said Young, an American civil rights leader and hero.

Indeed, on a day when picnics, family outings, and other leisurely pursuits occur, the founders of Memorial Day meant for the occasion to honor African Americans

MEMORIAL DAY Page 25

Informer Co-Founders Honored with Ceremonial Street Sign

Wilhelmina & Calvin Rolark Way Debuts in Ward 8

By James Wright WI Contributing Writer

The late Calvin and Wilhelmina Rolark, co-founders of the Washington Informer Newspaper, were recently honored with an honorary street renaming in Ward 8. The ceremony took place on May 18, which would

ROLARK WAY Page 44

Don't Miss This Month's WI Bridge Center Section

Coach Nickens Sets the Standard at Theodore Roosevelt High School

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5 Rob Nickens, coach of Roosevelt High School’s varsity basketball team for 18 years, uses basketball to help his players advance their athletic and educational goals. (Ja’Mon Jackson/Washington Informer)

With an important basketball tournament on the horizon, the members of Roosevelt Senior High School’s boys varsity basketball team are maintaining a training regimen that keeps them in the gym at 4301 13th Street NW for hours on end. Each morning before the start of school, the young men complete morning strength and conditioning workouts. They also participate in practice runs that reinforce the

COACH Page 44

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

5The Rolark’s daughter Denise Rolark Barnes, grandsons Lafayette and Desmond Barnes, nephew Stan Rolark and sonin-law Lafayette Barnes, Sr. hold the ceremonial street sign on Foxhall Place, SE. (Robert Roberts/The Washington Informer)

5 An annual wreath-laying ceremony is held on Memorial Day at the African American Civil War Memorial to honor the service and sacrifices of Black soldiers and sailors who fought for the freedom of four million enslaved people. (WI File Photo/Roy

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D.C. Welcomes Back Acclaimed Chef Kwame Onwuachi

Dreams can come true with the recent announcement that Chef Kwame Onwuachi returns to D.C. to create a new dining experience at Salamander Washington, the hotel owned by business leader Sheila Johnson. The restaurant will open later this year. Onwuachi currently owns Tatiana, rated as one of the best restaurants in New York City. He is also a best-selling author of several books, including the memoir “Notes from a Young Black Chef” and the cookbook “My America: Recipes from a Young Black Chef.”

Onwuachi was executive chef at “Kith and Kin,” a successful D.C. restaurant. Like many dining establishments, that restaurant hit a rough patch with the pandemic. He left that restaurant expressing his desire for Black ownership of a restaurant, which was not the case at “Kith and Kin.”

“The time is right to return to D.C., and I can’t think

of a more appropriate location to open a new restaurant that speaks to the character and lineage of D.C. than at this storied Salamander property,” said Onwuachi in a statement from Salamander. “As a child, I spent summers in D.C. with my grandfather, a professor of Pan-African studies at Howard University, who shared his passion for the city with me. I fell in love and can’t wait to return.”

The new restaurant builds on an existing relationship between Johnson and Onwuachi as they created “The Family Reunion,” a celebration of diversity within the hospitality industry. The event returns this year to Salamander Resort in Middleburg, Virginia, from August 17-20. WI

Carmelo Anthony: NBA Legend and Scoring Champ, Officially Retires

Ten-time All Star small forward Carmelo Anthony officially announced his retirement from the NBA following 19 seasons in the NBA on Monday, May 22.

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to:

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Touted as one of the top 75 players in NBA history, some of Anthony’s other accomplishments include six All-NBA selections and the 2013 scoring title.

“We look forward to seeing him in the Hall of Fame,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement following Anthony’s announcement.”

Anthony was a key leader on the U.S. Olympic teams

that won gold medals in 2008, 2012 and 2016, helping the U.S. basketball squad to bounce back from a post-Dream Team slump. He holds the all-time record for appearances in Olympics men’s basketball games, at 31, and is fourth alltime in total scoring for the Denver Nuggets franchise.

“Carmelo Anthony is one of the NBA’s all-time great players and ambassadors,” said Commissioner Silver. “We congratulate him on a remarkable 19-year career.”

“I remember the days when I had nothing, just a ball on the court and a dream of something more,” Anthony said.

“But basketball was my outlet. My purpose was strong, my communities, the cities I represented with pride and the fans that supported me along the way. I am forever grateful for those people and places because they made me Carmelo Anthony.” WI

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NAACP Issues Florida Travel Ban in Response to Governor’s ‘Hostility’ towards BIPOC & LGBTQ Groups

The NAACP Board of Directors has issued a formal travel advisory for the state of Florida.

According to a news release from the nation’s oldest civil rights organization, the travel advisory comes in direct response to Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ “aggressive attempts to erase Black history and to restrict diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Florida schools.”

The formal travel notice states, “Florida is openly hostile toward African Americans, people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals.

“Before traveling to Florida, please understand that the state of Florida devalues and marginalizes the contributions of, and the challenges faced by African Americans and other communities of color.”

NAACP President and CEO Derrick Johnson said he

wanted the message to resonate.

“Let me be clear - failing to teach an accurate representation of the horrors and inequalities that Black Americans have faced and continue to face is a disservice to students and a dereliction of duty to all,” Johnson stated.

“Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, the state of Florida has become hostile to Black Americans and in direct conflict with the democratic ideals that our union was founded upon,” he continued.

“He should know that democracy will prevail because its defenders are prepared to stand up and fight. We’re not backing down, and we encourage our allies to join us in the battle for the soul of our nation.”

WI

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

5 Celebrated restaurateur and author Chef Kwame Onwuachi.

(Courtesy Photo/ Storm Santos)

5 Following a high-scoring career that left NBA fans amazed by his abilities, Carmelo Anthony, who has scored the ninth most points in NBA history, announced his retirement.

In First Vote, D.C. Council Approves Budget Without Excluded Workers Funds

Parker Introduces, then Withdraws, Amendment that Extends Deed Tax to Fund Programs

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

The D.C. Council stepped closer to passing the fiscal year 2024 budget with the unanimous approval of legislation that restores funding to some of the programming D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) cut in her budget proposal earlier this year.

The dozen council members who were present approved what’s known as the “Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act.” D.C. Councilmember Vincent Gray (D-Ward 7), who’s recovering from a recent surgery unrelated to his 2021 stroke, was absent.

On May 30, the D.C. Council will vote on the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act for the second and final time.

An accompanying piece of legislation, titled the “Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Support Act, ”includes more than 70 subtitles that support the implementation of the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act. The D.C. Council also unanimously supported it.

Hours before the first budget season vote, organizers converged on the John A. Wilson Building to fight for the restoration of funds for excluded workers via an amendment by D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) that extends a soon-expiring deed tax on District properties valued at $2 million or more.

During the council meeting, Parker introduced, and later withdrew, the amendment after his colleagues piled on a bevy of concerns about the tax code and unforeseen effects on the business community and downtown development.

Throughout much of Tuesday morning, Chuck Bradley, a returning citizen and street vendor who’s facing housing insecurity, had remained hopeful that the D.C. Council would ultimately restore funding for social programs, and especially COVID-era payments

for excluded workers that D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) reallocated.

“So many people need assistance,” Bradley said. “The government [is] always working [to hire] more police, but as far as the homeless, disabled and mentally ill, they’re not serving them so you have issues where police officers don’t know how to address the mentally ill,” he added. “How long should a person be fighting for disability money and their apartment when they got their vouchers? The government wants us to believe they’re working in our favor but they have to show us.”

A VIGOROUS DEBATE ABOUT SCHOOL SAFETY, WARD 8 FUNDING SOURCES, AND AN EXPIRING DEED TAX

In his opening statement about extending the deeds tax, Parker said revenue generated would restore funding for the excluded worker COVID-era compensation, SNAP, and the No Senior Hungry program in addition to the expansion of the D.C. Summer Youth Employment Program, the emergency rental assistance program, and housing vouchers.

In response to concerns about its impact on downtown revitalization, Parker noted that rental conversions downtown would be exempt from his amendment. That however didn’t prevent pushback from D.C. Councilmembers Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) and D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2) who said they wouldn’t support the amendment out of regard for downtown revitalization goals.

Moments earlier, D.C. Council Chairman Mendelson (D) expressed similar concern about taxes possibly turning away investors.

D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large), who also

said she wouldn’t vote for the deed tax extension, described $2 million as too low of a threshold for buildings that would be affected.

D.C. Councilmember Anita Bond (D-At large) later said that business owners, who she called part of the community, mustn’t be harmed. D.C. Councilmember Matt Frumin (D-Ward 3) and Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) later asked that the council wait for the D.C. Tax Revision Commission to come back with recommendations for changes to the tax code.

Amid the ongoing discussion about whether to remove school resource officers (SROs), Parker also introduced an amendment that launches a task force dedicat-

ed to determining the ideal scenario, in place of SROs, that ensures school safety.

D.C. Councilmembers Robert White (D-At large), Pinto, Frumin, and Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) expressed support for Parker’s SRO amendment. In his comments, McDuffie requested more of a robust discussion about

safety in recreation centers and other public places where youth congregate.

D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) attempted to introduce amendments that modernize Marvin Gaye Recreation Center in Northeast, renovate

5Chuck Bradley (red shirt) counted among dozens of protestors at the John A. Wilson Building demanding funds for excluded workers on Tuesday, May 16. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

AROUND THE REGION

majority Black population. The documents were discovered by American scholar Sasha Polakow-Suran-

MAY 25

1878 – World-renowned dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson is born in Richmond, Virginia.

MAY 26

1799 – Famous Black Russian writer Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin, known as the "father of Russian Literature," is born in Moscow.

1949 – Pam Grier, one of the premier Black actresses and top sex symbols of the 1970s, is born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

MAY 27

1958 – Ernest Green graduates from Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, becoming the first Black to do so. Green was a member of the "Little Rock Nine," the group of Black students who first integrated the high school with the aid of federal troops.

MAY 28

2010 – The book "The Unspoken Alliance: Israel's Secret Relationship with Apartheid South Africa" is released, revealing that Israel aided the racist regime of South Africa and supported providing chemical and nuclear weapons to them for possible use against the country's

delivers her "Ain't I A Woman?" speech to the Ohio Women's Rights ConPresident Andrew Johnson announces his program of Reconstruction. It required ratification of the 13th Amendment, but did not guarantee , then-president of the National Urban League, is critically injured in attempt-

Congress passes the Kansas-Nebraska Act that repealed the Missouri Compromise and opened the Northern territories to slavery. More specifically, it allowed Whites in Kansas and Nebraska to decide whether or not slavery would be allowed in the ter, one of the most outstanding poets in the history of Black America, is born.

MAY 31

1921 – The Tulsa Riots begin in Oklahoma. Whites go on a violent rampage lasting several days. When the rioting was over, an estimated 21 whites and 60 Blacks were dead. In addition, as many as 15,000 Blacks were left homeless as hundreds of homes and businesses were burned to the ground. The area bearing the brunt of the destruction was known as the "Black Wall Street" because of its large number of African American-owned businesses. WI

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BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Pro Football Hall of Famer, actor and civil rights activist

Jim Brown has died at 87. While the gridion giant is being mourned by many, some have questioned his complicated legacy regarding off-field incidents.

What are your thoughts?

MARGARET MOTON / PHILADELPHIA, PENN.

Rest in peace, Mr. Jim Brown. He will be remembered in sports movies and the civil rights movement. He was a legend, left his mark, and won’t be forgotten. Rest in heavenly peace.

CARL SCOTT / WASHINGTON, DC

The GOAT. Rest in heaven.

STEPHANIE HUFF / WASHINGTON, DC

Just like some remember what he did on the field, community activism, etc. Some will remember his violent past with women. No, we cannot ignore that. It’s a part of his past. I pray he sought forgiveness and made amends with those he hurt.

WILL BENSON

/ BIRMINGHAM, ALA.

Jim Brown was arguably one of the greatest athletes of our time. Excelling in lacrosse and football. Fifty years after leaving the NFL, he is still a top-five running back. He was the truth!

BYRON HURT / PLAINFIELD, N.J.

Jim Brown was one of the greatest football players to ever play the game. No one can question that. He was a great champion for issues that affect Black men. I greatly appreciate his using his platform and influence to address gang violence and other social issues. He was also accused of being abusive to women multiple times in his life after football, which always saddened me because it was clear to me that he had a pattern of abuse in his relationships, and I can’t ignore that part of his history. It definitely complicates his legacy, to say the very least.

DC BUDGET from Page 5

Eastern High School’s stadium, and install lights on Johnson Middle School’s football field.

During a pre-council rally that took place on the front steps of the Wilson Building, White said that funding these endeavors would require taking money from eastof-the-Anacostia River trailway projects earmarked in the D.C. Department of Transportation’s budget. Mendelson would later implore White to wait until the second budget meeting to clarify the fiscal impact of these projects.

Key elements of the Fiscal Year 2024 Local Budget Act include an allocation of $10 million for housing vouchers and reversals to cuts to Access to Justice, a program through which residents obtain legal aid. The budget also protects seniors’ access to essential services, launches a social worker pipeline program and teacher flexible scheduling program, and maximizes mechanisms for transparency within the D.C. Housing Authority.

The council’s legislation also reinstated the Baby Bonds program that D.C Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large) championed. On Tuesday, McDuffie expressed concerns about whether D.C. Council Mendelson’s subtitle expanding the ride-share congestion tax beyond downtown would fulfill its purpose in generating revenue.

McDuffie, Parker and other council members rallied around their Ward 8 colleague’s call for

equity and support for the District’s blackest ward. Hours earlier, during his rally and presser, Councilmember White said he would call on his fellow council members to do right by his constituents and all marginalized Washingtonians.

“My colleagues mean well and come with good intentions but it means no good if we don’t put our money where our mouth is,” White said on Tuesday morning. “This is our first shot at the budget,” he added. “We want to create a budget that’s inclusive.

EXCLUDED WORKERS SPEAK UP

Starting at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, excluded workers flocked to the front steps of the Wilson Building to greet council members as they prepared for the first budget vote. They interacted with Mendelson, Henderson, Ward 8 Councilmember White, Frumin, Parker, and D.C. Councilmember Brianne Nadeau (D-Ward 1).

Had Parker’s amendment been embraced, excluded workers, a class of workers who were not eligible for state unemployment benefits or federal COVID-related funds, would have received the last $1,200 installment of COVID relief that their counterparts received several months ago.

Events DC, the agency tasked with releasing more than $20 mil-

lion in support to 15,000 excluded workers, was in the process of doing so before Bowser removed those funds. Nadeau spoke out against Bowsser’s decision, and later the council’s pushback against Parker’s amendment.

“People were expecting those funds those years,” Nadeau said. “ The people out [in front of The John A. Wilson Building] are there because they felt the money was stolen from them. People have gone into debt to pay their rent. They hadn’t been made whole. An amendment would restore that.” Evelin Lopez, a mother of two and adult student who lives in Northeast, counted among those who held signs in front of the Wilson Building, played music, and greeted council members. She recounted struggling to feed her children during the pandemic, and the relief she felt knowing she had been approved for funds.

Receiving them, she said, became another hurdle that she was hoping to overcome. For the time being at least, that would not be a possibility.

“My rent is a lot of money,” Lopez said. “I have bills and [have to] buy a lot of food. I felt so happy about the money [because] it helped me a lot with my children. WI

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5 Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8) speaks at the John A. Wilson Building speaking as protestors demand funds for excluded workers on Tuesday, May 16. (Marckell Williams/ The Washington Informer)

Bowser Taps New Interim MPD Chief

Ashan M. Benedict Carries Decades of Federal, Local Law Enforcement Experience

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) recently named Ashan M. Benedict as interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). He is scheduled to enter his role on May 24.

This announcement comes weeks after MPD Chief Robert J. Contee III announced his transition to the director role in the FBI. In the months before his June departure, MPD will expand a community policing program that Contee said has been in the works since he assumed MPD’s top spot.

“I was delighted when Chief Contee brought up the idea of Benedict coming to MPD to serve,” Bowser said on Friday at WAMU studios in Northwest. “I know he’ll do a fine job in deploying our men and women and keeping our District residents safe while the interim search is ongoing.”

Benedict, a force in local and federal law enforcement, has nearly 30 years of experience. He’s becoming

interim chief at a time when Bowser has set her sights on quelling the flow of illegal guns. During Bowser’s recent public safety summit, Benedict talked to the Informer about MPD’s efforts, and that of the court system and federal agencies, to stop gun trafficking.

For the last two years, Benedict has managed the day-to-day operations of MPD as executive assistant chief under the direction of MPD Chief Robert J. Contee III. On Jan. 6, 2021, he was on the scene in the U.S. Capitol during the white supremacist insurrection as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)’ on-scene incident commander.

While working at the federal level, Benedict has investigated, not only firearms trafficking but violent drug trafficking organizations, armed robberies of commercial businesses, armed carjackings, gang-related racketeering murders. He was also involved in response to Hurricane Katrina, the 9/11 attacks, D.C. Navy Yard shooting, and the Beltway sniper investigation.

Kappas Lobby D.C. Council, Mayor Bowser on Key Issues

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

Over 50 members of the Washington DC Alumni chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., went to the John A. Wilson Building on May 18 to discuss issues with members of the D.C. Council and Mayor Muriel Bowser as a part of its Second Annual Walter E. Fauntroy D.C. Legislative Day.

Fauntroy, a member of the fraternity, served as the District’s delegate to the U.S. Congress from 1971-1991.

costia River, and Black prosperity.”

Additionally, he said the chapter wants legislation for a tax abatement for its fraternity house in the DuPont Circle neighborhood in Northwest.

Fletcher said members of the Kappa League, a group of young men mainly high school-aged, also participated in the event.

“I was particularly pleased that the Kappa Leaguers were with us,” he said. “Many of them were moved by the event. One of them said that they see us as their protectors.”

On Friday, Benedict said he’s not seeking the permanent MPD Chief role.

“I think I’m better suited to serving the department as executive assistant,” Benedict said. “It’s important to bring consistency to department operations and not have that distraction. My focus is on quelling the violence.” WI

@SamPKCollins

Gordon Fletcher, a Ward 5 advisory neighborhood commissioner, serves as the second vice polemarch of the chapter as well as its Political and Social Action committee chairman. Fletcher said the chapter had a definite purpose in mind visiting the city’s legislators and the mayor.

“We have three pillars,” Fletcher, 38, said. “Black excellence, maternal health and access particularly in neighborhoods east of the Ana-

Fletcher said fraternity members talked to Councilmembers Christine Henderson (I-At Large), Kenyan McDuffie (I-At Large), Anita Bonds (D-At Large) and Chairman Phil Mendelson (D). Fletcher said Bowser spoke with the participants for 25 minutes.

Fletcher said while he was pleased that 50 members participated, he said next year the event will be bigger.

“My goal is to have 100 brothers to come for Kappa Day,” he said. WI

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5 Ashan M. Benedict as interim chief of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). (Courtesy Photo)

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The Pigskin Club Hosts 85th Annual Awards Celebrating Spring Sports

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The Pigskin Club of Washington continued its rich tradition of honoring athletes, coaches and community service leaders during its 85th Annual Athletics Awards banquet.

The Pigskin Club, which was founded in 1938 recognized seniors and coaches who excelled in the following spring sports: baseball, softball, girls and boys basketball, track and field, lacrosse, swimming and diving, and tennis. It was held at the First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Landover, MD.

For Sage Hinton, it was a rare accomplishment. This was her second time receiving the honor of being named to the Pigskin Club All-Met team. The senior sprinter was also honored at the Fall sports banquet in December.

“As a young student athlete, it means a lot to be recognized for not only your contributions in sports but also in academics,” said Hinton, who is headed for Stanford in the fall where she will be preparing to become a neurosurgeon.

“It says a lot about the Pigskin Club that they have created this legacy.”

Hinton is a two-time All American and will be running in the nationals in a couple of weeks.

Eric Singletary has emerged as one of the top high school coaches in the country. He has been at Sidwell Friends, his alma mater, for 14 years and has led the program to backto-back titles, championships and achievements.

“I have been fortunate to grow up knowing the history of the Pigskin Club and what it has done to promote athletes and coaches and for me to be in that company is humbling,” said Singleton, who has coached two NBA players in Josh Hart (New York Knicks) and Sadiq Bey (Atlanta Hawks) during his tenure at the Northwest Washington School. “When you come from an area where there are so many heavyweight coaches like Dickie Wells and A.B. Williamson, you know that you are in elite company.”

Christy Winters-Scott added extra special sauce to the mix, serving as the event’s emcee. Winters-Scott, a graduate of South Lakes High School and the University of Maryland, where she

was a standout on the women’s basketball team, is one of the top basketball broadcasters, providing commentary on the Wizards, WNBA, and women’s college basketball on various platforms.

“To be a part of this event is especially gratifying,” said Winters-Scott, a mother of three. “I am happy to be a part of this and honored that they chose me to serve in this capacity.”

Local college athletes were also cited for outstanding achievement. Howard University was recognized after winning a school-record eight championships in its 21 sports for the first time ever. Jahmir Young of Winters-Scott's alma mater was named 2023 Collegiate Player of the Year after leading the Terps to a successful season and being named to the All-Big10 second team.

“I am honored to be named for this award,” said Young, a senior from St. Mary’s Ryken High School. “Most people are aware of the Pigskin Club and what it does to promote the athletes and coaches. But I have a special connection to the organization; my great grandfather was one of the early founders of the Pigskin Club and told me of who they are and what they do through my early years. And now, here I am receiving this award that I know he was a part of establishing.” Young’s great grandfather was the late John L. Young, who was a part of the 1939 founding team.

This year’s changemaker awardee was Chuck West, a former basketball standout at Central High School and later at local American University. West

has transitioned from the sports arena and is President and CEO of OCTET Productions, a full-service film and television production company.

He is also a producer on Broadway, Urban Theater and the film industry.

In its evolution, the Pigskin Club has expanded to include an All-Academic team composed of the senior athletes, who score a 3.2 or higher GPA. There were 15 awardees this year, who will be attending universities such as Harvard, Stanford, North Carolina and the University of Maryland to name a few.

“Being named to the academic team is another incentive for the athletes,” said Hinton, student body president at Bullis. “It is a motivator that we can achieve in both.” WI

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Last seen in 1993 in Washington DC, our hometown. Need to find her concerning family affairs. If you have information or knowledge of her whereabouts,

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5 Jahmir Young was named 2023 Collegiate Player of the Year. (Courtesy photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Church Hosts Statewide Reentry Fair, Laurel Medical Center, Small Business Relief

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Writer

FBCG HOSTS RE-ENTRY FAIR

On May 18, the First Baptist Church of Glenarden hosted the Maryland Statewide Reentry and Justice-Involved Conference, a free, one-day event for anyone who is or was involved in the criminal justice system along with businesses and non-governmental organizations. Diversion programs, best practices

in law enforcement and juvenile justice, and the unique challenges women face during reentry were some of the topics discussed during the day.

“My hope is that attendees now know there is a greater level of re-entry services being provided across the state than many thought was available before attending,” said Dr. Ron Garrett, the Bridge Center director at Adams House. “In collaboration with the Returning Citizens Affairs Division, the Bridge Center had a 20% recidivism rate. This is outstanding compared to the 70% recid-

ivism rate nationally. Opportunities like this amazing conference provide the platform to share statewide the great work taking place in reentry and reintegration.”

LAUREL MEDICAL CENTER OFFICIALLY OPENS

A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on May 17 in anticipation for Laurel Medical Center, which is set to officially open on June 4. The focus of this hospital will be prevention

of and treating short-term illnesses. Surgical treatments for breast cancer, gynecology, urology, podiatry, orthopedics and sports medicine will also be available.

The two-story medical center, located at 7150 Contee Road in Laurel, will have over 83,000 square feet, 20 emergency department bays, four behavioral health emergency department bays, 10 observation beds, two operating rooms and two procedure rooms.

This center will replace the Laurel Regional Hospital on Van Dusen Road.

“When the hospital originally closed, we were upset because we did not want to leave this community

without a hospital,” said Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, chair of the Health and Government Operations Committee.

MARYLAND DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING ANNOUNCES SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF

On May 15, Governor Wes Moore (D) announced $15 million in partnership with Lendistry, the nation’s only Black-led, Small Business Administration-designated small business lending company, to provide relief to Maryland small businesses. The commitment is an investment through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, a program Maryland is deploying up to $198 million in federal relief through.

“As the first Community Development Fund Institution to begin offering loans through Maryland’s State Small Business Credit Initiative program, Lendistry will unlock opportunities for small businesses to grow and expand in the state,” said Moore. “Through this infusion of funds, the state can work with lenders to reach even more businesses that need investment to support their success.”

To apply for a small business loan through Lendistry, go here.

WI

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Lobbyist Darrell Carrington Hosts Cannabis Legalization Summit

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Donning his signature straw hat alongside a sharp suit, lobbyist Darrell Carrington brought advocates, legislators and the business community together in Bowie to discuss the intricacies and opportunities of cannabis legalization on May 20.

Former Maryland legislator Darryl Barnes gave the opening words for Carrington’s “Cannabis Reform Summit: A Sober Conversation About Legal Weed.”

“I am 30 days removed from being a State Delegate,” he said. “One thing I fought for as Chair of the Black Caucus was minority business participation. This is a billion dollar plus industry, and we want to make sure we get it right.”

Barnes made minority business inclusion one of his signature issues as delegate, and he plans to advise municipalities and counties on improving their procurement practices before he can officially become a lobbyist with Gerry Evan’s lobbying firm in eleven months.

The former Maryland politician explained the purpose of the conference is for minority-owned businesses to gain clarity in entering the cannabis market.

“It’s about understanding the law, and understanding the opportunities that are afforded to minority-owned businesses and how they can best participate,” Barnes said.

Delegate C.T. Wilson (D- District

PGCPS UPDATE

5 At the First Baptist Church of Glenarden, a re-entry fair was held on May 18 to explain the wide variety of re-entry services available in Maryland. (Wikimedia Commons)

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

USBC’S POWER 50 UNDER 40

The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., based in Northwest, recently announced the launch of its new Power 50 Under 40 program, designed to recognize, and empower the next generation of Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, political advocates, and change agents.

The Power 50 Under 40 program is a prestigious initiative that honors the top 50 Black individuals under the age of 40 who have

made significant contributions to their respective industries and communities. The program aims to provide access to resources, networks, and mentorship opportunities to help accelerate the growth and success of rising leaders.

“We believe that this program will provide a platform for Black entrepreneurs, professionals and leaders to showcase their achievements, connect with like-minded individuals, and gain valuable exposure for their businesses or brands,” said Ron Busby, president and CEO of USBC.

The Power Under 40 program is open to individuals between the ages of 18 and 40. It is for people who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and excellence in their respective fields. Nominations are currently being accepted from and for people across the country and industries. Winners will be selected by September 15. For more information on the program or to apply by August 15, visit the website at https:// www.usbcpower50under40.com.

‘HAVING THE RIGHT ATTORNEY’ SEMINAR

The District of Columbia Small Business Development Center will sponsor a seminar, “Having the Right Attorney Advise You” on June 8 from 12-2 p.m. at the Howard University School of Business in Northwest.

The purpose of the seminar is to highlight the fact that most business owners don’t have lawyers in their inner circle, and many do not even personally know attorneys. Seeing is believing. Black lawyers not only have the experience and legal knowledge to advocate and advise their business clients, but also possess a cultural competency that enhances their representation to Black business owners.

Inevitably in business, situations will occur where legal advice is highly recommended to make the best-informed business decision. As such, many African American entrepreneurial experts endorse Black business owner’s most needed and natural ally as a Black lawyer.

During this workshop, participants will learn from local lawyers

who have practiced business law for years; gain top business legal tips and insight for business owners to protect their product or service and reduce liability; discuss legal information every small business owner should know who wants to grow; and can get on the spot answers to urgent legal questions.

Speakers for the seminar include Carl Brown, DCSBD executive state director; Larry G. Webb, District Director SBA Washington Metropolitan Area District Office moderator; and attorneys Kisha A. Brown, Portia Wood, Sean Trice, Dionna Lewis, and Leslie Wood. For more information, call Robin Cole at Howard University at 202806-1550 and/or email at robin. cole@howard.edu.

GWU 2023 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

The scholarship season of the Greater Washington Urban League (GWUL) has officially started.

GWUL is now accepting 2023 Scholarship Applications and will host two informational sessions. During these sessions, the application eligibility will be explained. Interested applicants will be allowed to ask questions. Current college freshman, sophomores, juniors and high school seniors who will attend college in Fall 2023 and their families are encouraged to attend.

Visit gwul.org/gwulscholarships or email scholarship@thursdaynetwork. org for more information. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Ron Busby is the president and CEO of the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc.

Say “I do” to Your Financial Future Together

Sponsored content from JPMorgan Chase & Co.

If you’re planning to get down on one knee, pop the question or make your relationship official by moving in together, use this time to begin thinking about your finances. While talking about money can feel anything but romantic, the financial foundation you set before tying the knot can help you and your partner build together for a lifetime.

“Being in a committed relationship can change how you spend, save, invest and plan for the future. But financial compatibility between two partners is rarely achieved without discussing what money means to each of you, including the “money messages” you received growing up,”  said Meena Nankani, Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. “Communication and transparency around money is critical to the health of any partnership, especially as life evolves.”

Here are some considerations as you plan your financial future together:

1. Determine how you’ll share expenses. Couples have different methods for managing daily finances. None are right or wrong – it all depends on each couple’s preference. Consider how much each partner earns and discuss how each of you will contribute to these expenses. Will you combine all your money in a joint account to pay expenses, or keep separate accounts and delegate responsibility for bills? Maybe you’ll consider a mix of both.

2. Be honest about any financial baggage. Any debts

coming into the relationship -- student loans, credit card debt or other financial liabilities – should be discussed, as they may impede your ability to buy a home, start a family or make certain career and life choices. Consider having an independent third party or financial advisor serve as a sounding board in your conversations.

3. Set your financial goals. Agreeing on your top financial goals and aligning your saving and investment strategies accordingly can get your relationship off to a strong financial start. What does your current lifestyle look like, and how might that change in the future? Do you want to save for a down payment on a home? Are there other large expenses on the horizon, such as a vacation or a car? Be specific about the timing, cost and priority of each of your financial goals.

4. Consider how future life changes might impact goals. Are either of you going back to school or changing careers? If you are considering children or already have children, how would you approach childcare and educational decisions? Do you expect to care for aging family in the future? All these choices will impact your finances.

5. Have open discussions about past experiences. Making your personal finances—past, present and future—an ongoing part of your life together can help you weather disagreements about money. Explore how your views on money were shaped by your upbringing and your family’s approach to spending, saving and investing. Don’t shy away from talking through financial disagreements, as they often represent deeper divisions that can affect your entire relationship.

Countless money decisions await every couple. The sooner you begin talking about your finances—and financial expectations— the better equipped you both will be to plan your future together.

Combating the racial wealth divide

JPMorgan Chase is building on our investments in Washington, D.C. and around the country to help close the racial wealth gap and build a more equitable future.

As part of our commitment, we are taking actions to help improve financial health and access to banking in Black, Latino and Hispanic communities. Learn more at jpmorganchase.com/racialequity

5 Meena Nankani, Vice President at J.P. Morgan Private Bank

The Fear of Artificial Intelligence is Real

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is here to stay, whether anyone likes it or not.

But alarm bells have sounded everywhere about the havoc it’s caused and will ultimately cause on jobs and quality of life.

Now, the founder of AI has joined others in warning of a catastrophic future.

Geoffrey Hinton, the so-called godfather of AI, said it’s difficult to envision how to stop nefarious characters from using artificial intelligence for evil.

“It’s hard to see,” Hinton told reporters this week.

He said that as AI develops, it’s likely to threaten humans.

The World Economic Forum, which concluded that AI is “rife with contradictions,” published an alarming report in April, which

included surveys of more than 800 companies.

The companies determined that AI would create 69 million new jobs by 2027 but eliminate 83 million.

Before that report, economists at Goldman Sachs said up to 300 mil-

lion full-time jobs globally would eventually become automated because of AI platforms like ChatGPT.

The economists noted that white-collar workers face the most risk, with construction workers and many other blue-collar jobs remaining unaffected.

The economists stated that twothirds of U.S. and European jobs now use some form of AI automation.

Still, the forum conceded that AI “is a powerful tool that is also surprisingly limited in terms of its current capabilities.”

Recent advances in AI technologies have generated excitement and concern, as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AAAI) acknowledged.

“As researchers who have served in leadership positions in the AAAI, we are writing to provide a balanced perspective on managing the progress in the field,” the group said in a letter.

“We also seek to broaden and strengthen the community of engaged researchers, government agencies, private companies, and the public at large to ensure that society is able to reap the great promise of AI while managing its risks.”

Signed by 19 academic leaders, the letter noted that AAAI is “aware of the limitations and concerns about AI advances, including the potential for AI systems to make errors, to provide biased recommendations, to threaten our privacy, to empower bad actors with new tools, and to have an impact on jobs.”

They asserted that researchers in AI and across multiple disciplines

are hard at work identifying and developing ways to address these shortcomings and risks while strengthening the benefits and identifying positive applications.

In some cases, AI technology itself can be applied to create trusted oversight and guardrails to reduce or eliminate failures, the group insisted.

“The idea that this stuff could actually get smarter than people — a few people believed that,” Hinton stated when asked whether he thought AI would have such an immediate impact.

“But most people thought it was way off. And I thought it was way off. I thought it was 30 to 50 years or even longer away. Obviously, I no longer think that.”

Meanwhile, journalists have acknowledged some fear over AI.

The Columbia Journalism Review (CJR) recently quoted experts who said that the biggest flaw in a “large language model” like ChatGPT is that, while it is capable of mimicking human writing, it has no real understanding of what it is writing about, and so it frequently inserts errors and flights of fancy that some have referred to as “hallucinations.”

CJR reported that Colin Fraser, a data scientist at Meta, wrote, “The central quality of this type of model is that they are incurable, constant, shameless bullsh--ters. Every single one of them. It’s a feature, not a bug.”

And Gary Marcus, a professor of psychology and neuroscience at New York University, has likened this kind of software to “a giant autocomplete machine.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

5 White-collar workers face the most risk because of AI, with construction workers and many other blue-collar jobs remaining unaffected. (Courtesy Photo/ Shutterstock)

Despite Troubling Report, Rep. James Clyburn Maintains He’s No Sellout

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Earlier this month, a scathing report from ProPublica noted the apparent betrayal of one of the most trusted and powerful Democratic politicians in America.

South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn, the so-called kingmaker and assistant House leader, allegedly sold out his state to Republicans to keep his seat.

ProPublica claimed Clyburn made a secret deal with the GOP during the redistricting process in 2021 that sapped the strength of the all-important Black vote while making it extremely difficult for Democrats to compete for a congressional seat.

ProPublica reported that Clyburn cut the deal to ensure his seat would remain safe.

Though the revelation occurred two weeks ago, Clyburn has mostly remained mum. But rumblings have led

many to wonder when he will explain.

As political writer Isaac Bailey wrote, the NAACP sued over the gerrymandered voting map.

Bailey noted that a three-judge federal panel called it a racial gerrymander, and the court determined that it was “effectively impossible” to have moved more than 30,000 black voters into Clyburn’s district without it.

Further, Bailey observed that the court pushed back against some of the NAACP’s claims by showing that Clyburn had requested some of the changes.

“It’s just one example of the ugly, often-hidden layer of what we keep referring to as a democracy, a term that’s often misapplied given the state of things,” Bailey offered.

“In a healthy democracy, the people choose their representatives. Increasingly, that’s not what’s happening in ours.”

ProPublica reported on a series of meetings between Clyburn and

high-ranking Republicans following the release of the 2020 Census map.

They noted that the slightest line changes could determine who wins and holds power.

But as the process commenced, they said Clyburn had a problem: His once majority Black district had suffered a daunting exodus of residents since the last count.

He wanted his seat to be made as safe as possible.

“Republicans understood the powerful Black Democrat could not be ignored, even though he came from the opposing party and had no official role in the state-level process,” ProPublica explained.

“Fortunately for them, Clyburn, who is 82 and was recently reelected to his 16th term, had long ago made peace with the art of bartering.”

The fallout?

“The resulting map, finalized in January 2022, made Clyburn’s lock on power stronger than it might have

been otherwise,” the report stated. “A House of Representatives seat that Democrats held as recently as 2018 would become even more solid for the incumbent Republican.

“This came at a cost: Democrats now have virtually no shot of winning any congressional seat in South Carolina other than Clyburn’s.”

While Clyburn hasn’t said much publicly, a spokesperson acknowledged to ProPublica that the office had

“engaged in discussions regarding the boundaries of the 6th Congressional District by responding to inquiries.”

“Any accusation that Congressman Clyburn in any way enabled or facilitated Republican gerrymandering that wouldn’t have otherwise occurred is fanciful,” Clyburn’s office said in a statement, calling the notion a “bizarre conspiracy theory.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

Free Paint Drop-off and Giveaway

Paint Recycling Event

Saturday, June 10, 2023

9 a.m.– 1 p.m.

Ida B. Wells Middle School

405 Sheridan St NW

Washington, DC

Registration Required: https://paint-wells-middle.eventbrite.com

Households may bring most types of paint, stain, and varnish in any amount. Paint must be in sealed, original container with original manufacturer label. We cannot accept aerosols, solvents, and other hazardous waste. To use PaintCare drop-off sites and events for oilbased paint, businesses must qualify as an exempt generator under federal and any analogous state hazardous waste generator rules. Please visit www.paintcare.org/VSQG for more information on exempt generator rules. If your business does not qualify as an exempt generator, it will not be able to use PaintCare drop-off sites and events for oil-based paint, but it can still use them for latex products.

5 A recent ProPublica report alleges, Rep. James Clyburn (D-S.C.), who recently received an honorary doctorate from Howard University, cut deals with Republicans to keep his congressional seat. ( Rob Roberts/ WI File Photo)

5 Dr Nedovota Mollel looks at a new plant discovered in Arusha. (Courtesy Photo)

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

World’s Newest Plant with Strange Behavior Discovered in Tanzania

Botanists have discovered what could be the world’s newest type of vegetation in the form of a lone, spear-shaped and nocturnal plant growing in Northern Tanzania, Citizen Tanzania reports.

The New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, May 21 that the new plant is currently being studied at the National Herbarium which operates inside the Tanzania Plant Health and Pesticides Authority (TPHPA) premises in Arusha.

Dr Neduvoto Mollel, TPHPA head of national herbarium, said the new plant seems to come alive at night when the leaves bloom under moonlight, but as soon as the sun comes out, the plant goes with its leaves looking slightly weathered.

“It is a very strange plant because its leaves expand and flourish during the night and contract at sunrise,” Dr Mollel explained.

The plant was discovered by American Botanist Barry Yinger and his Tanzanian associate Robert Sikawa. The National Herbarium in which the new plant is being kept and observed, located at Ngaramtoni in the outskirts of Arusha city, holds a collection of preserved plant specimens and associated data used for scientific study and identification.

“We have all reasons to believe that this new plant is endemic to Tanzania. It’s never seen anywhere else in the world because those who discovered it are experts, botanists who have traveled around the globe sampling and studying vegetation,” Dr Mollel pointed out.

Until now, the strange plant has neither local nor scientific names. However, scientists in Tanzania have already sent the plant profile, descriptions and properties to the International Code of Botanical Nomenclature (ICBN) with the proposed name from the country. The ICBN is the world’s authority behind the set of rules and recommendations dealing with the formal botanical names that are given to plants.

Tanzania is tentatively naming the plant “Embere” which means “Spear” in Maasai language. This is because it was discovered in Arusha, which happens to be a Maasai land and again where people traditionally use spears.

As it happens, the new shrub is also shaped like a spear. WI

Jamaica and UK Sign Document for $2.9B Violence Prevention Project

The Governments of Jamaica and the United Kingdom have signed a framework document signaling their intention to collaborate on a $2.9-billion (£15 million) violence-prevention project.

5 Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith (left) and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom, the Rt. Hon. James Cleverly, signing document. (Courtesy Photo, Jamaica Information Services (JIS))

The document was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith and Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the UK the Rt. Hon. James Cleverly during a press conference following a strategic dialogue at the Ministry’s downtown Kingston offices on Friday, May 19.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation to the government and people of the U.K. Minister Johnson Smith said the initiative, to be funded by the U.K. over six years, will be far-reaching domestically and internationally.

“This partnership will enhance our whole-of-government approach to violence reduction and prevention, while engaging multiple stakeholders in our collective efforts to combat high levels of criminality,” the Minister said.

Meanwhile, Cleverly said the violence-prevention partnership is yet another demonstration of the UK’s support of Jamaica’s goals and aspirations and Vision 2030.

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“Our focus will be on a public-health approach looking upstream, addressing the drivers of violent behavior and focused very much on prevention. I have been inspired by Jamaica’s plan to create a secure, cohesive and just society, and the U.K. Government will provide £15 million over the next six years to help Jamaica reduce violence and the impact that it has on society on a whole and on this wonderful country’s economy more generally,” he said.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs said the U.K.-Jamaica partnership encompasses a wide range of areas and involves significant funding. WI

Mental Health Care and RAP, Inc.: Meeting the Need Then and Now

By Angela Owens Clark WI Contributing Writer

Mental Health Awareness

Month 2023 brings heightened attention to behind-the-scenes mental and emotional ailments that have historically plagued the African American community. While many have suffered in silence believing there was nowhere to turn or concealing emotional pain; for

more than 50 years Regional Addiction Prevention, better known as RAP, Inc., has been working to support and attend to the residential treatment needs and mental health of citizens grappling with substance use disorders.

From the beginning, RAP’s co-founder, Ron Clark, understood there was no separation between mental, physical and emotional health, so RAP practiced

REST IN PEACE IVY JOAN YOUNG

IVY JOAN YOUNG, Washington, D.C. Voice for Justice, Journalist, Poet, Lesbian and Gay Rights Activist, departed life on April 24, 2023, at the age of seventy-five. She was born to Dorothy Elizabeth (Lewis) Young and Joseph Henry Young on December 23, 1947, in the District of Columbia. Both parents and her younger brother Ronald Alexander Young, Esq. preceded her in death.

RESISTANCE framed her political activism and her life in service of justice, fairness, decency, egalitarianism, feminism, honor, principle, authenticity—all of which were among her core, uncompromised values. From the time she graduated Eastern High School in her native Washington, D.C. until her health declined, Ivy Young stood in the world as a voice and advocate for a better human existence for us all.

Ivy contributed her time and talent to community building for social justice on an international scale. She worked at VISTA in Chicago, IL, the Center for Black Education and Drum and Spear Book Store, in Washington, D.C., the Venceremos Brigade in Cuba, Astraea National Lesbian Action Foundation in NYC, the 1974 Sixth Pan African Congress hosted in Tanzania East Africa, and the Southern Africa Support Project that stood against the oppressive apartheid system in that region.

Speaking Truth to Power through word and song were her pathways. Ivy created poetry and leaves a beautifully rich and extensive body of work. She was part of the Sophie’s Parlor women’s radio collective on WPFW-FM Pacifica radio, reported news for WHUR-FM Howard University radio, served as General Manager at WWOZ-FM jazz radio in New Orleans, LA, Public Affairs Director for WBAI-FM in NYC, and wrote for the Southern Africa News Collective.

The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force launched the first initiative on behalf of lesbian and gay families in 1989 to secure recognition of lesbian and gay rights. They chose Ivy as its Family Project Director and in that role Ivy wrote and published the first ever Domestic Partners Manual. She was an organizer for

and championed the necessity of treating the whole person—mind, body, and soul—in guiding individuals to embrace the journey of recovery.

Charles Stephenson, who has been a RAP, Inc. Board Member

since the early days of the organization, believes the lessons of wholeness still are necessary. RAP stood in the gap for people feeling lost, disregarded, depressed, hopeless, searching for a way to cope with un-or-underemployment, or

just finding a way to survive. In their wholeness approach, RAP realized early the importance of helping individuals to discover who they are by creating an Afro-centric approach to treatment and to living. That meant, for example, assisting individuals in understanding their self-worth; teaching them to see themselves and their possibilities in the accomplishments of other African Americans and Africans; and building and celebrating life-affirming coping mechanisms without abusing substances.

“The effects of the issues and pain people are experiencing today are the same as they were when RAP was founded in 1970,” Stephenson explained. “RAP’s methods of getting people through the suffering have stood the test of time and RAP has endured because it served the people. Ron Clark recognized that people had to become whole in order to move forward.”

Lesbians and Gays for Jesse Jackson in 1988 and consulted the People of Color stage at the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987.

Twin loves of music and justice led Ivy Young to serve as a U.S. delegate to the 1985 Third International Festival of New Song in Ecuador. She staffed both the Smithsonian Institution's Program in African American Culture, and the Center for Folklife and Cultural Heritage’s Folklife Festival. Additionally, she served as staff of the Roadwork women’s cultural production company that organized SisterFire concerts 1982-85, the National Conference for Women in Radio, administrator for Sweet Honey in the Rock 2001-2011, editor for the Sweet Honey in the Rock documentary, Gotta Make This Journey, and member of "In Process…”, Sweet Honey's song workshop.

Ivy Young’s surviving family members are her youngest sibling Michelle Marie Young, nieces Jade Michelle Keith and Camille Adrienne Keith, and great-niece Joy Anajli Jade Manning, who are among so many friends and colleagues that love and respect her and who celebrate her life, memory, and unwavering dedication to justice.

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Washington Informer and United Black Fund (UBF) visionary Dr. Calvin Rolark acknowledged RAP and Clark’s groundbreaking work and included the organization among the first to receive financial help from UBF. Many years later, RAP, Inc. named the organization’s central facility, located in Northeast, D.C.’s Eckington neighborhood, in honor of Rolark for his caring support of District citizens who were doing the hard work of restoring themselves after battling substance addiction.

While Clark passed away in May 2019, RAP carries on his mission. The organization provides a broad range of services including: residential treatment, addiction and recovery, and mental health care for clients– all under the administrative leadership of Gaudenzia, a highly respected, non-profit treatment provider with other facilities in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland.

As conversations about mental health advance, Stephenson noted RAP’s methods remain beneficial for all people.

“RAP’s holistic approach to treatment—feeding and supporting the mental and emotional, physical, social and spiritual well-being of individuals—is medicine that we all need.”

5 RAP, Inc.'s founder Ron Clark, who set the foundation for the organization’s holistic approach, with Washington Informer and United Black Fund founder Dr. Calvin Rolark. (Courtesy Photo)

AARP DC Staff Reports

AARP believes in celebrating the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community across all generations. That's why we are proud to offer tools, programs and services to help LGBTQ+ District residents get the most out of their fabulous life.

AARP has over 1 million self-identified members of the LGBTQ+ community, about 3 percent of our membership. Like anyone else, people in the LGBTQ+ community want to live longer, healthier and more fulfilling lives. AARP is committed to creating a new vision of aging for LGBTQ+ individuals, their families and allies-one focused on equity and inclusion and complete with diverse experiences, powerful stories, and innovative ways for everyone to pursue their passions-joyfully, openly and proudly!

The Center for Black Equity and AARP DC have joined forces to host “An Homage to the Iconic Clubhouse!” a festive three-hour party to celebrate DC Black Pride on Saturday, May 27. The free event will be a celebration of the rich history and culture of the Clubhouse, a vibrant after-hours dance hall that from 1975 to 1990 served as a safe space for the Black LGBTQ+ community to dance and celebrate life.

After opening in 1975, the Clubhouse quickly became known across the country and many parts of the world, as belonging in the highest echelon of dance clubs. From its unassuming outside veneer, tucked away in the Petworth neighborhood of the District, it was an important mark for 15 years in the Black LGBTQ+ community here and across the nation. We are excited to bring everyone together for an unforgettable night of music,

AARP DC: Celebrating Generations of Pride

dancing, and fun! Registration is required, and space is limited. For more information and to get tickets, visit: https://dcblackpride.org/ schedule.htm.

In addition, make sure you keep an eye out for AARP DC at this year’s Pride Parade taking place on June 10th. If you are planning to attend, AARP DC and volunteers will be walking the route!

For the estimated 3 million LGBTQ+ Americans age 50 and older, the past five decades have brought triumphs that were once unimaginable, from the birth of the pride movement to marriage equality. But now this generation faces a new set of challenges when it comes to aging with dignity.

LGBTQ+ people are twice as likely to be single and live alone as straight counterparts, and four times as likely to be childless. Older LGBTQ+ adults often face greater social isolation and many struggle to find a caregiver. This can lead to profound consequences on both their physical and mental health. Over the years, AARP DC has partnered with many groups and organizations throughout the District to address this issue head on, including working with Us Helping Us, Mary’s House, Whitman Walker Health, and the Department on Aging and Community Living.

AARP has vocally supported legislation at national level, including the Equality Act, which has been introduced in the US Congress. AARP has also worked in the courts to help advance the rights of LGBTQ+ individuals to ensure they are not discriminated against.

In 2018, AARP Foundation’s legal team provided critical support for Lambda Legal’s litigation on behalf of Marsha Wetzel, a lesbian senior who alleged harassment and discrimination in her senior living community. In Wetzel v. Glen St. Andrew Living Community,

the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit issued a groundbreaking decision holding that a landlord may be held liable under the Fair Housing Act for failing

to protect a tenant from known, discriminatory harassment at the hands of other tenants.

In the guiding words of AARP founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus,

“What we do, we do for all.” AARP DC will continue to offer tools, programs and services to support LGBTQ+ District residents.

Celebrating Generations of Pride

EARTH OUR

WHAT ON (OUR) EARTH IS GOING ON?

May Roundup: EPA Passes Critical New Climate Rules

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Writer

Warmer weather is finally here! I hope everyone enjoys our few balmy weeks before the humidity and the mosquitos start to hit.

This month saw lots of exciting environmental events east of the river. Just last weekend, the Anacostia Community Museum opened its new environmental justice exhibit,

“To Live and Breathe,” and hundreds showed up to celebrate the massive Anacostia River Festival. Get caught up quick with three of the biggest environmental stories from the month of May.

EPA Proposes First Limits on Existing Power Plants’ Carbon Pollution

What’s new: On May 11, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency proposed two new rules that would require existing and future coal and gas power plants to cut up to 90% of

their carbon emissions by 2035. The energy sector is the second-largest contributor to national greenhouse gas emissions (just below transportation).

How it works: Different power plants would have to meet different standards, depending on factors such as how long a plant intends to continue operating, how big the plant is,

The Department of Energy and Environment is developing a restoration plan for the Anacostia River Corridor to improve water quality and habitat, increase equitable access to recreational activities, and enhance resiliency to climate change. Join

how much time it spends running and whether it uses coal or gas.

Why it matters: In addition to mitigating the rapid overheating of our planet, the proposals would cut down on other toxic air pollutants that come from power plants. The EPA estimates that the rules would prevent over 300,000 asthma attacks and more than 1,300 premature deaths in the year 2030 alone.

Ok, but: The proposals still have to go through a lengthy process to become finalized, and after that, the rules will definitely face legal challenges. Back in 2015, former President Barack Obama tried to regulate the power sector’s greenhouse gas emissions with the Clean Power Plan, but the Supreme Court struck it down before it even went into effect. Biden’s EPA has taken a different tactic—regulating individual power plants rather than setting statewide goals—in order to comply with the court’s rulings.

NATIONAL PARK SERVICE CONTROL HOLDS BACK D.C.’S PARKS, REPORT FINDS

tems, for both total park land (almost a quarter of the city) and equal green space access. The study’s authors at the Redstone Global Center for Prevention and Wellness at GW’s Milken Institute School of Public Health argue that those rankings don’t capture the whole picture.

The issues: According to the report, the NPS division that includes the National Mall gets about 80 times more funding per acre than parks east of the river. The division that includes Rock Creek Park gets about four times more than those east of the Anacostia. Also, NPS is pretty cash-strapped, and has a maintenance backlog of about $2 billion in the District alone. The report argues that these problems persist partly because NPS has little incentive to respond to D.C. residents’ needs since it’s not part of our elected city government.

WORLD WILL LIKELY PASS A KEY CLIMATE TARGET SOON, BUT ONLY BRIEFLY

The basics: The United Nations set a goal of keeping the world from warming more than 1.5 Celsius, or 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit, above average temperatures pre-1900 (as in, before humans started burning a ton of fossil fuels). Now, researchers at the World Meteorological Organization believe that annual global temperatures have a 66% chance of surpassing that goal before 2027.

The nuance: The chances of overshooting the target in the next five years have risen both because of human-caused climate change and because of an expected El Niño weather pattern. El Niño is a recurring natural phenomenon that causes elevated temperatures that typically last nine to 12 months, but can sometimes last years.

For more info & to provide feedback: bit.ly/AnacostiaRiverSurvey

What’s happening: The D.C. government only owns a fraction of the District’s parks—the National Park Service operates 90% of our public green spaces. A May 8 report out of George Washington University argued that the federal agency’s management exacerbates inequities and hinders the District’s ability to fully utilize its parks.

Why people are talking: D.C. consistently scores top spots on rankings of the best U.S. urban park sys-

The point: Passing the 1.5-degree warming limit for even one year should ring major alarm bells. The U.N. set that threshold as a target to avoid some of climate change’s most catastrophic effects. But since this first likely breach would be caused partly by a temporary weather event, the world still has a strong chance to prevent temperatures from remaining that high long-term—if we cut greenhouse gas emissions fast.

Readers: We tried out this new format for May’s environmental news roundup—love it? Hate it? Let us know at kbenjamin@washingtoninformer. com.

5 D.C.’s Capitol Power Plant. (Photo by Flickr user Apasciuto)

The Potomac Has Improved, But Forest Loss and Climate Change Remain Threats

By Kayla Benjamin Climate & Environment Writer

The Potomac River—described once by President Lyndon Johnson as “a river of decaying sewage and rotten algae” in 1965—is now on track to become safe for swimming and fishing year-round by 2030, Potomac Conservancy president Hedrick Belin said at a press conference Tuesday. The organization gave the river’s health a “B” grade on the 2023 report card released at the event, up from a “D” in 2011.

“Clean water improvement efforts take time,” Belin said in an interview. “We’re seeing techniques and strategies that were put in place in the ‘90s or early 2000s start to pay off.”

The river has seen marked decreases in pollution, in large part due to decades-long efforts throughout the Chesapeake Bay to target industrial and agricultural pollution sources. DC Water’s ongoing Clean Rivers Project, a $2.7 billion court-mandated initiative that includes massive tunnels to hold excess stormwater, has also kept billions of gallons of sewer overflows out of District waterways.

The District aims to make all of the city’s waterways swimmable and fishable by 2032, and some advocates have pushed for the city to end the swimming ban enacted in 1971. Several locations in both the Potomac and the Anacostia are safe to swim in more than 75% of the year, according to local water monitoring efforts.

With cleaner water, many populations of fish and other wildlife species (including bald eagles, American shad fish and even bottlenose dolphins) have successfully rebounded in the Potomac.

More humans have begun spending time in and around the Potomac, too, as boating and other river-based recreation activities boomed during the pandemic. Sports fishing licenses quadrupled in 2020, with more than 7,800 sold in that year alone.

“I think the success we're seeing is because people have decided that this is a resource, it's part of their quality of life, and it's a community asset,”

Belin said. “They're the reasons that Maryland has passed laws, or the District has provided more money [for clean river initiatives]. It takes people power.”

NOT ALL GOOD NEWS

Though the three pollutants used in the report’s grading system—phosphorus, nitrogen and sediment—have all shown great reductions, other harmful substances still pose a threat to the river. Urban runoff has increased, and some older toxics that have since been banned, like PCBs, do not break down easily and tend to stick around in the water.

Underwater grasses, which are both highly sensitive to pollution and crucial for aquatic ecosystems, have struggled to make a comeback. Some fish species that used to have well-established populations in the Potomac have also continued to

decline, including striped and smallmouthed bass.

Perhaps most pressingly, the report found that states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed, which includes the Potomac, are not doing nearly enough to restore and preserve trees and other forest vegetation along the river. Maryland lost over 19,000 acres of forest between 2013 and 2018, according to a 2022 technical study commissioned by the state. More than half of all tree loss in the state came from Prince George’s and Montgomery counties, both of which lie along the Potomac.

In addition to providing important wildlife habitats, riverside trees— often called forested buffers—play a vital role in keeping the water clean. Tree roots hold soil in place, mitigating riverbank erosion and preventing sediment from getting into the water. They also absorb rainwater and filter runoff before it reaches a river or stream.

“Trees are the single best way

water quality, they improve air quality,” said Anna Mudd, Senior Director of Policy for Potomac Conservancy. “We're not going to get across the finish line unless we make a concentrated effort to conserve our forested land throughout the watershed.”

Earlier this month, Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed legislation updating the state’s Forest Conservation Act. The bill raises standards for forest protection, and changes the state’s overall policy

goals from simply maintaining forested lands with no net losses to instead encouraging an increase in forest acreage.

“We’ve done so much good policy work in Maryland, all of which is helping to clean up the [Chesapeake] Bay and the Potomac,” said Delegate Sara Love, of Montgomery County’s 16th District, who sponsored the forest protection bill. “Working together, we can raise that ‘B’ to an ‘A.’” WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Potomac Conservancy President Hedrick Belin announced the results of the organization's 2023 report card, which gave the Potomac River a D grade, during a press conference held May 16 at the Potomac Boat Club. (Robert R. Roberts / The Washington Informer) to reduce stormwater runoff; they capture carbon, they improve

EDUCATION

Jackson Touts ‘Survivor’ TV Show for Life Lessons to AU Law Grads

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

U.S. Associate Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson used the popular television show “Survivor” to illustrate lessons in life for over five hundred graduates of American University’s Washington College of Law on May 20 at Bender Arena in Northwest with an audience of nearly 1,000 people.

“I watch it [Survivor] with my husband and my daughters even

now, which I will admit it’s not easy to do with the demands of my day job,” Jackson, 52, said. “But you have to set priorities, people. And that’s exactly the first lesson that I have for you today.”

Jackson is the first Black woman to serve on the high court. President Biden nominated Jackson on February 25, 2022, and received U.S. Senate confirmation on April 7 of that year. Jackson’s commencement address to the American University

law school is her first as a justice of the Supreme Court. Roger A. Fairfax Jr., the law school’s dean,

WATCH • LEARN • DISCUSS

and a close friend of Jackson’s, asked her to deliver the address. Additionally, Fairfax and American University President Sylvia M. Burwell conferred on Jackson an honorary degree.

LESSONS FROM ‘SURVIVOR’

“Survivor” began its run in the United States on May 31, 2000. “Survivor” places a group of strangers in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. The strangers, known as contestants, compete in challenging contests that assess their physical ability like running and swimming, or their mental faculties such as solving puzzles and surpassing hurdles for rewards and immunity from elimination. The contestants are progressively eliminated from the game as they are voted out by their colleagues until one remains and is given the title of “Sole Survivor” and wins the grand prize of $1 million. Jackson said the show is fun to watch, adding it teaches “a number of broader lessons that are helpful for becoming a good lawyer.”

The justice said lesson one “was to make the most of the resources you have.” She said as an assistant federal public defender

in the District handling appeals, she often had less resources than prosecutors. Jackson talked about being prepared to move forward despite the odds and keeping her composure despite the unfair resources disparity. She spoke about a “Survivor” competitor who despite a prosthetic leg, surpassed her colleagues in a balance beam competition. Jackson said she possessed similar energy and passion when devising strategies to help her clients win on appeal despite the resource disadvantage.

“I kept my composure and put my head down,” she said. “My advice is to shut out distractions, use your time wisely and figure out how to make the most of what you have. That will increase the odds of success in law and in life, even if it seems that others have a significant head start.”

Jackson said knowing your strengths was lesson number two. She advised the graduates “not to be something you are not.”

“You do you,” she said. “Lean into your personal strengths. Use them to get you where you want to go.”

She referenced a “Survivor” contestant who lacked the physical stature and knowledge of the outdoors that her colleagues had, but possessed empathy and the ability to connect to people. Jackson noted the contestant often did well on multiple Survivor appearances despite her deficits. Finally, the justice urged the graduates to “play the long game.”

She said some “Survivor” contestants had the physical prowess to win, while others had the ability to strategize their way to victory. Nevertheless, Jackson said, all successful “Survivor” contestants had to learn to do one thing: work together.

“‘Survivor’ is not an individual game,” she said. “The contestants need each other for food, for shelter, for challenges, for support. They really must get along.”

Those contestants that understand community and conflict are keys to survival tend to do well, she said.

“They build alliances, stay optimistic, stay-level headed and disagree without being disagreeable,” Jackson said. “They try to resolve conflicts amicably. They never burn bridges with anyone.” WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 American University President Sylvia Burwell and Washington College of Law Dean Roger A. Fairfax Jr. present an honorary degree to Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson during the 2023 graduation on May 20 at Bender Arena. (Brigette Squire/ The Washington Informer)

A community conversation about helping D.C. children, families, and ourwhole community thrive

newly freed from enslavement, and those who lost their lives fighting for freedom, said actor Wendell Pierce.

“We will never forget those brave and honorable souls,” Pierce stated.

Famous DJ Donnie Simpson called the occasion “very different for me.”

“While we honor those who gave their lives in service for this country, I can’t help but think of those African Americans who were massacred in Tulsa 100 years ago,” Simpson wrote on Twitter.

Author Christina Coles deadpanned, “The Civil War was over, and African Americans had founded Memorial Day in a ritual of remembrance and consecration. They were the true patriots.”

Ben Gold, a historian and founder of the real estate investment firm Recommended Homebuyers, said recognizing Black soldiers,’ and their families’ sacrifices and bravery is essential because it acknowledges their often-overlooked role in shaping the nation’s history.

“Commemorating Memorial Day with Black heroes in mind serves several critical purposes.

First and foremost, it ensures that their stories are included and preserved within the broader narrative of the holiday,” Gold insisted.

He said that by highlighting Black service members’ courage, resilience, and contributions, America pays homage to their sacrifices and honors their memory.

Moreover, Gold asserted that it fosters a sense of inclusivity, promotes diversity, and enriches our collective understanding of the complex tapestry of American history.

“In my experience as an investor and developer, I have witnessed firsthand the power of recognizing and celebrating diversity,” Gold said.

“Just as the real estate industry thrives when it embraces inclusivity, so does our society when we acknowledge and appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences of all those who have served our country. “

Gold emphasized the importance of uplifting the Black history associated with Memorial Day.

“By featuring the stories of

Black heroes in Memorial Day commemorations, we not only educate and inspire, but we also contribute to a more inclusive and united nation.”

Although the origins of Memorial Day trace back to the period following the Civil War, when some 620,000 soldiers lost their lives, the precise origins remain a source of controversy.

Several cities have staked claims to be the first to celebrate Memorial Day.

Still, a different narrative says that African Americans in Charleston, South Carolina, in 1865 were the true founders of the holiday.

Renowned historian David Blight, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author and American history professor at Yale University recounted a poignant commemoration in Charleston on May 1, 1865.

Organized by formerly enslaved people and white missionaries, Blight determined that the event occurred at a former racecourse that had served as a Confederate prison for Union soldiers during the war’s final year.

At least 257 prisoners had perished there, primarily due to disease, and were buried in unmarked graves.

Eventually, two dozen African American residents of Charleston meticulously rearranged the graves into orderly rows.

They erected a three-meter-tall

white fence around them, creating what they called the ‘Martyrs of the Racecourse’ memorial.

“After the Confederate evacuation of Charleston Black workmen went to the site, reburied the Union dead properly, and built a high fence around the cemetery,” Blight documented. “They whitewashed the fence and built an archway over an entrance on which they inscribed the words, ‘Martyrs of the Racecourse.’”

He continued: “The symbolic power of this Low Country planter aristocracy’s bastion was not lost on the freed people, who then, in cooperation with white missionaries and teachers, staged a parade of 10,000 on the track.”

The gravesites were transformed into a breathtaking “sea of flowers,” as described by the New York Tribune, and the event was hailed as a procession of mourning and remembrance, unlike anything South Carolina or the United States had witnessed before.

Despite documented evidence about this event, the narrative of African Americans being the founders of Memorial Day essentially went untold.

“That’s the surprising part,” said Ambassador Young, a civil rights icon who also served as mayor of Atlanta from 1981 to 1990.

“It’s history I want to read and know more about, and everyone else should as well.” WI

5 Memorial Day is also a time when communities, neighbors, and friends kick-off summer hosting cook-outs and gatherings throughout the city. (WI File Photo/Roy Lewis)

next generation network got game

Young ballers are more connected at home than ever. Unlike last season’s crew, this generation has it easy thanks to the Xfinity 10G Network. Now, today’s players are scoring reliable connections from every yard line, running at faster speeds, and using the most cutting-edge WiFi to soar their imagination. Introducing the Xfinity 10G Network. The future starts now.

This Memorial Day, Remember the Ancestors who Started the Commemoration

While many people will be off participating in festivities that mark the unofficial start of summer, according to a 2019 Harris poll survey, commissioned by the University of Phoenix 55% of Americans know the true purpose of the federal holiday and only one in five will participate in commemorative activities honoring fallen soldiers. With a little more than half of Americans acknowledging the holiday as a day of remembrance, there’s less who know the celebration got its start thanks to the genius of newly freed Black citizens.

Often, history credits the first annual Memorial Day (also called “Decoration Day”) celebrations as happening in April 1866, when women adorned the graves of soldiers with flowers in the Civil War hospital town of Columbus, Mississippi. However, in the 2001 book “Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory,” Pulitzer Prize-winner David Blight notes the primary memorial celebration kicked off on May 1, 1865, when freshly freed African Americans and white missionaries took to a former planters’ racetrack where Confederate soldiers captured Union soldiers in the final year of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina.

According to Time, at least 257 prisoners died, many succumbing to disease, and were then buried in unmarked graves. Acknowledging these fallen soldiers, Black citizens and some white missionaries organized to commemorate their lives with a celebration that included a parade and festivities with students, white and Black Union soldiers marching, people singing, preachers preaching, huge signs, decorations and more.

Publications at that time reported about 10,000 people, predominantly African American, showed up for the celebration.

Today, Memorial Day is an annual celebration commemorating the thousands of American lives lost during wars. It’s recognized nationwide and several organizations will take the weekend to remember the fallen soldiers, and celebrate their bravery.

So this year, as you show up to your all white parties, head to that cookout, travel out of town, catch that holiday sale, or take that much-deserved day off, remember the Black residents of Charleston who paved the way in commemorating American heroes.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to you all, and particularly acknowledging the service people and families who sacrificed their lives to protect the citizens of this country. WI

More Black Males Needed as Health Professionals

Statistics have reported over the years that Black males lag their white counterparts when it comes to becoming healthcare professionals. The situation has gotten so bad that the Federation of Association of Schools of the Health Professions (FASHP) has declared the small number of historically under-represented men of color graduating and entering the healthcare professions a national crisis.

The FASHP declared the crisis based on data from the American Dental Association revealing of the 6,665 U.S. dental school graduates in 2022, only 147 were Black men. Of the 21,051 2021-2022 U.S. medical school graduates, only 565 were African American males, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. The 2021 graduating class of veterinary medical students included 0.6% Black men. Of the 824, 2021-2022 U.S. public health doctoral graduates, only 2.5% were African American males, according to the Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health.

Plus, statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state health agencies consistently show that Black men suffer higher rates of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, and heart attacks than whites.

In its consensus statement, the FASHP calls on local and national educational, health care, governmental and community leaders to raise awareness regarding the dearth of Black men in the health care professions.

The encouragement of Black males to enter the health professions should begin in elementary school and continue through middle school. Black boys should have exposure to healthcare careers through field trips to medical facilities and the chance to interact with professionals.

In high school, Black male teenagers must study the physical sciences and higher mathematics such as calculus to prepare for higher education pre-healthcare professions courses. In college, Black males should receive encouragement to participate in programs such as the Action Collaborative for Black Men in Medicine or the Summer Health Professions Education Program to further their education.

Getting Black males into the health professions must start early in their lives and be supported by educational and governmental leaders. It is not only in the best interest of Black males, but all Americans to have competent, diverse healthcare professionals. WI

EDITORIAL TO THE EDITOR

Celebrating Our Heritage

I am looking forward to The Washington Informer’s 11th annual Heritage Tour. It’s been a few years since I last attended, and I’m excited to explore Montgomery County and our history there.

Washington, DC

The Tipping Point

Your story (“The New Moral Dilemma: Should You Tip at the Self-Checkout Line?”) by Stacy Brown really started a dialogue between my colleagues and me. While I’ve never been confronted with tipping a cashier or bag handler, many have and do believe those workers should be tipped. However, I’m more of the belief that people should be paid a living wage, and tipping should always be optional regardless of the service or sector.

Teresa Chin

Washington, DC

Readers' Mailbox

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

Marveline Thompson

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS

Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

What Happens If America Can No Longer Pay Its Bills?

For much of Black America, having adequate cash to cover monthly bills or small business overhead has historically been an ongoing challenge. But over the coming days, the nation's coffers could also lack adequate cash and credit to cover its bills.

The debt limit is the total amount of money that the United States government is authorized to borrow to

meet its existing legal obligations, including Social Security and Medicare benefits, military salaries, interest on the national debt, tax refunds and other payments, according to the Treasury Department.

On May 1, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen warned both the House and Senate, "After reviewing recent federal tax receipts, our best estimate is that we will be unable to continue to satisfy all of the government's obligations by early June, and potentially as early as June 1, if Congress does not raise or suspend the debt limit before that time.

Guest Columnist

… Given the current projections, it is imperative that Congress act as soon as possible to increase or suspend the debt limit in a way that provides longer-term certainty that the government will continue to make its payments."

Since then, every passing day shortens time for President Biden and congressional leaders to craft a resolution. To avoid rippling global financial chaos, both the administration and Congress must reach agreement.

House Speaker Kevin McCarthy advocates tying the debt dilemma to the administration's budget propos-

al, including slashing many domestic programs and adding new work requirements to access program benefits. Alternatively, Biden seeks a separation between the debt limit and the budget. While discussions among the White House and lawmakers have begun, a solution had yet to be announced at press time.

In the meantime, an anxious nation — its people and businesses — faces financial uncertainty.

According to Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Missouri), a longtime lawmaker and member of the House Financial

Marian Wright Edelman

A Lesson from Ambassador James Joseph

I recently attended a memorial service for my dear friend and former Children's Defense Fund Board Chair Ambassador James Joseph. Ambassador Joseph was a civil rights, corporate and philanthropic leader, including his transformative service as president and chief executive officer of the Council on Foundations and a co-founder and chair of the Association of Black Foundation

Executives, and a lifelong public servant. He was an adviser to four U.S. presidents beginning with President Carter, and in 1995 was appointed as the U.S. ambassador to South Africa by President Clinton.

It was a crucial moment following Nelson Mandela's 1994 election as South Africa's first Black president, and Ambassador Joseph became the only American ambassador to present his credentials to President Mandela as he worked closely with his new administration. He witnessed firsthand South Africa's early

Guest Columnist

What We Shouldn't Permit

Picture a mountain valley somewhere in the Alleghanies, Appalachians or Blue Ridge. It's a safe bet what you just imagined didn't include a metal pipeline more than three feet wide running down a steep ridge or crossing a pristine stream.

People from West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, and several

Indigenous nations have been fighting for years to keep that image from becoming a reality by opposing the incongruously named, 303-milelong Mountain Valley Pipeline across their states and ancestral lands. They've been so successful, in fact, that some in Congress want to take away their power to oppose a project that's recorded hundreds of clean water violations alone.

It's part of a bigger fight that goes by the mundane-sounding name "permitting reform" that's playing out in Washington right now. While

post-apartheid struggles as it sought to move away from its legacy of white supremacy, legal segregation and racial violence towards a new future striving for truth and reconciliation, and could see the parallels between South Africa's history and our own. He also held out hope for what both nations could become.

His own early experiences of America's history came from his childhood in Opelousas, Louisiana, a state KKK headquarters where he remembered lynchings and racial violence as common facts of life. Later,

Ben Jealous

that description isn't as stirring as "Star Wars" missile defense or "the Great Society," the decision being made will determine how the nation can exert oversight on big projects from pipelines to manufacturing plants to minimize their damage to the planet. Some of them may go on federal lands, many of them will be financed by hundreds of billions that the federal government will invest in infrastructure and clean energy in the next decade.

It's a fight so important that House Speaker Kevin McCarthy has

after graduating from Southern University and earning a master's degree in divinity from Yale University, he returned South to serve on the faculty of Stillman College in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, another KKK stronghold, where he became a leading figure in the local civil rights movement. He participated in protests where he was attacked and beaten and received death threats. But these were the years that shaped his hope for the future. As he put it decades later, "I have been able to remain hopeful in the midst of great adversity be-

Services Committee, "This is the first debt-ceiling situation that I felt was not going to be abated in time to protect our country. "I've never seen anything like this."

Federal fiscal agencies like the Congressional Budget Office and Federal Reserve have clearly and repeatedly warned Congress as well of the unprecedented and looming financial chaos that would result from debt default.

Nonpartisan economists have also chimed in. For example, Moody's

CROWELL Page 49

cause I learned early in life to make a distinction between hope and optimism. It is not just hope-theologians but hope-psychologists as well who remind us that optimism adopts the role of the spectator who surveys the evidence in order to infer that things are going to get better. Hope, on the other hand, enacts the stance of the participant who is able to look beyond the evidence and see alternative possibilities. … The truth is that hope is not so much an act of

tied defaulting on the country's debt to resolving it.

"This is more than just about the Mountain Valley Pipeline," Maury Johnson, a retired educator and farmer from West Virginia who's a leader in the opposition, told a reporter. "This is about the Gulf Coast, North Alaska and every community that has been sacrificed for decades. We can't continue to sacrifice communities and people."

If we called it "protection reform," it might easier to understand. What's at stake is the process for

protecting our air, water, and land from what may be irreparable harm.

Some want to erode environmental safeguards that have been in place for more than 50 years and reduce the time allotted to determine the impact the new projects will have during their decades-long lifespan. Some want to treat dirty fossil fuel industries in the same way we think about new clean energy businesses. The fast lane needs to be reserved for renewable energy and transmission

Guest Columnist

In the Image of Trump

Back in 2015, I can distinctly remember telling myself and others that the damage of a Trump presidency would last longer than a four-year term. I knew then I would be right, but, at the time, could not imagine just how right I would be.

Anyone who knew Trump, in fact or by reputation, should have known when he descended his

golden escalator in 2015 that his presence was a fabrication of the highest order. Later, it was revealed that his adoring crowd had been lured from NY streets, by promising each a $500.00 payment for pretending to be members of an excited fan base. It was the first of what would become an anthology of over 20,000 lies.

Like a malignant Svengali, Trump was accompanied into office by a phalanx of acolytes with equally malignant mindsets and worldviews. Steve Bannon, Rudy Giuliani, Stephen Miller, Michael

Guest Columnist

E. Faye Williams

Flynn, Bill Barr, Mike Pence, Kellyanne Conway and Sarah Huckabee Sanders all stood at the forefront of Trump's administration. Sadly, those he brought with him were not the only ones of his ilk. Trump opened the soul of America's corruption to clear view. Those who had been attentive were not surprised. Millions came to a gradual realization. Millions of others didn't care!

There are far too many Trump wannabes to call out by name, but several serve as exemplars of the dangers of a United States under

The Many Accomplices to the

One man faces charges of criminal manslaughter, but Jordan Neely's death had many accomplices.

the control of another Trump regime. Three stand out to foreshadow the worst of existence under a renewed Trump.

Interactively, if I asked readers who best mimicked the "Lying Lifestyle" of Trump, few would hesitate to say George Santos. To both, lying comes as easily as drawing breath. All but the most brainwashed have come to understand that their lying is primarily associated with them moving their lips. Their veracity is not the issue. The expectation for the acceptance of their lies and/or that their lies,

Killing of Jordan Neely

"His mental illness screamed of profits prioritized over people. … His Blackness disquieted the American ideals and sensibilities that proclaim us all equal. His existence, on that train, on that day, exposed just how poorly America cares for her people and how poorly we care for one another." — Brittany Packnett Cunningham

Ignorance and fear of mental illness. Implicit racial bias. A desperately inadequate health care system. Reckless and distorted political rhetoric about violent crime.

Jordan Neely didn't fall through the cracks. The world where he existed is nothing but cracks.

Neely's short, tortured life

Guest Columnist

Justice for Jordan Neely

be very clear: There was nothing heroic about the actions of Daniel Penny!

ended in the 15 minutes Daniel Penny gripped him in a chokehold on a New York City subway. But as a severely mentally ill Black man in America, Neely spent most of his adult life at risk of a violent death.

Most Americans experiencing a serious physical health crisis in public can expect to end up in a hospital, receiving treatment. An American experiencing a mental health crisis is far more likely to end up in prison — or killed at the hands of emergency respond-

ers. Black Americans with mental illness are even more likely to face a tragic outcome.

Penny's lawyers claim he was acting in defense of himself and his fellow passengers. Whether he truly feared for their safety or simply was irritated by Neely's disruptive behavior is unknown. The risk of being assaulted in the New York City transit system is minuscule, and the chance an assault will be committed by someone experiencing a mental health crisis even smaller.

and the resulting consequences, would be ignored is the problem. Both unreasonably expect a getout-of-jail-free card or a functional "double standard" to mitigate their guilt.

Marjorie Taylor Greene, MTG, is clearly representative of the intolerance and racism of Trump. Although both will "technically" deny the racism that motivates their actions, their actions belie any supposition of fairness or objectivity in their thought pro-

WILLIAMS Page 50

Neely did have a history of violent behavior, but Penny could not have known that in the moment that he tackled him. Statistically, the passengers on that F train were as likely to be assaulted by any other passenger as by Neely. Fear often is irrational, however, especially when it is compounded by implicit racial bias and deliberately fanned by unprincipled politicians who distort and exaggerate the risk of

MORIAL Page 50

Lately, there has been a lot of talk about how conservatives, Republicans and even some Christians are calling Daniel Penny, the ex-Marine who killed Jordan Neely, a homeless man on a subway train in New York, a hero. As a lawyer, former social worker, Christian, and an independent who voted for Trump, I want to

He killed a frail, hungry, homeless man who probably had mental health issues. I doubt that he would have jumped on a larger Black man, or even a Black man of his equal size. His actions were cowardly and reckless, and he should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

It seems as if white Americans of this generation don't know what true heroism is. I remember

as a teenager in 1982 after a DC 90 plane crashed into the frozen Potomac River in D.C., and how Martin Lenny Shutnik saved the life of Priscilla Tirado following the crash of Air Florida Flight 90 by selflessly jumping into the freezing water and helping her take hold of a line dropped from a helicopter. He could have died from the freezing water alone.

Today, we have a different type of hero. White men like Daniel Penny, who think they have the right to kill Black men simply be-

cause of their subjective view of what is "threatening behavior."

As seen in video of the incident, while Neely's behavior could be described as crazy or "acting out," there was nothing genuinely threatening about it to an ordinary and reasonable person. Threatening behavior typically is intentional and usually involves more than just words. A threat of serious bodily harm or death usually involves an immediate ability to act on the threat, such as a person holding a knife, gun or some other

object in a threatening manner.

In places like N.Y. and D.C., if white people were allowed to kill Black people for yelling, screaming and begging, there would be daily killings.

I don't condone Neely's behavior. I get sick of having to deal with aggressive and confrontational panhandlers, but choking them to death is not the answer.

Furthermore, I am unmoved by all of the family members, loved

MITCHELL Page 50

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson Sr.

Andrellos Mitchell

LIFESTYLE

Hip Hop’s Legends Set to Get their Due at ‘Wild Style’ Anniversary

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

When the names Theodore Livingston and Tony Salas are mentioned in pop culture circles, they barely move the needle.

But when Livingston and Salas unveil their alter egos — “Grand Wizzard Theodore '' and “Tony Crush” — it more than gives a pulse to the masses.

Livingston, the DJ who helped start hip-hop 50 years ago with his groundbreaking scratching technique on the turntables, and Salas, the influential pioneer of the Cold Crush Brothers, are among the inductees into the National HipHop Museum’s Hall of Fame.

And while celebrating the high honor on June 10 and June 11, the pair will help observe two special anniversaries: hip-hop’s 50th and the 40th anniversary of the genre-changing movie “Wild Style.”

“We changed the world of music as we know it,” Livingston remarked.

“Time has gone by really quickly, but I’m so happy to be a part of something bigger than I am,” Livingston added.

“When I think about the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, I think about the DJs, MCs, bee-boppers, and others who are not here anymore. But, instead, those are the ones we should be honoring because this is a culture that changed the world.”

For Salas, the Hall of Fame recognition and the dual anniversaries only return him to his youth. A music lover, whose turntables

burned with the sounds of the Temptations, Gil Scott Heron, and the Jackson 5, Salas got his inspiration from his cousin, “Disco Bee,” a member of the legendary group Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five. He studied Disco Bee as his

cousin mixed and scratched records, picking up valuable lessons that helped define Salas’ standing as one of hip-hop’s most influential figures.

Salas looks back on Wild Style with the fondest of memories. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 The poster for the movie Wild Style. (Courtesy Photo/ Amazon)

JUNE 1

“Extraordinary... about affirmation and communion and sounding the alarm”

(New York Times, Critic’s Pick)

Ryan Jamaal Swain of FX’s smash hit Pose

Justin Weaks Michael Kevin Darnall

Donna Summer Always Loved

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

“Love to Love You, Donna Summer,” a new documentary, premiered on May 20 on HBO and HBO Max. The storytellers are Summer’s three daughters, her siblings, her husband, her parents, her colleagues in music, and the star herself. The footage of home movies and performances captures the life of the “disco queen.” Her voice for the film’s opening previews what viewers will hear.

“I have a secret life. You’re looking at me, but what you see is not who I am,” says Summer. “How many roles do I play in my own life?”

Some of the secrets are what many people assume about entertainers. But Summer was always a loving and loyal family person, who loved her family unconditionally, her colleagues, and her fans.

She grew up in the church so being a dance hall favorite was not a foreseen trajectory, but Summer’s family always knew she was an entertainer. Her salacious first hit “Love to Love You Baby,” on which the documenta -

ry’s title is based, was a hit in Eu rope before it created a huge fol lowing for the singer in America, especially among the gay com munity. Summer had her eyes on being a film director, which makes sense with all the film footage that is the foundation for this documentary. She was al ways shooting films of her life on the road and at home. Like a lot of entertainers, we learn Summer had other creative talents in ad dition to the one for which they are most known. She also was a painter.

Co-directors are Oscar® and Emmy®-winning filmmaker Rog er Ross Williams and Summer’s daughter Brooklyn Sudano. They capture the pure essence of the singer through reflective memories from Sudano’s sisters and Sum mer’s husband Bruce Sudano. It took a lifetime for Summer to say who she was, and viewers will ap preciate that and will see that pro cess in “Love to Love You, Donna Summer.”

View the movie trailer of “Love to Love You, Donna Summer” on You Tube and read more on washington informer.com. WI

5 The life and career of singer Donna Summer are the subject of the documentary “Love to Love You, Donna Summer,” on HBO and HBO Max. (Courtesy photo/HBO)

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

For multi-hyphenated artist Marcus Hummon, “American Prophet,” has been a seven-year labor of love, now beginning to gain acclaim with six 2023 Helen Hayes Awards nominations. Inspired by the eerily and powerfully poignant words of Frederick Douglass, Hummon, who grew up in the D.C. area, continues to be excited about the work and the piece’s possibilities for growth after its premiere at Arena Stage last summer.

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“As a writer of theatre, it makes me feel excited about continuing this part of my life– the validation,” said Hummon, composer and co-book writer of “American Prophet” and a 2023 Helen Hayes nominee for the “Charles MacArthur Award for Outstanding New Play or Musical.” ”I want to focus on ‘American Prophet,’ I want it to move on, I want it to go to New York and I want it to go on a national tour and we’re working on it. But it also encourages me to keep writing.”

“American Prophet,” has come a long way in seven years. What began as a commission by the Episcopal Cathedral of Nashville to artistically showcase Hummon’s “thoughts on ‘the prophetic’ in a theatrical form,” and then an oratorio, turned into a musical highlighting the genius of the great American abolitionist, and why his words and lessons are still necessary today.

“I wanted to use Douglass’ own language because he wrote three autobiographies,” Hummon told the Informer. “He basically spent his life telling his own story, so it seems only proper that we allow him to do it.”

In the Arena Stage production that starred Cornelius Smith Jr. as Douglass, “American Prophet,” beautifully showcased the many layers of a man who was “woke,” before “wokeness,” was a thing, and who continues to offer lessons the world can use today.

“When he says things like, ‘Power concedes nothing without demand, it never did, it never will,’ it’s unbelievable, in a way, how contemporary he is, so that’s something I felt from the very beginning and I felt it even more when I heard Cornelius say those words because he’s such a fantastic actor.”

THE EVOLUTION OF ‘AMERICAN PROPHET’

With his theatrical productions regularly rooted in history, Hummon grew more excited by Douglass’ life. In digging deeper into the justice seeker, orator, newspaper publisher and family man, he realized there were so many moving pieces.

“That’s when I thought this is a

big show, and I need help– another writer, if possible, who’s also a director. And I was introduced to Charles Randolph-Wright, who is brilliant,” Hummon said. “That’s when things really took off.”

Randolph-Wright had one major suggestion to help the show pop. Hummon’s oratorio was originally titled “The Making of an American Prophet.”

“One of the first things Charles said to me was, ‘That’s a terrible title,” Hummon said laughing. “He goes, ‘I’ve got an idea. Why don’t we just shorten it?’”

Then the focus became turning a specific portion of Douglass’ life (up to about 1865 with Lincoln’s death and the end of the Civil War) to a musical.

“We wanted to make this about a guy who is growing and changing,” he said.” There's so much to write. Things are funny sometimes. There’s also sad, and triumphant, people falling in love, and that’s the stuff of a musical.”

A HOMECOMING

For Hummon, bringing “American Prophet,” was not only intentional due to Douglass’ life, but his own.

Douglass had a major connection to the D.C. region, which is why D.C. Statehood advocates offer “Douglass Commonwealth" as the new state name.

“He and Anna (his wife) both passed at the Cedar House, and that was their final home in his capacity as marshall of Washington. And the whole moniker, ‘Lion of Anacostia,’ and there we were right on the Anacostia River basically– it was extremely poignant,” Hummon explained.

Then there’s Hummon. Although he’s called Nashville home for 38 years, Hummon still has love for the DMV area, where he moved in his adolescence after first living overseas with his family.

“For me, it's a coming home.”

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 Cornelius Smith Jr. as Frederick Douglass in "American Prophet" at Arena Stage in summer 2022, which was nominated for six Helen Hayes awards. (Courtesy Photo/ Margot Schulman)

5 “Little Richard: the King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll” premieres on PBS’ “American Masters on June 2.

(Courtesy Photo/ Pictorial Press Ltd.)

4 “Ringo Starr from the documentary “Little Richard: the King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll” premiering on PBS’ “American Masters" on June 2.

Little Richard Will Not Be Denied

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

In a new documentary about Little Richard premiering June 2 on PBS “American Masters,” friends and musicians embrace the super-talented artist’s contribution to rock ‘n’ roll.

“Little Richard: the King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll” is based on 1985 footage of conversations with the star while he was driven around Los Angeles. Looking good without makeup and over-the-top hair, the footage is from a period when the musician took a break from the business.

Throughout the film, comments from former bandmates, friends and award-winning artists confirm everything the king and queen of rock and roll said as he joked about himself.

Coming from a family of 12 children, the film shows the musician and composer as upbeat and fiercely loyal to his siblings, bring-

ing all of them to live in his Los Angeles home.

Richard also explains how he forgave his father after a harsh beating he received at age 14 because of who he was.

“At age 10, I knew I was different,” Richard said.

Richard’s music style was prompted by what he heard from gospel singers like Mahalia Jackson, Sister Rosetta Tharpe and The Clara Ward Singers. He just changed those church rhythms and added his high-pitched yelps to create a vibe that drove audiences wild.

“Little Richard: the King and Queen of Rock 'n' Roll” goes beyond his music to show why Richard is so beloved. Ringo Starr said it best.

“Rock ‘n’ roll became a force, and Little Richard was always leading it.”

A preview of the film is at https:// youtu.be/2gU9J7BEImI. WI

(Courtesy photo/ American Masters)

To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C.

By Rachel F. Seidman, PhD Curator at Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

Can you breathe the air in your home and not get sick? Go to work and not be poisoned? Let your kids play outside and know they’re safe? Many people cannot, and their lives can be cut short by environmental injustice. Women have long been the ones leading the fight to protect people from environmental harm and make sure that all have access to environmental benefits like clean air, water, and green space—this is what we call the environmental justice movement. On May 19, 2023, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum opened a new exhibition, To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C. Come visit the exhibition and celebrate the remarkable women in our community who have worked tirelessly to make sure all of us can lead safe and healthy lives and who protect the planet at the same time. Come learn their stories and be inspired to think about your own local environment and how you might help move the needle toward justice.

The exhibition highlights local stories about women who seek to make sure everyone can be safe and healthy no matter where they live, work, play or pray, and puts them into national and historical context. How do current campaigns to protect communities from pollution-induced asthma echo Black women’s environmental perspective on tuberculosis at the turn of the 20th century? How do current-day fights to provide safe places for recreation harken back to the history of segregated playgrounds? How are young Black women who are carving a space for themselves in farming and aquaculture building on long traditions of economic activism?

When you visit this exhibit, you’ll not only learn about inspiring women activists of today and yesterday, but you’ll be able to share your own ideas, whether through adding your neighborhood’s environmental issues to a map of D.C. or creating a square to add to a quilt about the community’s vision of environmental justice.

This exhibit itself is part of a long history; the Anacostia Community Museum has been documenting environmental injustices since its founding, when, in 1967, the museum developed an exhibition called The Rat: Man’s Affliction. The exhibition was designed to help answer local children’s questions about the pests, and help people understand what it would take to reduce the rodents’ numbers in the area.

Over the last two decades, the museum has refocused attention on the Anacostia River and the people who live near it. From the 2012 exhibition Reclaiming the Edge: urban waterways & civic engagement, to programs such as Women’s Environmental Leadership Summit and Growing Community (ACM’s Community Gardening Program), ACM continues to challenge the narrative that D.C. communities are separate from their environments.

Metrobus Driver Uses Real Life as Inspiration for Play

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

In his career as a former Metrobus driver, Keith McDaniel Sr., 53, witnessed all sorts of colorful characters in living detail. He found the daily interactions playing out before him so intriguing, he started carrying a notebook on his bus routes. On breaks, he would make note of experiences he witnessed and the emotions he felt, whether laughter, reflection or sadness. Unbeknownst to McDaniel, his journey to becoming a playwright had officially begun.

her directorial debut in “He Creeps.”

“A lot of talent originates in D.C. but has to go elsewhere to be recognized on a higher level,” she stressed. “Our goal is to plant a seed that will spread. Though it is challenging to build a team of new actors, the rewards of seeing these actors’ talent, growth and journey into becoming a unit has been one of the highlights of my career.”

Delonta Richardson, 42, indicated that being in a play for the first time is the culmination of a lifelong dream.

5 Long before there was a formal movement to battle environmental racism, Washington DC’s neighborhoods were deeply familiar with environmental injustice. Many of the alley houses in which Black families lived had no access to running water, gas or electricity. This photograph was taken in 1935.  Credit line:  Harris and Ewing, photographer, courtesy Library of Congress

Growing out of these efforts, the museum has recently launched a new Center for Environmental Justice. The Smithsonian’s Center for Environmental Justice at the Anacostia Community Museum seeks to create a future in which environmentalism is a cornerstone of civic engagement through which residents contribute to the development of healthy, equitable communities. The center encourages a humanities-led framework that places traditional scientific research and data in the context of daily life.

These efforts, together with the new exhibition, are all part of the museum’s theme for 2023, “Our Environment, Our Future,” in which the museum is examining the topic of environmental justice in the Washington metropolitan area using the lens of race and gender. We look forward to welcoming you to ACM and hearing your ideas about how we might reach a more environmentally just world.

To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C. is on view May 19, 2023- January 7, 2024. You can learn more about the exhibition and Anacostia Community Museum programs by visiting anacostia.si.edu.

On May 20-21, 2023, “He Creeps,” made its debut at Publick Playhouse in Cheverly, Maryland. A comedy centered around the dynamics of romantic relationships of people of color, the play is the culmination of a seven-year dream for McDaniel of 3rd Eye Open Productions.

Much of the cast and crew, in their first theatrical production, expressed gratitude for 3rd Eye Open Productions highlighting and uplifting local talent.

“[This production] gives people an opportunity to be showcased, who otherwise wouldn’t be seen,” said lead actress Dr. Rita D. Lewis, 46, of the District’s Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME). “This is an inclusive platform that ensures that everyone grows creatively. We are no longer waiting for someone to create a lane for us. We are going to Issa Rae our own destiny.”

Even veteran actors got a chance to flex their artistic muscles for this play. Daytime Emmy nominee Tia Dae, 45, of Nu Dae Entertainment, made

“To have a Black writer, Black director, all Black cast? That’s amazing,” he exclaimed.

Richardson honed his love of the arts by reenacting television, movies and commercials throughout his childhood.

“I became gifted at mimicking anything I heard,” he said. “Acting in this play challenged me because even with that experience, I was not used to reading a script and working with other live actors.”

In the end, the hard work of the cast and crew paid off. When it was time for the artists to take their final bows each night, the audience took to their feet– giving them a standing ovation.

Latoya Felton, 47, drove all the way from Georgia just to see the play.

“I laughed so loud until I thought people were staring at me. I didn’t even want it to end. I loved the characters, they were awesome! They were so believable until I felt like I knew them.”

“He Creeps” returns to the Washington, DC region for its fall production in October. WI

5 Nadia Nazar (left) and fellow activists from the youth-led climate justice organization Zero Hour at the 2018 Climate March.  Credit Line: Photo by Conrado Muluc, courtesy Nadia Nazar for Zero Hour

5 Faheem Saadiq Abdus-Salaam showcasing his comedic talents as “Al.” (Courtesy Photo/ Scott Midgett)

Do You Need Help With Your Energy Bill?

Submitted by Washington Gas

You may know Washington Gas as a 175-year-old utility provider, and we are proud of both our history and our future innovations. But while that describes what we do, our hope is that you will know us just as much for who we are. As friends and neighbors, we care deeply about the hardships facing our communities. Even more importantly, we want to demonstrate our care for you with actions that help our city build resiliency and thrive under any circumstances.

“Washington Gas is dedicated to the communities, families, neighbors and individuals we serve. It’s part of who we are and what the Washington Gas Cares initiative is all about – to lend a helping hand when customers can use it the most,” said Blue Jenkins. “Our team stands ready to support customers facing difficult decisions when paying their bills. We can identify the right energy assistance option and payment plan that fits a customer’s budget and schedule during a time of need. Customers can also contact us directly. Let us help you today.”

The programs and resources below are just a sample of ways you can seek assistance for yourself and those you love. To learn more about any of the options below, visit washingtongascares.com or scan the QR code on this page.

GET HELP WITH YOUR BILL

You may qualify for a grant from the federal Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) program to help pay your energy bill. Many other federal and state assistance programs can also use your LIHEAP application to provide additional aid, so this can be one of the most valuable actions you can take for receiving energy assistance.

The Washington Area Fuel Fund (WAFF) is a partnership between Washington Gas and The Salvation Army that has distributed more than $33 million over the past 40 years to more than 300,000 area families for help with utilities. If you are a qualifying District of Columbia resident, you can receive assistance regardless of your energy provider.

MANAGE YOUR ENERGY COSTS

Whether you own, rent or are planning to buy a first home, your utility budget matters as you plan your budget each month. Completing an online Home Energy Profile provides you with an energy ranking, savings estimate and upgrade recommendations for your home energy usage. It takes about five minutes and requires no sign-up or personal data. You may also qualify for free Energy Conservation Kit.

Energy Saver is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) consumer resource for saving energy and using renewable energy technologies at home. Get tips for everything

from lowering home heating and cooling costs to improving moisture control and ventilation.

Through the DOE’s Weatherization Assistance Program, you may also apply for an “energy retrofit” for everything from new insulation, updated heating and cooling systems and upgraded electrical appliances.

MANAGING YOUR WASHINGTON GAS BILL

You can make payment arrangements by enrolling in the Installment Payment Plan before signing up for Budget Plan. Defer payments for up to 12 months or 24 months if you are receiving energy assistance. No down payment is required, and payment deferral is interest-free. Installment plans distribute your current outstanding balance across several billing periods. Avoid further credit action on your account as long as you make payments according to the agreement. Once your plan is approved, you will be eligible to enroll in Budget Plan.

The Budget Plan spreads the cost of winter heating over the entire year so that you pay the same amount every month. Each month, your bill will show actual gas usage, along with budget installments, so you can review the information. The Budget Plan is designed as a 12-month program, and we encourage you to stay on it year-round to realize the potential benefits. Payment Extension Plans are available for residential customers only and allow for the extension of the payment due date.

Washington Gas is hosting a signup event to assist customers with

applying for energy assistance. Please join us on May 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our walkin office at the National Press Building located at 529 14th Street NW, Washington, DC 20045. Our friendly experts will be on-hand to answer customer questions and to help with applying for energy assistance.

Scan the QR code on this page, or visit us at washingtongascares. com, or reach out to EAP@washgas.com with questions.

“Washington Gas is dedicated to the communities, families, neighbors and individuals we serve. It’s part of who we are and what the Washington Gas Cares initiative is all about – to lend a helping hand when customers can use it the most,” said Blue Jenkins.

This summer, be sure to spend time at your local library. Did you know it is a magical place? Kid Scoop’s Jim the Librarian says, “Be sure to tell your librarian the kinds of books you like to read. Your librarian is your guide to the magic of the library!”

Library Adventures

Follow

Color one of these books each time you read a book this summer!

How many stars can you nd on this page in two minutes?

Books called biographies introduce you to famous people. Read about the lives of some interesting people this summer!

Use the code to reveal the names of some famous people. Read more about them at your library!

Books and stories are set in interesting places, all over the world and even in magical places. Color in part of this rocket’s trail for each real or imaginary place you read about this summer.

Magazine Shelf

Every time you spend 10 minutes or more reading a magazine, color in one of the magazines on this shelf.

Travel Through Time!

Do you want to learn about pirates? Dinosaurs? Pyramids? History books can let you travel through time!

Can you nd the two identical robots?

Talking Pictures

Select a picture of a sports star or famous person in the newspaper. Pretend this person can talk to you. Write words for them to say and put the words in a talking bubble to make the picture look like a comic.

This week’s one big your summer page and you can accomplishments!

Canyou ndatleast10dibetweenerences thesetwo dinosaurs?

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

Reading

Cutest Animal on Earth

What do you think is the cutest animal on earth? Why? Write a paragraph to convince others to share your opinion.

Every time following,

Score

boxes:

boxes:

review wi book

African American biographies by various authors

c.2023, various publishers

$25-32

Various page counts

horoscopes

ARIES Look for any emotional outlet you can find as the week begins. You need to clear the air on Monday, and friends and family (especially women) will gladly oblige. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, you'll have a thirst for adventure. Use a burst of bravado to seek out an appropriate challenge and aim high! You've got the stamina and energy to take on almost anything. Lucky Numbers: 1, 6, 30

TAURUS If you're expecting boredom as the week begins, prepare to be (pleasantly) disappointed. Your routine gets some spark on Monday and Tuesday, and you should follow up on any chance for fun even if it means your work has to wait. On Wednesday and Thursday, your passions will push you into action. Just make sure they don't push you into trouble too. Lucky Numbers: 8, 15, 35

GEMINI Every week should begin this way! You're full of energy and enthusiasm on Monday and Tuesday, and you've got ample charm to inspire others at home, at work, or anywhere. Expect to slow down on Wednesday and Thursday, though. You'll be more intent on analysis than action. Lucky Numbers: 30, 31, 46

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

You are never alone in this world. Reach out, and you can always get help. Look around, and you'll find company. Pick up one of these great books, and you'll read about someone whose life was fascinating, and who you can admire and aspire to be like …

For anyone who likes to watch the ponies, or who thrills to the Triple Crown each year, "Isaac Murphy: The Rise and Fall of a Black Jockey" by Katherine C. Mooney (Yale University Press, $25) is a book filled with action and history. Isaac Murphy was born a slave in 1861 and became a horse jockey, as many Black men did then. Horse racing was one of America's most popular sports in the mid-19th century and Murphy was one of America's most well-known athletes, Black and white — but while his work, the races he won, and the prizes he captured made him famous then, Murphy is often forgotten today. This is an excellent look at a quietly hidden part of Black history, and it can't be missed.

In "Samuel Ringgold Ward: A Life of Struggle" by R.J.M. Blackett (Yale University Press, $25), you''ll read about another person you've likely never heard about. Though he was born early in the 1800s, Ward was not ever enslaved, but he knew the pain of inequality and so he dedicated his life to being an abolitionist. A contemporary of Frederick Douglass, Ward was also a minister, a highly regarded newspaper editor, a speaker, and he firmly believed that alcohol needed to be banned. Why his name fell into obscurity and why you should know about his life and his work makes an excellent read for anyone of any age.

Fans of MTV back in the day, and fans of music over the past 40 years will love reading "Top Billin'" by Bill Bellamy (Amistad, $29.99). In the 1990s, when MTV was still mostly a music channel on cable television, Bellamy was one of its biggest stars. This book remembers those years, and Bellamy's interviews and friendships with people like Biggie and Tupac, Janet Jackson, the late Kurt Cobain, Snoop Dogg, Eddie Murphy and many big names. You'll also read about Bellamy's early life, his family, and his other work in music videos. Oh, and you'll laugh, because Bellamy's a funny guy. If you remember the '90s, you'll want this book. And finally, if ancient lives are your thing, find "The West: A New History in Fourteen Lives" by Naoise Mac Sweeney.(Dutton, $32). Read about Phillis Wheatley, scholar Al-Kindi of Arabia, Herodotus (who was of mixed race), and 12 other influential lives that left their mark on Western civilization. History scholars: head's up on this one. This book is meant for readers like you.

And if these great life stories aren't enough, go find your favorite librarian or bookseller and ask for help. They know books, they have access to millions of biographies, they'll know exactly what you want to read next.

And with a great book by your side, you're never alone. WI

CANCER Watch for troubles on the home front as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday could both bring domestic conflicts, but a little empathy on your part could go a long way. By Wednesday and Thursday, emotions are running high. That can lead to excitement in romance and relationships, but amped-up emotions spell nothing but trouble for any financial or legal issues. Play it safe. Lucky Numbers: 19, 22, 28

LEO Everybody is on your side as the week begins. And how could they not be? You've got all the answers (and you're having all the fun!) on Monday and Tuesday. Enjoy the popularity. On Wednesday and Thursday, you'll quiet down ever so slightly. Now is an excellent time for chin-rubbing introspection and quiet analysis. Lucky Numbers: 14, 36, 39

VIRGO Show some prudence on financial matters as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday are both bad days for impulse purchases, but they're great days for other kinds of exuberance, like spontaneous opinions and wide-eyed ideas. On Wednesday and Thursday, indulge your intellect by striking up conversations and following your curiosity. Lucky Numbers: 5, 20, 31

LIBRA Who can resist your flirtatious smile and easygoing outlook? Nobody, at least not as the week begins. You'll be charming socks off by the score on Monday and Tuesday. On Wednesday and Thursday, you might still be generous with your attention, but you'll be stingy with your cash. Put that fiscal fussiness to use by plotting out a smart financial plan. Lucky Numbers: 20, 36, 40

SCORPIO The week could start on a difficult note. Your heart and your head can't seem to agree on Monday and Tuesday, and this might be a better time to think than act (especially if you can count on some back-andforth banter with friends). Your outlook on Wednesday and Thursday should clear up dramatically, finding you exceptionally charismatic and confident. You'll know what you want and you'll know how to get it. Lucky Numbers: 44, 48, 55

SAGITTARIUS Who loves you, baby? Everybody, apparently, or at least it'll seem that way as this week begins. Friends and admirers will rally to your banner on Monday and Tuesday, and it's a good time to make your wishes known. You can expect an attentive audience. On Wednesday and Thursday, that outgoing mood could shift to shyness. Maybe it's time for some peace and quiet to recharge? Lucky Numbers: 9, 12, 50

CAPRICORN Your ambitiousness will pay off as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday are both great days to start projects and make things happen. Everyone might not be on the same overachieving wavelength right now, but they'll at least have the good sense to get out of your way. Wednesday and Thursday should give you time and perspective to step back and reassess where you are, and you can count on friends to help you take account. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 21

AQUARIUS Expect to make close connections as the week begins. Monday and Tuesday are both perfect days for getting your point across and winning over friends (and maybe even making new ones). Wednesday and Thursday see you slowing back down and turning inward as thoughts shift to the big picture. Are you making enough progress in your chosen work? Lucky Numbers: 4, 16, 37

PISCES Watch out for conflict as the week begins. Others might not be on your side on Monday and Tuesday and even former partners could have ambitions at odds with your plans. Don't be afraid to toss out the old in favor of the new, and on Wednesday and Thursday be extra careful of anyone trying to take advantage. Stand up for yourself and don't back down! Lucky Numbers: 1, 25, 52

Legendary NFL, Movie Star and Activist Jim Brown Dies at 87

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Jim Brown, the superstar Cleveland Browns running back who quit football at the very height of his hall-of-fame career, has died at 87.

Perhaps the greatest running back ever, Brown quit football to pursue an acting career at 30.

From 1957 to 1965, the perennial all-pro helped lead a Cleveland Browns ground game that won an NFL championship in 1964.

Voted pro football’s greatest player of the 20th century, Brown earned induction into the Hall of Fame in 1971. But football wasn’t the only sport in which he excelled.

He played basketball, track, and lacrosse at high levels.

He was inducted into the Lacrosse Hall of Fame in 1984.

But football is where he chiefly left his mark.

Notably, in 1965, Cleveland Brown’s owner Art Modell issued an ultimatum to the superstar, telling him that if he continued filming the hit movie, “The Dirty Dozen,” which was delayed because of technical problems, Brown would face fines for reporting late to training camp.

Ever independent, Brown defied Modell and called a press conference to announce his retirement from football.

Brown also didn’t hesitate to speak out on issues affecting African Americans and openly supported the civil rights movement.

He started and helmed the Negro Industrial and Econom-

ic Union to create jobs for Black people in Ohio.

The organization also helped secure loans for Black businesses.

Brown also formed a coalition to denounce the federal government’s role in stripping boxing legend Muhammad Ali of his title because Ali refused to fight in the Vietnam War.

Brown’s popularity grew, and he cemented himself into film lore, becoming the first Black man to have onscreen sexual relations with a white woman, Raquel Welch, in the film “100 Rifles.”

Brown was born on St. Simons Island, off the southern coast of Georgia, where he had a difficult childhood, according to Biography.com.

Brown was only two weeks old when his father abandoned the family; Brown’s mother left him alone after she took a job in New York as a maid.

While living with his grandmother, Brown’s mother sent for him when he was 8.

During his senior year at New York’s Manhasset High School, Brown played running back and recorded a mind-boggling 14.9 yards per carry, more than good enough to earn him a spot at Syracuse University.

In college, Brown dominated

the competition on the football field and the basketball court.

He also ran track and was a talented lacrosse player, according to biography.com.

Brown earned national attention as a running back for his strong, explosive play. In the final regular-season game of his senior year, Brown capped off his college career by rushing for 197 yards, scoring six touchdowns, and kicking seven extra points.

In 1957, the Cleveland Browns selected Brown as the sixth overall pick in the National Football League draft.

“Brown wasted little time adjusting to the new competition, leading the league in rushing yards with 942 on his way to capturing the league’s Rookie of the Year honors,” his biographers wrote.

“Over the next seven seasons, Brown became the standard-bearer for all NFL running backs,” Brown’s biographers continued.

At a time when defenses were geared toward stopping the ground game, Brown bulldozed his way past the opposition, posting remarkable season totals: 1,527 yards (1958), 1,329 (1959), 1,257 (1960), 1,408 (1961), 1,863 (1963), 1,446 (1964), and 1,544 (1965).

His only “down” year came in 1962, when Brown rushed for 996 yards. It was the one season in his brilliant but brief football career

where he failed to lead the league in yards.

In 1964, Brown steered Cleveland to the NFL championship, where the club routed Baltimore 27-0 to win the title.

In the game, Brown ran for 114 yards.

“But Brown saw a life for himself outside of football, and before the start of the 1966 season, he stunned the sports world by announcing his retirement,” the biographers wrote, noting that Brown earned induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Brown appeared in over 30 films, including The Dirty Dozen (1967) and 100 Rifles (1969). His later credits include parts in Mars Attacks! (1996) and Any Given Sunday (1999), in which he played a football coach.

WI

3 Jim Brown poses during a training camp in 1958. (Courtesy photo)

5 NFL, film legend and activist Jim Brown has died at 87 years old. (Courtesy Photo)

Perhaps the greatest running back ever, Brown quit football to pursue an acting career at 30.

CAPTURE

the moment

5 Children enjoying the new play equipment at St. Phillips Child Development Center in Southeast. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

3 Children from the Anacostia community enjoy the newly built playground at St. Phillips Child Development Center. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer)

6 Firefighters from Anacostia Station 15 stop by to check out the new playground at St. Phillips Child Development Center in Southeast. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 St.Phillips teachers Arlene Robin and Delores Thomas during the celebration of the new playground. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 (L-R) Kermerish Prince, Sheila Skinner, Ambria Gordon, Precious Cunningham, Talia Newman, Denise Buchanan, and Angela Hodge gather for a photo during the ribbon cutting of the playground unveiling at Anacostia's St. Phillips Child Development Center. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

5 Tierra Frazier helping a few toddlers go down the slide as they enjoy the new playground. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

RELIGION

Community Leaders Organize to Stem Violence

By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer

In the wake of an endless tide of fatal shootings across the Washington area, a veteran prison chaplain has organized a meeting in an effort to find long term solutions.

Last month eight people were shot, all with non-life-threatening injuries, in two shooting locations in Southeast, D.C.

Seven adult male victims with gunshot wounds were injured in the primary shooting location at the 500 block of Lebaum Street. S.E.; in another scene, a 12-year-old girl was found suffering a gunshot wound to her lower extremities.

The Rev. Dr. Elwood Gray, Jr., former corrections facilities chaplain said despite the fact the shootings were not in his neighborhood, he had to get involved.

“There will be an incident, followed by a press conference, but there needs to be more follow up,” Gray said. “That’s why we and other community leaders need to come together to address the pending problem.”

The first four-and-a-half months of 2023 have included 22 mass killings across the U.S., more at this point in the year than in any other recent year, according to a database maintained by the Associated Press, Northeastern Univer-

sity and USA Today.

According to the Metropolitan Police Department, as of May 19, there have been 85 homicides in the District of Columbia compared to 77 homicides at this time last year.

In terms of robberies, MPD said there is a 20% increase with more than 1,023 this year, compared to 851 at this time last year. There have been 1,693 violent crimes this year, compared to 1,488 last year at this time. While law enforcement officials have talked about solutions, Gray said he plans to solicit veteran groups as well as church and civic leaders in Montgomery County. Similar efforts are taking place in the District and Prince George’s County.

“We need to forge a unified effort of logistic strategies to address psychological and physiological effects of these unjustifiable shootings in our schools and neighborhoods,” said Gray.

The spiritual leader, who has worked in prisons, explained families and organizations from various segments of society must be involved.

“Everyone must be a factor in bringing forth a solution,” said Gray, adding that on June 1, leaders from various organizations will gather at People's Community Baptist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland for an organizational meeting.

The Rev. George Gilbert, pastor of Holy Trinity United Baptist

Church in Northeast, D.C. said he supports any effort to build relationships.

“Despite what is going on, our faith gives us hope for a brighter day,” Gilbert said. “The violence and crime is directly related to desert economics and spiritual despair.”

“Our city took away vocational options in the midst of a failing school system, and many churches are focused on preaching great sermons instead of making great people. We can't help but to wonder how we got to this time,” Gilbert added.

While pastors of all genders have waged war against gun violence for years, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser is using the faith leaders on her team to work with women pastors to light a particular fire under an old issue.

Linda Harllee Harper, executive director of the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement said the District’s initiatives to stop gun violence and improve outcomes for all residents are already bearing fruit

“We just graduated 25 young people from a nine-week program who have turned their lives around,” Harper told the Informer. WI

5 The Rev. Dr. Elwood Gray Jr. is one of the many faith leaders working to curtail the local uptick in gun violence. (Courtesy Photo)

“There will be an incident, followed by a press conference, but there needs to be more follow up,” Gray said.

“That’s why we and other community leaders need to come together to address the pending problem.”

This week, there are two principles that you must adhere to in order to make your dreams a reality. One is "decision" and the other is "persistence."

Successful people don't quit. They don't ponder decisions, they move without the fear of failure.

A decisive person is someone very powerful. They just go, they are not starting and stopping, they definitely do not procrastinate. If you are the person who wants your dream to become a reality, stop wishing and hoping for the right resources — you must be resourceful and make decisions quickly.

Never give up, and be persistent. You will have failures. You will have obstacles. There will be times you will question why you are doing what you are doing, times where you will be judged, but you can't give up. Show up every single day and take action. The little steps, the small actions, add up to results. Rome indeed was not built in a day.

These are principles to success by Napoleon Hill. This week, we are discussing the two aforementioned principles, which changed my life and will change yours too!

This series is designed to help you understand the findings of Hill during 20-plus years of research which shows the secrets to success. He discovered these secrets by watching and interacting with Henry Ford, John D. Rockefeller; John Wanamaker, founder of the first department store (Hecht's and Macy's), and others. Hill reminds us Thomas Edison failed 10,000 times before he made the electric light. His success formula describes steps that can be considered an insurance policy today, against failure for everyone who follows them.

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Make a Decision and Stick With It

"We THINK our way to success, as we apply the rules Hill uncovered." These principles to success are intertwined with Scripture. This column provides a glimpse of the principles discovered by Hill. This week, we take Hill's principle of "decision" to see how you're doing in this area, and add his principle of "persistence" to it.

Before embarking upon the journey caused by a decision you've made, ask yourself: Does this decision bring glory to God? Would it dishonor God? Allow the Lord to direct your path.

The Scripture, in the Book of James, also tells us a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. Do you decide one thing today and something different tomorrow?

Hill's research disclosed the fact that successful people had the habit of reaching decisions promptly and changing these decisions slowly, if and when they were changed at all.

"People who fail to accumulate success or money, without exception, have the habit of reaching decisions, if at all, very slowly and of changing these decisions quickly and often," says Hill. Don't let this be you!

The decision to start a small business was one of the best decisions I have made. Though I didn't become a millionaire, my sisters and I certainly did achieve success in many ways, for example, I had political appointments, large contract awards, meeting and working with many

Shiloh Church

Day

celebrities, etc., look at the power of making a decision from my very own example!

In fact, serving as project director for a national monument where more than 100,000 people visited annually from around the world wouldn't have happened if I had not started my small business; I wouldn't be a member of All Nations Baptist Church. And finally, I wouldn't be here writing this column today, because Denise Rolark Barnes would not have met me. Had I not made the decision to start a business and to do everything I possibly could, with my hand in God's hand, none of this would have happened, I would still be living in Los Angeles or somewhere in California, maybe up north near San Francisco in the Bay Area, but I would not be the woman that I am today!

There is enormous power unleashed by a simple decision. You wouldn't go to a restaurant and after looking at the menu say, "I don't want that, I don't want that, and I really don't want that, and that makes me sick to think about it," would you? Isn't it a lot faster to make a decision about what it is you do want? Often, we move through life more focused on those things we do not want. Make a decision about what you do want and begin to take action. Study more on this principle and the power of making a decision. Then once you start, never stop until the job is done. WI

RELIGION

The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church

Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor

9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743

Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM

Communion: 1st Sunday

Sunday School: 9:00 AM

Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon

Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM

Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com

Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com

Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word of Life Church

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

School: 10:00 AM

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

11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Street

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

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

Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax

Services and Times

Sunday School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM

“Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org

Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002

(202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM

Sunday Youth Worship Services:

1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE

5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church

Prayer Services

Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round

Contact Church Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org emailus@gmchc.org

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,

Third

Church of God

Lanier C. Twyman,

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

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

Zion Baptist Church

Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

4850 Blagdon Ave, NW Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773

Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School

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

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

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: Wednesday

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

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”

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org

Website:www.mthoreb.org

For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Rev.

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim

Elder Herman L. Simms

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy DC

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson

ROLARK WAY from Page 1

have been Calvin Rolark's 96th birthday, and was attended by several local leaders and activists.

The ceremonial street renaming, officially known as Wilhelmina & Calvin Rolark Way, pays tribute to the visionary leadership, courageous stances, generosity, and years of service of the Rolarks.

The event was held on the street where the Rolarks lived and served for decades, Foxhall Place S.E., which will retain its original name for official purposes. The Rolarks resided on Foxhall Place from 1965 until Wilhelmina's passing in 2006.

Lafayette Barnes, son-in-law of Calvin Rolark, served as the master of ceremonies for the event. Barnes highlighted the significance of the Rolarks' contributions to the community, noting their involvement in the development of Oxon Run Park, the Martin Luther King Jr. Parade, and the naming of Malcolm X Avenue, S.E. Their home also served as a gathering place for social and political discussions, attracting notable figures like Walter Fauntroy, Marion Barry, Police Chief Isaac Fulwood, and H.R. Crawford.

During the ceremony, the Rev. Anthony Motley shared his childhood memories of Foxhall Place and emphasized the importance of community. D.C. Councilmember Trayon White Sr. (D-Ward 8) highlighted the Rolarks' legacy and their positive influence on the ward. White also stressed the need for educating the younger generation about key figures in Black history.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) recognized Wilhelmina Rolark's significant contributions as a council member, particularly her work on the judiciary committee. He mentioned her efforts in establishing the fire and police cadet program and advocating for the elimination of money bonds. Mendelson expressed his desire for the street renaming to become an official name, although a sign has already been erected.

Former Council members Jack Evans, Betty Ann Kane, and William Lightfoot shared their personal experiences and memories of the Rolarks, highlighting their wisdom, strength, and commitment to racial equality. Concha Johnson, a senior citizens advocate, expressed her gratitude for the Rolarks' support and their dedication to the community.

The unveiling of the Wilhelmina and Calvin Rolark Way sign was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers from the crowd, which included family members and community members. Denise Rolark Barnes, publisher of the Washington Informer and daughter of the Rolarks, expressed her appreciation for the dedication and acknowledged the efforts of Chairman Mendelson and Councilmember White in making the occasion possible.

The honorary street renaming serves as a lasting tribute to the enduring legacy of Wilhelmina and Calvin Rolark, who played a significant role in shaping and uplifting their community. WI

science of solid defense and offense they will once again execute on the court within a few weeks.

COACH from Page 1 went on to attend California State University Northridge in 2015. Hershell Grant, a 2012 Roosevelt graduate, played at Clarendon College in Clarendon, Texas and later Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas.

On June 22-23, the Roosevelt Rough Riders will compete in the DC Live Basketball Showcase at Sidwell Friends School in Northwest against student athletes from a bevy of District public, public charter, and private schools. This tournament precedes three summer league events in which the team is also scheduled to make an appearance.

While each event provides an opportunity to solidify Roosevelt’s reputation as an athletic powerhouse, longtime basketball coach Rob Nickens said he has his sights on longer-term goals for the young men under his leadership.

“[I tell students] you’re going to get knocked down,” said Nickens, who’s in his 18th year as a basketball coach at Roosevelt. “You’re going to lose sometimes in basketball, but you want to strive to be your best,” Nickens added. “The game of life and basketball is the same. You have to recover when you fall. I got students who made the gym their home [because] it’s a safe haven.”

On December 19, Nickens won the 400th game of his 27-year coaching career when Roosevelt defeated Dunbar High School. By the time the season ended, he had accumulated up to 419 wins.

Nickens, a native Washingtonian who credits D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR), and particularly Coach Craig Hughes, as a positive influence in his life, started his coaching career at the now-defunct M.M. Washington Vocational High School. In 2008, while in his third year coaching at Roosevelt, the Rough Riders defeated the Dunbar Crimson Tide and Ballou Knights to clinch the D.C. State Athletic Association championship (DCSAA).

In the years following, Roosevelt won four more city titles and another championship with Nickens at the helm. In 2020, Nickens was designated All-Met Coach of the Year. This happened as he continued to foster ties with youth in the Ward 4 community as a DPR Roving Leader.

Along the way, Nickens guided male athlete after male athlete along a path to academic and career advancement. Those who came up under Nickens include Johnnie Shuler, who went on to play at LaSalle University between 2014 and 2018. Michael Warren, another Rough Rider,

Troy Stancil, another Roosevelt alumnus, played basketball at Jackson State University before becoming an assistant basketball coach at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, Delaware.

Nickens said a key element of his program involves showing his basketball players the bigger picture and reminding them about the life lessons they can glean from navigating the court. “This is about getting kids to the next level in college and career to take care of themselves. We want an opportunity not to make them a statistic,” Nickens said. “We’re dealing with shooting after shooting, so basketball is a small piece of the puzzle.”

AMID THE CHAOS, ONE PLAYER LOOKS TO COACH ROB

On May 17, Jefferson Perez, a 17-year-old student at Roosevelt, was shot and killed in the school parking lot, the Metropolitan Police Department officials said.

In the District, Jefferson’s death followed that of Arianna Davis, another young person who died days after she caught a bullet in a hail of gunfire on Mother’s Day. On Saturday, community members memorialized Arianna during a candlelight vigil at RFK stadium.

In the days following Jefferson’s death, D.C. Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) and DC Public School’s Crisis Response Team coordinated mental health support and counseling for students and teachers at Roosevelt. The D.C. Council recently issued one of two votes on a fiscal year 2024 budget that allocates funds for a leadership academy at nearby MacFarland Middle School conducted by the Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement.

For years, Nickens has engaged the young men on his team during the most difficult periods of their adolescence. That mindset carried over into the pandemic when he called several colleges and preparatory programs on behalf of five of senior student-athletes. He, along with coaches at Thurgood Marshall Academy Public Charter School, also gelled together youth teams that competed

against college and adult male players in scrimmages that were recorded and sent to scouts.

This happened at a time when DCSAA and District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Association kept school athletic facilities closed. It also preceded D’Avoni “Duke” Jones’ transfer from Coolidge High School to Roosevelt during the virtual learning period.

Upon entering Coolidge in the fall of 2019, D’Avoni joined the boys junior varsity basketball team, soon after becoming a varsity player. While he wanted to carve out a legacy separate from his brother, former Rough Rider D’Angelo Johnson, D’Avoni said memories of how Nickens interacted with him and his brother eventually compelled him to go to Roosevelt.

D’Avoni credits Nickens with helping him overcome pandemic-related depression that led to weight gain and almost derailed his college basketball aspirations. This fall, he’s attending Till College In Pennsylvania, thanks, in part, to a visit that Nickens coordinated and scrimmages he participated in with District natives who attend the college.

“Coach Rob wants us to keep believing in ourselves,” D’Avoni said. “He always tells us to help him help us get us to a better life. He’s telling us that we need to stay in the gym. He’s showing us that he’s there for us, asking us about our grades. Coach Rob stresses that brotherhood is key. When a teammate gets good grades, we cheer for each other. ”

A BASKETBALL MOM SPEAKS

During Black History Month, Enon Baptist Church in Temple Hills, Maryland named Nickens a “Present-Day Black History Maker.” While accepting the honor, Nickens kept his remarks short, only acknowledging the work of his student-athletes and asking them to speak.

Lateesha Pete-McGinnis, a member of Enon Baptist Church and mother of Roosevet Rough Rider Brazil Hutchinson, counted among those in the congregation. Looking back on that moment, she told the Informer that Nickens’ insistence on his players’ holistic growth always instilled confidence in her about his intentions with her son.

WI

Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

5 The street sign revealing the newly minted “Wilhelmina & Calvin Rolark Way.” (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000540

Virginia B. Zanner

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

Heather Moors Johnson, whose address is 29 Lang Road West, Stuyvesant, NY 12173, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Virginia B. Zanner who died on February 28, 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 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Heather Moors Johnson

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 000374

Jesse Thomas Skidmore 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

Natalie Jean Arena Skidmore, whose address is 323 Virginia Ave. SE, Washington, DC 20003, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jesse Thomas Skidmore who died on January 9, 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 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Natalie Jean Arena Skidmore 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 000500

Gerald E. Jacks, Jr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Myra B. Waul, whose address is 163 Mason Rd., Prince Frederick, MD 20678, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gerald E. Jacks, Jr. who died on June 20, 2021 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Myra B. Waul

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 000425

Benjamin J. Jackson Decedent

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

Nichelle D. Lighty, whose address is 607 Mace Drive, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Benjamin J. Jackson who died on August 6, 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 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Nichelle D. Lighty 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 524

Lois Ann Jameson

Decedent

Theodora H. Brown, Esq. Law Office of Theodora H. Brown 3127 Cherry Road, NE Washington, DC 20018

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

Robert Jameson, whose address is 21927 143rd Road, Springfield Gardens, New York 11413, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lois Ann Jameson who died on January 2, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Robert Jameson 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 001194

Estate of Haile Tesfamariam

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Tekie Sium for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

In the absence of a will or proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution, enter an order determining that the decedent died intestate appoint an unsupervised personal representative

Date of first publication: 5/11/2023

Karen J. Malachi 1101 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Suite #300

Washington, DC 20004

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 398

Myrthel E. Hargrove Decedent

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

Michael R. Hargrove, whose address is 10705 Bayview Court Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Myrthel E. Hargrove who died on November 26, 2018 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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:

5/11/2023

Michael R. Hargrove 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 476

William N. Cooper Decedent

Aaron E. Price Law Offices of Aaron E. Price 717 D Street, NW #300 Washington, DC 20004 Attorney

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

Bobbie J. Cooper, whose address is 5051 Kimi Gray Court, SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William N. Cooper who died on 1/21/2023 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 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Bobbie J. Cooper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2022 ADM 1181

Mary Elizabeth Martin Decedent

Colline Silvera Robinson Kirlew Associates 7731 Belle Point Dr., Greenbelt, MD 20770 Attorney

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

Jack Bernard Martin, whose address is 2822 27th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Elizabeth Martin who died on 12/28/1985 without a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/11/2023. 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 11/11/2023, 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: 5/11/2023

Jack Bernard Martin 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 000548

Garrett E. Coble

Decedent

Donald Marlais, Esq. 411 10th Street, NE

Washington, DC 20002

Attorney

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

Danielle A.C. Singh, whose address is 1029 Cook Drive SE, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Garrett E. Coble who died on March 4, 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 (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Danielle A.C. Singh Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000549

Yvonne P. Colston

Decedent

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

Ladd G. Colston, whose address is 1004 North Schumaker Dr., Salisbury MD 21804, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Yvonne P. Colston who died on 2/6/2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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:

5/18/2023

Ladd G. Colston

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 000465

Raymond F. Fennell aka Raymond Fountaine Fennell Decedent

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

Jeffrey Tyrone Fennell and Roderick Ashley Fennell, whose addresses are 4207 Monroe St., Colmar Manor, MD 20722 and 4207 Monroe St., Colmar Manor, MD 20722, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Raymond F. Fennell aka Raymond Fountaine Fennell who died on 5/14/2020 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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:

5/18/2023

Jeffrey Tyrone Fennell

Roderick Ashley Fennell

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 001081

Mary Alice Tucker

Decedent

Caren M. Webb, Esq. 1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 250 Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Ann E. Tucker and Michael Tucker, whose addresses are 2038 Fort Davis St., SE, WDC 20020 & 304 Nalley Road, Landover, MD 20785, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Mary Alice Tucker who died on 6/12/2014 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Ann E. Tucker Michael Tucker 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 000032

Gregory Daniel Decedent

Iris McCollum Green, Esquire 1714 15th Street, NW Suite B Washington, DC 20009

Attorney

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

Janet Mitchell, whose address is 8447 South Bennett Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Daniel who died on April 14, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Janet Mitchell Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000529

Andrew P. Corley Jr. aka Andrew Pickens Corley, Jr. Decedent

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

Attorney

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

Richard Steven Corley, whose address is 3839 26th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Andrew P. Corley Jr. aka Andrew Pickens Corley, Jr. who died on 3/7/2023 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 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Richard Steven Corley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000538

William E. Sledge aka William Edward Sledge

Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Odell M. Allen, whose address is 12908 Fox Bow Drive, #201, Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William E. Sledge aka William Edward Sledge who died on February 18, 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 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Odell M. Allen 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 000553

Janice F. Jackson

Decedent

Andre O. McDonald, Esq. 10500 Little Patuxent Parkway Suite 420 Columbia, Maryland 21044

Attorney

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

Tanya J. Latson, whose address is 29770 Eldorado Farm Drive, Mechanicsville, Maryland 20659, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice F. Jackson who died on 2/7/2023 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 11/18/2023. 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 11/18/2023, 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: 5/18/2023

Tanya J. Latson 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 562

Emmett S. Young, Sr. Decedent

Peggy A. Miller, Esq. 5130 7th St., NE Washington, DC 20011-2625

Attorney

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

Pamela D. Barksdale, whose address is 206 Dauntley St., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emmett S. Young, Sr., who died on February 8, 2022 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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:

5/25/2023

Pamela D. Barksdale

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 45

March 23, 2021

Date of Death

Lolisa Sherrina Hardy Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN-

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Victoria Bracey fka Victoria Tyler whose address is 10598

Sourwood Avenue Waldorf, Maryland 20603 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lolisa Sherrina Hardy, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Lake County, State of Florida, on February 7, 2022.

Service of process may be made upon Norman Harvey 6011 3rd Street, NE Washington, DC 20011 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. 114 56th Street, SE Washington, DC 20019. 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: 5/25/2023

Victoria Bracey

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

2023 NRT 19

Terry M. Crosby (aka Terry Mereece Crosby)

Name of Deceased Settlor

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

Terry M. Crosby whose address was 1841 41st Place SE Washington DC 20020 created a revocable trust on 1/29/2003 which remained in existence on the date of his/her death on 12/17/2022, and Alma Crosby, whose address is 4949 Marbrisa Drive, Apt. #301, Tampa, FL 33624, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to E. Regine F. Williams, Esq. at 9701 Apollo Drive Suite 301 Largo MD 20774

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 11/25/2023 (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) 12/17/2023, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) 11/25/2023, (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: 5/25/2023

Toni C. Crosby

Agent for Alma Crosby

Signature of Trustee

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 000507

Cynthia Celeste Guinn

Decedent

Deborah D. Boddie, Esq.

Probate Law DC

1308 Ninth Street, NW Suite 300

Washington, DC 20001

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Channa Guinn-Wilson, whose address is 915 Lawrence Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Cynthia Celeste Guinn who died on December 22, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Channa Guinn-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

2023 ADM 000613

Barbara L. Belton

Decedent

Laurie Pyne O’Reilly, Esq. 4301 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 434 Washington, DC 20008

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Carlton Jeffery Belton, whose address is 1823 Knoll Drive, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara L. Belton who died on 10/5/2020 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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:

5/25/2023

Carlton Jeffery Belton

Personal Representative

TRUE

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 619

Estate of James Edward Jacobson aka James Jacobson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Sandy Irish-Oien for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth.

Appoint a Personal Representative in a large estate

Date of first publication: 5/25/2023

Sandy Irish-Oien 12281 41st St., NE Saint Michael, MN 55376

Petitioner/Attorney:

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 589

James H. Grigsby, 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

Crystal D. Dixon, whose address is 4906 Gallatin St., Hyattsville, MD 20781, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James H. Grigsby, III who died on March 11, 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 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Crystal D. Dixon Personal Representative

Nicole

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000612

Dennis Jacobsen

Decedent

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

Teresa McCauley, whose address is 56 Johnson Rd., Pasadena MD 21122, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dennis Jacobsen who died on April 28, 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 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Teresa McCauley Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

5 Longtime lobbyist Darrell Carrington, the head of Carrington and Associates, hosted a Bowie policy summit

28), chair of the Economic Matters Committee and sponsor of the cannabis legalization legislation, spoke about business regulation.

“Part of my job last session was to draft a cannabis licensing structure. In my opinion, no one had done it correctly. Less than 2% of cannabis owners are minorities. It was a challenging aspect to fix because the Supreme Court demands a race neutral standard,” he said. WI

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000580

Anita Denise Powell Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Sebrina Bradford, whose address is 810 Wheeler Hill Drive, SE, Washington DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anita Denise Powell who died on January 2, 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 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Sebrina Bradford 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 575

Paulette Lyon Decedent

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

Kevin Andre Lyon, whose address is 7408 Mulberry Grove Drive, Elkridge, MD 21075, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paulette Lyon who died on 5/11/2022 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 11/25/2023. 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 11/25/2023, 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: 5/25/2023

Kevin Andre Lyon Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA

IN THE FAMILY COURT OF THE NINTH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY OF CHARLESTON

DOCKET NO.: 2023-DR-10-0785

Notice of Adoption ProceedingS

TO THE DEFENDANT: John Doe, Birth Father YOU ARE HEREBY GIVEN THE FOLLOWING NOTICE:

1. That an adoption proceeding was filed in the Family Court of Charleston County on March 15, 2023, and in this Complaint, you are alleged to be the father of an African-American male child born in Alexandria, Virginia on March 6, 2023. 2. That the Plaintiffs in the above captioned Notice are not named for the purpose of confidentiality; however, the Court knows the true identity of the Plaintiffs and in responding to this notice, you are required to use the caption and the number 2023-DR-10-0785.

3. That if Notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond is filed by you with the Court within thirty (30) days of the receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings, you will be given an opportunity to appear and be heard on the merits of the adoption. To file notice to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond in this action, you must notify the above named Court at Charleston County Courthouse, Clerk of Court Charleston County Family Court, 100 Broad Street, Charleston, South Carolina 29401 in writing of your intention to Contest, Intervene or otherwise Respond. The above-named Court must be informed of your current address and any changes of your address during the adoption proceedings.4.

That your failure to respond within thirty (30) days of receipt of this Notice of Adoption Proceedings constitutes your consent to the adoption and forfeiture of all of your rights and obligations to the above identified child. It is further alleged that your consent to this adoption is not required under S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-310 and that your parental rights should be terminated pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-7-2570 (7).This notice is given pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. Section 63-9-730 (E).

Raymond W. Godwin, Esq. (SC Bar #2162)

PO Box 354 Greenville, SC 29602 PH (864) 241-2883

FAX: (864) 255-4342

ATTORNEYS FOR PLAINTIFFS

Date: May 3, 2023

Analytics, a foremost provider of financial intelligence that assists businesses to reach informed decisions, recently published a related report.

"The timing could not be worse for the economy; even without the specter of a debt limit breach many CEOs and economists believe a recession is dead ahead," states the report. "With the Federal Reserve ramping up interest rates to quell wage and price pressures, avoiding a recession would be difficult even if nothing else went wrong… Assuming a June 8 debt limit breach that dragged on through July, the Treasury would have no choice but to eliminate a cumulative cash deficit of approximately $150 billion by slashing government spending. As these cuts work through the economy, the hit to growth would be overwhelming."

The Bipartisan Policy Center, a D.C.-based think tank that promotes viable public policy solutions, released its own independent analysis stating in part. "Ongoing risks include increasing costs to taxpayers, delayed payments

EDELMAN from Page 28 memory as it is an act of imagination and courage."

"There is reason for hope because moments of crisis are often moments of great possibility. These are the moments when we need to remind ourselves that we did it before and we can do it again. … That was one of the reasons why the mass meeting was a staple of our movement. Before every street march or public demonstration, we assembled in a church or auditorium, usually a church, to inspire and persuade each other not simply to face the hostile bystanders, the police dogs, and those behind them with clubs and cattle prods. We had to keep those who stood with us focused on the potential of the hu-

JEALOUS from Page 28

infrastructure to distribute it.

We also could call it "participation reform." President Biden is pushing for greater consultation with communities that will be closest to new projects and transparency about their locations. Opponents want to extend exclusions that would allow plans to bypass any meaningful public voice, particularly for the Mountain Valley Pipeline project. They even want to limit the ability of communities to challenge projects in court.

to individuals and businesses, and potentially catastrophic financial and economic impacts if congressional inaction to raise the debt limit causes the U.S. government to default on its debt (unprecedented in modern history)."

The list of federal benefits at risk in a debt default is as lengthy as it is painful. A sample of the benefits at risk include:

- Up to 21 million Americans could lose their Medicaid, up to 1 million older adults could lose access to food stamps known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. And up to 1 million poor children could lose welfare through TANF, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, according to lawmakers who wrote a May 11 letter to Biden.

- Section 8 housing vouchers that enable 2.1 million people to pay a national rental average of $347 to live in standard and affordable housing would also be at risk, according to the National Low-Income Housing Coalition .

- On June 1, $12 billion is supposed to go to military and civilian retirement payments and $12 billion towards vet-

man spirit as well. It was that same potential that enabled us to keep hope alive in what appeared to others to be almost hopeless situations.

As [Dr. King] put in one of our mass meetings, 'Basic to our philosophy is a deep faith in the future. Ours is a movement based on hope because when hope fades the movement dies.'"

Ambassador Joseph also loved to quote Czech leader and writer Vaclav Havel: "I am not an optimist because I do not believe that everything ends well. Nor am I a pessimist because I do not believe that everything ends badly. But I could not accomplish anything if I did not have hope within me, for the gift of hope is as big as the gift of life itself." It was fitting that South Africa awarded Ambas-

Those who are most strident about permitting reform argue that the safeguards we have in place or seek to add come at too high an economic price. Faster approvals will lead to lower energy prices sooner, they claim. But the falling prices of renewable energy show otherwise.

The costs that are too high are not to determine environmental impacts and not to let those most affected have their say. We know that it's the poor, people or color, and native peoples who live in those communities that pay the most for these projects. The Biden administration has

erans' benefits. On June 15, another $4 billion is needed to pay military salaries, according to the Bipartisan Policy Center.

- At the end of 2022, the Social Security Administration had about 66 million beneficiaries that together received benefits totaling $1.232 trillion. Nearly the same number — 65,103,807 people were enrolled in Medicare, an increase of 160,823 since the last report by the Center for Medicare Advocacy.

"[A]cross the nation, rents have skyrocketed, eviction filings have increased, homelessness is on the rise, and millions of America's lowest-income renters are just one financial shock away from falling behind on rent and losing their homes," said Diane Yentl, president and CEO of the Coalition. "It is unacceptable to cut critically needed assistance to these households."

It should also be unacceptable for lawmakers elected to serve all of America's people to lack the will to protect the nation.

sador Joseph the Order of Good Hope, its highest honor bestowed on a citizen of another country, because he sustained the gift of good hope his entire life.

During a 2020 interview, Ambassador Joseph had the chance to look back over his lifetime of experiences and connect them to the growing movements for racial justice following George Floyd's murder, and was asked what he would say to the next generation of social activists. He answered: "This is your moment. A lot of attention is given to our movement in the '60s, but those were different times. We accomplished a lot, and we left a lot undone. This is your opportunity to complete the American Revolution." This is a reason for hope. WI

moved to acknowledge indirect and cumulative impacts on climate and environment as well as direct ones. Under President Trump, the federal government limited the analysis to only the most blatant damage. The argument comes down to expediency versus existence. We've been careening toward a warmer planet with less biodiversity since the beginnings of the Industrial Revolution. We've subsidized destructive industries by rendering people and places disposable by failing to consider them. That's what we can no longer permit. WI

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cesses. I should remind you that MTG represents an area where "Sundown Cities" were, and may still be, the rule rather than the exception. For a clear understanding, we only have to remember Trump's "good people on both sides" and Greene's "Jewish space lasers." Both are masters of farright conspiracy theories and inflammatory, venomous rhetoric.

The most frightening of Trump's comparators is the new guy, Vivek Ramaswamy, billionaire businessman and long-shot candidate

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crime for their own benefit.

Whether Penny was justified in restraining Neely in that moment is a fair question for debate. Less ambiguous is the question of whether he did it in a reasonable manner. As an ex-Marine, Penny almost certainly was trained in the responsible use of a chokehold. Crushing a man's windpipe continuously for 15 minutes — long after his body had gone limp — is neither reasonable nor responsible.

At least one passenger warned Penny, "You're going to kill him." And when a bystander tried to revive Neely, Penny waved him off.

The rush to demonize a Black victim of deadly violence has long been standard operating procedure in the United States.

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ones, and Black leaders who cared so much about Mr. Neely, yet he was on a train begging for food, and acting out. When I look at Mr. Neely's circumstances, there is certainly enough blame to go around. In addition to being hungry, Neely was probably like millions of people on the streets. He was probably suffering with some form of mental illness.

We can blame Mr. Penny for killing Jordan Neely, but the lack of a safety net in NYC to help him falls squarely on the shoulders of his family, friends, non-government organizations (NGO), community leaders, and the city government, which is funded with millions of dollars to help homeless people. Where were the social workers? Where were the

for the Republican presidential nomination. The label of political "freshman" is appropriate for Ramaswamy because of his newness on the political scene. However, his stated platform harkens back to the policies of the pre-civil rights movement and would, arguably, result in similar outcomes.

Ramaswamy believes that Congress should pass a constitutional amendment barring 18-25-yearolds from voting, with some exceptions. Under his proposal, within that age range, people could only vote by serving as first responders or passing a civics test.

The public learned about Neely's lengthy arrest record before we even knew his name. The rush to glorify the white perpetrators of violence is not a surprise either. We knew that Penny was aMarine Corps veteran before we knew his name.

The celebration of vigilante killers, commonplace in the dark era of Jim Crow, is making an alarming comeback. Penny is being hailed as a hero, as areDaniel Perry and Kyle Rittenhouse, who fatally shot Black Lives Matter protesters, and Mark and Patricia McCloskey, who threatened to do so.

Rewarding and encouraging vigilantism is a path to ruin, but it's simpler and easier than confronting the uncomfortable questions that Neely's tragic life and brutal death have raised about

psychologists and psychiatrists in this man's life? What about the homeless shelters or even just soup kitchens?

From a legal standpoint, while I'm no fan of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) and others calling Mr. Penny a murderer, there is certainly an argument that can be made for depraved heart murder (a type of murder where an individual acts with a "depraved indifference" to human life and where such act results in a death, despite that individual not explicitly intending to kill). However, I understand why Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg went with manslaughter. Penny probably didn't have any intent to kill Neely, and manslaughter will be easier to prove than any form of murder.

What about the people who

Those who remember the "soap bubble" or "beans-in-a-jar" voting tests will agree with the dangers and potential outcomes of such a policy. Because Gen Z is more racially diverse than any other generation in U.S. history, restricting the voting rights of people this age would disenfranchise millions of nonwhite voters. These voters are also more likely to support LGBTQ rights.

Take the time to learn about your potential adversaries and the futures they offer you! Make the correct choice!

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mental illness, homelessness, and violent crime. For as long as a New York City task force has kept a list of the most severely troubled homeless people, Neely has been on that list, but instead of getting the treatment he needed, he was arrested 42 times in eight years. More than 70% of prison inmates have a diagnosed mental illness or substance abuse disorder, a third of them seriously mentally ill. The cost — both human and financial — is astronomical.

Anyone who's been confronted with the erratic behavior of a person experiencing a mental health crisis knows the helpless desire for someone to do something to make it stop. None of us want that "something" to be deadly violence.

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helped Daniel Penny hold down Mr. Neely? Is anyone going to discuss whether their actions were criminal? Was it aiding and abetting? Is it OK to help hold someone down while someone else chokes that person to death? Penny didn't act alone, so everyone involved needs to be held accountable.

The people who are giving millions of dollars to Mr. Penny's legal defense fund are the same people who couldn't care less when police violate the civil rights of Black people and kill innocent, unarmed Black people. They simply don't view Black lives as worthy.

Finally, do we really want to live in a world where the lives of Black men can be taken away simply because of the subjective fears of white people? I know I don't. WI

Rita President, Bank of America Greater Washington D.C.