The Washington Informer - April 27, 2023

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

Celebrating 58 Years - Vol. 58, No. 28 • April 27 – May 3, 2023

Some Consensus, and Concern, about Plans for a Revitalized Downtown

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) embarks on an endeavor to revitalize Downtown D.C., she has called on District government leaders, heads of Downtown-based business improvement districts (BIDs), and District residents to collaboratively execute what’s dubbed D.C.’s Comeback Plan.

D.C.

Organizers Demand Racial Equity in Tax Policy Recommendations

Tax Revision Commission Set to Make Recommendations during Contentious Budget Season

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

As the Tax Revision Commission gears up to share tax policy recommendations with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) and the D.C. Council, more than 40 organizations continue to urge the independent body to prioritize racial equity in its assessment.

DC campaign, along with dozens of organizations, recently demanded that the commission show how its recommendations advance racial equity. Other requests include advanced notice about public hearings, a special listening session with community members who’ve experienced poverty and economic exclusion, and a shift away from attracting businesses with competitive tax incentives.

Through D.C.’s Comeback Plan, Bowser hopes to bring 15,000 new residents to Downtown D.C. within the next five years. These residents, along with those who visit Downtown, will be able to enjoy live music, family-centered activities and other neighborhood amenities within walking distance of their homes.

In espousing support for a revitalized downtown sector, some people, like Ward 2 resident Gigi Nelson, hope that District officials make it easier for small businesses to flourish.

In years past, Nelson, a federal government employee and former ANC commissioner, has suggested that the District eliminate building height restrictions and implement zoning changes that pave the way for more affordable housing.

While she remains certain that an increase in the Downtown housing stock will help regulate rental costs to some degree, Nelson questioned whether District officials will take the steps needed to attract entrepreneurs who can provide services desired by the people living in

DOWNTOWN Page 52

Biden’s

Re-election

Announcement to Test Resolve of Black Voters

D.C. Democrats Supportive but Uneasy

By Stacy M. Brown and James Wright WI Staff Writers

The news that President Joe Biden will seek re-election has many curious about how well he will perform among African American voters.

D.C. Democratic State Committee Chairman Charles Wilson is enthusiastic about the president’s run.

In a letter to the Tax Revision Commission, the Fair Budget Coalition and Just Recovery TAX POLICY Page 12

Niciah Mujahid, coalition director of the Fair Budget Coalition, expressed her disappointment in Bowser’s budget proposal, telling the Informer that marginalized District residents, especially

“I am excited,” Wilson, 47, said. “Let’s go. Let’s win. The president has done a great job since taking office. He and Vice President [Kamala] Harris have a lot they can talk about. They need to go out and tell their story.”

According to the results of a recent poll conducted by TheGrio and KFF, Black people had a positive opinion of

BIDEN Page 52

5 Through D.C.’s Comeback Plan, Bowser hopes to bring 15,000 new residents to Downtown

within the next five years. These residents, along with those who visit Downtown, will be able to enjoy live music, family-centered activities and other neighborhood amenities within walking distance of their homes. (Courtesy Photo/ DowntownDC BID)

5President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are running for re-election in 2024.

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Anchors Away! Tucker Carlson Out at Fox, Don Lemon Fired from CNN

Two controversial news anchors at competing cable networks are out of jobs.

Fox News announced Monday, April 24 it has severed ties with race-baiting and MAGA supporter Tucker Carlson just one week after the network settled a defamation suit for $787.5 million in part because Carlson joined others in promoting the “Big Lie” that included claims that Dominion voting machines were fraudulent.

Dominion had alleged that statements made on Carlson’s show after the 2020 election were defamatory.

The company claimed that messages between Carlson and his team were proof that they knew claims Dominion’s ballot-counting machines were used to manipulate the presidential election in favor of Democrat Joe Biden were false.

“We thank him for his service to the network as a host and prior to that as a contributor,” Fox News said in a statement Monday. The company did not offer an explanation for Carlson’s departure.

At CNN, Don Lemon tweeted Monday that he was “stunned”

by the network’s decision to fire him, which he said he was informed of by his agent.

“I am stunned,” Lemon wrote. “After 17 years at CNN I would have thought someone in management would have had the decency to tell me directly.” WI

BSU Student Justina Miles Will Grace Next Cover of British Vogue

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Justina Miles, an American Sign Language performer with Super Bowl credentials, will be on the cover of next month’s issue of British Vogue.

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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PUBLISHER

Denise Rolark Barnes

STAFF

Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor

Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC

Jamila Bey, Digital Content Editor

Austin Cooper, Our House Editor

Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist

ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout

Mable Neville, Bookkeeper

Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation

REPORTERS

Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

"Dynamic, Daring, & Disabled. It is time the world knows, understands, and embraces us- people of all colors, shapes, and abilities,” Miles said in an Instagram caption depicting her cover photo with a red Bottega Veneta dress and Louboutins.

“I am my undying potential. My community WILL leave behind a legacy. I’m honored to be on the cover of the [British Vogue] May 2023 issue. The opportunity to continue to raise awareness of the Deaf community is incredible and one I don’t take lightly.”

Miles is best known for signing the lyrics to Rihanna’s 13-minute Super Bowl halftime show, and she also signed Sheryl Lee Ralph’s rendition of “Lift Every Voice and Sing” before the Super Bowl. The Philadelphia native has performed ASL renditions of concerts across the country, according to the National Association of the Deaf. At the Model Secondary School for the Deaf in Washington, D.C., she was her class valedictorian.

Miles studies nursing and is a cheerleader at Bowie State University. “My long-term goal is to open my own nursing practice at Gallaudet University, a specialist school for the Deaf and hard of hearing, so that there can be more Deaf nurses," she said in her Vogue interview. WI

Roster of Jazz Luminaries Grows for 2023 DC JazzFest

Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Grammy-nominated pianist, bandleader and composer Arturo O’Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Ensemble will perform at the 19th DC JazzFest (DCJF) from Aug. 30 through Sept. 3. Also announced are saxophonist Donald Harrison from New Orleans, and NEA Jazz Master bassist Dave Holland with his trio featuring Kevin Eubanks and Eric Harland and Etienne Charles.

“As is our DC JazzFest tradition, there is something for everyone,” said DCJF CEO Sunny Sumter.

On Aug. 31, DCJF will introduce

an inaugural concert in its new “Generations Series,” curated by pianist, composer and bandleader Orrin Evans, DCJF’s 2022/2023 artist-in-residence. This series is a rare endeavor to bring together jazz artists from different generations in unique performance partnerships. DCJF has assembled a multi-generational cast of musicians, including pianists George Cables, Benny Green and Evans, with emerging pianists Shamie Royston and Hope Udobi collaborating with the cross-generational rhythm section of drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts and bassist Kris Funn.

Follow DCJF https://www.dcjazzfest. org and on Instagram @dcjazzfest WI

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

5 Don Lemon, who was fired from CNN on Monday April 24, attends Redlight Traffic's inaugural Dignity Gala in 2013. (Michelle Tiu /Neon Tommy, Wikimedia Commons)

5 Pianist, composer and bandleader Orrin Evans is the 2022/2023 artist-in-residence for the 19th DC JazzFest. (Courtesy photo/DC JazzFest)

5 Famous for signing the lyrics in Rihanna's 13-minute halftime show, Justina Miles will grace the May cover of British Vogue. (Courtesy Photo)

Washington Informer Book Drive Helps Fill Shelves

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

To mark Earth Day this year, the Washington Informer held a book drive to turn a bookshelf at The Well at Oxon Run into a mini library. The Well is an educational garden and a community space, and it exists to encourage the growth of both plants and people.

Despite a nasty thunderstorm forecast that kept lots of folks home on April 22, community members showed up with bags and boxes overflowing with books. They included everything from meditation guides to fiction thrillers, from kids’ books to textbooks. Some were pristine hardbacks; others showed signs of a well-loved life, needing a little tape along their spines.

In the end, the shelf held more than 75 books—more than 75 reasons to spend time outdoors in community with other learners and growers. WI

5 Before—between 15 and 20 books

10:30 AM - 11:15 AM

Registration, Breakfast & Networking

11:15 AM - 11:40 AM

Opening Remarks and Keynote

11:45 AM - 12:15 PM

It's Getting Hot in Here: Climate Change 101

With media personality Nori-Nori leading our conversations, the DC Office of the People’s Counsel is excited to be hosting informative and exciting sessions, with speakers from youth advocates, to government agencies, to brands who are committed to climate action. Join us for a day of learning, action, networking, swag, and more!

Featuring speakers, panels, breakouts, and networking, this OPC Youth Climate Summit will educate and empower Gen Z and Millenials to bring climate action and advocacy into all areas of their life. Environmental stakeholders and DC residents of all ages are invited to attend this free event.

12:35 PM - 1:15 PM

Breakout Session 1 - My Brands, My Change

12:35 PM - 1:15 PM

Breakout Session 2 - Show

Me the Green: Career, job, and Intern opportunities.

12:35 PM - 1:15 PM

Breakout Session 3 - Are We Ready for a Green Future?

Interpretation services for Spanish language and sign language (ASL) will be available onsite free of charge. If you require a reasonable accommodation or non-English language interpretation, contact the Office of the People’s Counsel at (202) 727-3071 or info@opc-dc.gov by April 24th.

1:40 PM - 2:20 PM

Be the Go-Go for Change in DC

2:25 PM - 3:30 PM

Lunch and Networking

SCAN HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT

5 After—between 75 and 85 books

SANDRA MATTAVOUS-FRYE NORI-NORI DC PEOPLE’S COUNSEL

5 Event attendees stopped by the newly-filled shelves to peruse the titles during Earth Day. (Kayla Benjamin / Washington Informer)

black facts AROUND THE REGION

APRIL 27 - MAY 3, 2023

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

buys The Oakland Tribune newspaper from Gannett Company Inc., becoming the first African American to gain a controlling interest in a major daily newspaper.

1992 – The final episode of top-rated sitcom "The Cosby Show" airs on NBC, concluding a successful eight-year run for the show.

MAY 1

1867 – Howard University opens its doors to the first students.

1939 – Max Robinson, the first African American broadcast network news anchor in the United States, is born in Richmond, Virginia.

1946 – Emma Clarissa Clement, an African American theological educator, becomes the first Black woman to be named National Mother of the Year.

1950 – Gwendolyn Brooks wins the Pulitzer Prize for "Annie Allen," a book of poetry, making her the first African American to receive the award.

MAY 2

1762 – James Durham, also known as James Derham, the first African American to formally practice medicine in the United States, is born in Philadelphia.

APRIL 27

1903 – Maggie L. Walker is named president of Richmond's St. Luke Bank and Trust Company, becoming the first black woman to head a bank.

1927 – Coretta Scott King, civil rights leader and wife of Martin Luther King Jr., is born in Heiberger, Alabama.

1945 – Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright August Wilson is born in Pittsburgh.

1971 – Samuel Lee Gravely Jr. becomes the first Black American to be selected as an admiral in the U.S. Navy.

APRIL 28

1967 – Boxing champion Muhammad Ali refuses to be inducted into the U.S. Army and is immediately stripped of his heavyweight title. Ali, a Muslim, cited religious reasons for his decision.

APRIL 29

1899 – Famed jazz pianist and composer Duke Ellington is born in Washington, D.C. 1983 – Harold Washington is sworn in as the first Black mayor of Chicago.

1992 – Four white Los Angeles Police Department officers are acquitted of excessive force in the videotaped beating of Black motorist Rodney King, touching off six days of violent rioting throughout South Central Los Angeles that caused more than $1 billion in damages.

APRIL 30

1983 – Journalist and publisher Robert C. Maynard

1920 – The Negro National League, the first financially successful all-Black baseball league, holds its first game.

MAY 3

1921 – Hall of Fame boxer Sugar Ray Robinson is born in Detroit.

1933 – Music legend James Brown, the "Godfather of Soul," is born in Barnwell, South Carolina. WI

JAMES BROWN

BY SARAFINA WRIGHT

Longtime CNN anchor Don Lemon announced on Twitter that he was terminated from his role after 17 years with the company. This news follows allegations of mistreatment toward his female colleagues and criticism of his on-air comments. Lemon claimed he was not informed of the decision directly by management. What are your thoughts?

LAMISHA VANHOOK / WASHINGTON, D.C.

They’re just firing cable news anchors everywhere. He stayed employed longer than most, especially with everything he had going on.

OTIS TROTTER / CANTON, OHIO

Well, don’t cry about it. He had a good ride with them and should have a great nest egg saved up, where he doesn’t have to work again if he doesn’t want to. Don shouldn’t have a problem getting another news job if he wants.

MARGARET GRATE / HUNTSVILLE, ALABAMA

He is better than CNN. Love to him and his family. Watch out for that bigger door that’s already open. Let God handle it.

CARMEN SANDERS / CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA

I love Don Lemon, but I’m not surprised. After he was moved to the morning spot last year, and when he made that comment about Nikki Haley, it was downhill from there. Don Lemon is a professional. He will be picked up from another big station.

CAROL THORNTON / BALTIMORE, MD.

What did he really expect? It’s CNN. Take time off, take your severance package, regroup and walk on! My mama once told me: “You were looking for a job when you found that one.”

‘Big 4’ Black Mayors Discuss Their Challenges

Discussion is Highlight of Annual Conference in D.C.

By James Wright WI Staff Writer

The four largest cities in America have Black leaders at the helm, and they spoke about their challenges and victories at the African American Mayors Association’s 9th Annual Convention, which took place from April 19-21 at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Northwest, D.C.

On the final day of the conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner gathered on stage to discuss their responsibilities as the leaders of millions. The discussion was co-moderated by Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and Earle, Arkansas Mayor Jaylen Smith, the youngest mayor in the U.S.

The African American Mayors Association serves as the trade group for the nation’s Black mayors. The municipalities that the mayors represent range in size from Adams’ New York City, which has eight million people, to hamlets. The convention features a vendors’ exposition, speakers from federal agencies including cabinet officers, workshops on best practices

for cities and presentations from corporate representatives. This year, members had the chance to travel to the U.S. Naval Observatory to mingle with Vice President Kamala Harris. The new president of the association’s board of trustees is Mount Vernon, New York Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard and Phyllis Dickerson serves as the chief executive officer.

‘Big 4’ Fireside Chat

The convening of Adams, Bass, Lightfoot, and Turner is historic because it is the first time that the mayors of the nation’s four largest cities have Black people as leaders and appearing in an in-person public forum together.

“Before December 12, there were three of us,” said Turner, 68, referring to the newly sworn in Bass. “Now there are four. The cities that we lead do not have African American majorities. They are highly diverse. This is a step forward.”

Adams, 62, agreed with Turner, putting his colleagues’ comments in a global context.

“America is the most powerful country on the globe,” he said. “And the four of the biggest cities in the most powerful country in the world are led by Blacks. We have achieved some wonderful things. We have navigated our cities through the COVID pandemic and I, in New York, have led the city to a great fiscal turnaround.

We are successful CEOs. This has to be something divine.”

Turner has the most tenure of the group, leading Houston since 2016. He is the second African American to lead Houston behind Lee Brown, who served as mayor from 1998-2004. Lightfoot, who lost her bid for re-election earlier this month, became Chicago’s first Black woman mayor, its third African American after Harold Washington (1983-1987) and Eugene Sawyer (1987-1989) and its second woman mayor after Jane Byrne (1979-1983). Lightfoot, 60, will be replaced by African American Brandon Johnson on May 15. Adams has led New York City since January 2022. He is the city’s second Black mayor, with David Dinkins serving in the position from 1990-1993. Bass, 69, assumed her position in December 2012 as its first female leader and second Black after Thomas Bradley (1973-1993).

Bass, who formerly served in U.S. Congress representing California, said when elected to lead Los Angeles, her three colleagues reached out to her and offered advice.

The former U.S. Representatives said homelessness is a major problem in Los Angeles.

“Over 47,000 people are living in the streets of Los Angeles,” she

'BIG 4' Page 13

5 Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot makes a comment while New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner listen closely at the 9th Annual Conference of the African American Mayors Association. (Rob Roberts/ The Washington Informer)

Ivory Coast Cuisine Comes to U St. Corridor

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

African restaurants are plentiful in the D.C. area, and adding to the local Motherland-influenced cuisine is Spicy Water African Grill brings Ivory Coast cuisine to 2019 11th Street, NW, a few steps from U Street, NW.

Primarily a takeout and delivery operation, the restaurant is developing a small upstairs dine-in space.

Before moving to its current location, owner Duraine Kouassi had a following from his previous stand in Eastern Market.

“We were growing, and customers kept asking when we would have a storefront location,” said Kouassi, who had specific needs before moving. “My main thing was to have a charcoal grill. In Africa, that has been our primary source of cooking.”

Spicy Water’s menu is filled with an assortment of grilled items. I

tried the Shrimp Kebab Sandwich in a long baguette. The shrimp was perfectly grilled for the sandwich, nestled in mixed greens, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers and a spicy chipotle sauce. My side order of plantain made for a huge meal. The sandwich is also available with chicken or beef. Spicy Water has grilled chicken, fish, dinner-size salads, and assorted side orders.

Located in the popular party areaOpen Tuesday through Sunday, Kouassi was clear on why he needed to be open until 2:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

“People eat a lot of food late at night,” laughed Kouassi.

Spicy Water African Grill is located at 2019 11th St. NW and is open Tuesday through Wednesday 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Thursday 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:30 a.m.-2:00 a.m., Sun 11:30 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Follow on Instagram: @spicywaterafricangrill. WI

@bcscomm

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS School Uniforms

Two Rivers PCS is soliciting price quotes from custom apparel companies to produce school uniform tops. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by May 5, 2023.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS Technology Equipment

Two Rivers PCS is soliciting price quotes to acquire 11-inch Chromebooks and Google enterprise management licenses, charging carts, and wireless printers. To request a copy of the RFP, email Gail Williams at procurement@tworiverspcs.org. Proposals are due by May 5, 2023.

TWO RIVERS PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL INTENT TO AWARD A SOLE SOURCE CONTRACT Apple Macbook Airs and iPads

Two Rivers Public Charter School intends to enter into a sole source contract with Apple, Inc. to provide technology equipment consisting of Macbook Air and Pro laptops and iPad tablets. The cost of this contract will be approximately $38,000. The decision to sole source was made because Apple, Inc is uniquely qualified to provide technology equipment due to proprietary design of their equipment. Two Rivers’ existing technology is Apple-product based and we want to continue with the current infrastructure. Please contact Gail Williams with any questions at procurement@tworiverspcs.org.

5 A few items on the menu at Spicy Water African Grill include (above) shrimp kebab sandwich, (Top Right) grilled chicken, cassava couscous and plantain; and (Bottom Right) chicken salad bowl. (Courtesy photo/Spicy Water)

5 Duraine Kouassi, owner of Spicy Water African Grill, at his colorful restaurant at 2019 11th Street, NW, a few steps from U Street, NW. (Courtesy photo/Spicy Water)

AROUND THE REGION

The Newsletter

Broccoli City Fest hosted its annual free career expo, BroccoliCon ’23, for minority college students of two- and four-year institutions, young professionals, and individuals seeking fresh job opportunities at the Entertainment & Sports Arena in Southeast. The expo featured a panel on Generation Z within the workplace hosted by Arlen Herrel from the DC Department of Employment Services. (Marckell Williams/The Washington Informer)

Who’s Reading the Informer?

Patricia Turner Walters reads the Washington Informer (Brenda C. Siler/ The Washington Informer)

“There

are two rules in life. Number one- never quit; number two- never forget rule number one.”

GOP Proposes Federal Budget Cuts for District Agencies

Public Safety, College Tuition Assistance, and HIV/AIDS Testing on the Chopping Block

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Rep. Andy Biggs (R-Ariz.) recently proposed more than 500 federal budget cuts, a few of which would decimate funding to local public safety and justice infrastructure, including the Public Defender Service and the Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency.

Since learning about the proposals, D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D), D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) and others have spoken out against what’s seen as yet another GOP-orchestrated attack on District residents.

Norton told the Informer that the cuts proposed by Biggs would also limit the District’s public safety agencies’ ability to counter security threats. However, as a non-voting member in the House’s minority party, she admitted that stopping the legislation will be an uphill battle.

“The Republicans are going to keep doing this type of thing to the District until we get statehood,” Norton said. “I’m relying on them having a shallow majority [that gives them] trouble getting through, but I’m also depending on the Senate where we have the majority.”

Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency, also known as CSOSA, declined a request for comment about Biggs’ proposed budget cuts.

Many of the spending bills recently introduced by Biggs focus on aspects of public safety. For instance, H.R. 2091 limits spending on emergency planning security in the District, including but not limited to public safety at events, response to immediate terror threats, and support for Secret Service requests. Meanwhile, H.R. 2092 cuts funding for D.C. courts and the D.C. Court of Appeals. Biggs, a member and former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, has also targeted the National Guard and judicial commissions.

Other bills sponsored by Biggs that are under consideration in the

House’s Committee on Oversight and Accountability limit the funds for D.C. and federal payment of residents’ tuition support, slash federal allocations for the testing and treatment of HIV/AIDS, and limit federal allocations for school improvement,

Upon introducing these bills in late March, Biggs released a statement saying that he and other House Freedom Caucus members wanted to avoid raising the debt ceiling. The bills accrued nearly $100 billion in savings for fiscal year 2024, and $1 trillion over the course of a decade, Biggs said. This move followed calls among Biggs and others to rescind unspent COVID-19 relief funds, stop Green New Deal Projects, and stop efforts to forgive student loans.

These proposed federal budget cuts come at a time when the GOP-dominated House continues to push through a disapproval resolution that strikes down local police accountability legislation. House Republicans recently did so with the support of 14 House Democrats.

During the latter part of March, the House Committee on Oversight and Accountability conducted a hearing that featured Mendelson, D.C. Councilmember Charles Al-

len (D-Ward 6) and D.C. Police Union Chairman Gregg Pemberton as witnesses. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) is scheduled to attend a May 16 hearing.

Earlier this year, another disapproval resolution dismantled the Revised Criminal Code Act (RCCA), which unanimously passed through the D.C. Council and survived D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s veto with a 12-1 vote. Before the disapproval resolution’s successful passage, Mendelssohn attempted to rescind the RCCA, all to no avail.

On April 18, Mendelson weighed in on Biggs’ federal spending cuts, saying that they negate concerns that GOP members have expressed about public safety in D.C., all while showing that Republicans want to score political points on the backs of D.C. residents.

“Don’t scold the District for being soft on crime and then hamstring the police,” Mendelson said. “When we testified on the Hill last month, Councilmember Allen and I made the point repeatedly that if the House Republicans truly care about public safety, they need to get more resources to the justice system, not less.”

WI

@SamPKCollins

5 D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (D) and others have spoken out against what’s seen as yet another GOP-orchestrated attack on District residents. (Abdullah Konte/ The Washington Informer, WI File Photo)

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY

Central Committee Working to Appoint New District 25 Delegate

Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

With the retirement of District 25 Delegate Darryl Barnes (D) comes a vacancy in the Maryland General Assembly and an appointment by the Prince George’s County Democratic Central Committee. The former Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and an advocate for minority businesses, will be leaving the legislature to become a lobbying partner to Gerry Evans.

Among those who filed for the

appointment are Central Committee Chair Kent Roberson (D), former Delegate Angela Angel (D), District 25 Central Committee Member John Richardson (D), former County Council candidate Jonathan White, and Stanley Onye. This appointment is of particular interest as District 25 has one of the highest vote thresholds to win a Democratic primary anywhere in the state. Barnes is supporting Roberson for the appointment.

“Based on his years of experience and the demographics of Team 25, Roberson is the right person at the

right time for this position,” Barnes told the Informer.” Roberson would be one of the younger Delegates in the General Assembly if appointed.

Delegates Julian Ivey (D, District 47), Ashanti Martinez (D. District 22), and Jeffrie Long (D, District 27) are some of the current representatives from Prince George’s who are part of

of Delegate Barnes and the entire District 25 team as I submit my name for consideration by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee. I look forward to continuing my work that was begun five years ago with the Democratic Central Committee to serve in this new capacity by legislating for a better tomorrow for the residents of District 25, Prince George's County, and the entire State of Maryland,” said Roberson shortly after receiving the official endorsement from Barnes.

“I am excited to be in the running to return to the Maryland House of Delegates and take up the important work that we accomplished during my time representing the people of District 25,” said former Delegate Angel in an email. “I am the only candidate under consideration with experience in Annapolis. The people of District 25 need someone with experience, ready to get to work on day one. There is no candidate more qualified to fight for the people of District 25.”

low-income African-American residents, suffer as a result of cuts to city services. That’s why Mujahid and others are currently engaged in a campaign to ensure the revised tax code doesn’t further burden the District's most vulnerable while enriching developers and the business community

“Creating a tax code that prioritizes corporations and developers does nothing to ensure that Black Washingtonians, immigrants and excluded

workers get what they need,” Mujahid said. “The important thing [for the tax code revision] is that racial equity is the top priority. The inequity [in the District] is clearly racialized. The Tax Revision Commission needs to demonstrate how they advance racial equity. We need to see the math.”

Organizers Do a Full-Court Press for an Equitable Tax Code

The Informer was unable to secure an interview with D.C. Councilmember Kenyan McDuffie (I-At large), chairman of the council’s Committee

on Business and Economic Development, about District tax policy and what he hopes for the Tax Revision Commission's recommendations.

On Tuesday morning, the Fair Budget Coalition and Just Recovery DC campaign converged on the John A. Wilson Building to rally supporters and engage D.C. council members about, not only creating a racially equitable D.C. tax code but reallocating funds in the fiscal year 2024 budget to emergency rental assistance and other social services.

Speakers focused on the budget process, mentioning funding for domestic violence victim services and housing programs, among other social safety nets and violence prevention efforts. Organizers later walked through the Wilson Building and dropped off letters to each council member.

After the Office of the Chief FInancial Officer’s release of revised revenue projections earlier this year, Bowser discouraged raising taxes to close a budget gap. During the earlier part of April, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson (D) said he and his council col-

the Millennials or Gen Z generations.

With his age, Roberson could acquire tenure and potentially earn a leadership position, as did former District 25 Delegate Dereck E. Davis (D), who entered the General Assembly at age 27 and eventually led the Economic Matters Committee before becoming State Treasurer.

“I am thankful to have the support

leagues will defer to the Tax Revision Commission on whether to do so.

In years past, the D.C. Council approved raising taxes on wealthier residents. Those increases have funded the inclusion of one librarian for each District public school and increased compensation for thousands of early childhood educators. In 2021, D.C.

Councilmember Janeese Lewis George (D-Ward 4) submitted an amendment allocating $3.25 million toward fulltime librarian positions at 36 schools.

On Tuesday, D.C. Councilmembers Lewis George and Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) stood before organizers on the steps of the Wilson Building to talk about the ongoing budget process, and efforts to allocate funds for social services that Bowser's proposal decimated. Lewis George, chairperson of the council’s Committee on Facilities and Family Services, said she secured more than $3 million for domestic workers, violence interruption academies in District schools, and housing security among other resources for District residents.

While Parker said he wouldn't jump

The appointment process has been criticized for favoring candidates with ties to elected officials. Across Maryland, Central Committee appointments by both Democrats and Republicans represent a large share of Annapolis legislators. Studies by good government groups have indicated that nearly one out of every three legislators came to Annapolis by appointment. WI

the gun on what the council as a whole has been able to change in Bowser's budget, he assured organizers that he and his colleagues are inching closer to shifting funds to public services. Even with that, Parker requested an extra push from concerned residents.

"I'm calling on you to stand with us to hold all members of the D.C. Council accountable to the needs of residents, Parker said. "It's not enough that we call out the mayor or have a few council members out here. We have to hold all of our colleagues accountable."

THE TAX REVISION COMMISSION, PAST AND PRESENT

The Tax Revision Commission, established by the D.C. Council as a 20-member body in 1996, meets every decade to compile recommendations for changes to District taxes. In 2012, the commission recommended the creation of two additional tax brackets -- residents making between $40,000

5 District 25 Delegate Darryl Barnes (D). (Courtesy photo)

5 A group of organizations rallied on the steps of the John A. Wilson Building in Northwest on April 25, demanding priority in racial equity during the Mayor’s budget assessments. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

Vice Chair Blegay Proposes Townhome Development Pause

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Last week, a bill was introduced by Prince George’s County Council Vice President Wala Blegay (D- District 6) to consider a twoyear pause on townhouse developments in some parts of the county, particularly rural areas near Bowie and Brandywine that have seen increased sprawl in recent years.

“It is time to control our development. It is time for us to meet our smart growth goals and put townhomes in the right place: transit-oriented and local area centers,” said Blegay.

She wants areas such as the Blue Line Corridor, including Largo and Landover, to achieve equitable growth and investment and to focus new townhomes in

transit-accessible areas.

The Prince George’s County Association of Realtors expressed worry about a potential negative impact on housing supply in the D.C. region.

“We have a housing shortage in the D.C. metro area, not to mention, a severe affordable housing shortage. Townhomes, typically, offer a reasonably priced option for first time home buyers and workforce housing. Removing this option will drive up the cost of our existing housing stock and lessen opportunity for homeownership and wealth building,” the association said in a statement.

“This legislation is one step toward decreasing the sprawl in our community,” said Milly Hall in an email to members of the Concerned Citizens of District Four.

GEORGE’S COUNTY

“It is time for us to meet our smart growth goals and put townhomes in the right place: transit-oriented and local area centers.”

The Concerned Citizens of District Four have been fighting against development proposals at Freeway Airport and Frank’s Nursery, both at the edge of Bowie’s city limits.

In Prince George’s, development and zoning proposals are voted on by the County Council. The only town with local zoning rights is Laurel.

The new County Council majority, often called the “People’s Council” by councilmembers and advocates aligned with Blegay, has voted to implement rent stabilization and to expand procurement opportunities for local businesses. WI

said. “Our city is only 8% Black, but 34 % of all homeless people are Black. I am working hard to end homelessness because we don’t want deep poverty to be criminalized.”

Lightfoot said she worked to try to close racial gaps in her city.

“We need to build wealth in communities where it is often denied,” she said. “We need to be present at the tables of power and not just seek to get crumbs. Black people need to be united and stop being crabs in the barrel.”

Adams said it is essential for any mayor, particularly Blacks, to hire

the right people in their administration.

“The job comes at you all day, all night and all the time,” he said. “You must have the right team in place. I bought the right people on board to watch my back.”

Turner said Black mayors don’t get a honeymoon period from constituents or the mainstream media.

“We as Black mayors have to produce,” he said. “Black mayors do not have a long runway to produce results. Somebody else may have a long runway, but we do not. Our own people are tough on us. They really want results now!” WI @JamesWrightJr10

5Councilwoman Wala Blegay (Shevry Lassiter/The Washington Informer)

5New townhomes in Prince George’s County (Courtesy photo/Redfin)

'BIG' 4 from Page 8

James Wright / WI Staff Writer

BUSINESS briefs

RACINE RECEIVES LEGAL AID DC HONOR

Former D.C. Attorney General Karl A. Racine received one of two Servant of Justice Awards from Legal Aid DC at its 33rd annual dinner held at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Northwest on April 19.

The Servant of Justice Award is designed to “celebrate people who have demonstrated faithful dedication and remarkable achievement in ensuring that all persons have equal and meaningful access to justice,” according to the organization’s program. Legal Aid DC assists over 9,000 low-and-middle income Washingtonians with civil cases and has a staff of 90, 65 of whom are attorneys.

Previous recipients of the Award include Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall (posthumously in 1993), former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder (1998) and retired founder and president of the Children’s Defense Fund Marian Wright Edelman (2016).

Racine served as the District’s first elected attorney general from 2015-2023. He gained national recognition for supporting District statehood, advocating on behalf of a woman’s right to an abortion, and aggressively pursuing companies violating residents’ consumer and civil rights. He presently works as a partner for the Hogan Lovells law firm.

“Legal Aid DC is a juggernaut in the public interest,” Racine said to the gathering of over 300 people.

“At the Office of the Attorney General, we used the law to help vulnerable residents.”

The co-recipient of the Servant Award was David Dantzic, a partner with the Latham & Watkins law firm. Other awardees were Cozen O’Connor law firm associate Josephine M. Bahn for the Klepper Prize for Volunteer Service. Resident Farhana Chowdhury and the Asian/Pacific Islander Domestic Violence Resource Project co-received The Partnership Award.

Notables attending the event included D.C. Superior Court Chief Judge Anita Josey-Herring and Erek Barron, the U.S. Attorney for Maryland.

CAAB GETS $10,000 FOR WEALTH BUILDING IN MOCO

The Capital Area Asset Builders announced on April 21 that it received $10,000 in flexible funding to support the organization’s work to advance individual and community wealth building in Montgomery County. The grant, awarded by the Sharing Montgomery Fund at the Greater Washington Community Foundation, will enable CAAB

to advance its mission benefitting low-and moderate-income Black, Latinx and immigrant individuals and families.

and $60,000 and residents making between $350,000 and $ 1million.

The tax rate for members of the latter group had been reduced by less than a percent.

The Tax Revision Commission also recommended increasing standard deduction and personal exemption to federal levels, which doubled the standard deduction for married filers and those who filed as head of household.

Today, Anthony Williams, former D.C. mayor, chairs the Tax Revision Commission, while D.C. Chief Financial Officer Glen Lee serves an ex-officio role, meaning he’s on the commission by virtue of his work in the D.C. government.

In total, there are 11 members, 10 of which are appointed by the mayor and D.C. Council. Other commissioners include David Catania, former D.C. council member and current managing director of Georgetown Public Affairs, Rashad Young, former District city administrator who currently serves as senior vice president and chief strategy officer at Howard University, Erica Williams, executive director of the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute and Yesim Sayin Taylor, executive director

of D.C. Policy Center.

In March, the Tax Revision Commission conducted a presentation that showed strong tax revenue growth for the current fiscal year, primarily due to the increase in property tax revenue, greater withholding of income taxes and stronger collection of sales tax via inflation and recovery of the hospitality industry.

Meanwhile, commissioners pointed out a decline in deed and estate taxes, which they described as a symptom of a weakening real property market. Oth-

er declines have been seen in the gross receipts taxes, defined as taxes applied to a company’s gross sales, along with taxes for businesses grossing more than $12,000 annually.

As it compiles its recommendations, the Tax Revision Commission continues to engage small businesses, major employers, and ANC commissioners. During future meetings, commissioners will gather feedback from professionals in the hospitality and entertainment and real estate industries, along with representatives of hospitals and universities, tax professionals, coalitions and unions, and grassroots and organizing groups.

Throughout the month of May, the Tax Revision Commission will also host listening sessions virtually and in-person at THEARC in Southeast.

On the afternoon of April 25, the Tax Revision Commission met with advocacy organizations. Those scheduled to attend included Jen Jenkins of Legal Aid, David Schwartzman of Just Recovery DC, Robert Warren of People for Fairness Coalition, Kesh Ladduwahetty of DC for Democracy and Judy Estey of Platform of Hope.

During the stakeholder meeting, each speaker answered questions about how the Tax Revision Commission

could better engage the community, ways the tax code could be improved, their vision for a fair tax code, recommendation for better tax administration, and how the Tax Revision Commission should resolve conflict between increasing competition and shaping a progressive tax code.

Hours before appearing before the Tax Revision Commission, Schwartzman delivered letters to council members in the Wilson Building. He said he was eager to convince them that the District’s wealthiest residents, along with corporations, need to bear much more of the tax burden than working-class Washingtonians.

“We are now witnessing the mayor and a few of her allies on the D.C. Council revisiting the era of the Control Board when the budget was balanced on the backs of the poor,” Schwartzman said. “The Tax Revision Commission has to take racial equity into full account and eliminate racial economic disparities, which are big in D.C. The millionaires are paying a little lower share of tax than low-income residents. They need to pay more so we can eliminate child poverty [and other gaps].”

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI @SamPKCollins

“We are honored to receive this grant from the Sharing Montgomery Fund,” said Joseph Leitmann-Santa Cruz, CAAB’s CEO & executive director. “We are proudly focused on creating financial stability and long-term prosperity opportunities for Black, Latinx and immigrant community members. This grant from the Sharing Montgomery Fund will assist us to advance this objective.”

PFC OFFERS NONPROFIT RESOURCE WORKSHOP

The People of Change Coalition are sponsoring a nonprofit resource and connection workshop on April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1801 McCormick Drive in the first-floor meeting room in Largo.

The purpose of the event is to provide resources for nonprofits and offer nonprofit leaders the opportunity to connect with funders as well as state, county, and federal agencies, and service providers. Topics include how to navigate Grants.gov, usage of sales and use tax exemption and understanding the role of the Maryland Secretary of State in charity registration, fundraising and reporting.

Breakfast and lunch will be provided. For more information, call 301-772-1552. WI

@JamesWrightJr10

5 Karl A. Racine served as D.C.’s attorney general from 2015-2023.

TAX POLICY from Page 12

““We are now witnessing the mayor and a few of her allies on the D.C. Council revisiting the era of the Control Board when the budget was balanced on the backs of the poor,” Schwartzman said.

New York, San Francisco and Honolulu Top Cities Where Six-Figure Incomes Aren’t Really Six-Figure Incomes

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In three U.S. cities – New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu – individuals need to earn a salary of more than $300,000 to take home $100,000 after taxes and cost of living adjustments.

Living costs in New York, San Francisco, and Honolulu are substantially higher than the national average.

New York has a cost of living that is 44% higher than the national average.

With real estate prices that increasingly only the wealthy could afford, high-priced restaurants and bars, and the growing cost of public and private transportation, the Big Apple quickly strains the budget of many of its residents.

To take home $100,000, a New Yorker must gross $312,000, which translates to about 41% in combined federal, state and local taxes and a cost of living 83.6% higher than the na-

tional average, the report found.

San Francisco, a hub for tech companies and startups, also has a cost of living that’s 62% higher than the national average.

The city’s booming economy and thriving job market have driven housing demand, leading to skyrocketing prices that have left many residents struggling to make ends meet.

San Franciscans must earn slightly more than $300,000 pre-tax to take home $100,000 of purchasing power.

Honolulu, the capital of Hawaii, is another city with a high cost of living, with prices that are 92% higher than the national average.

To take home $100,000 in The Big Pineapple, workers need to earn at least $312,400 pre-tax, SmartAsset researchers found.

The study noted that net pay totals $185,999 — roughly 59.5% less than gross earnings.

“And while Honolulu, Hawaii, is known for its lush mountains and the crystal-clear waters of Waikiki Beach,

those beautiful landscapes cannot mask the high cost of living, which is 86% above the national average,” an analyst stated in the report.

They added the reliance on imports for energy, goods, and services.

Researchers asserted that the high cost of living in these cities had been a longstanding issue for residents, making it increasingly challenging for those in the lower-income bracket to make ends meet.

Many individuals and families struggle to keep up with the high expenses of housing, food and other necessities, despite the cities’ robust economies and employment opportunities.

In response to residents' challenges, local governments have implemented various measures to address the issue, including affordable housing initiatives and tax relief programs for low-income households.

In New York City, for example, the city launched several initiatives to create more affordable housing options

for low- and middle-income families.

New York's Department of Housing Preservation and Development has also launched several programs that offer financial assistance to firsttime homebuyers and renters.

In San Francisco, the city government implemented various policies to increase the supply of affordable housing, including incentives for developers to build more affordable units and rent control laws that limit the amount landlords can charge.

In Honolulu, the state government started several initiatives to increase affordable housing availability, including partnerships with private devel-

opers to build more affordable units and incentives for landlords to rent to low-income families.

Despite ongoing efforts to mitigate the effects of the high cost of living, the issue remains a significant concern for many residents and policymakers alike.

“As the demand for housing and other necessities continues to increase, it will be crucial for governments to continue implementing policies aimed at addressing the issue and creating more affordable options for residents,” researchers concluded.

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 The cost of living is skyrocketing in cities across the nation. (Courtesy photo/Dreamstime.com)

NATIONAL

Lawsuits Pile Up Against Companies Who Failed to Honor DE&I Pledges After Murder of George Floyd

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

The aftermath of George Floyd’s murder has led to several large corporations facing multiple lawsuits for failing to meet the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) commitments they made.

The commitments were made following Floyd’s death in 2020, with businesses quickly issuing statements and pledging to adopt new ways to combat racism.

Those pledges included addressing ethnic and gender inequalities

among their employee ranks.

However, according to Bloomberg Law, a host of lawsuits claim those pledges were never met.

Among the most egregious parties are Wells Fargo and Delta Air Lines.

Bloomberg said those companies falsely claimed that, over the past three years, they worked to promote diversity, equity and inclusion.

Five shareholder lawsuits allege that Wells Fargo ran afoul of federal law against discrimination.

Wells performed "sham interviews to nominally fulfill a diversity-enhancing policy," the lawsuit claims.

Further, the bank's board acted on diversity and inclusion issues only because of negative media coverage.

Law firms have filed at least 40 suits alleging that employment discrimination has only increased since pledges were made.

Sarah Fortt, worldwide co-chair of Latham & Watkins LLP’s envi-

value of its stock to decline.

Bloomberg noted that “DEI-specialized lawyers, academics and practitioners contend that companies must balance the needs of the business, employees, shareholders, and customers when creating progressive initiatives while averting legal action from any of those groups.”

Bloomberg continued: One strategy offered is formulating policies "aspirationally,” or in general terms.

Lawyers asserted that instead of creating a strict quota to employ a specific number of people of color for its board, a corporation might aim to match the proportion of people of color in its workforce to that of people of color on its board.

Elena Philipova, director of sustainable finance at Refinitiv, noted that the most prosperous businesses are genuine, and authentic and have DEI objectives built into their DNA. Despite the lawsuits, some corporations have moved to improve DEI within their organizations.

5 Fort Lee, Virginia will change its name, which currently commemorates Confederate General Robert E. Lee, to now honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams. (Courtesy Photo)

ronmental, social and governance practice, told the outlet that she also noted a spike in “‘reverse discrimination’ claims.”

According to a published report, these lawsuits take the form of shareholder derivative proceedings, in which investors claim that a company’s failure to achieve specific DEI goals caused the

Army Removing Confederate Name of Virginia Fort to Honor Black Heroes

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Fort Lee, Virginia, named in honor of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, will take on a new name that honors two Black Army trailblazers.

The fort will honor Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and Lt. Col. Charity Adams, the U.S. Army said in a statement on Tuesday, April 25.

A redesignation ceremony is planned for Thursday, April 27, honoring the two Black officers who, officials said, excelled in the field of sustainment and made significant marks in U.S. Army history.

Lt. Gen. Gregg rose from the rank of private to three-star gen-

eral during his military logistics career, which began just after WWII and spanned nearly 36 years, the release noted.

Gregg, 94, will be the only living person in modern Army history to have an installation named after him.

Lt. Col. Adams was the first Black officer in the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps – later known as the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) – in World War II and led the first predominately Black WAC unit to serve overseas: the storied 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion.

“We are deeply honored to have Lt. Gen. Arthur Gregg and

HEROES Page 17

For example, in December 2020, Microsoft announced that it had achieved its goal of doubling the number of Black and African American managers, senior individual contributors, and senior leaders in the U.S.

However, the report noted that the company still has work to do to achieve gender and racial parity at all levels.

Additionally, some companies are incorporating innovative approaches to improve diversity and inclusion.

For instance, Airbnb has reportedly implemented a program called “Project Lighthouse” to increase representation across race, gender and other dimensions.

The program includes creating “belonging assessments” that measure employees’ sense of belonging and connection to the company and then creating tailored solutions based on the results.

Still, the report concluded that some corporations had improved diversity and inclusion, while others faced lawsuits for failing to meet their DEI commitments.

The most prosperous businesses are open and honest about their objectives, pay attention to their staff and incorporate DEI objectives into all operations, Philipova told Bloomberg.

“It really needs to be genuine and authentic, built into the DNA of the organization, and then being transparent about it.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Delta Airlines are among businesses being sued over false DEI pledges following the death of George Floyd/

HEROES from Page 16

Lt. Col. Charity Adams as the new namesakes for our installation,” Maj. Gen. Mark Simerly, commanding general of the U.S. Army Combined Arms Support Command and senior commander of Fort Lee, stated in the release.

Officials said the post is one of nine Army installations being redesignated in accordance with Defense Department-endorsed recommendations from the congressional Naming Commission to remove the names, symbols, displays, monuments, and paraphernalia that commemorate the Confederate States of America or those who voluntarily served under the C.S.A.

Congress directed the formation of the Naming Commission in the 2021 National Defense Authorization Act and charged it with providing these recommendations.

The Commission issued its three-part report to Congress in the summer of 2022. Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III accepted all the Commission’s recommendations that September.

On Jan. 5, 2023, William A. LaPlante, the Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, directed all Department of Defense organizations to begin implementing those recommendations.

“The Naming Commission sought to recommend names that are ‘inspirational to the Soldiers and civilians who serve on our Army posts, and to the communities who support them,’”

NATIONAL

Growing Community: Community Gardening at the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

Submitted by Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum

The Anacostia Community Museum’s gardening program was first launched in the early 1980’s by innovative leader Zora Martin-Felton as part of a summer science project.  In 2012, with the opening of Reclaiming the Edge: urban waterways & civic engagement, the museum returned to its gardening roots, and to this day it continues to challenge the narrative that D.C. communities are separate from their environment by exploring issues of health, sustainability, and the use of natural resources. Through programming, residents of all ages can engage with the beauty of the natural world, a healthy food system, and their cultural past.

Simerly stated. “They delivered exactly that with these two inspiring leaders and their tremendous accomplishments – from World War II through the Cold War – speak to the important history of this installation and to the courage, dignity, and devotion to duty that we strive to instill in every Soldier training here at the home of the Army Sustainment.” WI

@StacyBrownMedia

As we move from the spring season to summer, the community gardens at the Museum are buzzing with produce and wildlife. This year’s season is inspired by gardens as places where we live, work, play, pray, and learn. We’ve doubled our workshops- we’re now offering 16, including two field trips at other gardens in D.C. We’re also very excited to launch a four-part children’s garden series that will run through July and engage children and their families.

We welcome the community to participate in our monthly workshops, taking place throughout the growing and harvesting seasons. All workshops are led by our long time “Garden Guy” Derek Thomas and incorporate themes such as gardens as places of community and connections to our cultural past; gardens as sites of stewardship and nurture; and gardens as sites of empowerment and access to good nutrition and healthy living.

The year 2023 is an important moment for the Anacostia Community Museum, as ACM celebrates Our Environment, Our Future and launches the Center for Environmental Justice. It is a year in which the museum is examining the topic of environmental justice in the Washington metropolitan area using the lens of race and gender, deepening the museum’s existing work in pioneering community-centered practices and critical environmental justice conversations.  Our next exhibition To Live and Breathe: Women and Environmental Justice in Washington, D.C. opens on May 19 and will be at the center of various public programs exploring our connection to the environment. We hope you will join us for our upcoming garden programs, and other events happening at the Anacostia Community Museum. You can find out more about our upcoming events at anacostia.si.edu/events.

5 Growing Community is ACM’s longstanding community gardening program.

“The Naming Commission sought to recommend names that are ‘inspirational to the Soldiers and civilians who serve on our Army posts, and to the communities who support them,’” Simerly stated.

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

AU Seeks to set up African Center for Genocide Studies

The African Union (AU) has expressed willingness to establish an African center for the study of genocide to fast-track early response in preventing hate crimes and genocide, the New Times, Rwanda’s largest daily newspaper, reported on Sunday, April 23.

This was part of resolutions adopted by the AU’s wing of Peace and Security Council (PSC) at its 1147th meeting on the Prevention of the Ideology of Hate, Genocide and Hate Crimes in Africa, held earlier this month.

The council paid tribute to all victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and expressed solidarity with all victims of the ideologies of hate and hate crimes on the continent.

“PSC underlines the importance of early warning and early response in preventing hate crimes and genocide and in this regard, underscores the need for the establishment of an African Centre for the Study of Genocide,” it said in a statement.

It added the need to strengthen the institutional capacities of national, regional and continental early warning systems and mechanisms to ensure that they also include, in their scope, punishment mechanisms of ideology of hate, hate crimes and genocide.

Over the years, Rwanda continues to build resourceful archives pertaining to the preservation of history with an aim to inform and educate the world on preventing and fighting genocide under a Genocide Research Centre.

They emphasized the need for member states to enhance early warning mechanisms and pay more attention to early warning signs of looming inter-tribal or inter-ethnic conflicts and to timeously prevent their escalation. This can be traced to various calls of leaders, experts in human rights, civil societies, among others, to act on condemning and stopping the ongoing hate speech and violence against Kinyarwanda-speaking Congolese in the Eastern DR Congo.

“In this regard, once again encourages all member states to condemn any form of denialism of the Genocide including not allowing deniers any space and or platform for denial activities in their territories,” it noted. The AU Commission was tasked to develop a shared working definition of what constitutes ‘hate speech’ and ‘hate crimes’, in order to enable member states to enact necessary legislation to combat these scourges. WI

Guyana and India Seal Air Service Agreement

Guyana and India on Saturday, April 22, signed an Air Services Agreement (ASA) to facilitate direct flights between both countries. The agreement was signed by Minister of Public Works, Bishop Juan Edghill, and Indian High Commissioner, Dr K.J Srinivasa, Barbados Today reported on Sunday, April 23

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5 Minister of Public Works Juan Edghill (second from right) and High Commissioner of India to Guyana Dr. K. J. Srinivasa (third from right) with the agreement. At right is Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd. Indian Minister of External Affairs Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar is at left. (GCAA photo)

This means that Guyanese-owned airlines will have direct market access to international airports in Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad.

Guyana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd, and India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, along with other officials witnessed the signing.

The signing of this agreement is in keeping with the government’s commitment of connecting Guyana with the rest of the world.

Presently there is no direct flight between Guyana and India; however, this agreement puts in place the legal framework that opens market access for airlines of both states to operate and enhance competitive air transport services, trade, and economic growth.

The ASA addresses matters pertaining to Grant of Rights; Designation and Authorisation of Airlines, Revocation or Suspension of Operating Authorisation, Principles governing operation of Agreed Services, Application of Laws, User Charges, Customs Duties and Charges, Aviation Safety, Aviation Security, Commercial Opportunities, and Cooperative Marketing Arrangements, among other matters.

It compliments the more than 50 Air Services Agreements Guyana has established with other International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) states for the development of the air-link among states.

An ASA is a bilateral agreement that allows international commercial air transport services between signatories. WI

AARP District of Columbia: Fighting for the District’s 50-Plus

By Ronald Hampton AARP DC Volunteer State President

Louis Davis, Jr. AARP DC State Director

The District Council is preparing its response to the fiscal 2024 budget released by the Mayor. Now the Council has the duty to assess and indeed scrutinize the policy priorities of the executive branch as illustrated by the Mayor’s budget. The Council then presents its own fiscal year budget, often a mixture of similar and dissimilar proposals than those set forth in the Mayor’s budget.

A budget is a set of priorities put in numbers. Show me your budget, and I’ll understand what you value. For 65 years, AARP has advocated for Americans 50+ having what they need to live their best life at any age, choosing where they want to live, and never being discriminated against because of their age, gender or financial status. And for 60 years and going, AARP does this in a non-partisan way.

With volunteers and staff, we fight for the issues important to our 78,000 members in the District, and all District residents age 50+ and their families. The week of April 24th is AARP DC Lobby Week when our volunteers are meeting with Councilmembers, reinforcing with them how important it is that they make sure no senior goes hungry, no senior is isolated because of absent transportation services, no senior goes without access inside their home to affordable hi-speed internet, and family caregivers feel that the District has their back.

Now is the time to make YOUR voice heard for yourself; or for a family member, friend, or a stranger living in the District who needs an advocate. Won’t you call the District Council so they can hear firsthand just how important these programs are to you?

Please call or send an email to the DC Council with this message.

Currently, the District has the highest rate of senior food insecurity in the country. AARP DC is advocating for more funding for senior grocery support, community dining, and home delivered meals.

TAKE ACTION:

Tell the DC Council to include $8.1 million for Department of Aging & Community Living’s (DACL) home delivered meals to ensure adequate service delivery for existing and new recipients.

Many seniors face social isolation and 58 percent of District residents over the age of 65 do not have access to a device to connect to the internet. AARP DC is advocating for increased in-person activities and more tools, such as internet access and iPads, for seniors to connect online.

TAKE ACTION:

Tell the DC Council to include $240,000 in funding to support the Mayor’s Senior iPad program.

Many seniors need access to reliable transportation options to get them to doctor appointments, meet up with friends, or make a trip to the grocery store.

TAKE ACTION:

Tell the DC Council to support the Mayor’s one-time increase of $1,500,000 for the Connector Card program.

For residents 65+ living in the District, the Safe at Home pro-

gram provides safety adaptations in and around the homes of qualifying seniors and adults with disabilities.

TAKE ACTION:

Tell the DC Council to include $425,000 in funding for the Safe at Home 2.0 expansion program. Make a call today! You can call the DC City Council at (202) 724-8000. Tell them which AtLarge and Ward Councilmembers you want to get a message to and they will connect you. Or visit: dccouncil.gov and scroll to the bottom of the page to find and connect with your Councilmember by email. Please email us at dcaarp@aarp. org or call 202-434-7700 to share a personal story you have regarding any of these issues. Follow our social media, Facebook.com/ aarpdc and twitter.com/aarpdc, for updates and more ways to get involved.

We're in Your Corner

People today can spend nearly half their lives over the age of 50. That's a lot of living. So, it helps to have a wise friend and fierce defender like AARP in your community. Find

HEALTH

Men’s Mental Health Panel Provides Safe Space for Open Dialogue

By Dr. Patrise Holden WI Contributing Writer

Local and national wellness advocates are working to further the conversation surrounding Black men and mental health. On April 22, Generation DMV, in partnership with The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the Black Physicians & Healthcare Network, held the event, “Men +

Mental Health Edition.”

“Good mental health for men of color is wealth. I wanted to give men an avenue to discuss mental health and a safe space where we tell them that it’s OK not to be OK,” said Sandra Nnaji of Just 1 PR who planned and facilitated the event. With men often encouraged to be tough and handle problems with grit, this meeting fostered the understanding that

there are times when men too need to be treated with softness, compassion and grace.

According to the American Psychiatric Association’s ”Mental Health Facts for African Americans,” Black people are less likely

to seek or receive consistent mental health care, less frequently included in mental health research, and more likely to use the ER or primary care rather than mental health specialists.

For the panelists, many of

National Stress Awareness Month Staying Mindful of the Stressors

That Affect Our Health

By: Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

Every year, physicians and health associations nationwide recognize National Stress Awareness Month throughout April, educating masses on the multitude of ways stress can appear in our daily lives, and more importantly, the often threatening impact that stress brings to our mental and physical health.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), stress is the physical or mental response our bodies give to an external cause, whether it be having a large load of work ahead of us, or as serious as facing an illness.  A variety of stress-induced circumstances can create a slew of issues that later manifest themselves within the body, making it imperative to identify triggering points that contribute to stressful experiences.

“Learning what causes or triggers your stress and what coping techniques work for you can help

reduce your anxiety and improve your daily life.  It may take trial and error to discover what works best for you,” according to the NIMH report.  Anxiety is oftentimes in close correlation with stress levels, as the bodily reaction is a byproduct of physical or mental stress experienced over either a short, or long period of time, and is the internal distress that involves apprehensive feelings that remain with us on a consistent basis.

KEY WAYS TO COMBAT STRESS

Journal Writing:

Keeping a written diary of your daily thoughts, feelings, and experiences helps to improve your mood as it encourages prioritization over our fears, problems, and concerns.  It also allows us to track our day-to-day symptoms which can ultimately help to identify triggers, and useful methods that can better control them.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health:

Daily exercise along with healthy, balanced meals and proper sleep will help your body release stress and heal the issues that may be causing mental and emotional imbalances.

Identify and Challenge Unhelp ful or Negative Thoughts:

It is helpful to be mindful of your thoughts, take control of your reac tions and responses to unpleasant ex periences, and refocus your mind on the things that bring you peace and a sense of control over yourself.

Connect with Genuine Friends and Family or a Therapist:

Your community can be the very thing that helps bring you back to balance when everything seems out of order.  It is important to know when to talk to family members, close friends you can trust, or a clinically trained mental health professional who can help quell your worries through self aware-

whom were entrepreneurs, key components to maintaining mental health were: reducing work loads to make time for things that are really important, learning how to say “no,” and remembering to be grateful for past accomplishments as opposed to feeling like failures when present goals don’t always materialize.

“There is an unpopular opinion to live life just to be happy,” said media personality and comedian Joe Clair, 54. “I adopted the philosophy not to chase a career or wealth but to choose to live life for a living. Adopting that philosophy, the balance fell into place.”

The Media Prince, 32, shared that the first time he ever saw his father was at his funeral. Seeking to break many negative familial patterns, he sought to forge a new history.

“I had to unlearn being defined by my family’s expectations,” he said. Now, “the first college graduate and successful entrepreneur in my family, I have set a new definition of what’s possible for my nieces and nephews but most importantly, for myself.”

ness and other workable methods.

Avoid Drugs and Alcohol:

It is best to stay in your most natural, sober state of mind when ward-

ing off stress, as consuming drugs or alcohol can create additional issues that will incite greater levels of stress than you may already feel. WI

5 Joe Clair stresses the importance of work life balance in mental health. (Photo courtesy Leon Funchess, FT|LA London Legacy Creations, LLC)

(Courtesy photo)

The Growing Threat of Xylazine In The Fentanyl Frenzy

By Lindiwe Vilakazi WI Staff Writer

The opioid crisis is taking an even deadlier turn, as the country is beginning to see a widespread increase of the drug, xylazine, further exacerbating the disastrous epidemic.

The animal tranquilizer known as “tranq,” is a powerful, non-opiate sedative, muscle relaxant, and analgesic specifically authorized for veterinary use in the United States.  When ingested, the drug plays as a depressant to the central nervous system, causing drowsiness, amnesia and slow breathing, while also knocking blood pressure and heart rates down to life-threatening low levels.

“Xylazine is making the deadliest drug threat our country has ever faced,” said the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) Administrator, Anne Milgram.  “DEA has seized xylazine and fentanyl mixtures in 48 of 50 States.”

The DEA Laboratory System reports that approximately 23% of fentanyl powder and 7% of fentanyl pills seized by the administration contained xylazine in 2022.  Local

statistics estimate roughly 84% of all D.C. opioid deaths occurred among the Black population despite making only 47%  of the city’s total population, with the majority of the affected residents living and dying within Wards 5, 7 and 8— predominantly Black communities.

The rapid increase and penetration of the drug mixed with opioids create a “zombie” effect within users.  Unfortunately, naloxone, the opioid reversal medication recently approved for over-the-counter access, does not reverse its deadly effects.  Currently, there is no known antidote to remedy the effects of xylazine once ingested.

THE GREATEST CHALLENGE FEEDING THE CRISIS

Despite the rate of opioid overdoses more than doubling the rate of homicides across the city, local organizations fighting to eradicate the crisis argue that the District of Columbia contains no adequate infrastructure, or workforce to effectively support substance and opioid use disorder.

Currently, both neighboring states

of Virginia and Maryland have declared a National Public Health Emergency on the opioid crisis, while the District remains without an official declaration of an emergency on the crisis.

The Health Alliance Network (HAN) advocates an ambitious campaign to the D.C. Council, to revamp efforts that address the epidemic, as its oversight has caused an insidious effect on the city’s crime and social challenges.

“If you address the opioid crisis,

then you also begin to address the crime issue, and the gun violence issue,” said HAN Chair, and Founder, Ambrose Lane Jr.

The organization urges varying suggestions, and resources to rectify the crisis, largely requesting: the city declare that the current opioid crisis constitutes a Public Health Emergency; create an emergency fund of roughly $35-$50 million to fund 24 hour residential treatment facilities that will treat co-occurring disorders for both adults and city youth; and

construct a harm reduction center within the East of the River community for “safe and monitored consumption” to name a few.

“What we have learned from the crack-cocaine epidemic, is to help those suffering from the opioid-fentanyl crisis.  How many residents have to die before the city understands we are under siege again?” said  Rhonda Johnson, author and chief executive officer for the Now Hope 2 Reality, LLC. WI

(Courtesy photo)

Redlining is Gone but Entrenched Practices Remain

By Barrington M. Salmon Special to The Informer

In the 1930s, the federal government, states, real estate brokers, mortgage lenders and others, engaged in a practice – redlining – that kept African Americans out of white neighborhoods. The practice led to denial areas, and neighborhoods where Black people could not get loans and investments because their areas were labeled as high risk and too sketchy to insure.

In addition to keeping communities white, redlining had the effect of robbing African Americans of countless millions– maybe billions– of dollars, since the practice was codified because of lending and real estate discrimination and disinvestment.

It would be safe to assume that in 2023, redlining is a thing of the past consigned to the proverbial dustbin of history, but to think so would be wrong.

“Now it’s not as obvious or explicit but redlining is extremely pervasive and prevalent in society today,” an official from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) told the Washington Informer. “The prevalence hasn’t changed. We fight every day to effect change. We have to be diligent in our efforts to fight it.”

Redlining’s corrosive legacy persists in discriminatory lending, inequities and disparities in housing practices and how homes are financed. Ultimately, all this has a broad impact on homeownership, the value of homes and especially in the net worth of African American families and individuals.

There are numerous accounts that at the end of the Second World War, the United States faced a large housing demand as American servicemen and women wanted to buy homes and raise their families. In response, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) expanded its ability to provide financing and insure loans. With the feds backing lenders and developers, that reduced risk to banks and those offering mortgages and construction loans.

“The lower risk to lenders resulted in lower interest rates, which granted middle-class people the ability to borrow money to purchase homes,” said Rajeh Saadeh, a real estate and civil rights attorney, in a Banknote story about redlining. “With the new lending policies and larger potential homeowner pool, real estate developers bought huge tracts of land just outside of urban areas and developed them by building numerous homes and turning the areas into today’s suburbs.”

However, many of these new developments had restrictive covenants that barred Black people from buying these homes. Meanwhile in those parts of cities where large numbers of non-whites lived, the redlining, Saadeh explained, made “them ineligible for federally backed mortgages (which effectively meant, for affordable mortgages, period).”

“Consequently, people of color could not get loans to buy in the suburbs, nor could they borrow to purchase homes in areas in which they were concentrated,” the attorney, who is also a former real estate law professor, said.

Saadeh said the ramification of America’s “systemic, codified policy by the government, mortgage lenders, real estate developers and real estate agents as a bloc to deprive Black people of homeownership … been generational.”

Andre M. Perry, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, and his colleague Da-

vid Harshbarger, a former research analyst with the Metropolitan Policy Program, co-wrote in a 2019 report titled: “America’s Formerly Redlined Neighborhoods Have Changed, and So Must Solutions to Rectify Them.” The report explained the past continues to haunt the present.

“Together with racially restrictive housing covenants that prohibited Black Americans from buying certain properties, redlining prevented generations of families from gaining equity in homeownership or making improvements to homes already owned,” the report read. “These unjust practices form part of a long history of discrimination, which has contributed to the disparities in homeownership and wealth still observed between the Black and white populations of the country today.”

Even with passage of the Fair Housing Act in 1968, a range of other forms of discriminatory housing practices have reared their ugly heads. For example, housing experts have documented what some characterize as “reverse redlining,” where banks have engaged in predatory lending in Black and Latino neighborhoods that once were legally redlined. One of the primary reasons for the housing crash in 2008 was mortgage lenders enticing low-income borrowers with hundreds of thousands of risky subprime loans, including "no doc" and balloon-payment loans. As a consequence, about a half of Black homeowners and a third of Latino homeowners lost their homes and both communities have yet to fully recover.

The HUD representative said agency officials and staff use analytical metrics to uncover evidence of redlining. Where HUD finds lenders aren’t lending to marginalized communities, they go in and force the implementation of remedies as well as investments in affected communities. The official said HUD has also taken a wider, more comprehensive look at different elements of the housing ecosystem, such as appraisals. Recently, there have been several stories about appraisers who value the homes and land of African Americans for hundreds of thousands of dollars less because the owners are Black.

“Redlining is just one of many aspects of Fair Lending aspects. “Appraisals,” the HUD official said, “inform the lender of what the property is worth. There has been a historic undervaluing of communities of color and that continues to be pervasive. We’re looking at agents and brokers. It’s a big task.”

“HUD is definitely taking a hard look at the appraiser ecosystem looking for unnecessary barriers to entry, ways to increase diversity and how to make it easier for Blacks to get into an almost all-white industry.”

5 Residents of Barry Farms have endured state-sanctioned redlining, racism, segregation and housing discrimination, all of which have restricted where they could live, denied them loans and mortgages and fueled underinvestment and disinvestment in their communities. (Photo courtesy Mimi Machado-Luces)

D.C., PG County Both Get Failing Grades for Air Quality

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

Air quality in the D.C. region has continued to improve over the last year, but parts of the metro area remain highly polluted by ground-level ozone smog, according to the American Lung Association’s “2023 State of the Air Report,” released on April 19. Prince George’s County and the District both received ‘F’ grades for ozone pollution, which can cause respiratory issues and trigger asthma attacks. Recent research has also linked long-term exposure to increased risks for cardiovascular issues and metabolic disorders like hyperglycemia and diabetes. Three other Maryland counties—Anne Arundel, Baltimore County, and Harford—also received failing grades for ozone. The Washington region as a whole ranked 26th worst out of 227 metro areas, dropping four places down from last year’s report.

However, when it came to fine particle pollution, another common and harmful air pollutant, every Maryland county received an ‘A’ or ‘B’ grade from the American Lung Association. The District received a C. Across the region and the nation, air quality has improved dramatically since the organization first began tracking it in 1996.

AIR POLLUTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL INJUSTICE

However, the overall improvement in U.S. air quality has not touched all communities equally.

“The findings from this recent State of the Air report demonstrate that air quality has improved across the nation, which I think is great,” said Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, a pediatric pulmonologist in New York City.

“But the problem is that there are still major differences existing between which neighborhoods and which people are exposed to worse air quality.”

Nationally, people of color are 3.7 times more likely to live in a county that fails on all three pollution measures used in the American Lung Association’s report. Lovinsky-Desir said that the disparity has actually widened somewhat in recent years.

“Lots of policies have been imple mented in order to improve air qual ity, but we know that these policies are not routinely experienced across all neighborhoods in all communities,” she said. “It might be easier, or there may be more advocacy, to comply with these policies in richer and whiter neighborhoods than historically mar ginalized communities.”

That national trend plays out in the District. One 2021 study published in the journal GeoHealth found that some neighborhoods in Southeast experience more than four times as many premature deaths related to pollution compared to some wealthy areas in Northwest.

CLEAN AIR FIGHT IN WARD 5 ILLUSTRATES THE NATIONWIDE PROBLEM

Sebrena Rhodes, a community or ganizer with Empower DC and Ad visory Neighborhood Commissioner for Ivy City in Ward 5, has been fight ing for clean air in her community for years.

“Ivy City is one of the oldest Black communities in the District. We have a chemical plant that's been here since 1930 with no air quality permit,” Rhodes explained. Her ongoing fight to close that plant, National Engineering Products, became the subject of “People Rising: Ivy City,” a short documentary released at the D.C. En-

vironmental Film Festival earlier this spring.

Ward 5 has the highest concentration of land zoned for industrial purposes in the city. Many of those industrial sites—including the chem-

ical plant—sit right next to residential properties. The Brentwood neighborhood hosts a paving company, an asphalt plant and transfer stations for recycling and trash.

“Even on a good day, where you can

breathe, residents are not able to open their windows or sit on their porches because it's almost like you're sitting next to your trash can,” Rhodes said. Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

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3 Dr. Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir, a New York-based pediatric pulmonologist. (Photo courtesy of Stephanie Lovinsky-Desir)

OUR EARTH What On (Our) Earth Is Going On?

government-wide assessment will measure agencies’ progress on advancing environmental justice goals.

Here’s What’s

Up in Local Environmental News

By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

The DMV had a packed schedule of environmental festivals, cleanups and other events throughout April, as groups of all types and sizes celebrated the planet in the lead-up to Earth Day on April 22. Dozens more activities took place on Earth Day itself, despite a thunderstorm and torrential downpour later in the afternoon.

Meanwhile, many agencies and organizations announced big plans for the environment during Earth Month. Check out a few regional and national environment stories you might have missed in April.

MARYLAND PASSES LAW TO BOOST OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY

Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act on April 21, saying at an event held for the signing that the law would help “make Maryland the offshore wind capital of the United States.”

Passed by the state legislature on April 10, the POWER Act aims to more than quadruple the amount of energy currently produced by offshore wind projects in the state, setting a goal of 8.5 gigawatts by 2031. The Maryland Energy Administration estimates that the state’s offshore wind industry could provide enough energy to power about 600,000 homes.

The bill received bipartisan support from state legislators. In addition to the climate benefits of replacing fossil fuel burning with clean energy, offshore wind manufacturing has the potential to create thousands of jobs in the state. The POWER Act sets stron-

ger labor standards for jobs within the industry.

BIDEN MARKS EARTH DAY WITH MORE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE MEASURES

President Joe Biden signed an executive order on April 21 that requires every federal agency to create plans to address environmental harms that

disproportionately fall on marginalized communities, and report on their progress. The order also forms an Office of Environmental Justice within the White House and mandates that agencies notify communities whenever toxic substances leak from a federal facility.

In addition to the executive order, Biden announced other actions on this issue, including the release of an Environmental Justice Scorecard. The

These actions build on previous Biden administration efforts. Within his first week in office, the president signed an executive order creating the Justice40 Initiative, which aims to direct 40% of the overall benefits from certain federal investments into disadvantaged communities. Biden also appointed the first-ever Senior Director for Environmental Justice within the White House Council on Environmental Quality; that agency will now host the new environmental justice office announced last week.

METRO RELEASES ITS “BETTER BUS” MAP REDESIGN

Metro released its draft “visionary network” on April 17, after a five-year process to redesign its regional bus network—which hasn’t seen an overhaul in more than three decades. The agency’s proposal includes 100 routes and 24/7 service. Many of the routes would operate with frequencies of 12 minutes or less.

Unfortunately for riders, the map will likely remain wishful thinking, at least for now. The re-imagined network would cost 35% more than the current map, according to reporting from DCist transportation reporter Jordan Pascale.

Mayor Muriel Bowser’s budget proposal, which her office released last month, would cut bus service, eliminating three of the D.C. Circulator’s six routes. The mayor is also trying to hit the brakes on the free bus fare program passed by the D.C. Council last year. With the first budget shortfall in years looming, Bowser’s proposed budget suggests her office will not support any new spending to expand transportation access or increase climate change mitigation efforts.

Readers: The Informer wants to hear from you! As Earth Month draws to a close, we want to learn more about the environmental news you want to see. Let us know by scanning the QR Code below, or emailing kbenjamin@ washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaks at an event in Sparrows Point, Maryland, where signed several environmental bills, including the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources (POWER) Act, on April 21. (Photo by Joe Andrucyk, Patrick Siebert)

EDUCATION

As Council Committee Embraces SROs, a Grassroots Organization Touts Different Approach to Gun Violence

By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

Each year, the committee mark-up portion of the D.C. Council’s budget review process becomes a test of cCouncil members’ alignment with the mayor on certain issues.

It’s no different this year, especially when it comes to whether to stop the gradual removal of school

resource officers (SROs).

The D.C. Council’s Committee on Public Safety and Judiciary, led by D.C. Councilmember Brooke Pinto (D-Ward 2), recently expressed support for a portion of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal that keeps SROs in District schools.

In its unanimously approved committee report, the D.C. Council

JOIN IN

Council in support of reinstating SRO, telling council members that SROs often have a pulse on conflicts brewing between students. There has also been some consensus among some principals that the D.C. Council, in approving the drawback in SROs, didn’t have a nuanced understanding of how SROs functioned in schools.

However, grassroots organizers, including those affiliated with the Black Swan Academy, have long touted the need for a public health approach to on-campus and intra-community violence that doesn’t involve police. They have stood on the frontlines against SROs, pointing out other means of quelling student conflict.

Committee on Public Safety and the Judiciary cited feedback received from administrators, teachers and students about on-campus altercations and its dismal effects on student wellbeing and attendance. The report went on to say that, given the polarizing nature of the SRO debate, the D.C. Council circumvented public opinion when it

initially approved the gradual removal of SROs in 2021.

“The council decision on this issue in 2021 was a part of a nationwide trend in which a number of other jurisdictions made similar decisions at that time,” page 115 of the report read. “But many of those jurisdictions… are also now reconsidering the phaseout of SROs in schools. Those reversals reflect the reality that all policymaking involves tradeoffs [that] merit close examination and a thorough public conversation, and the council should engage in that examination and conversation.”

During the 2021-2022 school year, there were more than 1,000 calls made for the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) for D.C. public schools, according to the committee report. The report also cited the recovery of 77 knives, 15 tasers and five guns by SROs and MPD officers on school campuses within the same timespan. The D.C. Council Committee of Public Safety and the Judiciary recommended that SROs be reinstalled to immediately mitigate conflict while schools figure out how to meet students’ long-term behavioral health needs.

Weeks earlier, D.C. Councilmember Zachary Parker (D-Ward 5) proposed legislation that, in lieu of SROs, would install a safety director for each District school and mandate the Office of the State Superintendent of Education to facilitate the creation of guidelines used to review school safety plans.

This legislation, Parker told the Informer, came out of public frustration with the lack of school safety enhancements in Bowser’s budget proposal.

Over the last several months, school principals have testified before the D.C.

According to D.C. Policy Center, nearly 80% of District residents lived within half a mile of a homicide -more than likely in places where children live -- in 2021. A study conducted by the think tank in March found that young people in D.C. 17 years old and younger are more likely than their counterparts in other parts of the country to be exposed to violence. The numbers are nearly twice as high when household income is below the federal poverty line.

That’s why during the last week of April every year, some gun violence prevention organizations use Youth Violence Prevention Week to drive home the point that gun violence is not only a matter of safety and justice, but a public health issue that should be addressed as such.

Tia Bell, founder and executive director of True Reasons I Grabbed the Gun Evolved from Risks Project, also known as T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, said that she’s been able to engage, gain the trust of, and educate young people who’ve been exposed to gun violence, but have yet to become perpetrators or victims of gun-related crimes.

She expressed plans to continue along this journey between April 24 and 28, during which T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, a gun violence prevention organization focused on public health and youth development, will conduct activities at District schools and facilitate a social media campaign anticipated to reach thousands of young people.

Local activities include an assembly at SEED Public Charter School, a virtual planning session for the 2023 End Gun Violence Citywide Conference, TRIGGER BINGO on Instagram

Live, an assembly at Alice Deal Middle School in Northwest, and the collective wearing of orange for gun violence awareness.

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 Tia Bell of T.R.I.G.G.E.R. Project, a gun violence prevention organization focused on public health and youth development, conducted an assembly at SEED Public Charter School during Youth Violence Prevention Week. (Photo courtesy of Straight to the Point Media)

Amazon Surprises

Seven PGCPS Students with $40,000 Scholarships

By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

Four hundred high schoolers across the country are receiving a total of $16 million in paid tuition to attend the college or university of their choice, thanks to Amazon’s Future Engineer Scholarship. On April 18, seven Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) students were surprised at Eleanor Roosevelt High School with $40,000 in aid.

"Every year, I continue to be inspired by our scholarship recipients’ academic achievements and drive to use their problem-solving abilities to build solutions for their communities,” said Victor Reinoso, global director of Philanthropic Education Initiatives at Amazon.

Students across the nation applied for this opportunity and were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, work experience, future goals and financial need.

“With students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities representing only 18% of [computer science] bachelor’s degrees, we believe that connecting students to computer science education and opportunities helps create a more equitable and inclusive future, across all industries and sectors, for generations to come."

Today, Amazon announced the 2023 Amazon Future Engineer Scholarship recipients. This year, Amazon

awarded 400 scholarships, providing a total of $16 million in paid tuition for students to attend the U.S. college or university of their choice. Seven of the scholarship recipients were surprised with a special Amazon delivery at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Greenbelt, MD. Through Amazon Future Engineer, our global philanthropic education initiative, each student will receive $40,000 over four years to pursue a degree in computer science or engineering and a paid internship after their freshman year to gain practical work experience with mentorship from Amazon leaders.

"Every year, I continue to be inspired by our scholarship recipients’ academic achievements and drive to use their problem-solving abilities to build solutions for their communities,” said Victor Reinoso, global director of Philanthropic Education Initiatives at Amazon. “With students from historically underrepresented and underserved communities representing only 18% of CS bachelor’s degrees, we believe that connecting students to computer science education and opportunities helps create a more equitable and inclusive future, across all industries and sectors, for generations to come."

Scholarship recipients applied for the opportunity and were selected based on academic achievement, demonstrated leadership, community involvement, work experience, future goals, and financial need. WI

5 Seven Prince George’s County Public Schools students were surprised last week at Roosevelt High School with $40,000 scholarships to a college of their choice. (Courtesy photo/Amazon)

It Should Be Easy for Black Teens to Take College Classes

By Maya Pottiger Word in Black

A college degree is both increasingly valued and difficult to achieve in the United States. And with the Supreme Court potentially overturning affirmative action later this year, higher education could be even more unattainable for Black and Brown students nationwide.

But there is a solution that students can take advantage of while still enrolled in high school: dual enrollment classes. These classes allow high school students to take select college courses for college credit — in some cases, students can earn the college credit equivalent of an associate’s degree at the same time they receive their high school diploma.

“Dual enrollment will become even more important [if affirmative action is overturned] because that’ll be a way that students can enhance their competitive edge when applying to college,” said Dr. Brett Grant, a postdoctoral fellow with the Black Education Research Collective at Teachers College, Columbia University. “So I’m sure it’s going to become more prominent.”

Without the “diversity rationale,” Grant explained, the other aspects of a students’ college application can become more critical, like extracurriculars and courses.

THESE OPPORTUNITIES AREN’T REACHING BLACK STUDENTS

The problem with dual enrollment — and it providing students with a way to pad out their academic resumes — is that it isn’t reaching Black and Brown students.

“Like so many other parts of our society, our children of color do not have equitable access to these courses,” said Dr. Fedrick Ingram, secretary-treasurer of the

American Federation of Teachers. “It widens the achievement gap.”

A 2020 report from The Aspen Institute and Teachers College at Columbia University found that, on average, about 12% of white students participate in dual enrollment programs, compared to only 8% of Hispanic students and 7% of Black students. The report’s authors wrote that “dual enrollment can also exacerbate disadvantages when it is not designed with equity as a primary goal.”

“We have to do some work in terms of the equity lens and how we make things fair for all of our students,” Ingram said. “We need to make sure that we promote these dual enrollment classes in a way that we can get a more diverse group of students enrolled.”

The Community College Research Center, an independent research organization at Teachers College, has a project underway that will create a framework “of how to design your dual enrollment system between high schools and colleges to make sure that it is really made accessible to Black students, Latino students, Indigenous students, others who have been systematically excluded,” said Sara Allan, director of Early Learning and Pathways at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

This includes a variety of steps “that can help make students from different backgrounds feel like this is for them, and see themselves in the program,” Allan said. The framework will also help sort out “hidden barriers to some groups of students being able to succeed in dual enrollment.”

Taking action to help prevent underage access to tobacco.

Kids should not smoke, vape, or use any tobacco products. Altria strongly supports policies and legislation that can help keep tobacco out of kids’ hands — and that includes the federal law that makes 21 the legal age of purchase for all tobacco.

We know from decades of experience that restricting youth access at retail is a critical component in curbing underage tobacco use.

That’s why we provide an array of incentives for retailers who implement new, electronic age-validation technology in their stores. Once the system is installed, all tobacco purchases prompt a scan of a government-issued ID.

Today, youth smoking rates are at 2.1% — a historic low. And we remain committed to being part of the solution.

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Why is Good Transit Access Still Just a “Vision” for D.C.?

Earlier this month, Metro released its “visionary” draft bus network redesign, created as part of its Better Bus initiative. The new map would better integrate routes across the DMV region, provide 24/7 service on some routes and increase bus access in underserved areas. It includes 100 routes that would operate at frequencies of 20 minutes or better—many even come at intervals of 12 minutes or less.

According to Metro, implementing this visionary map would create 20% more trips that are competitive with driving. Fewer cars on the road means less traffic, less air pollution and less fossil fuel burning. It would make D.C. residents safer, healthier and happier. Increasing bus service in the District also primarily benefits people of color, who make up 84% of Metrobus riders.

But for now, this map is exactly what it sounds like: purely “visionary.” Essentially, a pipe dream. Fully implementing the map would cost 35% more than bus service currently does. Meanwhile, the city is facing a budget shortfall for the first time in years, and Mayor Bowser’s budget proposal attempts to meet that challenge in part by cutting back on buses—eliminating three out of six D.C. Circulator routes. Though the budget process remains far from complete, the mayor’s proposal indicates her office’s priorities. Those priorities clearly do not include addressing climate change or increasing access to public transit.

Just because it’s not a priority for the mayor’s office doesn’t mean it’s not a priority for D.C. residents, though. And Metro has created some easy ways for people to let the public in on the planning for the next step of its multi-year Better Bus initiative.

Over the 50 days between April 17 and June 5, the agency is hosting 50 events aimed at gathering residents’ thoughts on bus service. You can also leave comments directly on an interactive map of the draft network, which has tools that allow you to compare proposed routes with current ones or plan out a theoretical trip using the improved map.

You can find the event schedule and the interactive map (plus videos demonstrating how to use the map tools) at betterbus.wmata.com.

The District isn’t going to adopt the entirety of the “visionary network” anytime soon. But Metrobus can still make progress with smaller steps to improve service. The more we interact with the Better Bus process, the more we prove that transportation access matters to D.C. citizens.

Arbor Day: We Need More Trees in Local Communities of Color

When the first U.S. Arbor Day celebrations started in Nebraska in 1872, the state’s settlers noted the need for trees to protect from the hot sun, as a windbreak to keep soil in place, and resources such as building materials. It was estimated that 1 million trees were planted on the first Arbor Day April 10, 1872.

More than 150 years later, Arbor Day is now celebrated nationwide, generally on the last Friday of the month (although some states commemorate the importance of planting trees more in line with the best weather to plant trees).

Even with the modern technology that wasn’t available in 1872, trees are important to sustaining healthy and thriving land, communities and people.

According to a June 2021 NPR article, trees keep urban neighborhoods cooler, help capture stormwater runoff, remove carbon dioxide from the air, help in making air conditioning bills manageable and protect lives– particularly during major heat waves.

The NPR article, “Bringing Back Trees To ‘Forest City’s’ Redlined Areas Helps Residents and The Climate,” notes that research shows low-income neighborhoods generally have less trees than wealthier areas.

American Forests’ Tree Equity Score examines tree coverage across U.S. cities, and allows for website guests to do the same by typing in a particular area, checking out the interactive maps, and breaking down the statistics. Much of the data shows disparities in trees in wealthy and low-income neighborhoods.

“A map of tree cover in any city in the United States is too often a map of race and income. This is unacceptable. Trees are critical infrastructure that every person in every neighborhood deserves. Trees can help address damaging environmental inequities like air pollution,” the website declares.

While American Forests celebrated the District as one of the U.S. cities with the best equity

Rat Race

I love The Washington Informer, but please never put a rodent on your cover again. As a lifelong District resident, I’ve had my fair share of seeing them and don’t need any reminders they exist. However, I am pleased that the city is finally making an effort to do something about the problem.

Erica Dean Washington, D.C.

in tree canopy coverage in June 2021— giving the nation’s capital a 91 out of 100– there’s still work to be done.

Upon checking out the website, treeequityscore.org, Anacostia has a score of 64 out of 100, while Georgetown has a 90 out of 100, and Glover Park boasts a perfect score.

The District’s numbers in tree coverage by neighborhood are certainly not as disparate as other cities.

In 2021, nationwide wealthier neighborhoods had 65% more tree coverage compared to lower-income areas.

As this is the nation’s capital, the District

TO THE EDITOR

Just Due for Arts Center

I’m happy to see high-level investment going into the Anacostia Arts Center. It’s such a gem and an essential part of our community. I look forward to its redevelopment and its impact.

Yolande Grady Washington, D.C.

should continue to lead the way in ensuring neighborhoods have equal access to tree canopy, which can in turn, help residents manage expensive air-conditioning bills and stay healthy and cool during the hot, humid D.C. summer.

The goal should be to close the gap even more.

This Arbor Day, check out the trees in your area, take in their beauty, and then go over to treeequityscore.org to learn your equity score. If there’s improvement needed– be the person to ignite the change. WI

Guest Columnist

Charlene Crowell

Credit Reporting Topped CFPB Debt Collection Complaints in 2022

Despite the rate of inflation slowing from last year's 40-year high, elevated household costs still plague most families. Findings from recent reports from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and the New York Federal Reserve help illuminate the top financial concerns of consumers.

Congress requires CFPB to monitor and regularly publish reports on key credit issues. One such report is an annual compilation and analysis of the concerns consumers bring to its attention.

Known as CFBP's Consumer Response Annual Report, the 2022 edition shares that nearly two million consumers from every state as well as American territories such as Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands filed complaints last year.

Regardless of how complaints are filed — website, telephone or

Guest Columnist

It's Always the Guns

Gun violence takes a relentless toll in our nation. Every day more than 300 people are killed or injured by guns in the United States, and most of their stories never make the news at all. But this was yet another week when multiple gun tragedies made national headlines.

One of those tragedies started out as a celebration: Alexis Dowdell's Sweet 16 birthday party at a dance

studio in Dadeville, Alabama, on April 15. She and her family had been planning the party for months, and the dance floor was filled with young people and a DJ when gunfire broke out. More than 30 people were injured and four were killed, including Alexis' older brother, 18-year-old Philstavious "Phil" Dowdell. Alexis remembered Phil pushing her to the ground to protect her in the chaos, but the next time she saw him he was lying in a pool of blood. She told an interviewer, "I got on my knees and he was

Guest Columnist

mail — each is monitored to assess compliance with consumer laws and risks in the marketplace. The agency allows up to 60 days from the date they receive complaints to provide a final response to the CFPB and the consumer. Last year, more complaints, per capita, came from Georgia than any other state, followed by Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.

Nearly 95% of these complaints in 2022 were about credit or consumer reporting; debt collection, credit card, checking or savings

account; and mortgages.

For example, 76% of last year's complaints — or 978,00 total — were about the three national credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. More than half of 2022 complaints in this category came from consumers under the age of 62, reflecting the importance of credit bureaus' role in determining which consumers can access affordable credit to buy a home, secure auto financing, or obtain a credit card.

According to CFPB's report,

Marian Wright Edelman

laying face down. And that's when I grabbed him. I turned him over, I was holding him. … I was trying to be strong instead of panicking. And so I said, 'You're going to be all right, you're a fighter, you're strong.'" But Phil, a high school senior and star athlete who had a football scholarship to Jacksonville State University, was gone — along with another 17-year-old Dadeville High senior and two more young guests. Many of those injured remain hospitalized in serious condition.

The nonprofit Gun Violence Ar-

Ben Jealous

The Investment in Our Planet That We Need

The theme for the 53rd Earth Day last Saturday was a timely one: Invest in Our Planet. This country has just begun to do that through the infrastructure and clean energy packages that President Biden and Congress approved in 2021 and 2022.

More money than we spent getting astronauts to the Moon will be spent in the next decade transforming our econ-

omy. We're moving from an economy that destroys places and people with pollution and climate threats to one that can lift them up everywhere. We have the technology and the demand, and now the federal investment, to power your house for less, to power your car for less, and to create good jobs that will last because they aren't killing the planet.

Earlier in the week, we saw how misguided the opposition is to this commitment to a healthier, safer world powered by abundant sources when House Speaker Kevin McCarthy gave

a speech at the New York Stock Exchange. That's Ground Zero for private sector investing in this country, if not the world.

He made clear that he and his colleagues don't want to begin a renewal of the American economy through cleaner jobs. They want instead to make things easier for the fossil fuel companies that raked in a record $200 billion in profits in 2022.

McCarthy, in fact, said he's willing to risk the full faith and credit of the United States to extend our reliance on the dirtiest and most volatile ener-

chive, which keeps track of mass shootings in the U.S. where four or more victims are killed or injured by guns, notes that there have been more than 165 mass shootings so far in 2023 — more than one a day. On April 15 there were seven mass shootings, the most in a single day so far this year. So the devastating mass injuries and deaths at a birthday party that night were heartbreaking, but they were not unusual for America. But those stories about the "everyday" trauma and tragedy of mass shootings were also joined this week

"Consumers also sometimes reported that they met the disclosed terms of credit card reward offers, but the rewards were not given. Some consumers said they applied for credit cards that included account opening bonuses, but the reward bonuses were not issued. Other consumers reported that they lost accrued awards when their credit cards were closed."

But CFPB found credit repair questions had the greatest percent-

CROWELL Page 56

by the latest headlines about a series of "mistake" shootings.

On April 13 in Kansas City, Missouri, 16-year-old honors student and musician Ralph Yarl was shot in the head and arm after mistakenly ringing the wrong doorbell while trying to pick up his younger brothers from a friend's home. The man who shot him said that when the 5'8", 140-lb. teenager came to his door, he looked out and saw a 6-foot-tall Black man and felt

EDELMAN Page 57

gy sources and push even more money into the pockets of Big Oil and Gas. He told those investors and financiers in New York that he would tie support for raising the federal debt ceiling — how much we can borrow to pay what we already owe — to a grab bag of giveaways to corporate polluters in their energy package.

He's taking us hostage in this way because he knows that an energy bill will never become law if it undermines longstanding environmental laws that give the public a say in new projects and permits, if it cuts a new program to

slow climate change by reducing methane emissions, and if it eliminates help to disadvantaged communities to get the low- and zero-emission technology they want. His bill does all that damage and more.

He said he was looking forward when what he described will lock us in a gas-powered economy that we can't afford. The idea that oil and gas companies need more help can't stand up to the facts that they've made more than ever, and they already have the

Guest Columnist

Lauren C. Vaughan

Challenges of Residential Treatment Programs in D.C. for Substance Use Disorder

viding much-needed programs to individuals.

April is Alcohol Awareness month, a national movement to draw more attention to the causes and effects of alcoholism and how to help families and communities deal with substance use disorders (SUD). This year, for organizations that provide residential treatment programs in D.C., it's an opportunity to highlight the challenges they face when pro-

Operating a residential substance abuse treatment program is very demanding and intensive work. Clinicians work daily to effect change in the lives of deeply broken people combating addiction and mental illness often paired with homelessness or housing insecurity. There is an art and science to creating and maintaining a healing milieu. But what has been the most difficult for organizations providing services to those trying to overcome addic-

Guest Columnist

tion throughout the pandemic has been exacerbated by significant shifts by governing agencies.

Samaritan Inns, located in the heart of D.C.'s Columbia Heights neighborhood, provides structured housing and recovery services in an environment of support and accountability. We give individuals who suffer from substance addictions the opportunity to rebuild their lives. For nearly 40 years, we've retained highly skilled clinicians who provide quality treatment services. However, since January 2022, our

Marc H. Morial

programs have had four major troubling outcomes due to changes implemented that are outside of our control. One is a decrease in the quality of clinical services because our best clinicians are now overburdened with excessive documentation: two, a significant decrease in revenue because of the new complicated and broken billing process. Three, a decrease in staff morale has impacted staff retention. And four — and by far the most detrimental — is the major change and bleak outlook on how we will acquire authori-

State of Black America 2023: Confronting the Threat Within

States of America.

"Our sense of belonging and prosperity relies on freedom from violence. That freedom requires confronting the threat that armed violence poses to our democracy and the hate-fueled rhetoric that feeds it. Moreover, keeping voters and elections safe from political violence is necessary to advance free, fair and secure elections and ballot access."

There is a fire blazing in the United

That the fire is burning through classrooms, law enforcement, the right to speak, the right to assemble and the right to vote. It is the fire of hatred, extremism and domestic terrorism. It is the fire of white supremacy.

This year's State of Black America report, "Democracy in Peril: Confronting the Threat Within," raises the alarm on extremist ideology taking root in the nation's most vital institutions.

The mainstreaming of extremist ideology is an existential threat to American democracy, the rule of law, and

Guest Columnist

decades of hard-won progress toward an equitable, inclusive, more perfect union. No longer limited to passing out photocopied leaflets on street corners or huddling in corners of the dark web, conspiracy-mongers and white nationalists openly spew their bile across social media and cable television. They weave it into the public policy they impose on their constituents. It corrodes the trust between police and the military and the communities they are sworn to protect and serve.

Members of the U.S. Congress and state legislators across the country have

promoted a conspiracy theory centered on a cabal of Satan-worshipping, cannibalistic child abusers that includes fellow lawmakers, Hollywood actors and business tycoons.

The leaked membership of a violent, anti-government militia group that led the January 6 insurrection included 81 people who either held or were running for public officer in 2022, 373 believed to be serving in law enforcement and 117 believed to be active-duty military.

Restrictions on teaching the history of slavery and the civil rights movement have grown so stringent that students

Clarence Thomas Does Not Belong on the Supreme Court

It's been over 30 years since Justice Clarence Thomas was confirmed to the Supreme Court seat once held by the great Thurgood Marshall, and it's safe to say that his reputation for unethical behavior — which was poor to start with — has only gotten worse.

What are we supposed to think about a justice's career that started with allegations of sexual harassment,

moved on to extreme coziness with conservative political donors, then multiple instances of questionable gifts and payments to himself and his wife, and now revelations that years of free trips and perks lavished on him by right-wing billionaire Harlan Crow went unreported — despite laws that clearly say they should be? Even after the news of Crow's largesse first broke, it got worse: Crow had also bought Thomas' mother's house in Savannah, a helpful real estate deal that Thomas never reported, either.

We could think that Thomas either

doesn't know or doesn't care about the ethical standards expected of a Supreme Court justice, or the laws that apply to him as a public employee. But Thomas is a graduate of Yale Law School. Ignorance is not a believable defense here. So we have to conclude that Thomas just doesn't care about the rules, or thinks that he can ignore them.

That's not the kind of person who belongs on the Supreme Court. If he wanted to do the decent and honorable thing, Thomas would admit his wrongdoing and resign. Calls for him to resign are coming from pro-democracy groups

zations for clients seeking longterm treatment.

For example, before January 2022, approval for an individual to receive residential treatment in 90-day increments was standard. With that, we could offer residential treatment starting with our intensive 28-day adult treatment program followed by an additional six months of structured residential treatment. Clients could focus on long-term sobriety while working on job skills and finding

VAUGHAN Page 58

planning a Black History Month in Alabama were not permitted to reference any events prior to 1970.

White supremacists committed 22 racially-motivated murders last year, including the 10 who were shot in a Buffalo supermarket by an 18-year old under the influence of the "Great Replacement" conspiracy promoted by prominent media figures.

From sea to shining sea, this flame of hate and manipulation which gave currency to foreign interference in the

MORIAL Page 58

including the one I lead, top media outlets, and members of Congress.

But Thomas doesn't have a history of doing the decent and honorable thing. So that means others will have to hold him accountable. The question is how.

There are plenty of calls for impeachment, but with a Republican-controlled House the option would appear to be off the table. Meanwhile the Senate will hold hearings and may call Thomas himself to testify. That is an important step. I would add that two other steps

are absolutely essential right now: a Justice Department investigation and Supreme Court reform including an enforceable code of ethics.

The Justice Department has clear grounds to investigate Thomas under a federal disclosure law that applies to government officials including Supreme Court justices. The law authorizes DOJ to pursue both civil penalties and criminal fines from government officials who fail to report gifts as legally required.

MYRICK Page 58

Svante Myrick

The Genius of Little Richard Explored in New Film

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

To many, Little Richard lived a complicated life— from his hypersexual ways to his brilliant, but amazingly disrespected, career.

Putting aside his personal and flamboyant lifestyle, one could find it hard to argue with Richard’s declaration in the new documentary “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” by award-winning filmmaker Lisa Cortés.

“Michael Jackson was inspired by me. Prince. James Brown, I discovered him. Jimi Hendrix was my guitar player,” Richard says in the 98-minute film that includes homages from others he influenced, like Mick Jagger, John Wa-

ters, and Billy Porter.

Indeed, in one telling moment, while Richard inducts the late Otis Redding into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Jagger sits in the audience listening intently and almost embarrassingly as Richard recounts how the Rolling Stones served as the flamboyant “Tutti Frutti” singer’s opening act and how he helped their careers.

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, in 1932, Little Richard left his home as a young boy when his father discovered Richard was gay.

Cortés, who won an Emmy for The Apollo, and served as executive producer for the Oscar-winning film “Precious,” said Richard wasn’t just the king of rock ‘n’ roll

but the architect.

“Little Richard is part of music history and the inspiration to many artists. Jimi Hendrix is playing in his band,” Cortés declared in an interview with “Let It Be Known,” the Black Press of America’s live morning news program.

Anacostia Playhouse’s ‘Night Mother,’ Tackles Love, Suicide, Stigma

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

While on the surface, Marsha Norman’s “Night Mother,” appears to be a play about a mother, daughter duo, the play, which runs at Anacostia Playhouse until May 13, unearths taboo topics, allowing audiences to grapple with their own values– particularly as it relates to love and suicide.

Directed by Deidre LaWan Starnes, Anacostia Playhouse’s “Night Mother” artfully reveals the beauty and precious moments that exist even in pain.

In the play, daughter Jessie, played by Lezlie Hatcher, decides to end her own life. No– this isn’t a spoiler. Actually, one should probably know suicide is a topic discussed in great detail in the

show. But despite the darkness in this tale, there’s also so much light and hope.

“I wanted to bring out the beauty,” Starnes said in a Washington Informer WIN-TV interview.

“We have a lot of misconceptions, particularly in [the Black] community, about death by sui-

cide, and about depression and also the strength of the Black and brown woman. And so I wanted to show us multifaceted women–women who could laugh, women who could cry, women who could feel joy, and women who could feel pain deeply. And it was quite a journey for the actors, and they took that ride with me.”

From the engaging acting by Hatcher and Patricia Williams-Dugueye as the mother Thelma, to the detailed set by April Joy, and the enchanting sound and lighting designs by Jerrett Harrington, every element of the show was captivating and revealed the hard work it took for Starnes, Stage Manager Denise Richards, and the entire team to breathe life into this heavy production.

Read the full article on washingtoninformer.com. WI

“James Brown is brought to Macon, Georgia., to record his first hit because of Little Richard. He’s a conductor on this little rock ‘n’ roll train.”

With Elvis Presley renowned as the king of rock ‘n’ roll mainly for mainstreaming Black music, the documentary leaves no doubt that Richard deserves that title and more.

“People knew his connection to the Beatles, but he talks about these five guys that he meets in Europe,” Cortés noted.

“But when he goes to Hamburg, Richard has one musician with him, a very young Billy Preston. So, he introduces Billy Preston to the Beatles. And as many people know, Billy Preston then goes on to be called what some people consider the fifth Beatle.

“So, you see the connection there. And you understand that he’s the catalyst and the inspiration for so many.”

Throughout his illustrious career, however, the music world failed to recognize the genius of Little Richard, and he continually reminded them of the egregious oversight.

In 1997, the American Music Awards finally gave Richard the recognition he craved and deserved.

In receiving the Award of Mer-

Born Richard Wayne Penniman in Macon, Georgia, in 1932, Little Richard left his home as a young boy when his father discovered Richard was gay.

it, the emotions Richard usually wore on his sleeve were revealed as plainly as ever.

“It’s been a long time coming,” he said after composing himself during that ceremony.

The award’s inscription noted that Richard “is the founding father who sent rock ‘n’ roll into orbit with his super-charged performances and spirit. He’s served as an inspiration to his fellow artists.”

Unabashedly candid—and some might say conceited—Richard let loose.

“I am the originator. I am the emancipator. I am the architect of rock ‘n’ roll,” he demanded.

“I am the man that started it all. I want you to know tonight that rhythm and blues had a baby, and somebody named it rock ‘n’ roll.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 “Little Richard: I Am Everything,” is in theaters everywhere. (Courtesy photo)

5 Deidre LaWan Starnes directed “Night Mother,” at Anacostia Playhouse, which runs until May 13.

(Courtesy Photo)

Chase Says Financial Literacy Month is Perfect time for Money Habits Review

By Angela Swinson Lee Special to The informer

Vaughn Perry, director for the Skyland Workforce Center, has learned the importance of being intentional about saving money during his financial journey.

“You can’t afford not to save,” Perry said. “It allows us to create a financial plan and set financial goals for ourselves.”

April is Financial Literacy Month, and experts at JPMorgan Chase say it’s the perfect time to review finances from our spending to our saving. At the Skyland Workforce Center, Chase conducts financial workshops that have been added to its eight-day construction training course.

“I believe it sets our students up for success,” Perry said, adding that the classes help students with financial stability. “When people are more stable, they can be in a better space to make better decisions. I believe financial literacy is one of the keys to generational wealth and many of the things that are learned in Chase’s financial literacy workshop are not things that people have been exposed to previously.”

Perry gave examples of how bad credit can further exacerbate an already difficult, challenging financial situation that some of his students have found themselves in. Bad credit can sometimes be barriers for employment. Class participants have said they were able to use the financial education they learned immediately in their everyday lives.

“The reality is that many people struggle to manage their daily finances,” said Chase Market Director Angie Royster. “More than half of Americans don’t have enough money saved on hand for a $500 emergency, and many Americans have high amounts of debt and don’t have enough savings.”

Royster said it’s just like daylight

savings time when many people change the batteries in their smoke detector to make sure the devices remain in working condition in case of a fire. April should serve as your financial checkpoint.

“You want to know if you are financially where you want to be. You have to put all of your finances on paper,” Royster said, adding that many people don’t want to look at how much their spending. “You don’t want to have it in your face as a reminder. If you don’t do it, you will never know how much you are spending, how much you can put toward your savings goals to really find out where you are financially.”

While it’s important to set financial goals, Royster said that it’s important to prioritize, and determine what’s most important, such as children’s college education, retirement or a vacation. Chase has tools, such as the Budget Builder that can assist with setting goals with tools and calculators.

“Everyone is saving for something. It could be small, or it could be big,” she said.

Royster said that most importantly, people should pay themselves first, even if it’s $25 a week.

“I’m not saying deprive yourself of things, but you have to be smart about it. Don’t spend more than you can afford.”

When focusing on income, some people think that they need to get a part-time job, but Royster said there

is power in redirecting funds that can generate an extra stream of income. That includes taking inventory of streaming services and other subscriptions that can be eliminated.

“Do you need five different streaming subscriptions? Find ways in your current budget where you can cut back. Take that money and invest it,” she said.

Chase offers several seminars are workshops that are free to the public.

“We are ready to help, and financial literacy is not just about the knowledge you gain in April. Don’t wait for the smoke and the fire, start today.”

More information can be found at Chase.com/financialgoals.

5 Vaughn Perry is the director of the Skyland Workforce Center

Mother and Daughter On the Road

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Laurita and Lauren Portee are a mother-daughter duo living in the Washington, D.C., area who love to travel. They co-host “Get Out of Town,” a weekly eight-part series on WETA-TV, Monday at 9:00 p.m. The show spotlights easy getaways within a few hours of the DMV. We recently chatted with the merry travelers during a recent segment of the Washington Informer’s “WIN-TV.”

“This is a concept for a show I knew I would want to watch,” said Laurita, who is retired. “I knew one of the producers, who asked if my daughter would do something like this with me, and we said absolutely.”

So far, the duo has visited Laurel Highlands, Pennsylvania, Richmond, Virginia, St. Michaels, Maryland, and Deep Creek Lake, Maryland. Laurita and Lauren

usually travel by car, except for their trek to Richmond. Many of us know that driving to Richmond can be a nightmare. Producers work with local tourism agencies for places to stay, restaurants and activities for people with various interests and budgets.

“We have a lot of fun, and we are big foodies,” said Laurita about traveling with Lauren. “She is more of a daredevil than I am, so we had activities that stretched me out of my comfort zone.”

HOW TO GET AWAY

In planning for a getaway, both travelers suggest determining the distance you are willing to travel and what type of lodging is preferred. Viewers saw Laurita and Lauren stay at a rustic pinewood decor hotel with modern comforts in Laurel Highlands, then a smaller boutique hotel in Richmond.

“We also incorporate a lot of Black history. We saw one of the

first HBCUs in West Virginia,” Lauren said about upcoming episodes. “We also went to Monticello in Charlottesville, but instead of the Thomas Jefferson side, we saw Mulberry Row, where enslaved people lived.”

The co-hosts feel audiences will learn a lot from their travels.

“Since we are mother and daughter– different generations— there is something for everyone,” Laurita said. “When you travel, you want to do something out of the ordinary so you will have a good story when you come back home.”

Watch the “Get Out of Town WIN-TV segment on youtube. com or visit WETA-TV at weta. org.

WI

@bcscomm

Strumenti Supports Artists with Top Quality Instruments

By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

Whether the music is pop, rhythm and blue, country, rock, bluegrass or classical, musicians should have top-quality instruments to get the perfect sound. The cost of instruments can be astronomical and unapproachable for rising, talented artists.

Melissa White is a violin soloist and chamber musician who recently performed in the D.C. area for the Library of Congress with the Harlem Quartet, a group of string musicians she co-founded. Wherever she performs, White’s constant companion is “The Oliveira” c1780 Ferdinando Gagliano violin that is hers to play through a unique investment from Strumenti, a funding organization for acquiring exquisite, rare string instruments. Contained in the full name of the violin is “c1780,” which tells the age of White’s violin.

“I saw the violin first on “Sesame Street” when I was four. Itzhak Pearlman was the guest. I fell in love with the way it fit his chin,” said White, who recently was the featured violinist with the Nation-

al Philharmonic. Making Dreams Come True Strumenti is a new organi zation founded in 2022. The co-founders and managing directors of Strumenti are Steve Obenski and Jim Kelly. Their mission for Strumenti is straightforward and personal.

“Ever since I’ve been in the vio lin business, I’ve had people strug gle with being able to afford what they need. It’s been this constant cycle,” said Kelly, president and CEO of the National Philharmonic and a vio linist himself.

Through Stru menti, violins, vi STRUMENTI Page 41

5 (L-R) Lauren and Laurita Portee are daughter and mother co-hosts for “Get Out of Town,” a weekly travel series airing on WETA-TV, Monday evenings at 9:00 p.m. The show explores short getaways within a few hours of the Washington, DC area. (Courtesy Photo/ WETA-TV)

4 Melissa White with the Strumenti-funded Ferdinand Gagliano violin (Courtesy photo/Kyle Schick)

We know there are families in our community who can use a helping hand, especially in tough times. That’s why we created our EnergyShare program. For those who qualify, we provide free home energy assessments and weatherization to help save energy and money. And we also offer bill pay assistance, a little help when it’s needed most. Because we’re more than a reliable energy company. We’re also a reliable neighbor.

Find out more at DominionEnergy.com/EnergyShare.

When you need a hand, we’ll bring several.

Entertainment Icon & Human Rights Activist Harry Belafonte Dies at 96

By Stacy M. Brown

WI Senior Writer

Renowned singer, actor, producer, and legendary civil rights trailblazer, Harry Belafonte has died at the age of 96.

His publicist confirmed that the beloved icon died of congestive heart failure at his home in New York.

In addition to his children Adrienne Belafonte Biesemeyer, Shari Belafonte, Gina Belafonte, David Belafonte and two stepchildren Sarah Frank and Lindsey Frank, Belafonte leaves behind eight grandchildren: Rachel Blue Biesemeyer, Brian Biesemeyer, Maria

Belafonte McCray, Sarafina Belafonte, Amadeus Belafonte, Mateo Frank, Olive Scanga, and Zoe Frank.

Known globally for both for his artistic ingenuity and humanitarian ideals, Belafonte became an early, vocal supporter of the Civil Rights Movement, a confidant of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and financial backer of countless historic political and social causes and events, including the anti-Apartheid Movement, equal rights for women, juvenile justice, climate change and the decolonization of Africa.

He was one of the organizers of the 1963 March on Washing-

ton and led a delegation of Hollywood luminaries including his best friend Sidney Poitier, as well as Paul Newman, Sammy Davis Jr., Marlon Brando, Rita Moreno, Tony Curtis, James Baldwin, Burt Lancaster, Joanne Woodward, Diahann Carrol, Bob Dylan, Mahalia Jackson, Peter, Paul and Mary and Joan Baez, Ruby Dee and Ossie Davis and Tony Curtis.

Born to immigrant parents in Harlem on March 1, 1927, Belafonte spent much of his youth in Jamaica. While life in Jamaica was difficult at times , spending time in his mother’s home country was full of cultural experiences that influenced Belafonte's life, art and activism.

At the beginning of World War II, Belafonte returned to Harlem with his mother and brother, but had trouble integrating into the new environment, before later dropping out of high school to join the U.S. Navy.

After being honorably discharged, according to TheHistoryMakers.org, Belaftonte went back to New York, where he worked various jobs until he received two free tickets to the American Negro Theatre (A.N.T.)-- a moment that changed his life.

Belafonte auditioned for the A.N.T. and earned his first leading role in ”Juno and the Paycock.”

Par;al Proceeds Will Be Donated to HBC’S!!!!

Other Prizes include $50.00 Gi5 Cards!! or $50.00 Gas Cards!! or a One Night Stay in a Reputable Hotel! Tickets $50.00-One ;cket) Three ;ckets--$125.00) Five ;ckets-$250.00). The more ;ckets purchased the greater the discount! Drawing held at Na;onal Harbor, June 30, 2023 @ 3:pm (est.) at McKey’s Piano Bar—172 Fleet Street Oxon Hill, Md. Not necessary to be present to win. Live Streaming of the drawing. For all informa;on www.blackonblackunity.com (PUBLIC RELATIONS Page).

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Sponsor: PJ’s Barbers and Stylists 2410 Mar;n Luther King, Jr. Ave SE DC (202) 678-3195.

Soon after, his career took off. He made his film debut opposite Dorothy Dandrige in “Bright Road,” in 1953 and won a Tony

for his performance in “Almanac,” in 1954.

Belafonte’s third album, “Calypso,” topped the charts for 31 consecutive weeks and was the first record to sell more than 1 million copies. The multifaceted artist also secured a television outlet with his hour-long special, ”Tonight with Belafonte,” which won him an Emmy.

A barrier breaking talent and

entrepreneur, Belafonte became the first African American TV producer and his company, HarBel, went on to produce multi-Emmy-nominated works.

In the early 1950s, the artist turned activist developed a strong relationship with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Belafonte worked tirelessly to mobilize artists in support of the civil rights movement.

In 1985, he rallied the global artistic community to raise awareness of the famines, wars and droughts plaguing many African nations. His work with United Support of Artists (USA) for Africa raised more than $60 million, with "We Are the World" and "Hands Across America.”

A longtime anti-apartheid activist, Belafonte hosted former South African President Nelson Mandela on his triumphant visit to the United States.

Until his passing, Belafonte maintained his commitment to service as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador. WI @StacyBrownMedia

5 Harry Belafonte (Courtesy photo)

Every Day Can Be Earth Day

Submitted by Washington Gas

Happy Earth Day, DMV! Here at Washington Gas, we love the enthusiasm surrounding this special day and the momentum it builds throughout the other 364 days of the year. Here are just a few of our favorite events and ongoing programs to celebrate our planet all through the year.

RECYCLING RETURNS AND REWARDS

Since 2022, Washington Gas has sponsored WUSA9 Recycle Day events to encourage local residents to drop off old paper and electronics for easy recycling. Our own Springfield Operations Center has served as a massive collection point with hundreds of vehicles lining up with carloads of recyclables.

The combined totals of these events have been awe-inspiring. Alongside diverting more than 88 tons of waste from area landfills, check out these additional benefits:

Paper recycled: 120,000 pounds (60 tons)

Electronics recycled: 57,000 pounds (28 tons)

Metals recouped: 24,000 pounds

Water saved: 130,000 gallons

Electricity conserved: 518,000 kilowatts

Greenhouse gas equivalents reduced: 81 metric tons

(All Recycle Days data is courtesy of WUSA9.)

Thank you for the amazing response to these events! Please watch our website (scan the QR code below) and follow Washington Gas social accounts for details about future recycling opportunities.

EBILLING: EASY AND EARTH-FRIENDLY

You can enjoy the convenience of paperless electronic billing with the Washington Gas eBill program! View and pay your bill from your monthly electronic notification or on the Washington Gas website 24 hours a day, 365 days per year. Our eBilling programs have saved the equivalent of more than 15,000 trees since 2018.*

This matters not only for preventing future waste, but also for preserving the deep benefits of living trees. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, leaves make up only about five percent of most trees, but the process of photosynthesis can allow a single large tree to provide a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people.* The Arbor Day Foundation adds that over the span of a year, one mature tree can absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.*

Help reduce paper use by enrolling in our eBill program at bit.ly/417Bj8k or by calling 844-WASHGAS (844927-4427).

ACCELERATED PIPELINE REPLACEMENT PROGRAMS

In the past few years, you’ve probably seen discussions of the benefits of replacing and refreshing aging pipeline systems. Washington Gas is pursuing a thoughtful, risk-based approach to pipeline replacements throughout the DMV.

Studies across government agencies and private research firms underscore the practicality and high value of accelerated replacement pipe programs. For example, the Department of Transportation indicates that such a program “enhances safety and reliability, contributes to cost savings over the longer-term and is less disruptive to customers and communities than a reactive approach.”

Beyond the enhanced safety and improving reliability of our pipeline

network, there is an ancillary benefit in that this work has the effect of lowering our emissions from aging infrastructure. As of the end of 2022, our accelerated pipe replacement programs in Maryland, Virginia and Washington D.C have reduced 352,270 metric tons of greenhouse gas equivalents. Please see the graphic above for more details, and be sure to read our recent article here in the Washington Informer. Washington Gas was founded in 1848, and we are celebrating our 175th anniversary in 2023. The District is our home, and we are commit-

ted to supporting numerous programs and initiatives to help keep it beautiful. Happy Earth Day, and we look forward to collaborating with you all year long to making the DMV a beautiful place to live, work, play and attract global visitors.

*Sources:

WUSA9 Data Analysis Team

Washington Gas Technical Analysis Team

U.S. Department of Agriculture: https://bit.ly/3opqwYF

Arbor Day Foundation: https://www. arborday.org/trees/treefacts/

As of 2022, Washington Gas accelerated pipe replacement programs have REDUCED DMV GREENHOUSE GAS EQUIVALENTS BY

39,638,798 gallons of LESS GASOLINE consumed

352,270 METRIC TONS which is EQUIVALENT to

78,391

FEWER gasoline-powered VEHICLES driven for one year

394,596,451

44,398 homes’ ENERGY USE AVOIDED for one year

814,777 barrels of OIL AVOIDED pounds LESS COAL BURNED

to see Music Director Designate

TCHAIKOVSKY PIANO CONCERTO

THU, MAY 4 AT 8 PM THE MUSIC CENTER AT STRATHMORE

SAT, MAY 6 AT 8 PM JOSEPH MEYERHOFF SYMPHONY HALL

SUN, MAY 7 AT 3 PM MEYERHOFF

Jonathon Heyward, conductor

Behzod Abduraimov, piano

The BSO’s Rachmaninoff 150 Festival is made possible by the major support of Judy and Scott Phares. The appearance of Behzod Abduraimov is made possible through the major support of the Bozzuto Family Distinguished Guest Pianist Fund.

THE PATHÉTIQUE SYMPHONY

FRI, MAY 19 AT 8 PM MEYERHOFF

SAT, MAY 20 AT 8 PM STRATHMORE

SUN, MAY 21 AT 3 PM MEYERHOFF

Jonathon Heyward, conductor

Xavier Foley, double bass

SUPPORTING SPONSOR:

My First Visit to Zambia

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

I landed in Lusaka, Zambia, from Dubai. As my Emirates flight taxied to the gate, I watched as several black vehicles were unloaded from a C-130 onto the tarmac under the watchful eyes of the U.S. Secret Services. In less than 24 hours, Vice President Kamala Harris was due to arrive, the third and final stop of a three-African nation tour that would end in Zambia after stops in Ghana and Tanzania.

Vice President Harris, accompanied by her husband, Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff, were the latest White House officials to travel to the African continent in 2023. Since the beginning of the year, visits have been made by several others, including First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, U.S. Secretary of

State Anthony Blinken, and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas Greenfield. These visits came on the heels of the successful U.S. African Leaders Summit, held last December in Washington, D.C.

Africa eagerly awaits a visit by President Joe Biden later this year.

After my visit to Zambia, I understood two things to be true: Zambia is open for business investments and it’s a beautiful place for tourists to enjoy.

Zambia produces copper, cobalt, gold emeralds, steel, and other platinum-group metals making it a strong country to consider for business investments and opportunities.

It also has numerous tourist attractions, including Victoria Falls and Chobe National Park. Come and see! WI

5 Austin R. Cooper, Jr., and the Hon. Batuke Imenda, Secretary General of the United Party for National Development (UPND), leave a dinner meeting in Lusaka. (Courtesy Photo)

National Cannabis Festival Celebrates, Educates Despite Storms

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

While April 20 (420) is widely known as a national weed holiday, the National Cannabis Festival dedicated much of last week to not only celebrating cannabis culture, but also advocating for more reform. Despite torrential downpours, pausing Saturday’s staple festivities and performances at The Fields at RFK Campus in Northeast, D.C., the National Cannabis Festival brought together thousands to commemorate progress, equity and the bravery of cannabis advocates.

“I think if folks are following the history of cannabis prohibition and cannabis legalization, what we’ve seen in the past decade, from these incredible advocates, has been nothing short of remarkable. We’ve moved from a world where cannabis was considered taboo, folks would lose jobs, folks were going to jail, losing lives over it, to a world where people can actually come out of college and find careers in this industry, and that is just incredible,” said Caroline Phillips, founder and executive director of the National Cannabis Festival.

“With the festival we know it’s important to talk about the fun things like Juicy J and 2 Chainz headlining, but this is also such a great opportunity to educate our community, to highlight the works of these advo-

STRUMENTI from Page 36

olas and cellos are identified with the assurance that the instruments will be performed by promising musicians and not tucked away in a private collection or museum. Instruments are to be used by artists who otherwise could not afford them. The price range for a violin, similar to the quality of what an artist like White would play, can cost between $250,000 to 500,000.

When White first played “The Oliveira” Gagliano c1780 violin, she immediately heard and felt the difference. White embraces the reality that she is playing an old Italian violin that had been in the hands of legendary players.

cates, and to make sure people out there in the general public know how they can get behind organizations who are working for their best interests,” Phillips continued.

Held on Earth Day, the festival was set to bring out hundreds of vendors and performances from the likes of Backyard Band, Everyday Everybody, Nkula, Cumbia Heights, Foots x Coles, DJ Farrah Flosscett and headliners Free Nationals, Juicy J and 2 Chainz. The storms temporarily paused some of the celebrations and festivities from about 2:05 p.m. to when doors opened again at 8 p.m.

“The rain delays and such were

a little tough to work through, but not bad at all,” said VIP and Artist Lounge Manager Joe Cervasio.

“Bumps come with anything that you do, so it's a matter of adapting and overcoming, and that’s what we were able to do,” VIP Host and Manager Jeremy Hawkins emphasized. “We have a phenomenal team that’s been able to see the problems, attack them and make them go away as quickly as possible.”

Once doors reopened, vendors were back, the performances from Free Nationals, Juicy J and 2 Chainz were on and popping, and RKF Campus was filled with festival-attendees ready to party with a purpose.

“It’s actually an amazing experience to be a part of this, especially in D.C., to see how far we’ve come within the cannabis community.” Hawkins said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for us to see the growth, the acceptance that cannabis has had within the country. Look at the film ‘Reefer Madness,’ you go from that to what we’re doing now, it’s a beautiful thing to see, and I can’t wait to see what else we can do in the next 20 years, especially for the next generation.”

As the night came to a close, Hawkins summed up the festival’s vibe.

“It’s just beautiful. It feels like Black Woodstock in here. I can’t wait to see it year after year.” WI

“It has a large sound, and these are all characteristics that are difficult to craft into a wooden box,” White said. “That’s what makes it so valuable.”

COMMITTED TO PEOPLE AND MUSIC

Kelly and Obenski have become matchmakers by sourcing string instruments for musicians eager to show love.

As a lawyer and a voracious researcher, Obenski studied different business structures created for people to buy collectibles like cars, watches, wine and other high-end items. Strumenti’s investment structure is like a home mortgage. In the end, a musician will own the instrument.

When White was offered the

opportunity to secure a violin through Strumenti, Kelly and Obenski went with her to an instrument dealer in New York. Twelve violins were evaluated.

“I remember her playing it a little. I’ll never forget the look on her face when she tried it,” Obenski said about “The Oliveira” violin. Strumenti looks to have the same relationship with their second violinist, a 13-year-old prodigy in California. It’s a strong start for a unique approach to funding dreams for string musicians.

Learn more about Strumenti on their website. https://strumenti. com Keep up with White through her website: https://melissawhiteviolin.com.

WI @bcscomm

What can you believe? Careful readers know the difference between facts and opinions. This week’s Kid Scoop shows kids how advertisers use facts and opinions to sell their products.

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

PUBLICATION DATE HERE

Publication Date 5-10- 23

Once doors reopened, vendors were back, the performances from Free Nationals, Juicy J and 2 Chainz were on and popping, and RKF Campus was filled with festival-attendees ready to party with a purpose.

5 Despite rain delays due to torrential downpours, the National Cannabis Festival brought out thousands to RFK Campus to celebrate cannabis culture locally and nationally on April 22. (Courtesy Photo)

Art Exhibit, Reception Celebrates Black Women’s History Month

By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Walking into Oxon Hill Manor for the black tie reception of the “Black Women’s History Month

Art Showcase: Woke Beingness” on April 14 was about more than the fabulous work by the artists, it was about their stories– and the importance of Black women in curating, developing, revealing, celebrating, maintaining, teaching and cherishing cultural narratives.

“We’re here to let people know who Black women artists are and what their role and responsibility is to keep this culture,” exhibit curator and celebrated artist Cheryl D. Edwards told the Informer. “Artists create from their interior. And they are Black women and I wanted it to be intergenerational because we are, many times, unheard and unseen.”

Edwards was inspired by the definitions of “woke” and “beingness,” when creating the exhibit’s title.

“Woke is an adjective meaning ‘alert to racial prejudice and discrimination.’ While the term ‘beingness’ is a noun defined as ‘the quality, state, or condition of a way of life.’ African American women artists have historically had to encounter, confront and negotiate the terms of their artistic practice. Black women artists have generally created art which exudes beauty, strength, wisdom and love,” Edwards explained in her curatorial notes, noting each artist embodies all of the aforementioned qualities.

Although her curatorial research and work provided the artists, Edwards credits the brainstorming of Tristan Colding, program specialist with Maryland National Capital Park and Planning Commission (MNCPPC),

for the exhibit to get on its feet.

Colding was inspired by an initiative in Atlanta, Georgia, declaring April as Black Women’s History Month. The program specialist wanted to bring that same energy to the arts and people of Prince George’s County.

“We’re here celebrating Black Women’s History Month. We’re here celebrating Black women artists in Prince George’s County and the surrounding areas in Maryland, D.C. and Virginia,” Colding said with enthusiasm.

Artists in the online Prince George’s Park “Art Auction,” until mid-May, include: Michelle Talibah, Adjoa Burrowes, Claudia “Aziza'' Gibson-Hunter, Melanie Royster, Katherine Tompson, lauded quilter and multimedia artist Faith Ringgold, and Edwards, the exhibit’s curator.

“I wanted to be a part of [this ex-

hibit] because I feel like it’s important that we put ourselves out there and we have to share our message with the people and I think through exhibitions, you’re able to share the messages in your work with others,” Burrowes, a visual artist who specializes in printmaking, told the Informer. “The fact that Black women in America, we tend to be overlooked… It's about time that we get our due.”

Burrowes, 66, included pieces from her series “Winds of Change.”

“During the pandemic, it seemed like something turned and people started questioning a lot of stuff. And it’s still happening. We’re still questioning and still trying to make people understand what our experience is in America,” said the Chicago native who now lives in Northern Virginia. “So my challenge as an artist is, ‘How do you deal with all that phenomena in a visual way and how do you deal with it in a nonrepresentational way? How do you deal with it with line and shape and value and tone? How do you create this concept of change? So I try to do that with the lines, try to create a certain dynamism, to make you feel like things are moving. That was my objective.”

With their artwork on display and for purchase, the evening celebrated the women with delectable food treats, an open wine bar featuring selections from the McBride Sisters’ “Black Girl Magic,” collection, and speeches about and by the featured

artists. The captivating art heightened the beauty of the Oxon Hill Manor, which features fancy furniture in several multipurpose rooms and beautiful outdoor spaces.

“It’s just been a pleasure to see someone who has been so supportive of arts through the generations. And that’s what I’m so appreciative of,” Cecile Tolliver told the Informer, talking about Edwards. “And then to have this exhibit in such a glorious, glamorous place. People do not really know the gem that they have in this Oxon Hill Manor here.”

“And so thank you,” Tolliver continued, turning to Edwards. “I’m so appreciative of what you’re doing for Black women.

For more information on the exhibit and to purchase artwork visit www.pgparks.com. WI

5 Artist and “Black Women’s History Month Art Showcase,” curator Cheryl Edwards poses. (Micha Green/ The Washington Informer)

3 A piece from artist Adjoa Burrowes “Winds of Change,” series featured in the “Black Women’s History Month Art Showcase.”

(Courtesy Photo)

© 2023 by Vicki Whiting, Editor Je Schinkel, Graphics Vol. 39, No. 22

MAY 8

Hooray for Teachers!

The National PTA celebrates Teacher Appreciation Week with a theme each year. Use the code to dscover this year’s theme!

Decorate = C = E = F = G = H = I

Teacher, Teacher

Teachers Care

Teachers work hard. They also make learning fun, listen when students are having problems and sometimes even take care of scraped knees and elbows.

Silly Board

Somebody got into the classroom overnight and drew silly stuff on the white board. How many silly things can you find?

Cut = N = A = K = O = R = S = T = W

What does your teacher do for you and your classmates? Standards

Can you find at least 10 differences between these twin teacher pictures? Have a friend or family member try. Did they find any differences you missed?

Draw your teacher at this desk. I appreciate my teacher because … Finish this sentence. Add a few more sentences! Standards Link: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

Shopping Trip

Pretend you have $500 to spend on a gift for your teacher. Look through the newspaper to find out what you could buy. Can you find items that add up to exactly $500? Standards Link: Calculate sums to a particular amount.

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns. P M X B O A R D G D G B E D R E W B L D I H R U E M D R E N E E A F H L U S A W M A C R C I K I R E E R K I A S Q L N E H T R E E T S L I K T S O N T E F Y N F O M W D H N G V G I B S C O M F O R T N BOARD CARE COMFORT DESK DREW FIND FRIEND HEARTS LEARNING LISTEN SILLY TEACHER THEME WEEK WORK Below share Oops! Somebody vowels. each missing out what You could quotes for KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

review wi book

"Life and Other Love Songs" by Anissa Gray c.2023, Berkley

$27

324 pages

Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer

If only you could wave a magic wand.

All your troubles would disappear, poof! One wave, and you'd have the money you need, the job you want, the family you've dreamed about, the life you deserve. Wave a magic wand and go on vacation or — as in the new book "Life and Other Love Songs" by Anissa Gray — you could wave it and just disappear.

Between the time she met him, and 1989, Deborah held two funerals for her husband, Daniel Ozro Armstead Junior. He wasn't at either one of them.

The first was held not long after his 37th birthday, after Oz had lunch with his brother, then left the restaurant and vanished. The second funeral, some years later, was held after Oz was declared dead so that Deborah and her daughter, Trinity, could finally have closure.

The first time Deborah saw him, Oz was standing all by himself at a rent party and she walked right up to him, just like that, right after she and her girl-group appeared on the little stage they'd set up in a corner of the living room. Deborah promised him that one day, she'd appear on a real stage and he believed her.

Oz loved her instantly, but he was intimidated.

He'd never seen someone as beautiful as Deborah, or as sure of herself, but he, too, had plans. He kept them in a notebook that he carried everywhere with him and soon, his plans included finishing college, getting an office job, and taking care of Deborah and a family.

He'd keep applying for jobs that he'd never get. He'd refuse to discuss the trauma he shared with his brother, or their Alabama growing up. He'd threaten a gay friend with public revelation and arrest to get his way. And Oz would lie to Deborah, again and again, knowing that she could get over some things but she could never know the truth.

Crack open "Life and Other Love Songs," and you may wonder what you got yourself into. Like a dropped cup full of beads, the prologue scatters — but stick with it. The first full chapter, which comes quick enough, will pull you into the novel you want.

Told with a fluid time-frame in three distinct voices, this story of secrets, trust, and the lack of it takes readers back 60 years before pulling them forward through the civil rights movement, the women's movement, the gay rights movement, and its characters' lives. Despite this huge, decades-wide backdrop, author Anissa Gray holds the story tight by keeping readers guessing on Oz's background, the lies he's told, and the colossal betrayals of trust he committed. Whether or not you'll be satisfied at how this unfolds and what happens to the characters in the end will depend on how you like novels of treachery.

This is a good choice for your book club, for vacation, or any time you want a tale with a hint of history in the background. Start "Life and Other Love Songs" and wave goodbye to your weekend. WI

horoscopes

ARIES The start of this week is a great time to celebrate your famous self-starter attitude. On Monday, Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday, you'll have an uncanny knack for initiating projects and getting things going (provided you can use your charms to keep others from feeling bowled over). From Wednesday afternoon through the end of Friday, expect some deep feelings to start roiling around inside. Lucky Numbers: 9, 19, 27

TAURUS Tired of the same old routine? You'll find a nice surprise as the week begins in the form of a schedule shake-up or some other small opportunity for self-indulgence. Monday and Tuesday (and even the first part of Wednesday) should provide great opportunities for goofing off and having fun. From the latter part of Wednesday and on into Friday, you might find yourself feeling moodier than usual. Lucky Numbers: 7, 11, 37

GEMINI As your week begins, cue up that action-movie soundtrack! You'll need some good background music if you're going to keep up with all your high-flying adventures (and if you're lucky, you might even have some romance mixed in with any high-speed chases). By Wednesday afternoon, count on the tempo to slow back down. You'll find yourself more introverted than usual but more insightful. Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 44

CANCER Watch for trouble on the homefront as the week begins! Monday, Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday could all bring problems to your doorstep, and you'll need to use a lot of patience (along with your usual sympathy and kindness) to smooth things over. From Wednesday afternoon on into Friday, you'll feel a little uneasy emotionally, and you might have trouble finding your footing. Lucky Numbers: 6, 8, 13

LEO You can do no wrong as the week begins. Everyone is on your side! On Monday, Tuesday and well into Wednesday, your commanding presence and charismatic communication skills are winning you converts, both friends and more than friends (if you're receptive to flirtatious attention right now). Starting with the latter half of Wednesday on through Friday, you'll find you've inherited some unusual insights. Use that newfound intuition wisely, and look for chances to help others. Lucky Numbers: 21, 23, 39

VIRGO Look at you! Everybody else is too, because you're unusually inclined to splash out and do something different as the week begins. Monday, Tuesday and the early part of Wednesday should all present excellent opportunities for showing off. (Just don't be surprised if your impulsiveness leaves you feeling indecisive too.)

Lucky Numbers: 34, 50, 56

LIBRA Feeling flirtatious? You'll be a dynamo of romance and unusual rowdiness as the week begins and Monday, Tuesday, and the early part of Wednesday should provide you with countless chances for socializing and mixing things up. Enjoy all the attention, and don't be surprised to find yourself rubbing shoulders with romance. Lucky Numbers: 2, 24, 32

SCORPIO Expect storm clouds to loom on your mental horizon as the week begins. Subliminal unease has your emotions roiling, but that just means you need to take some time out for yourself. On Monday, Tuesday and the first half of Wednesday, look for opportunities to tune out and turn inward. Decisions will come more quickly once you've had a chance to think. Lucky Numbers: 3, 16, 49

SAGITTARIUS The big picture will become crystal clear as your week begins. Your long-term, long-range intuition is spot-on right now, and on Monday, Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday you'll have a lot of fun and make big plans. From the latter half of Wednesday through Friday, your pace should start to slow back down. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 17

CAPRICORN Get things started! Your ambitious spirit knows no bounds as the week begins. Monday, Tuesday and the morning on Wednesday, you're at your enthusiastic, entrepreneurial best. Everyone might not share your excitement, but they'll admire what you can get done. From Wednesday afternoon through to Friday, you'll find yourself gifted with unusual perspective and planning skills. Lucky Numbers: 3, 23, 28

AQUARIUS Do you ever stop making friends? As the week begins, your natural affability leads you to new people and new situations. Monday, Tuesday and the first part of Wednesday provide plenty of opportunities for experiencing new things and making connections you normally wouldn't. From Wednesday afternoon on through Friday night, you might find your mind drifting to thoughts of your career and big-picture ambitions. Lucky Numbers: 7, 12, 30

PISCES Out with the old, in with the new! As the week begins, you can solve problems in a partnership by simply embracing a fresh perspective. Monday, Tuesday and the morning on Wednesday should present opportunities to settle disputes and improve relationships with others. From Wednesday afternoon on through Friday, you might feel emotionally unsettled. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 48

Capital Classic To Showcase National and Local Talent

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The much-anticipated annual Capital Classic basketball game will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on Saturday, April 28 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Southeast, Washington.

The competition’s athletes will include some of the best seniors in the nation against the best that the DMV has to offer.

Over the last half century, the Capital Classic has showcased some of the top players in the country, including hall-of-famers Michael Jor-

dan, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Dominique Wilkins, Grant Hill, Klay Thompson and Doc Rivers

Each team will have 12 players, many of whom have committed to such basketball powers as national champion Connecticut, the University of Maryland and Memphis, The game tips off at 2 p.m. and will be live streamed.

Ricky Goings, director of Player Engagement and Alumni Relations for the Capital Classic, explained that the teams were selected based on the recommendation of several national coaches and scouts as well as the best from this area.

“The Capital All-Stars are well positioned to defend the DMV’s turf against what will be a strong U.S. AllStar team," said Goings. "We look forward to hosting a competitive game as part of our 50th Anniversary.”

It is important to note that NCAA Division 1 coaches are not allowed to attend all-star games like the Capital Classic, but there will be representa-

tives from the NBA. One of the players who is on their radar is Mikey Williams, a five-star recruit, who is headed to the University of Memphis.

The head coach of the U.S, team will be former DeMatha and University of Maryland standout, Adrian Branch. He will be assisted by Malcolm Battle, head coach at the Bard School who led his team to both the

Howard University Chess Team Makes Moves

By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer

The Howard University Chess team served notice that it is becoming a force in the world of chess. The club dominated the inaugural HBCU Chess Classic on April 22 with first place wins in the individual and team categories, while Team B took third place. Hampton University, the other HU, took second place.

The event was held at Morris Brown College and featured students from Spelman College, Texas Southern and Morehouse College. Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens was in attendance.

Howard Chess President Malik Castro-DeVarona, a sophomore political science major from Los Angeles grabbed the first-place individual trophy after beating two other Howard students who were in a three way tie for first place.

DCIAA and DCSAA state championship.

"It is an honor to be selected to coach in the Capital Classic," said Battle. "Several of my friends and mentors played in this game. And the fact that it is the 50th anniversary adds even more to the mix."

The DMV team will be coached by Carlos Pointdexter, highly successful head coach at Hayfield High School. Poindexter has led his school to backto-back state championships.

"I am thrilled to be able to coach this team," said Pointdexter, who has lost only one game in the past two seasons. "Being from the DMV, bragging rights will be on the line and we expect to represent well."

Goings said that this is the first time that the game has been televised since James, now a record-breaking basketball star, played many years ago.

"We are excited about the game being streamed," said Goings. "The fans who are not able to attend will get a chance to see these outstanding young players perform at a high level."

Goings added that there will be an alumni reception for former players who played in the game.

"We want to bring the game back to the prominence it once held," added Goings."That is why it is important to honor the past players." WI

Azandria Hudson, a junior computer science major, was also competing in her first tournament.

Each of the three had won all five games. Howard’s Team A were the top ranked five players in the tournament.

"For me, winning is a culmination of the time that I spent with chess,” he told the Informer. "All of the excess chess I committed myself to can be justified. It is good to see the reward of that investment. I think the biggest success of this classic was the bringing of everyone together. Getting a chance to see everyone. We are connected."

“This was my first tournament,” commented Sagid Mohamed, a junior finance major from the Bronx. “I started chess when I was very young, playing with my father but I dropped it for a while. I decided to pick it back up recently. I had a favorable result at the tournament and that is encouraging. It is good to see the advancement of Black chess and to be a part of it."

“I recently came out and became more involved in the chess club," said Hudson, who is from Colorado. "My main motivation was to support our mission to get more Blacks involved in chess."

The team was coached by Jerald Times, 2021 Chess Educator of the Year. The HBCU Chess Classic was organized by the first Black Chess Grandmaster Maurice Ashley and The Black Chess Odyssey Society.

The club’s slogan is “Black Moves First.” Their goal is to be instrumental in paving a path for more Black youth, particularly girls, to excel at chess, become grand masters and eventually tournament directors.

"We feel that we are creating a path for other Blacks and HBCU students to bring diversity to chess. We are creating a space for Black students,” Castro-DeVarona said. Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 The Capital Classic takes place on April 28 at the Entertainment and Sports Arena, with tipoff at 2 p.m. (Courtesy Photo)

5 The Howard University Chess team won the inaugural HBCU Chess Classic on April 22.

(Courtesy Photo)

CAPTURE the moment

Families and friends celebrated Earth Day at the Anacostia Community Museum in Southeast on April 22 participating in activities and workshops teaching about some of the earth’s offerings and how to protect the planet. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer)

5 Lil Wayne brought his “Welcome to Tha Carter” tour to the Fillmore, which holds approximately 1,200 people, in downtown Silver Spring, Maryland on April 18. (Abdullah J. Konte/The Washington Informer)

5 A father and sons’ trio were a few of the volunteers serving the Anacostia Watershed Society’s cleanup at Anacostia Park in Southeast on April 22. (Cleveland Nelson/The Washington Informer

"WELCOME TO THA CARTER"

Historic Black Church Gets Land Returned from NHL Penguins Franchise

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In Pittsburgh's Hill District, the historic Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church will return to its former location.

More than 60 years ago, the church was forced to relinquish its sanctuary to an urban renewal project that destroyed the core of an African American neighborhood.

The church was compensated for a fraction of its value, according to the church.

Now, the church has reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Penguins, the NHL team that owns the development rights to the site adjacent to its current facility.

According to a report by The

Grio, the Penguins have consented to allowing the church to use a 1.5-acre plot of land that the church plans to use for housing and other revenue-generating development.

Kevin Acklin, president of business operations for the Penguins, stated that the organization is "recognizing our role here as a steward" of the property and its history.

Prior to 1967, the Penguins played in a former community arena, and now they play in a newer arena nearby.

According to historians, the Hill District was a center of Black culture in the 20th century, renowned for its jazz clubs and other cultural landmarks depicted in many of acclaimed playwright August Wilson's works.

In addition, Bethel AME played an important role in that community.

It was founded in 1808 and is regarded as Pittsburgh's oldest Black church. From its inception, it was involved in infant education and civil rights.

It opened a large brick church with rounded arches and a prominent tower in 1906 in the Lower Hill District, which was home to 3,000 members at its zenith.

In the 1950s, the Pittsburgh Urban Redevelopment Authority declared a large portion of Lower Hill to be derelict.

It oversaw the demolition of approximately 1,300 structures on 95 acres, displacing more than 8,000 individuals, more than 400 businesses, and numerous places of worship.

Bethel congregants stated that the predominantly white Catholic church was not, however, demolished.

Church leaders battled the building’s demolition unsuccessfully, ul-

timately receiving $240,000 for a $745,000 property.

The pastor of Bethel, Rev. Dale Snyder, told The Grio, "This is a model for how we can heal the broken realities of America."

The church intends to construct housing, a daycare center, and other potential commercial developments on the property.

The Rev. Prudence Harris, associate pastor and lifelong Bethel member, stated that she was five years old when she and her parents witnessed the deconstruction of the previous sanctuary.

The agreement was reached after years of public requests and protests by the church.

It is a microcosm of a larger conflict over the legacy of the 1950s project, in which Black community leaders have long sought redress from Pittsburgh's political, business, and athletic elites.

The Penguins hope that the agreement and the extensive efforts to redevelop the site can serve as a model for other U.S. cities

3 After having to relinquish its sanctuary more than 60 years ago, Bethel AME Church will return to its former location.

with similar urban renewal scars from the mid-20th century.

"I have never been a devotee of hockey,” said AME Third District Bishop Errenous McLoud Jr., who thanked the Penguins for turning him into a hockey fan during a news conference on the site Bethel is acquiring.

He stated that this agreement "could and should serve as a model for reparations worldwide."

The accord is a component of broader efforts to collaborate with Hill District residents to restore the neighborhood's former connections to downtown. All of the main parties, including the city, county, and two public authorities, agreed to include Hill District stakeholders in a plan in 2014.

Church leaders stated, "While the agreement is a step toward reparations for the historic Black church and the Hill District, there is still a long way to go in addressing the damage caused in the middle of the 20th century." WI

@StacyBrownMedia

(Courtesy Photo)

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. — Hebrew 11:37, ESV

This week I'm pleased to share with you the second principle. The topic is "Faith."

Though you've read my reflections on the subject of faith often in this column, please understand what I've learned. It helped me in my thinking process, and it will help you, too.

During the 20 years of research compiled by Napoleon Hill, he traveled across America interviewing successful leaders, and couldn't emphasize enough the need to have faith.

In his book, he reminds us of how he had absolute faith that his own son, born without ears, would indeed hear someday, and though it was many years later, it worked, Mr. Hill's son did hear, even though he was born without any ears.

The Heavenly Father has said in His word, "My peace I give you." When you worry about tomorrow, you're not operating in faith, and you don't have peace.

All we have, ladies and gentlemen, is one day at a time. What we do today will shape our tomorrow.

Do you want more of the same?

Then keep doing what you've always done, and you will keep getting what you've always gotten. It's called insanity.

Those without faith are very much like the mouse in the story "Who Moved My Cheese." Pick up a copy and read it several times. You might see yourself.

WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Principles, Pt. 2: Faith

When one mouse realized all of his cheese was gone, he went into a state of shock and disbelief. He cried, pouted and had temper tantrums, determined to find out why things went wrong. Some such instances for many of us include getting laid off from a job, losing one's wife or husband, getting evicted, car getting snatched — the list could go on forever!

Do you hem and haw, feel paralyzed, spend much too much time trying to understand what happened to you? Do you say, "Why me?" Or you might say, "But I was doing so well — now this!"

The other mouse in "Who Moved My Cheese" began to run really quickly when they made the discovery that most of the cheese was gone, was disappearing and was not being replaced. He began immediately looking for new sources of cheese.

He did not waste one moment. Very quickly, he got busy and made attempts to find his way. This mouse knocked, he asked, and he sought in the dark, they went up and down alleyways unfamiliar! It worked for them. That is scriptural.

First, the mouse found a small amount of cheese, just enough to keep him alive and working. He continued to work, and more cheese was found until one day, this busy and active mouse dou-

bled his cheese supply. I have friends that say I work too much, but once you reprogram your thinking, it's a new day — you are like a totally new person!

In the Bible, we have many examples of women and men of faith who were willing to give their lives for the faith they had in God. If you look around, you will see many men and women today who are walking by faith and not by sight.

In the book of Job, the Scripture tells us Brother Job's story of patience and faith. Though he was a very wealthy man, he lost everything he had. He lost thousands of cattle, he lost land; he lost his health, even until most of the flesh had fallen from his bones. In fact, his wife said "why don't you curse God and die."

Brother Job said, "Naked I come into the world and naked shall I return. All the days of my appointed time, will I wait until my change come."

In the end, God rewarded Brother Job for keeping his faith no matter what happened. He got his health and wealth back — in fact, he got double the wealth. What a mighty God we serve. Believing even when you see absolutely no signs — that is absolute faith!

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

Dr. Ayele A.

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

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church

Crusader

Street

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church

St Marks Baptist Come Worship with us...

Bishop

Twyman, Sr. Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301-899-8885 – fax 301-899-2555

Services and Times

Sunday Early Morning Worship: 7:45 AM Church School: 9:30 AM

Sunday Morning Worship: 10:45 AM

Tuesday: 7:00pm/Kingdom Building Bible Institute

Wednesday , 12:30 PM Mid-Day Bible Study

Wednesday: Prayer/Praise/Bible Study-7:30 PM Baptism & Communion Service: 4th Sunday – 10:30 AM

“We are one in the Spirit” www.ssbc5757.org / E-mail: ssbc5757@verizon.net

Mt.

Zion

Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor

5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220

Fax: 202-726-9089

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m.

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

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

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

A.

(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, Th.D.

Third

Church of God

Lanier C.

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

Covenant Baptist United Church  of Christ

Bishop Alfred

Owens,

Dr. Dekontee L. &

Johnson Pastors

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

Zion Baptist Church

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

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

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

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

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

Israel Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor

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

Service and Times

Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM

Sunday School: 9:15 AM

Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM

Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM

Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

King

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

Lincoln Park United

Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

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"

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

Service and Times

Sunday Apostolic Worship Services

11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM

Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM

Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

New Commandment Baptist Church

Tucker Senior Pastor 13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times

Sunday Worship: 11 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM

Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

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

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Foggy Bottom Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037

Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958

Service and Times

Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns

Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist www.stmarysfoggybottom.org

Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

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

Promised Land Baptist Church

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

Service and Times

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331

Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm

Communion Every First Sunday "Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

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:

DC

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. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith

Methodist Church

Dr. Joseph D. Turner

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Christ Embassy

Rev.

Mount

Rev.

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor

those communities.

“I’d like to see a revitalized Downtown with small businesses, not chains and conglomerates, but that depends on the rent,” said Nelson, a Penn Quarter resident.

“Over time, rent rose exponentially, which was a primary reason that many businesses closed in the first place,” Nelson added. “However if you have large groups of people who are going to be living there and creating residential communities, any entrepreneur would look at that situation and see a need for service-oriented businesses. The question is whether they’ll be able to do that if the rent remains prohibitive.”

STRIKING A BALANCE TO REIMAGINE DOWNTOWN

In the couple years since the pandemic, thousands of businesses moved from Downtown, Shaw, Logan Circle and Georgetown to either areas east of the Anacostia River or the suburbs of D.C., according to an analysis of U.S. Postal Service address-change data that The Washington Post conducted.

Despite accounting for less than 3% of taxable property in the District, Downtown generates 37% of the property tax revenue collected. Before the pandemic, more than $1 billion in annual revenue came from Downtown D.C.

The federal government accounted for 35% of Downtown’s workforce and 25% of office space utilization. Bowser recently revealed that she’s still conferring with federal partners about if and how workers are still coming into the city.

That inquiry hasn’t stopped plans to shift to a residential downtown sector.

The latest edition of the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP)’s The Development Report highlighted five current office-to-residential conversion projects that will yield more than 1,100 residential units. By the end of this year, more than 7,000 residential units are expected to be completed. According to the report, more than 430,000 square feet of retail space construction is also on track for completion.

On the day before WDCEP’s annual meeting at the Washington Convention Center, Bowser and other administration officials presented D.C.’s Comeback Plan at Union Station.

The plan focuses on changing the usage of the Downtown sector so there’s more festival and gathering space. Bowser said this will be done in collaboration with EventsDC and the D.C. Office of Planning. Additionally, the Bowser administration recently launched a $7.5 million grant for the creation of permanent and semi-permanent family-friendly attractions throughout D.C. She has also called on Downtown DC BID and Golden Triangle BID for the development of a comprehensive plan that expands upon the revitalization of the Franklin Square BID.

Another element of Bowser’s plan involves the Housing in Downtown program, which sets out to induce Downtown residential development through financial relief for developers. One aspect of the program that caught the ire of housing advocates concerned developers’ 15-year exemption from the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, legislation that has allowed tenants first right of refusal when landlords want to sell the building.

Even so, some people like William Rich said that the development of these residences and surrounding businesses can generate round-the-clock economic activity that curbs downtown sector crime that’s been a concern lately.

Rich, president of real estate consulting firm Delta Associates, spoke favorably about the Housing in Downtown program. He pointed out that the 20-year tax abatement puts developers wary of building downtown more at ease about an expensive office-to-multifamily residential convergence process.

He also cited the expansion of an inclusionary zoning program that sets aside up to 15% of affordable units in new properties in an area currently exempt from inclusionary zoning requirements as a valiant effort to ensure socioeconomic diversity in Downtown D.C.

However, Rich said that there would need to be similar incentives for small businesses that want to set up shop

around the new residences in Downtown D.C. Otherwise, high operating costs would prevent them from affording to pay what Rich described as exorbitant rent.

“There are different strategies to help with diversifying the types of retailers that open up downtown,” Rich said. “The developers and landlords could work with tenants to attract more mom-and-pop stores versus corporate tenants. Retail rents downtown are higher than in other parts of the city so it limits the type of tenants that can afford to pay that rent.”

DOWNTOWN BID PRESIDENT & CEO MAKES A PLAY

On April 14, the D.C. Council's Committee of the Whole conducted a budget oversight hearings that attracted more than 100 witnesses, including Gerren Price, president and CEO of DowntownDC BID, which oversees economic activity and aesthetic maintenance of 138 blocks of Downtown D.C., including the Washington Convention Center and Capital One Arena.

Price’s testimony followed that of Richard Lake, board president of D.C. Building Industry Association, and others who emphasized the need to pour into Downtown, D.C. Days later, he counted among those who Bowser acknowledged at Union Station during her unveiling of D.C.’s Comeback Plan.

In his testimony, Price expressed support for tax incentives Bowser provided developers in her fiscal year 2024 budget proposal. He also touted the importance of funding the safe commercial corridor grant program and increasing the presence of D.C. police officers in Downtown D.C.

With what he described as a $300 million drop in Downtown revenue, Price said time is of the essence to act upon the universal enthusiasm for revitalizing Downtown, D.C.

“The lack of daytime foot traffic has been detrimental to our retail viability. Our theater and arts venues are experiencing declines,” Price said. “We cannot allow this decline to continue. Bold investments are needed to help downtown. We need a strong Downtown for tax revenues. In a difficult budget year, we must prioritize long-term and short-term action. I applaud the mayor for the reimagining of Downtown to create a more diverse and thriving community that’s necessary with multiple tax revenues and mixed usage.”

WI @SamPKCollins

BIDEN from Page 1

both Biden and Harris. Nonetheless, there remains some debate among Black Americans about whether or not they will support Biden for president in 2024.

According to the results of the poll of one thousand Black voters who were registered between August 24, 2022, and September 5, 2022, 69% of respondents were pleased with Biden's performance.

When asked whether the Democrats should select someone other than Biden in the next presidential election, 58% of Black voters answered that they would rather see another candidate run than Biden.

Anita Shelton, who leads the D.C. Women in Politics organization, supports Biden but not as enthusiastically as Wilson.

“My alternative is a staunch racist Republican,” said Shelton. “Biden got into office with the votes of urban Black people.”

The results of the survey suggested that an astounding 70% of Black voters would cast their ballots for Harris if she were to run for president, revealing the possibility that African Americans would offer more support to Harris than Biden.

Further, there remains a greater degree of disagreement among Black voters who identify as Democrats or who lean toward the party.

SHOULD BIDEN BE THE DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE IN 2024?

The poll reveals a consensus among respondents (49%) that the party ought to put forward Biden as its candidate for another term. The remaining half of voters have indicated that they would want the Democrats to select a different candidate for president in 2024.

Even among Black voters, there’s a wide range of viewpoints about the question of whether Biden should be the nominee.

Those under the age of 50 are more likely to seek a different candidate than those over the age of 50 who want Biden to run for a second term. This is especially true of Black Democrats.

Fifty-seven percent of Black Democrats and Democrats-at-heart aged 50 and over want Biden as the nominee, however only 42% of all Democrats and Democrats-at-heart want the party to choose someone else.

Meanwhile, the Republican Party has struggled to win Black voters, and the poll shows that this

pattern hasn’t changed.

The anger and obstruction that Republicans have shown toward Barack Obama throughout the years, in addition to their resistance to a voting rights law in Congress, make gaining the Black vote an uphill battle for the GOP.

By identifying themselves with Christian nationalists and organizations with roots to white supremacy, some Republicans have made it impossible to gain the support of Black voters.

The track record that Biden has on racial issues has also been debated in the Black community.

His efforts to pass a comprehensive voting rights package and reduce gun violence have been unsuccessful, but he has honored campaign vows to select a Black woman as his vice president and appoint one to the Supreme Court.

Additionally, Biden has fulfilled his promise to appoint a Black woman to the Supreme Court.

Biden also must overcome the problems caused by some of his supporters privately and publicly bashing Harris, an issue that has alienated some Black voters.

Four years after announcing his campaign for the 2020 election that finally resulted in the defeat of the criminally indicted and twice-impeached Donald Trump, Biden again seeks to beat back a run by the MAGA leader.

Reportedly, Biden's most prominent supporters have been invited to a financial summit in Washington, D.C, in the days running up to his planned announcement, which has kicked off a wild race to stock the president's war chest.

The meeting, planned for Friday, is viewed as an important first step in a campaign that is going to try its best to fly under the radar for at least one year.

After that, Biden expects to start the process of hiring a team that will be able to function independently of the White House.

The team will include a campaign manager, communication assistants, state campaign directors, pollsters, finance managers, volunteers, and others.

According to reports, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, a top White House adviser and the granddaughter of the late American labor leader Cesar Chavez, is in the running to oversee the re-election campaign.

Chavez counted as a prominent figure in the labor movement in the United States.

Read the full story on washingtoninformer.com. WI

5 DC Mayor Muriel Bowser (WI File Photo/Robert Roberts)

DOWNTOWN from Page 1

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE

DIVISION

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 FEP 000031

December 23, 2020

Date of Death

Richard N. Cooper

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESEN

TATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Jin Chen Cooper whose address is 4 Bryant Street, Cambridge, MA 02138 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Richard N. Cooper, deceased, by the Trial Court, Probate and Family Court for Middlesex County, State of Massachusetts, on February 2, 2021.

Service of process may be made upon Registered Agents Inc. 1717 N St. NW Suite #1, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.

The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 1657 31st Street, NW, Apt. 302, Washington, DC 20007. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication:

4/13/2023

Jin Chen Cooper

Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2021 ADM 001444

Barbara P. Minnis aka Barbara Pauline Minnis Williams Minnis Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Leroy Wade, whose address is 5311 9th St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara P. Minnis aka Barbara Pauline Minnis Williams Minnis who died on 8/14/2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C.,

515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/13/2023

Leroy Wade Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 347

Renee Patricia Kirkpatrick aka Renee P. Kirkpatrick aka Renee Kirkpatrick Decedent

Robert P. Newman, Esq.

Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Ave., Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Lisa Renee Kirkpatrick, whose address is 1233 Shepherd Street, NW, WDC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Renee Patricia Kirkpatrick aka Renee P. Kirkpatrick aka Renee Kirkpatrick who died on 11/9/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/13/2023

Lisa Renee Kirkpatrick

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000380

Charles Agurs Jr. aka Charles Arthur Agurs Jr. aka Charles A. Agurs Jr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Tanya Agurs-Collins, whose address is 1700 Tulip St. NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Agurs Jr. aka Charles Arthur Agurs Jr. aka Charles A. Agurs Jr. who died on 1/29/2023 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/13/2023

Tanya Agurs-Collins

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000300

Anthony X. Jackson Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard

1001 Connecticut Ave., NW Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Catherine Jackson-Roberts, whose address is 2908 P Street, SE, WDC 20020, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Anthony X. Jackson who died on 11/17/2021 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 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/13/2023

Catherine Jackson-Roberts 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

2021 ADM 001005

Sylvia Chatman Decedent

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Denise Chatman, whose address is 330 Eastern Ave, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sylvia Chatman who died on March 1, 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 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/13/2023

Denise Chatman 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 0003358

Clarence C. Skinner, Sr. Decedent

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

Lewis Clayton Skinner, whose address is 606 Chaplin Street, SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Clarence C. Skinner, Sr. who died on February 5, 2000 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/13/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/13/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/13/2023

Lewis Clayton Skinner 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 383

Rolando Amedo Andrewn Decedent

Theodora H. Brown Law Office of Theodora H. Brown 3127 Cherry Road, NE Washington, DC 20018-1611 Attorney

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

Shamelli I. Andrewn, whose address is 1470 Rue De Varsovie, Drummondville, Quebec, Canada J2C 8V7, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rolando Amedo Andrewn who died on 2/25/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/20/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/20/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/20/2023

Shamelli I. Andrewn

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

2023 ADM 000448

Estate of Duke Wilson

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated 9/28/2001 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 4/20/2023

Jennifer Wilson 4761 Fern Flat Rd Aptos, CA 95003

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 000400

Dmitry Ilyich Karshtedt Decedent

Stephanie L. Royal, Esquire

The Royal Legal Group, PLLC 5335 Wisconsin Ave., NW Ste. 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney

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

Mikhail Karshtedt, whose address is 1407 Carriage Path Way, Sacramento, CA 95814, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dmitry Ilyich Karshtedt who died on October 30, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/20/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/20/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/20/2023

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 000034

12/05/2022

Date of Death

Donald Eric Black

Name of Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Sandra Delk whose address is 12784 Burning Tree Lane, E Jacksonville, FL 32223 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Donald Eric Black, deceased, by the Register of Wills Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on 1/9/2023.

Service of process may be made upon Mark Miller 109 4th Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 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 property:

560 N Street, SW #713 Washington, DC 20024; 429 N St. SW #N700 Washington DC 20024. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Date of first publication:

4/20/2023

Sandra Delk Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000415

Leslie Ann Brettschneider Decedent

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

William L. Brettschneider, whose address is 1724 Lucerne Way, New Bern, NC 28560, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leslie Ann Brettschneider who died on March 15, 2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/20/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/20/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/20/2023

William L. Brettschneider 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 000371

Tina Brown Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW, Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Kima Carter, whose address is 503 42nd Street, NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tina Brown who died on July 22, 2019 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/20/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/20/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/20/2023

Kima Carter

Personal Representative

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000372

Edgar Isaias Delcid

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

Moises A. Delcid, whose address is 922 Quincy Street, NW, Washington, DC 20011, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edgar Isaias Delcid who died on April 29, 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 10/20/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/20/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/20/2023

Moises A. Delcid

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

In God We Trust. Declaration of Nationality. Notice of White Flag Surrender. Notice of Special Appearance : I am that am: " Brezedek Peter Zander© ", in full life, in propria persona, sui juris, in solo proprio, Haqdar by natural issue, the beneficiary and heir of: “BREZEDEK PETER ZANDER", corp.sole Dba.: " Brezedek Peter Zander, styled BREZEDEK P ZANDER© ", BREZEDEK PETER ZANDER©, BREZEDEK ZANDER©, having reached the age of majority, being duly certified, hereby affirms to declare my intention to be as my pedigree subscribes, as a: Californian, but not a citizen of the United States. I declare permanent, and unalienable, allegiance to The Constitution for the united States of America, Article III Section 2, The Lieber Code, Hague Conventions of 1899 & 1907, The Geneva Conventions, and all natural laws governing American Citizens, and hereby declare and proclaim my nationality in good faith as a: Californian. I am that am: " Brezedek Peter Zander© ", from this day forward, in harmony with my Nationality / Status / Jurisdiction, shall be known as: " brezedek peter zander©". Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of yhwh's covenant, and Internationally Protected Person. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND ( HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Claim pursuant to Public Law 87-846, TITLE II, SEC. 203. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title : This order is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, Re: Office of Vital Records/California Department of Health : BIRTH RECORD: 104-77-343738: " BREZEDEK PETER ZANDER© ", is as a special deposit order, conveyed to " Khelt© ". All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor: " brezedek peter zander© ", nom deguerre: " Brezedek Peter Zander© ", as a special deposit order in lawful money. This special deposit is to be used exclusively for the benefit of : " khelt© ", an Inter Vivos Unincorporated Divine Grantor Trust. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee /donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including: discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000369

Richard Hailey, Jr.

Decedent

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

Sean Hailey and Deborah L. Stewart, whose addresses are 12010 Towanda Lane, Bowie, MD 20715 & 9910 Locust St., Glendale, MD 20769, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Richard Hailey, Jr. who died on 1/24/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/27/2023

Sean Hailey Deborah L. Stewart

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 000370

Lemuel Brown Decedent

Edward G. Varrone, Esq. 1825 K Street, NW Suite 1150 Washington, DC 20006

Attorney

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Erica I. Brown, whose address is 4618 Livingston Road, SE, Apartment 201, Washington, DC 20032, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Lemuel Brown who died on July 10, 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 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Erica I. Brown

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens

Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2021 ADM 001026

Dwight Ferguson, Sr. Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Myra Hart, whose address is 3000 Walters Lane, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dwight Ferguson, Sr. who died on December 17, 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 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Myra Hart 3000 Walters Lane District Heights, MD 20747

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 000394

Eva Verdell O’Bryant Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Novella Walker, whose address is 5008 B McCullin Cout JB Andrews MD 20762, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Eva Verdell O’Bryant who died on 9/16/2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Novella Walker 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 000453

Estate of Lucille F. Doxie aka Lucille Ferebee Doxie

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE

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

Admit to probate the will dated May 9, 2022 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Kendra Annette Ramdat 8820 Rustburg Cir, Gaithersburg, MD 20886

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 000473

Carol Lynne Vance Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Taylor Jeanne Vance, whose address is 1505 Largo Road #203, Henrico, Virginia 23238, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carol Lynne Vance who died on September 12, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding.

Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/27/2023

Taylor Jeanne Vance

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 460

Randolph Williams Decedent

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

Quanika Williams, whose address is 1323 5th St. NW #101 Washington DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Randolph Williams who died on 1/11/2023 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Quanika Williams Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2022 ADM 000935

LEGAL NOTICES

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000318

age of growth last year — up 94% from 2021.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 000480

Dannie Green

Decedent

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

Veronica Lee-Green, whose address is 4804 Hayes St., NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dannie Green who died on October 8, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Veronica Lee-Green

Representative

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division

Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

2023 ADM 462

Edward Franklin Johnson aka E. Franklin Johnson aka Edward F. Johnson aka E. F. Johnson Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE

TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Colette Johnson Mackell, whose address is 40 Channing Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edward Franklin Johnson aka E. Franklin Johnson aka Edward F. Johnson aka E. F. Johnson who died on 10/16/2022 with a Will, and will serve with Court supervision.

All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Colette Johnson Mackell

Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Robert

D. Walker aka Robert Devaughne Walker Decedent

Angela D. Minor, Esq. Bar No. 1006947 Minor & Willcox, LLC 9801 Apollo Drive, #7181 Upper Marlboro, MD 20792-7181

Attorney

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

Raheem Walker, whose address is 4709 Springmaid Lane Oxon Hill, MD 20745, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert D. Walker aka Robert Devaughne Walker who died on 11/17/2020 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 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication:

4/27/2023

Raheem Walker Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Vincent Paul Basciano Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO

UNKNOWN HEIRS

Albert James Basciano, whose address is 494 Pilgrims Drive, Lititz, PA 17543, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Vincent Paul Basciano who died on December 7, 2022 without a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Albert James Basciano Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

"Consumers often expressed dissatisfaction with the benefits they received from credit repair companies, often stating that the cost of the services offered was not worth the benefits provided," CFBP stated. "In their responses, companies sometimes stated that they were unable to guarantee specific results."

By contrast, debt collection concerns, a long-time leader in consumer complaints, dropped 5% to the second-highest complaint area with 115,900 requests. Despite the decrease in number of debt collection complaints, the leading reason remains the same since 2013: consumers being hounded for debts they do not owe.

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

2022 ADM 000270

Lorene Peterson Decedent

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

Laverne Evans, whose address is 5434 Macbeth Street, Hyattsville, MD 20784, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Laverne Evans who died on February 4, 2021 with a Will, and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 10/27/2023. Claims against the decedent shall be presented to the undersigned with a copy to the Register of Wills or filed with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned, on or before 10/27/2023, or be forever barred. Persons believed to be heirs or legatees of the decedent who do not receive a copy of this notice by mail within 25 days of its first publication shall so inform the Register of Wills, including name, address, and relationship.

Date of first publication: 4/27/2023

Laverne Evans Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

To be clear, though, a growing number of consumers are still struggling with debt. The New York Federal Reserve's 2022 Quarterly Report on Household Debt and Credit noted that credit card balances increased $61 billion in the fourth quarter to $986 billion, surpassing the pre-pandemic high of $927 billion. Additionally, auto loan balances increased by $28 billion in the fourth quarter, consistent with the upward trajectory seen since 2011. And student loan balances now stand at $1.60 trillion, up by $21 billion from the previous quarter.

"Credit card balances grew robustly in the 4th quarter, while mortgage and auto loan balances grew at a more moderate pace, reflecting activity consistent with pre-pandemic levels," said Wilbert van der Klaauw, economic research adviser at the New York Fed. "Although historically low unemployment has kept consumer's financial footing generally strong, stubbornly high prices and climbing interest rates may be testing some borrowers' ability to repay their debts."

A related blog by the Fed showed that an increasing number of younger borrowers are beginning to miss some credit card and auto loan payments:

"As interest rates rise, so does the cost of borrowing, and higher interest rates result in higher minimum monthly payments for credit card balances. On the other hand, most auto loans are

COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

fixed-rate loans, so only auto loans taken out more recently faced these higher rates. This difference between credit card debt (variable rates) and auto loans (fixed rate) is consistent with the pattern of delinquencies rising faster for credit cards than for auto loans and may be evidence of higher interest rates driving some of the increase in delinquency."

After acknowledging the effects of rising inflation, the Fed's blog raised questions about the longterm effects of these and other financial stress points.

"Americans have been facing higher prices everywhere though — including on purchases they

EDELMAN from Page 32

"scared to death." Instead of asking any questions, he immediately shot Ralph through the locked glass storm door.

Two days later in Hebron, New York, 20-year-old Kaylin Gillis was shot and killed after she and a group of friends mistakenly drove into the wrong home's driveway. The young people, who were in a rural area with no cellphone service, had already realized their mistake and were trying to leave when the homeowner started firing on them, hitting Kaylin inside the car where she was sitting in the passenger seat.

And on April 18 in Elgin, Texas, two elite high school cheerleaders returning from practice were shot after one of them mistakenly opened the door to the wrong car in an H-E-B grocery store parking lot. Eighteenyear-old Payton Washington, who was planning to attend Baylor University in the fall on an acrobatic and tumbling scholarship and who had already overcome physical challenges after being born with only one lung, was airlifted to a hospital

JEALOUS from Page 32

right to drill in thousands of places that they haven't used.

Beyond decimating environmental safeguards, the plan harms those at the bottom end of economy with cuts to preschool access, nutrition programs for women and children, and medical care for veterans.

McCarthy and his colleagues try to put folksy spin on their backward

may be putting on their credit cards — at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and for many other types of goods. It is possible that increasing prices — and correspondingly, debt service pay-

in critical condition with injuries to her spleen and other organs.

All of these only-in-America atrocities took place the very same week that many Republican politicians were attending the National Rifle Association's annual convention to pledge their allegiance to the gun lobby. Reuters Pictures shared a series of photos from the convention of children as young as 6 and seven holding guns whose triggers barely fit their small hands as they pointed them at the camera.

Shannon Watts, the founder of Moms Demand Action, said afterwards in an interview, "Responsible gun owners and parents would not allow a child to put their finger on a firearm's trigger while pointing it at other people — even if they're props. … It's more clear than ever that the NRA's goal was never to teach children about responsible gun handling but to market guns and gun extremism to a new generation."

But there is a large majority of Americans who favor common sense gun safety laws, who did not vote to put the NRA in charge of

ideas by saying our families must stick to a budget and can't spend more than they earn, so why should the federal government? Raising the debt ceiling isn't about new spending, it's about paying for what we've already spent.

A better analogy for what they want to do to the once-in-a-lifetime investment that we've agreed to make, and so clearly need, is this. Imagine wanting to get healthy and buying expensive running shoes and

ments—are cutting into borrowers' balance sheets and making it more difficult for them to make ends meet, particularly as real disposable income fell in 2022," concluded the Fed. WI

our national security, who are not grooming our own children and grandchildren to become gun extremists, and who do not want our children and grandchildren to be shot or killed because they attended a birthday party, recognized the wrong car in a parking lot, or accidentally drove to the wrong address. In our nation with more guns than people, we know we need to do something about the guns. WI

a gym membership, then stopping for pizza on the way home from every workout. That's what would happen if the handouts to dirty corporations ever came to pass.

We've given ourselves the chance to transform our economy in ways that will help save the planet. Now we must stand firm against self-interested polluters and politicians who want to threaten us into slowing down. WI

After acknowledging the effects of rising inflation, the Fed's blog raised questions about the long-term effects of these and other financial stress points.

… It's more clear than ever that the NRA's goal was never to teach children about responsible gun handling but to market guns and gun extremism to a new generation."

VAUGHAN from Page 33

employment.

Now, the authorization process has been shortened to 14-day increments! With more than 70% of the people we serve also battling chronic mental illness, health issues, SUD, trauma and housing insecurity, more than 14 days are needed. Our fear is that with no assurance of long-term treatment support, we are concerned with individuals being able to sustain their sobriety in an outpatient setting, especially if they have no

MORIAL from Page 33

2016 election grew into a five-alarm wildfire after the 2020 election when conspiracy theories about voter fraud in major cities such as Philadelphia, Detroit and Atlanta, and in majority-Black districts in battleground states fueled the greatest assault on voting rights since Reconstruction.

Hate crimes in the largest U.S. cities soared by 44% last year, according to the Center for the Study of Hate & Extremism at California State University in San Bernardino. Yet there has been a 22% percent decrease in the number of reporting agencies; some of the largest cities in the country, including New York and Los Angeles, did not participate, nor did nearly the entire state of Florida or most of California.

Even more alarming, the FBI has warned agents that white supremacist and anti-government militia groups may be seeking to infiltrate law enforcement including police and sheriff's departments throughout the nation.

If hate groups can infiltrate law enforcement, then our democracy is truly threatened.

Lawmakers in 39 states introduced more than 400 bills intended to restrict,

MYRICK from Page 33

Thomas has claimed that the generosity he received from Harlan Crow was just "personal hospitality" — not subject to reporting. Even if some of that were true, some perks, like free use of Crow's private jet for Thomas' personal travel, and the real estate transaction in Georgia are, according to most ethics experts, clearly in a different category.

The Justice Department can give a definitive answer as to whether Thomas' actions were not only unsavory, unethical, improper and all the rest — but also absolutely illegal. And it can

stable or sober housing.

In addition to the authorization process change, how we get reimbursed for our services now has to go through a convoluted billing system. While the reason for the two-week authorizations was intended to make it more person-centered, it has actually made it more difficult for clients with chronic homelessness and years of substance abuse. What was meant to improve client services has done the opposite and has led to worse outcomes for clients.

How we provide residential

dilute and undermine not only the votes of Black people, but of Latinos, disabled Americans, students and the elderly. Another 150 bills introduced in 27 states would allow partisan interference in elections.

Many of those same lawmakers who spouted conspiracy theories about the results of the election to justify voter suppression are actively engaged in suppressing American history and the reality of systemic and institutional racism. Since September 2020, more than 200 local, state and federal government entities have introduced 670 bills, resolutions, executive orders, opinion letters, statements and other measures to suppress and censor books, knowledge, history and truth.

This movement may have reached peak absurdity when a group of Texas educators, in a delusional fit, proposed to the State Board of Education that slavery should be taught as "involuntary relocation."

Earlier this year, Florida banned AP African-American studies from being taught in its school, calling it "historically inaccurate." Despite the College Board's claim that Florida's decision had no impact on its decision to revise the course, it subsequently removed the

call for imposition of a monetary fine. Even more important than the cash fine would be the impetus a finding of guilt would give to any effort to remove Thomas.

And then, to help ensure that trust in the court isn't further eroded by scandal after scandal, we need to have Supreme Court reform. That means an enforceable code of ethics specifically for the court, written to address the full range of ethical questions that could ever apply to justices' behavior. In the longer term we should also have Supreme Court expansion, to counteract the far-right capture of the court that was achieved by totally unethical means.

treatment has been drastically turned upside down and disrupted. At Samaritan Inns, alcohol is the drug of choice for the majority of the people who come to us. Therefore, as we raise alcohol awareness this month, we want government agencies and policymakers to be more sensitive to the issues that providers are dealing with, instead of creating more barriers to positive outcomes at a time when alcohol and drug abuse is on the rise in D.C. and in the nation.

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Black Lives Matter movement and a list of prominent Black authors from the curriculum.

Now is the time for us to put this fire out.

We can put this fire out by demanding a new set of voting laws that ban voter suppression, gerrymandering and vote dilution, called the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

We can put this fire out by standing strong against the censorship of books, the suppression of the truth about slavery and discrimination, and suppression of the contributions of Black Americans.

We can put this fire out by banning assault weapons and insisting on background checks and red flag laws to prevent violent and unstable people from having access to guns.

We can put this fire out by enacting the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to redefine and enhance public safety.

We have, as a movement and as a nation, the strength, the intelligence, the determination, the resilience, the energy and the aptitude, the foresight and the attitude to extinguish the flames of hatred, extremism and white supremacy forever.

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But that is a larger conversation. It has been painful to watch Thomas' corrupt behavior and its effect on the Supreme Court. This is especially true given the historic significance of the seat he occupies. We need judges on all our courts — not just the highest — who act with humility and who understand the impact of their decisions on everyday Americans. Courts really do make a difference in the lives of everyday people. They should be led by trustworthy, fair-minded judges who value equality and justice, uphold the Constitution, and protect civil and human rights for all Americans.

That's not Clarence Thomas. WI

WHERE THE MONEY GOES.

Thanks to the support of our players, the Maryland Lottery set all-time records in Fiscal Year 2022. The Lottery awarded nearly $1.7 billion in prizes and contributed nearly $673.7 million to support Maryland’s schools, public health and safety programs and the environment. Not bad. We’d like to think we generated a few million smiles as well.