Washington Informer - February 23, 2012 by The Washington Informer

In many ways, there are few things as powerful and as important as a people, as a nation that is steeped in its history. – Lonnie G. Bunch III, Director, National Museum of African American History and Culture

Dr. Julianne Malveaux Says “Help me Somebody” See Page 29 •

C e l e b r a t i n g 4 7 Ye a r s o f S e r v i c e

•

Serving More Than 50,000 African American Readers Throughout The Metropolitan Area / Vol. 47, No. 19 Feb. 23 - Feb. 29, 2012

President Barack and First Lady Michelle Obama attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture on the National Mall. President Obama said the museum’s location represents the place “where lives were once traded, where people marched for jobs and freedom, and where pillars of democracy were often built by black hands…..” /Photo by Shevry Lassiter (See more on page 32.)

Sharpton, CBC Join Forces on Voter Suppression By Lauren Victoria Burke Special to The Washington Informer

n an effort to spur activism and create a political tipping point on the issue, members of the Congressional Black Caucus are joining forces with National Action Network President

Rev. Al Sharpton, against voter suppression. Rev. Sharpton will lead a march from Selma, Ala. tracing the historic steps of Dr. Martin Luther King. He will be joined by several members of the CBC. The march will begin on Sunday, March 4 in Selma, Ala. and end on March 9 in Montgomery.

One goal is to recreate three historic voting rights marches held in 1965. As a result of those efforts, Congress passed the Voting Rights Act signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson on August 6, 1965. “We will stay in the same encampments that Dr. King and the marchers stayed at in 1965,”

Sharpton said. Alabama’s immigration laws will also be a focus of the effort. “We’ve made a lot of progress in this country but we are going backwards when people — based on what they look like — become suspects,” Sharpton said referring to Alabama’s immigration laws.

Visit us online for daily updates and much more @ www.washingtoninformer.com. Find out what’s online at washintoninformer.com Page 4

Pepco President Talks Power Page 12

“In this day and age, when states like my own are now promulgating voter ID laws that actually suppress and discourage folks from voting, something needs to be done,” said Freshman CBC Rep. Terri Sewell (DAla.).

Linmania! But will it last? Page 41

See sharpton on Page 9 and on DCTV 95 & 96

By “Mickey” Thompson Content provided and photos owned by Social Sightings • www.SocialSightings.com

News 9 “The One & Only” JC Hayward Celebrates 40 Years

Longtime DC anchor and reporter, JC Hayward celebrated 40 years at WUSA-TV, Tuesday. Hayward holds the national record for a woman anchoring the same newscast at the same station. Her coming to WUSA on February 21, 1972, was also historic, making her the first female to anchor a newscast in Washington, DC. DC Mayor Vincent Gray was on hand for the festivities, declaring today JC Hayward Day.Throughout her career, Hayward has consistently been rated one of the top news people in the District. As a reporter, Hayward has produced several award-winning documentaries, traveling to Kenya and Uganda in 1972 to film a documentary on Ugandan refugees, which earned her a Bronze Medal from the 1980 International Film Festival in New York. During her 40 years of broadcasting, she has interviewed the likes of First Lady Nancy Reagan, Maya Angelou, Luciano Pavarotti and South African President Nelson Mandela. Her reporting and journalistic dedication has won her many awards and accolades over the years including multiple Emmy awards.

The One & Only JC Hayward News 9 Noon Anchor

Above L-R Howard Bernstein (Meteorologist News 9), Allan Horlick (Pres. & Gen. Mgr. WUSA-TV 9), DC Mayor Vincent Gray, MC County Executive Isiah Leggett, JC Hayward, Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton & Bruce Johnson (Anchor News 9) Below: “It’s JC & Friends” again!

Left : Mayor Gray & JC Right: JC & her buddies L-R Hazel Harper-Johns, Antoniette Ford, JC, Deborah Harrington & Tina Wright Below Left: News Anchors Andrea Rhone & JC

Below LeftNews Anchor Lesli Foster with our JC Hayward

Below: “Mickey” Thompson (Publisher Social Sightings) & JC Hayward

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT & OTHERS EVENTS SUBSCRIBE TO THE SOCIALSIGHTINGS MAGAZINE Kurt Pommonths Sr.,* Photographer and Photo Enhancer * Graphic Designer WANT TO BE A SOCIAL SIGHTINGS SUBSCRIBE WWW.SOCIALSIGHTINGS.COM 2003 © SOCIAL SIGHTINGS ALL RIGHTS RESERVED — DUPLICATION IN ANY FORM REQUIRES WRITTEN PERMISSION | E-mail SocialSightings@aol.com

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2/23 /2012- 2/29/2012 Around the Region Page 4 Prince George’s County Page 12 National Page 14 International Page 15 Business Page 16 Health Page 18 Education Page 20

Bobby Brown of New Edition entertains the crowd during his return to the group at Showplace Arena in Upper Marboro, Md. on Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012/ Photo by Khalid Naji-Allah

Black HistoryAfrican American Heritage Tour Page 22 Editorials & Opinions Page 28 Lifestyle Page 31 Horoscopes Page 34 Faith Page 36 Sports Page 40

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The MalpracTice law FirM Jack h. Olender & assOciaTes, p.c.

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The Washington Informer Newspaper

Entertainment:

By Tia Carol Jones

law enforcement. She said they threat,” she said. had come together to bring a Among the programs Marlow sense of uniformity in the way wants to see implemented are “Body Guard” gown and When L.Y.are Marlow's domestic violence victims and stricter restraining order policies, earrings slated 23-yearfor oldauction daughter told her the father survivors are treated. more rights for victim's families next month, but of her daughter threatened her “She's using her own personal to intervene on behalf of a vicsome believe it’s too soon life, and the life of their child, story, her own personal pain to tim, a domestic violence assessthe legendary shegiven knewthat something had to be push forward,” Davis-Nickens ment unit coupled with further singer was less done. Out of buried her frustration said about Marlow. training for law enforcement than week ago. handling with lawaenforcement's Davis-Nickens said anyone agencies, a Child's Life Protecof the situation, she decided to who reads Marlow's book will tion Act and mandatory counselstart the Saving Promise cam- “get it.” She said she “puts the ing for batterers. paign. case in such a way, the average “If we are ever going to eradi“It seems to be a vicious cycle person can get it.” She said at the cate domestic violence, we must Thewon't Centers for my family end of the day, the book will look at both sides of the coin. that turn loose,” Marlow said. Marlow help people begin to have a dia- We need to address both the vicDisease Control shared story with the audi- logue about domestic violence. tim and the batterer,” Marlow and her Prevention ence at the Also present at the event was said. reports thatDistrict Heights Domestic Violence Symposium Mildred Muhammad, the exMarlow would also like tobysee prescription painkiller overdoses have reached Staff Writer Barrington on May 7 at the District Heights wife of John Allen Muhammad, WIprograms designed to M. raise epidemic proportions Municipal Center. The sympo- who was sentenced to six consecSalmon’s this week is the Africanin awareness among children sium was sponsored by the utive life terms without parole public and private schools. She American Heritage Tour: Hundreds Family and Youth Services by a Maryland jury for his role in need to be educattake feels part children in The Informer’s walk Center of the city of District the Beltway Sniper attacks in ed about domestic violence. through the past . . . Heights and the National Hook- 2002. Mildred Muhammad is “We have to stop being pasSantorum claims that President Barack UpRick of Black Women. the founder of After the Trauma, sive-aggressive with poor chilObama’s based the Bible that helps the dren about domestic violence,” Marlow hasagenda writtenisa “not book, an on” organization “Color Me Butterfly,” which is a survivors of domestic violence Marlow said. story about four generations of and their children. Marlow has worked to break domestic violence. The book is “I lived in fear for six years. Six the cycle of abuse in her family, inspired by her own experiences, years in fear is a long time. It is and is confident the policies she new trend young Asian Americans is to come out is pushing for will start that andA those of heramong grandmother, not an easy thing hertomother and her daughter. of,” she said. enter interracial relationships. process. Were You Surprised by Whitney She said every time she reads Mildred Muhammad said “I plan to take these policies to passing? excerpts from her book, she still people who want to helpHouston’s a Congress and implore them to can not believe the words came domestic violence victim must change laws,” Marlow said. (votes as of 12our noon 2/20) from her. “Color Me Butterfly” be careful of how they go into “I will not stop until these poliVotingciesResults: won the 2007 National “Best the victim's life, and understand are passed.” Books” Award. that she may be in “survival Tia Jones can be reached 6.5%Carol UNDECIDED “I was just 16-years-old when mode”. at tiacaroljones@sbcglobal.net my eye first blackened and my “Before you get to 'I'm going lips bled,” Marlow said. to kill you,' it started as a verbal WI Elaine Davis-Nickens, president of the National Hook-Up of Black Women, said there is no consistency in the way domestic violence issues are dealt with by WIWhitney Staff Writer Houston’s

Health:

Top Article: Housing Crisis Settlement

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UNDEC

Barrington Salmon, Eve Ferguson, James Wright CIRCULATION Paul Trantham

PHOTOGRAPHERS John E. De Freitas, Roy Lewis, Khalid Naji-Allah, Shevry Lassiter

4 / May 15 - 21, 2008 The Washington Informer / www.washingtoninformer.com The Washington Informer

4 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

Last Week’s Poll Question:

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER PUBLISHER In Memoriam NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) Denise Rolark Sr. Barnes Dr. isCalvin W. Rolark, published weekly on each Thursday. Wilhelmina J. Rolark Periodicals postage paid at Washing- STAFF THE WASHINGTON ton, D.C. and additional INFORMER mailing of- NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on and Thursday. Periodicals paid at Washington, D.C. and additional Floyd Nelson, Acting Managing Editor fices. News advertising deadlinepostage mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. is Monday prior to publication. AnAnnouncements must be received twoRon weeks prior to event. Copyright 2000 by The Burke, Advertising/ Marketing Director nouncements must be received two Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POST MASTER: Send change of addressweeks to event. Copyright 2010 es toprior The Washington Informer, 3117Victor Martin Holt, LutherPhoto King,Editor Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, byD.C. The20032. Washington All No partInformer. of this publication may be reproduced without written permisrights sionreserved. from thePOSTMASTER: publisher. TheSend Informer Newspaper cannot return Lafayette Barnes, IV,guarantee Assistant the Photo Editorof change of addresses to Therates Washphotographs. Subscription are $30 per year, two years $45. Papers will be received not more than a3117 weekMartin after publication. MakeE.checks payable to: ington Informer, Luther John De Freitas, Sports Photo Editor King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. THE WASHINGTON 20032. No part of this publication may Dorothy INFORMER Rowley, Online Editor 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 be reproduced without written permisPhone: 202 561-4100 • Fax: 202 574-3785 sion from the publisher. The Informer Paul Trantham, Circulation Manager E-mail: news@washingtoninformer.com Newspaper cannot guarantee the return www.washingtoninformer.com of photographs. Subscription rates are Tracey Gold-Bennett, Producer, WITV $45 per year, two years $60. Papers will Young, Design & Layout PUBLISHER be received not more than a week after Brian Denise Rolark Barnes publication. Make checks payable to: AssureTech /www.scsworks.com, Webmaster STAFF REPORTERS THE WASHINGTON Brooke N. Garner INFORMER Managing Editor Tia C. Jones, Ed Laiscell, Mable Neville, Carla Peay Luther King, Assistant Managing Editor Odell B.Bookkeeper Ruffin, Larry Saxton, 3117 Martin Jr. Ave., S.E Ron Burke D.C. 20032Advertising and Marketing Mary Wells, Joseph Young Washington, Mable Whittaker Bookkeeper Mickey Thompson, Social Sightings columnist Phone: 202 561-4100 LaNita Wrenn Administration PHOTOGRAPHERS Fax: 202 574-3785 John E. De Freitas Sports Stacey Editor Palmer, Lafayette Barnes, IV, Specialist Social Media news@washingtoninformer.com Victor Holt Photo Editor John E. De Freitas, Maurice Fitzgerald, www.washingtoninformer.com Zebra Designs, Inc. Layout & Graphic Design Joanne Jackson, Roy Lewis, Robert REPORTERS Ken Harris /www.scsworks.com Webmaster Ridley, Victor Holt

and on DCTV 95 & 96

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

Some highlights of this week

DED DECI

Nurse/attorney Karen Evans, R.N., J.D. Attorney/pediatrician Robert Chabon, M.D. J.D., (Of Counsel).

Women Break the Cycle of Domestic Violence Arts and

7 UN

Our Lawyers Know Medicine

Washingtoninformer.com

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around the around the region

L.Y. Marlow

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Recall Election Set for Ward 4 ANC Commissioner By James Wright WI Staff Writer

around the region

So you want to do voice-overs? Do you have what it takes?

ANC 02 - 4B: Single Member District

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Join Voice-Over Pro Doris McMillon to find out. Attend February 28, 7 to 9pm, Madlyliving Bed & Breakfast in Ft. Washington, Maryland.

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As some residents in the District are working to recall the mayor, the council SMD02 chairman 4A01 and two members of the D.C. Council, there is a recall election set later Get all the answers & a simulated this month for an advisory neighaudition for only $89! borhood commissioner in Ward 4. What’s the industry like? REGISTE SMD02 4A03 Douglas Smith, a first-term Do I need training? AT OU R Do I need a college degree? WEBSITRE advisory neighborhood commisDo I need an agent? TODA sioner in single memberANC02 district4A SEATINGY. Can I do this part time? IS L 4B04, will be on the ballot in his IM How much can I earn? ITED! How do I produce a voice-over reel? district on Tuesday, Feb. 28 to see ANC02 4B …And much, much more! if he can continueSMD02 to represent 4A07 his neighbors. Smith, 57, said he has done nothing to merit a recall SMD02 4B06 SMD02 4B04 C O M M U N I C A T I O N S despite constituent complaints of doris@mcmilloncommunications.com | www.mcmilloncommunications.com inaccessibility and overt favoritism toward a Walmart in the immediate vicinity. ANC02 4D ANC02 5A “I believe that the recall is Source: wrong and it is not aOffice fair effort,” Legend Coordinate System: of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO) Smith said. “The reasoning behind ANC Board of Education and Ethics â â â Scale:1:22,000 1 inch equals 0.52 miles SMD member it is not sound. I have done (BOEE)nothMap shows boundaries of advisory neighborhood commission single Street Centerline Prepared by: DC GIS ing to justify a recall.” district 4B04 where voters will decide on Tue., February 28 whether to recall Date: May 6, 2008 Water John Beverly, president of the Commissioner Douglas Smith. Concerned Citizens of Brightwood East, who is leading the effort to unseat Smith, disagrees. Bowser (D-Ward 4), D.C. Coun- “He is a good ANC commissioner “We have had a lack of repre- cilmember Jack Evans (D-Ward and I support him,” she said. sentation from our ANC,” Bev- 2) and former D.C. Mayor Adrian One of the issues that bother erly said. “We have not had any Fenty. Many ANC Commissionresponse from him. We have not ers have run for the D.C. Council Smith’s critics in his district is had any communications with either as ward representatives or his alleged support for Walmart, him. He does not report to us at-large members. which is planning to set up a what is going on in the ANC.” Denise Rolark Barnes Beverly said he has tried numer- store on Georgia and Missouri Single-member district 4B04 ous times to communicate with Avenues, N.W. in the near future. Independent Beauty Consultant is located in the eastern part of www.marykay/drolark-barnes.com Smith but has not been able to get Beverly said the Walmart is an exWard 4, bounded by Nicholson 202-236-8831 through. He said that is a problem ample of Smith’s incompetence. Street to the South, Van Buren to in the District. “There was an important meetthe North, and Georgia Avenue to “We have a lot of citizens who ing that took place last year about the West and Fourth Street to the are seniors and retirees and they East. It is largely an area consistthe Walmart and he did not tell do not have access to the Intering of single-family homes and is net,” he said. “Smith does not the residents about it,” Beverly populated largely by senior citiprint flyers to inform us of any- said. “We are directly affected by zens. this Walmart and we should have Advisory Neighborhood Com- thing that is going on and we need more professional responsiveness known about that meeting. When missioners were created in 1974 to our needs.” some of us tried to contact him through a District referendum There have been only four about that, he could not get through and are considered the grassroots representatives of the people to successful recalls since 1992, ac- because his voice mail was full.” the D.C. government. Commis- cording to D.C. Board of Elec- Smith said that he did his part to sioners consider a wide range tions and Ethics records. They notify residents of the Walmart of policies and programs affect- were Theodore Jacobs of 2E03 in meeting and he is not really a ing their areas, including parking, 1993; Raymond Dickey of 5A04 recreation, street improvements, in 1999; Paul Montague of 4B07 Walmart supporter. “I do not favor a Walmart on liquor licenses, zoning, economic in 2003 and Charles E. Matiella of Georgia and Missouri, but I am development, police protection, 1A08 in 2003. Sara Green, chair of the 4B not a detractor, either,” he said. sanitation, trash collection and the ANC said she strongly supports city budget. “I am guided by what the people Commissioners present their Smith. “He is a wonderful commission- want. Some people and I went positions and recommendation to er and an exceptional colleague,” into the community and found various District agencies and the Council and their testimony must Green said. “I am perplexed, dis- that 75 percent of the people ‡ PleaseWe set all copy ininupper be given “great weight” or strong appointed and surprised by this wanted Walmart. stood the and lowercase, flush left as indicated on artwork at these point sizes: Consultant name in 11-point Helvetica Neue Bo Beauty Consultant in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; Web site or e-mail address in 9-point Helvetica Neue Light; phone number in 9-point Helvetica consideration. Commissioners and I am sorry this is taking place. cold in 4B04 to that out.”Beauty Consultant: Only Company-approved Web sites obtained through the Mary Kay® Personal Web Site program may To find the Independent serve two-year terms and receive Recall is an extraordinary step and Voters in 4B04 can cast their it is for someone who is totally unno salary. ballots at the Fourth District PoFormer ANC Commissioners ethical and has poor attendance at lice Station’s Community Room that have moved on in politics in- ANC meetings.” Bowser is also in Smith’s corner. from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. on Feb. 28. wi clude D.C. Councilmember Muriel M

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Smiley Works to Put, Keep Poverty on Nation’s Radar By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer

our years ago, Tavis Smiley said he watched with amazement as Republican and Democratic candidates crisscrossed the country in search of the presidential nomination and not once did he hear anyone talk about poverty. Now, in the midst of another election year, Smiley vows that this time will be different. “Poverty threatens to tear this country apart,” he said during opening remarks at a symposium on poverty held at The George Washington University in January. “Unapologetically and with humility, I say we need to confront this problem; we need to gain some traction. I want not to just reduce poverty but I want to be bold and eradicate it.” Taking Up the Battle Against Poverty Smiley assembled a distinguished panel of guests who he described as “experts and longdistance runners dedicated to eradicating poverty.” Seated on stage with him included Princeton University professor and author Cornel West; personal finance expert Suze Orman; Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Michael Moore; Barbara Ehrenreich, author of Nickel and Dimed: On (Not) Getting By in America; community economic specialist Roger Clay; urban revitalization strategist Majora Carter, and Vicki B. Escarra, president and CEO of Feeding America. Smiley and his guests spent almost three hours in front of a packed house of more than 1,500 people at GW’s Lisner Auditorium in Northwest. The panel engaged in an energetic and vigorous conversation about the pervasive spread of poverty and how best to reduce and eradicate it, around the theme of “Remaking America: From Poverty to Prosperity.” The consensus was that nothing less than a radical and systemic change of the current political and economic paradigm is needed to bring America back from the abyss. “We have to change this system which is unjust, unfair and undemocratic,” said Moore. “ … Here’s a poverty project people of all stripes can get behind:

The Washington Informer

Tavis Smiley

Jobs. We need a Roosevelt-style jobs program now!” “ … We need a renaissance of compassion,” West agreed. “A revolution against the oligarchs must be across the board … it will take a fundamental system change. How it comes about, nobody knows.” An Economic Wasteland Smiley referred to a white paper commissioned by him and produced by the Indiana University School of Public and Environmental Affairs. The report found that many Americans are poor and at-risk of becoming poor because of the recession, and they continue to struggle during the recovery. According to the report, titled “At-Risk: America’s Poor During and After the Great Recession,” 46.2 million people – 15 percent of the U.S. population – live below the poverty line, with poverty highest among Hispanics and African Americans, children, and households headed by women. It has increased most significantly among workingage adults, especially people between the ages of 18 and 34. The recession’s impact on the poor would be worse if not for the 2009 stimulus package of which $250 billion targeted and protected low-income Americans. “With the perennially poor, near poor and new poor that is about 150 million people,” said Smiley as he asked each panelist how the situation got so bad. “It’s been an idea for a long time that the poor are some kind of special group, some special

demographic, they’re over there somewhere,” said Ehrenreich. “Now we have to face the fact that we’re not talking about someone else. You’re talking about almost half of America, the people who are struggling from the senior citizens who can’t make it on Social Security, its young people who can’t pay their student loans and lowwage workers at Walmart. It’s a massive phenomenon.” “ … The theory coming not just from the right but from some Democrats is that there’s something wrong with your character, that you’ve got bad habits, you have a bad lifestyle, we’ve made the wrong choices but I’d like to present an alternative theory which is that poverty is not a character flaw, poverty is a shortage of money and the biggest reason for that shortage of money is that most working people are not paid enough for their work – and we don’t have work.” Ehrenreich suggested unions are an instrument for upward mobility. But recently there have been sustained attacks on labor and collective bargaining. “People got ahead by sticking together,” she said. “(Unions) have been significantly weakened but the lesson is people standing in solidarity can take on that 1 percent.” Half a Nation Left Behind West, who traveled with Smiley on an 18-city, 11-state Poverty Tour last summer, said the poor are trapped in an odious,

See Radar on Page 8 www.washingtoninformer.com

around the region Interviews and photos by Denise Rolark Barnes

Viewp int

Chef Tate Ward 6 Our citizens need to be connected and informed and there is no better way to do that than to bring them all together at one time. When people are informed and engaged thousands of ideas are generated that can benefit all of us. The sky is the limit.

German Vigil Ward 4 The summit was great with a diverse turnout. The Latino population sees the city becoming one city that involves everyone, from every culture, every ethnicity and every background. I look forward to follow-up assessments in individual wards to address the needs discussed at the summit. The result should be a turnaround in government and the mayor needs to be held accountable, as well.

What are some of the outcomes you hope to see following the recent One City Citizens’ Summit hosted by D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center?

Emma P. Ward Ward 7 Whatever decisions are made, we cannot not blame the mayor, but we can say we were a part of those decisions, especially seniors who were a big part of the summit. Seniors not only need resources and services from the city government, including health care, but we can also give our volunteer services and provide mentoring.

Malik Shabazz Ward 8 I don’t think anything is going to come out of the summit because nothing was really put into it. It seems like this whole thing was done to boost the mayor’s image. People talked about various issues, but all we did was press buttons and talk at a table. What kind of action plan will be produced? It just seemed so animated; just one big hype.

Mary Buckley Ward 8 I hope that the feedback the mayor got from participants, no matter where they live, will be put into some kind of an action plan. For example, some very powerful suggestions were made about the educational system for children in pre-kindergarten that I hope the mayor use and take some action on.

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Around the Region

Angela Davis

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man-made system. “Each person has a dignity that has to be affirmed,” he said. “What we saw was a system in place that has been driven by corporate greed from the top with oligarchs ruling and politicians rotating, with money coming from the big banks, big corporations pushing working people to the margins and rendering poor people superfluous …” “ … How could it be that the top 400 individuals have wealth the equivalent of their 150 million fellow citizens? There’s something sick about that. Then how could it be that poverty hasn’t become the biggest moral and spiritual issue of our time? Because our leaders lack courage and independence. They’re too tied to big money!” And while the prison-industrial complex expands, West said with $300 billion allocated to build jails and prisons within the criminal justice system, and then politicians claim that there is not enough money when it comes to “money for schools, money for housing, and money for jobs with a living wage.” “It’s a warped system. We’re here because Martin Luther King Jr. said America is a sick society, but it doesn’t always have to be sick if Americans rise up the way the Occupy Movement has been talking about, and talk about these issues seriously,” West said. Clay agreed with West that poverty is color-coded saying that other segments of American society are just now encountering what blacks have lived with for a while. “Black folks have been hurting for a long, long time now but no one paid attention to it because we look at the unemployment rate for everybody and not for the various populations,” said Clay. “ … I think it’s just a good example of what happens when looking at a lot of problems hitting minorities. If it doesn’t hit the white community, it doesn’t happen. But you have white folks who have fallen out of the middle class, or are in danger of it, and now it’s a problem.” A Devastated Middle Class One audience member said she sees what Clay and others talked about being played out around her every day. “Everybody I know is afThe Washington Informer

fected. People with Ph.Ds are out of work and regardless of people’s level of training, many are out of work,” said Nana Malaya Oparabea, a history, culture and art teacher at Tree of Life Public Charter School in Northeast. “My sister is a graphic designer who used to make $60,000 to $70,000 a year. She hasn’t seen that in five years. No job she’s had matches that salary. She has cleaned people’s offices, worked at a law office, distributed books.” “Other highly-skilled people have lost their jobs, too. But people are being creative, tutoring here, teaching there. Everyone is pretty much in the same situation.” What she sought to take from the discussion was concrete ways to effect change, Oparabea said. “To know that the official unemployment rate for black people hadn’t changed in 40 years was mind-blowing,” she said. “I’m looking for points about what people can do. Discussions are one thing, actions are another …” Moore electrified the crowd with his honesty, his analogies and pointed criticisms of the predatory capitalism that has stalked this country, and the level of frustration Americans feel. “Some people have called this class envy. (Mitt) Romney used that phrase. This is a war perpetrated by the rich on everybody else,” he said. “Their boot has been on our necks … they conned and scammed poor people.” “They took jobs overseas, took homes … Tavis kept asking when is the revolution going to start? When they take away people’s things: their homes, vacations and the ability to send their children to college. Now there’s hell to pay.” Orman was as blunt in her assessment of the economic mess in which Americans find themselves. “Years ago, I kept saying to everybody, ‘People be careful.’ You heard me say the rich were getting richer, the poor were getting poorer and that the middle class would no longer exist,” she asserted. “People who called into The Suze Orman Show, which started 11 years ago, used to be middle class. I’m here to tell you, they are all now in poverty. The face of poverty has changed; the face of poverty is the person sitting next to you. It is every single color and what keeps us in

poverty is that there’s a highway into poverty and there’s no longer even a sidewalk out.” “To get out of poverty you have to have a source of income, you have to have the ability to generate money so that you are not poor. It is not brain science, but you can’t make money if there isn’t a job for you to have … everything is set up that once you are poor, they have you exactly where they want you.” Orman said she doesn’t give the Wall Street crowd as much credit as Moore and other people do. “I don’t think they’re smart enough to know what they did,” she explained. “They go after money and we don’t know what to do because we’re not educated in money. They told us to sign here and told us we could have the American Dream. We believed them because you want more for yourself and why would they lie to you? But they did everybody.” “There is only one person who can get you out and that’s you. You’ve got to take your own power, giving power to your voice, and stop sitting down not saying anything and just settling for less. If you act like you’re less, you’ll be less.” Veterinarian Jane Laura Doyle drove from West Virginia to sit in the audience. “I’m fired up. It was excellent. It was wonderful to see that group of people put their heads together,” she said. “The message Smiley gave us is the best present we could get.” With regards to her business, Doyle said she’s “just trying to get by.” “West Virginia was already kind of down when we got hit (with the economic downturn). Why can’t we have the Civilian Conservation Corps?” she asked. “There are all kinds of things we can do,” interjected Larry Yates, who described himself as “an activist by nature” and who attended the symposium with Doyle. “What Moore said about being out here by ourselves is true. Activists can’t do this until regular people come in or they’ll be no hope. Nothing replaces people.” wi www.washingtoninformer.com

around the region on the ballot in the November general election for approval. “Big money diminishes accountability, transparency and inclusiveness in our government,” Weaver said in a published re-

port. “It determines who runs for office and where those candidates stand on the issues. Money should not determine how our elected officials spend their time in the [John A. Wil-

O N PEPCO

Sandra Seegars

D.C. Political Roundup

Race to April 3 Primary Seegars Pushes Forward Longtime Ward 8 activist Sandra “S.S” Seegars is running against D.C. Councilmember Marion Barry (D) in the Tuesday, April 3 primary for the party nomination. Seegars, who has deep roots in the ward, said her ward can do better with her as their legislative representative. “I know I can improve Ward 8 and bring back the respect that Ward 8 deserves,” Seegars said. “The incumbent does not represent us well. People from other parts are doing what they want to do to us.” Seegars said too many people in the ward remember Barry from past terms and they support him based on what happened in the past. Seegars said she has a progressive agenda for Ward 8. “Jobs, less crime, and a better school system in the ward is what I will work for,” she said. Seegars is a former member of the D.C. Taxi Cab Commission and is an advisory neighborhood commissioner for single member district 8E02. She recently received publicity for her criticism of Peaceoholics. “Peaceoholics is not qualified to run group homes,” she said. “They wanted to locate their facility on 13th and Congress Streets, S.E. and there are four facilities like that in that immediate area. That is too many in one place.” Seegars is the force behind the Ward 8 Council Against Domestic Violence, which raises money for domestic violence victims in the ward. “I will be a better council member than Mr. Barry and I will bring respect to the ward,” she said.

RATE HIKE

Bowser is Focused on 2012, Not 2014

D.C. Councilmember Muriel Bowser (D-Ward 4) has been the subject of rumors she will run for mayor in 2014. When asked about this possibility, she said she is staying focused on the present, not the future. “I am running for re-election on Tues., April 3,” she said. “That is the only thing I am thinking about now.” Harry Jaffe, a columnist with the Washington Examiner, speculated in a Dec. 22, 2011 column Bowser would be a credible candidate in 2014. Chuck Thies, a well-known political consultant and commentator wrote in the Feb. 8 edition of the Georgetown Dish, that Bowser’s name is being bandied about in some political circles because of the perceived weaknesses of D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray. Bowser is running for reelection against other candidates and scored a political victory on Wednesday, Feb. 1 when 72 percent of voters on the Ward 4 Democratic Committee supported her in a straw poll. When asked about what she thought about her prospects in 2014, she stayed on script. “My focus is on winning my race in 2012.”

Stop Corporate Contributions

Bryan Weaver, a Ward 1 activist who ran against D.C. Councilmember Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) in 2010 and for the at-large position on the Council in 2011, has teamed up with Ward 7 Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner Sylvia Brown to try to ban corporate contributions to D.C.’s elected leaders. Their goal is to put the measure

www.washingtoninformer.com

son] Building.” District law allows corporate contributions up to $500 for ward races, $1000 for at-large and $2000 for mayor, annually. wi

The less you say, the more you’ll pay. Pepco is taking a stab at your wallet again. They are attempting to have customers pay another $42.5 million a year for unreliable service. Join AARP in our fight to keep rates reasonable.

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2/15/12 4:05 PM Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012 9

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Reverend Al Sharpton

sharpton continued from Page 1 Sharpton said the march is a kickoff to turn the political table against present voter ID laws in 34 states with a “national mobilization” effort. The National Urban League, the NAACP, LaRaza and NOW will also be part of Sharpton’s march. Sharpton views the march and rally effort as a chance to resist laws already passed and galvanize critical mass against them rather than simply accept what is now law. “We don’t want to accommodate that until we have to get there,” Sharpton said answering a reporter’s question on whether his efforts would help voters navigate existing laws. “We don’t want to give anyone the notion that we are trying to accommodate this lie,” Rep. Gwen Moore (D-Wisc.) also told reporters. “The bar should be very high to disenfranchise someone,” she added. Texas, Kansas, Mississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Indiana, Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Michigan all have voter ID laws. In addition to the Sharpton march, the Congressional Black Caucus is planning a voter protection tour that would include voter registration and education while providing voter IDs. The first individual efforts by a CBC member will be a voter symposium hosted by Rep. Lacy Clay (D-Mo.). Clay will be joined by Rev. Al Sharpton for an event on March 16 in his St. Louis district on voter suppression. There will also be voter registration and education at the event. The Missouri legislature is considering a new voter ID law that could pass in time for the November elections. Sharpton, who hosts Politics The Washington Informer

Nation on MSNBC and the nationally syndicated radio program Keepin’ It Real, will broadcast from Alabama the week of the march. He and many members of Congress believe the voter suppression effort is an attempt to systematically roll back the gains of the Civil Rights movement. “The drama of going back to Selma and staying every night where they stayed in 1965 creates a irrevocable picture to America that they are uprooting and undermining what was achieved in the Civil Rights movement,” Sharpton said. Rep. Frederica Wilson (DFla.), speaking on the tie between the march and the larger Civil Rights movement, recounted a story of how her father taught her how to deal with the Ku Klux Klan. “We cannot go back. Too many people fought and died like my daddy so that I could vote. So that I could exercise the right to vote and I refuse — I refuse to go back,” Wilson stated. “I will march with Rev. Sharpton, I will march with anyone who is trying to stop the clock from going back,” she declared. Wilson also said she served in the Florida legislature for 12 years and no voter ID laws passed. “All of a sudden after the 2008 election, these [voter ID laws] miraculously appear. Why? Because we have a Black President in the White House. It’s to stop all of the people of color from standing in line and from coming out to vote,” Wilson added, putting a strong tone of urgency on the issue. In November 2011, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Charlie Gonzalez made a similar point. “We are revisiting that hor-

rible period in the history of this country,” Gonzalez said, referring to new strict voter ID laws in Texas. “What this law will do is disenfranchise a certain segment of our community in Texas. Need I tell you what that segment may be… it’s gonna be minorities, of course,” he said. A reporter from the Birmingham News asked Sharpton if the President or any Obama Administration officials would attend his march. “We have not asked the Administration to march. We are doing this as civil rights groups and today announcing Congressional support,” he answered. “A lot of these laws are being proposed by Republicans across this country,” Sharpton said. “Isn’t it interesting that they did not ask for voter ID for any caucuses and primaries,” he said. The wrong candidate, Mitt Romney, was declared the “winner” of the Iowa Caucuses only to have Rick Santorum be declared the winner three weeks later. “One of the things this march will do is put a lot of visibility and pressure on everyone to do whatever they can do… we intend to meet with and have asked to meet with the Attorney General and the President on this issue, he added. Also attending the press conference with Sharpton were Reps. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Tx.), Hansen Clarke (D-Mi.), Nydia Velazquez (D-NY), Karen Bass (D-Cal.) and Jan Schakowsky (DIl.). Lauren Victoria Burke is Politic365 Chief Congressional Correspondent, publishes the blog Crewof42 on the Congressional Black Caucus.. wi www.washingtoninformer.com

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Prince George’s County

Pepco’s Thomas Graham Visits The Washington Informer Pepco Region President Thomas Graham sat down recently with the publisher and staff of The Washington Informer. He talked about everything from reliability to smart meters to rate adjustments to taxes. Accompanied by Manager of Media Relations and Pepco Spokesman Bob Hainey and Felecia Greer, the company’s new Customer Advocate, Graham was articulate, engaging and candid. We spoke with Graham and his team for several hours. Here is the beginning of that conversation. Look for more of our talk with Thomas Graham in future issues of this newspaper and online at washingtoninformer.com. WI: A lot of people don’t know that Pepco is much more than just Washington D.C. and even Prince George’s County. It’s connected to a system and it’s been around a while. Would you just talk about that:

Pepco/Graham: Pepco is celebrating its 116th year this year. We serve 789,000 customers in all of the District of Columbia and the majority of Prince Georges County and Montgomery County. We are part of a larger company called Pepco Holdings [Inc.] and Pepco Holdings serves about 1.9 million customers between here and southern New Jersey. So, we are considered a power delivery company--we are responsible for poles and wires. There are three power delivery companies as part of Pepco Holdings. We have Pepco, Delmarva Power that serves the Eastern Shore and the state of Delaware and then Atlantic City Electric which serves the southern t part of new jersey and those three entities are regulated. And there is a fourth piece—Pepco

Thomas Graham

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cial customers. Pepco is more than just a utility. We are a part of the community . We’re an economic driver. We create jobs. Right now, we’re very much focused on energy efficiency trying to provide those tools to empower our customers to control energy costs. The District of Columbia has a sustainable energy utility, so it primarily has that responsibility. But in Maryland for the 551,000 customers we serve there. They have what they call “EmPOWER Maryland” programs, It’s a series of energy efficiency programs. Back in 2007 we had this vision, The vision was a blueprint for the future of an entire cadre of energy efficiency programs. Then, our CEO started talking to us about something called “smart meters” and AMI [Advanced Meter Infrastructure]. We weren’t really sure what that was, but he knew what that was and what we were going to do and that’s what we’ve been executing since 2007. So, it was unclear what the future of the cost would be, because there is some cost associated it, but as we moved along and President Obama introduced a stimulus package, there became an opportunity to fund up to 50 percent of that project and we were fortunate enough to be awarded $150 million which really cut the cost in half for our customers both in the District of Columbia and in Maryland. But I want to talk about reliability. I think that’s on a lot of people’s minds right now.

WI: I think so. When that report came out last year from The Washington Post, lambasting the organization and putting the organization at a basement level in terms of a business to deal with, that must have been really been devastating. What about that? Where are you now? Pepco/Graham: I would say as someone who has literally almost spent exactly half their life in the company, it is not something I wanted to read--not something my chairman [Joe Rigby] wanted to read. We took that very personally. All of the executives, all of the employees from whatever position you had, paid attention to that. And that’s all we’ve been focused on the last year of so is improving the quality to our customers. Do we agree with everything that was in that article? No, we don’t agree with everything. But there is also something that we talk about every day--the values of our company: safety, accountability, integrity, diversity and commitment to excellence. In the accountability piece, there are things that we own and we have to accept that responsibility and we do. We’re not going to say everything is trees. We recognize there is aging infrastructure. We recognize an additional investment was needed in order to better meet the expectations of our customers and that’s what we’ve been doing. We’ve been executing a plan.

See pepco on Page 13

2/6/12 2:05 PM

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Prince George’s County pepco continued from Page 12

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WI: This is corporate wide or specifically for the Pepco region? PEPCO/Graham: This is a 5-year [plan]. Our capital budget is a little over $5 billion. For Maryland, Pepco Maryland, this plan is $256.5 million. It’s a 5 year plan. For the District, it’s about $318 million. It represents an almost additional $200 million investment to improve reliability. Now, it’s over a 5-year period, so what I always say this is a marathon, it’s not a sprint. It’s going to take a little while to get where we want to be as a company and where our customers want us to be. It is also important to mention that in the District of Columbia there are standards for service and we meet those standards today. Those standards have been revised. We’re doing everything we can to make additional investments in order to meet those standards. In Maryland, no standards exist. They are working on that right now and I would image by the second quarter they will be releasing the standards.

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•     •   • 

   Fiduciary Panel Attorney - Superior Court of the District of Columbia - Probate Division Former DC Fraud Bureau Examiner - Insurance Administration  Former Law Clerk for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Thomas Graham

WI: Where are these standards coming from? PEPCO/Graham: It’s coming from the Maryland public service commission and it would apply to all utilities , so it’s not a special standard for Pepco. So, when I look back and think back to how we got here and where we are today, there is a genuine great concern for our

Greer is Voice for Customers at Pepco

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meeting their needs and expectations,” Greer said. “I am reviewing PHI policies and practices, and over the next several weeks will conduct listening tours in the Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Regions. Customers sharing their thoughts and concerns are invaluable to my obtaining first-hand knowledge about our day-to-day customer relations and customers’ views of our service.” Most recently, Greer was Group Manager, Regulatory Services, where she directed managers responsible for regulatory

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Felecia Greer

relationships, case filings, compliance and reporting for Pepco Holdings, Inc. Prior to joining the company, she worked for the Maryland Public Service Commission for 10 years, where she held a number of executive and legal positions. In addition, Greer clerked for the Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals and the Office of the Attorney General. Greer holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from University of Maryland, College Park, and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Baltimore School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in Maryland, the United States District Court and the United States Supreme Court. Greer will report directly to David Velazquez, Executive Vice President, Power Delivery. “As we continue to strengthen our relationships with customers and work to improve electric system reliability and our response to power outages,” he said, “the Customer Advocate leadership position will be critical for helping Pepco Holdings keep in touch with customers and their concerns and ensuring that we are effectively meeting our customers’ expectations.” wi

nn SadeDe Photo:

Felecia Greer is the newly appointed Director and Customer Advocate, for Pepco Holdings, Inc. (PHI). She is responsible for serving as the voice for customers in the Atlantic City Electric, Delmarva Power, and Pepco Regions. PHI established the position based upon customer recommendations and aligns well with the company’s enhanced focus on improving customer satisfaction. Greer will interact directly with customers and governmental and regulatory officials on a wide variety of issues with the goal of better understanding customer expectations. This enhanced understanding will be shared with PHI’s leadership team and will be used to shape improvements in operations, customer service and external communications. “I look forward to applying my extensive experience working on customer issues to improve PHI’s focus on customers and

customers. Me being a lifelong D.C. resident—I live out in Prince George’s County now. Still a Pepco customer— but I’m in Prince George’s County. I was born and raised in D.C. and all I knew was Pepco. My responsibility was to read the meter. My dad told me to get a job, work somewhere for 30 years, keep your mouth shut and get your pension. wi

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Lonnie G. Bunch, left, founding director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), Rep. Robert A. Brady, D-Pa., center; and collector Charles L. Blockson examine Harriet Tubman’s artifacts. (Photo Courtesy The Smithsonian Institution.)

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Tubman Collection Highlights  Groundbreaking for Museum

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By Bobbi Booker Special to The Washington Informer he groundbreaking at the construction site of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) in Washington, D.C. began this week, notable since it is the last full week of Black History Month 2012. One of the most talked about donations is the Harriet Tubman collection, a gift to NMAAHC from Charles L. Blockson — writer, historian and former board member of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. He also is founder and curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection of rare texts, slave narratives, art and other historically significant artifacts. The items came to him after the death of a Tubman relative. “I inherited her belongings, and for eight months, I kept them with me in my bedroom, but they belong in this museum,” Blockson said of the Smithsonian’s African American museum. “Harriet Tubman is one of the most important women in the history of America, and her story needs to be heard by generations to come.” Blockson’s family story is intertwined with Tubman’s. His research shows he is the descendant of Jacob Blockson, who escaped slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore with Harriet Tubman and settled in St. Cath-

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erine, Canada. Tubman, born into slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, gained international acclaim as an Underground Railroad operator, Civil War spy and suffragist. “Several of my ancestors escaped with Harriet Tubman, came to Philadelphia, met with (Black abolitionist) William Still and later went on to Canada,” explained Blockson. Among the items shedding light on the private life of Tubman are family photographs, a hymn book published in 1876 and signed in pencil by Tubman, and a lace shawl (circa 1897) given to her by England’s Queen Victoria. Among the photographs of Tubman’s funeral March 11, 1913, is one showing her lying in state at A.M.E. Zion Church in Auburn, N.Y., and surrounded by seven members of the board of directors of the Harriet Tubman Home. “She died in Auburn, N.Y., and when I came back, I stood over her grave under the evergreen tree and my emotional armor erupted,” recalled Blockson. “I started to cry, and asked, ‘How did she do it?’ Of all the people in our history, she sort of reigns supreme. Wherever I travel and talk, everyone seems to know of Harriet Tubman. She is paramount — her blood, her soul force — she is the Moses of our people, as we were taught, and here she delivered us to the promised land. To me, the groundbreaking for the NMAAHC is history, and Tubman is the proper one to be the

leading soul force.” The NMAAHC collection holds nearly 10,000 items ranging from fine art, historic photographs and manuscripts, to items documenting the slave trade, the Harlem Renaissance and the civil rights era. “There is something both humbling and sacred found in the personal items of such an iconic person,” said Lonnie Bunch, director of NMAAHC. “It is an honor to be able to show the private side of a very public person, a woman whose very work for many years put her in service to countless others. This donation by Charles Blockson is a selfless gesture that ensures that her story will be enshrined forever within the Smithsonian Institution.” The National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) was established by an Act of Congress in 2003, making it the 19th Smithsonian Institution museum. It is the only national museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African-American life, art, history and culture. Scheduled to open in 2015, the museum will be the first green building on the National Mall on a five-acre site adjacent to the Washington Monument. wi Bobbi Booker is a reporter for the Philadelphia Tribune. www.washingtoninformer.com

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Zambia’s players celebrate after winning the African Cup of Nations final soccer match against Ivory Coast at the Stade de l’Amitie in Libreville, Gabon, Sunday Feb. 12, 2012./AP Photo/Themba Hadebe

African Cup of Nations 2012 Nineteen years after a plane crash killed 18 members of their team in Libreville, Gabon, the Zambian National Team returned to Gabon’s capital to grab the most famous victory in the country’s history. On Sunday, February 12, playing on a rainy afternoon in Libreville, just miles away from the spot where what is widely considered Zambia’s best soccer team ever was lost in a plane crash, the Zambians won their first African Cup. Their heavily favored opponent, Ivory Coast, had its own issues to confront, with the ghosts of the 2006 final – a penalty-kick loss to Egypt – still haunting them. In that tournament’s semifinal, Ivory Coast and Cameroon established a record for length of a penalty kick shootout, needing 22 penalty kicks to determine a winner. Ivory Coast eventually won 12-11. This year’s final game would last almost as long. It took about 3 hours and 18 penalty kicks to decide a winner after 120 scoreless minutes, with Ivory Coast star player Didier Drogba missing a chance to give his country the lead. But when it was all over, Zambia finally shed the label of most successful team to never win an African Cup Championship, taking the trophy after defender Stophira Sunzu whistled his shot past Ivory Coast goaltender Boubacar Berry as night fell on Gabon. The 2012 African Cup of Nawww.washingtoninformer.com

tions, played from January 21 through February 12, was the 28th edition of this spectacular sporting event. It is the soccer championship of Africa organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It was first held in 1957 and has been held every two years since 1968. Historically, American media has given little, to no attention to this majestic soccer tournament. Many international soccer fans have been perplexed as to why. Some American sports analysts feel lack of coverage could stem from the perception that great African athletes are the exception, not the rule. Therefore, even though this tournament exists, it doesn’t warrant any significant American media attention. Whatever the reasoning, it is truly unfortunate that Africa’s biggest sporting event receives minimal attention in the U.S., particularly when taking into consideration the many African communities that call the United States home. Robert Addo, a native of Ghana, avid soccer fan, and resident of Montgomery County said, “Prior to the development of the internet, it was very difficult to see any of the tournament games. Now, because of the internet and satellite dish we can see most of them.” This year’s tournament was co-hosted by two west-central African countries that border each other, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. In September 2006, the bidding process for hosting the tournament came to an end,

and the CAF selected Equatorial Guinea and Gabon to become the first African nations to cohost the event. The African Cup of Nations is typically held in even-numbered years. However, the World Cup of Soccer will be held in Brazil in 2014. To avoid a scheduling conflict, the African Cup of Nations tournament has been moved to 2013, and going forward the event will take place in odd-numbered years. For the first time in CAF history, the hosts for three consecutive tournaments were chosen simultaneously; Angola was chosen to host 2010, Equatorial Guinea/ Gabon as co-hosts for 2012 and Libya was originally scheduled to host in 2013. However, due to the Libyan Civil War, Libya and South Africa traded places. As a result, South Africa will host in 2013, Morocco will host in 2015, and Libya will host in 2017. Hats off to Zambia for a job well done! Hopefully, American media outlets will give more attention to the 2013 African Cup of Nations. It is the premier sporting event on the continent of Africa, and features some of the greatest soccer players in the world. Not to mention, that the tournament will be held in picturesque South Africa, which will give folks an opportunity to learn more about the people and culture of this post-apartheid country. wi

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Business Exchange

Legacy of a Diva

n an ultimate act of charity, movie mogul Tyler Perry offered his Gulfstream III jet to transport Whitney Houston’s body from California’s Van Nuys Airport to Teterboro Airport for her funeral services at Newark’s New Hope Baptist Church. Perry’s patronage toward Houston was only surpassed by her lifelong benefactor, Clive Davis. Clive Davis is the real rich man in the circle. The 79-year-old record producer and music industry executive is worth $800 million. The music mogul has been at the center of Houston’s life since he signed her to his Arista recording label in 1983. During the last decade of her life, singer, actress, producer, and model, Whitney Elizabeth Houston squandered millions of dollars she’d earned and relied almost entirely on Davis for financial support. “Nippy,” as she was known to family, had signed a $100 million recording contract with Davis in 2001. Her net worth at the peak of her career was $150 million. She had earned as much as $30 million per year touring, acting and selling merchandise, but at the end, the diva was living on advances on a future album for Davis. Houston had also received money in advance for her role in the upcoming movie, Sparkle. Actually, the amount of money Houston is projected to make posthumously is far greater Similar to the way in which Michael Jackson’s estate increased after his death, demand for Houston’s singles and albums will grow and become valuable commodities. Nippy went from a middleclass household to penthouses and wealth. She began singing in a junior gospel choir and earned money for backup vocals she provided artists such as her mother Cissy Houston and Chaka Kahn. During Houston’s career as a fashion model, she appeared on the covers of Seventeen, Glamour, and Cosmopolitan magazines. Houston sold more than 170 million albums and had 2 Emmy Awards, 6 Grammy Awards, 30 Billboard Music Awards and 22 American Music Awards. She

By William Reed held the all-time record for the most American Music Awards (AMAs) of any single artist and shared the record with Michael Jackson for the most AMAs ever won with eight in 1994. However, Houston was “just the voice” and did not write or own the masters of her most popular songs. Houston’s recordings, “How Will I Know,” “Saving All My Love,” and “I Will Always Love You” were all written and produced by others. Country star Dolly Parton wrote and owns the masters to “I Will Always Love You” and has earned $10 million in royalties to date. At the time of her death, Houston was divorced from “the other man in her life.” So, all her wealth goes to their daughter Bobbi Kristina Brown. In 1992, on the grounds of her Mendham, N.J. mansion, Houston married R&B singer Robert Barisford “Bobby” Brown. The couple lived a stylish lifestyle, and Houston also bought homes in Miami, Los Angeles and Atlanta. During their 12 year marriage, Brown had several run-ins with the law. Brown has fathered five children: Landon, La’princia, Robert Jr., Bobbi Kristina, and Cassius. When Houston decided to end her marriage to Bobby, many fans faulted her for taking so long in light of the marriage’s history of infidelity, scandals, drug and alcohol arrests, and marital problems. The relationship was dysfunctional and a mere five years after signing the $100 million contract, the New Jersey mansion faced foreclosure. In recent years, Whitney hadn’t paid property taxes, or her mortgages, and had run up a debt of more than $1 million as she teetered on the brink of financial ruin. Houston was able to save the New Jersey property but lost the Atlanta mansion. Since her death, the “12,000-squarefoot home on five acres with a hot tub and pool” the couple had shared is on the market for $1.75 million. wi www.washingtoninformer.com

business

The Importance of STEM in Encouraging the Next Generation of Tech Leaders By Andrea L. Taylor The importance of science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM as it’s commonly known, can’t be underestimated in preparing students for an increasingly technological tomorrow. By 2018, the U.S. will have more than 1.2 million job openings in STEM-related fields according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Regretfully, there is likely to be a significant shortage of qualified college graduates to fill them. Consequently, Microsoft has established several initiatives to help improve student skills in STEM and to encourage youth to pursue careers in the technology industry. The state of STEM education has been a leading topic of conversation in recent years in the public and private sectors. More than 100 CEOs, including Mi-

crosoft’s Steve Ballmer, came together in 2010 to launch Change the Equation; an historic effort to scale up effective models for improving STEM education. President Obama in his State of the Union address in January 2011 said, “Maintaining our leadership in research and technology is crucial to America’s success. But if we want to win the future — if we want innovation to produce jobs in America and not overseas — then we also have to win the race to educate our kids.” Microsoft has made significant investments in STEM education to inspire young people to consider these fields in an effort to win the future. Blacks at Microsoft, an employee resource group, annually hosts Minority Student Day for area high schoolers from underrepresented ethnic backgrounds to highlight the opportunities available to them in technology fields.

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Other programs supported by Microsoft include Imagine Cup to help students and the public understand the transformational role that technology can play in our daily lives and DigiGirlz, to dispel gender stereotypes and to help increase the number of women in STEM careers. Partners in Learning, Games4Learning, and Kodu Game Lab provide educators and students with innovative new approaches to STEM education. Locally, Microsoft partnered with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Boeing Company and other area companies to create Washington STEM, a nonprofit focused on improving STEM teaching and learning in Washington state. Recently, Microsoft announced the findings of two national surveys of college students currently pursuing STEM degrees and parents of K–12 students. The goal of the surveys was to gain

Andrea Taylor is the Director of North America Community Affairs at Microsoft Corporation

insight about what can better prepare and inspire students to pursue post-secondary education in STEM subjects. Based on the college student survey findings, many students indicated that the decision to study STEM starts before college. Indeed, the next great engineer is not developed overnight. Microsoft remains committed to improving student skills in STEM, every step of the way, thus empowering them to be-

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come part of the next generation of technology leaders. We will continue efforts to educate and inspire students by introducing them to the many available opportunities and career choices. Working together in local communities, our goal is to help young people gain access to the education and skills that they need and get connected to the opportunities they deserve to win the future. wi

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National Black Memorabilia & Collectible Show April 21‑22, 2012

Saturday: 10 AM – 7 PM ** Sunday: 10 AM – 5 PM

Montgomery County Fairgrounds

16 Chestnut Street ** Gaithersburg, Maryland 20877 “28th Year Celebrating The African American Experience”

 Purchase Black Memorabilia and Collectibles from many vendors from across the United States  View Educational Exhibits including Slavery Artifacts, Civil War, Buffalo Soldiers, Jim Crow, Black Panther Party, Marcus Garvey, Tuskegee Airmen, Malcolm X, Madame C. J. Walker, George Washington Carver, Dorothy Dandridge and others..  Meet and obtain autographs from Negro League Baseball Players, Tuskegee Airmen, actress Lonette McKee who was “Sister” in the movie “Sparkle”, and Ernest “Raj” Thomas and Haywood “Dwayne” Nelson from the TV series “What’s Happening!”  Onsite verbal appraisal of Black Memorabilia for $5 per item which will be donated to charity.

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Admission: $7, Children 16 and under free All Indoors – Good Food – Free Parking

(301) 649‑1915 ** www.johnsonshows.com Twitter: ShowPromoter

18 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

any of us understand that food, clothing and shelter are necessities of life. Why then is there so much political controversy generated by the food stamp program that seeks to address individuals and families who are in need of or in receipt of food stamps? Given the number of persons who are under or unemployed, it would seem that we should be grateful for programs that keep children from going to bed hungry and older persons from suffering in silence as they make tough decisions about buying medications or food. Yet, food seems to be a “four letter word” on the lips of persons seeking to cut or demean these needed services. In fact, the attack on food stamps is an overt attack on those in poverty. Without further information, it would be easy to assume the program has neither merit nor value in our society. We are led to believe by the uninformed that the program is purely wasteful. The United States Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as the Food Stamp Program, is a Federal Government Program providing assistance to zero and low-income people and families in the United States. The program is under the oversight of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. In researching the program, I discovered that among the 40 million Americans (18.4 million households) who receive food stamps, 33 percent are white; 22 percent are black and 16.7 percent are Latino, and 2.8 percent are Asian. About half of those receiving food stamps are children and another 8 percent are elderly and 20 percent are disabled. Generally, your household cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. But, if

your household includes a person age 60 or older or who is disabled, the limit is $3,000. There are exclusions of homes and vehicles under certain circumstances. These facts speak for themselves. Requirements for food stamps are quite stringent. There is compelling evidence that many persons who are eligible do not participate in the program. This is likely due to the paperwork and the public image that those using the benefits are taking advantage of the system. Clearly, this is not the case and requirements in some jurisdictions such as fingerprinting are likely to turn more persons in need away. This is particularly true for older persons. Data show that only 18 percent of eligible households with elderly members received food stamps and only 52 percent of eligible households with children participated. Some households simply do not realize they are eligible. Local food pantries are clearly meeting the needs of many individuals and families who cannot make it without help and some who do not want the stigma of public support. Most of us who shop for groceries are painfully aware food costs have escalated and that that your food budget has grown or you have become more lean in your shopping. And if you are trying to eat healthy, the financial challenge is even greater. Thus, it is easy to understand the food crisis faced by too many unemployed persons and low wage earners. And in no way should they be the target of misguided commentary from persons who don’t have to make ends meet to feed their families. As a caring community, it is important to recognize that needing food is not a mean-spirited “four letter” word and as a community, we should reject negative characterizations of persons who need the

Dr. Sandra Crewe

added assistance to prevent hunger in their households. Programs that prevent hunger and those public servants who support them should be applauded and supported. I am confident that individuals who don’t want to help others in need will always find a reason to continue their attacks and only point to abuses. But, for those of you who understand that the food stamp and other programs that prevent hunger and malnutrition are needed, I hope that you will support the programs both in word and deed. Let’s not wait until Thanksgiving to show concern about the food needs of others. Find a program, family or individual in need and make a contribution toward healthy food. Let others know that they may be eligible for food stamps and there is nothing wrong with needing and receiving help. By supporting programs, we take a positive stand and through collective efforts and campaigns, we can make food represent a positive four letter word for LOVE. The moral of this article is “making lemon aid out of lemons.” wi

Nine in 10 U.S. adults get too much sodium every day

Main sources of sodium include many common foods Nearly all Americans consume much more sodium than they should, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most of the sodium comes from common restaurant or grocery store items. The latest Vital Signs report finds that 10 types of foods are responsible for more than 40 percent of people’s sodium inThe Washington Informer

take. The most common sources are breads and rolls, luncheon meat such as deli ham or turkey, pizza, poultry, soups, cheeseburgers and other sandwiches, cheese, pasta dishes, meat dishes such as meat loaf, and snack foods such as potato chips, pretzels and popcorn. Some foods that are consumed several times a day, such as bread, add up to a lot of sodium even though each

serving is not high in sodium. “Too much sodium raises blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke,” said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H. “These diseases kill more than 800,000 Americans each year and contribute an estimat-

See sodium on Page 19 www.washingtoninformer.com

health sodium continued from Page 18 ed $273 billion in health care costs.” The report notes that the average person consumes about 3,300 milligrams of sodium per day, not including any salt added at the table, which is more than twice the recommended limit for about half of Americans and 6 of every 10 adults. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day. The recommendation is 1,500 milligrams per day for people aged 51 and older, and anyone with high blood pressure, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease, and African Americans. Key points in the Vital Signs Report: Ten types of foods account for 44 percent of dietary sodium consumed each day. 65 percent of sodium comes from food sold in stores. 25 percent of sodium comes from meals purchased in restaurants. Reducing the sodium content of the 10 leading sodium sources by 25 percent would lower total dietary sodium by more than 10 percent and could play a role in preventing up to an estimated 28,000 deaths per year. Reducing daily sodium consumption is difficult since it is in so many of the foods we eat. People can lower their sodium intake by eating a diet rich in fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables without sauce, while limiting the amount of processed foods with added sodium. Individuals can also check grocery food labels and choose the products lowest in sodium. CDC supports recommendations for food manufacturers and restaurants to reduce the amount of sodium added to foods. “We’re encouraged that some food manufacturers are already taking steps to reduce sodium,” said Dr. Frieden. “Kraft Foods has committed to an average 10 percent reduction of sodium in their products over a two year period, and dozens of companies have joined a national initiative to reduce sodium. The leading supplier of cheese for pizza, Leprino Foods, is actively working on providing customers and consumers with healthier options. We are confident that more manufacturers will do the same.” To learn more about ways to reduce sodium, visit www.cdc. gov/salt. wi www.washingtoninformer.com

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education

DCPS Garners Top Ranking for School Breakfast Program By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer Two years ago, the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) system was ranked No. 20 among the nation’s districts that served free breakfasts to low-income students. By the end of January 2012, DCPS had achieved No. 1 ranking on the list, according to the antihunger group, Food Research and Action Center (FRAC), which issues the annual School Breakfast Scorecard. FRAC had the support of organizations like the Walmart Foundation which provided a $400,000 grant for D.C.’s program. FRAC revealed that during the 2010-11 academic year, 64 percent of DCPS’s low income students ate free breakfasts. In addition, the program, which nearly all of Ward

8’s students are eligible, has seen a 32 percent increase in participation since 2010. “Our efforts to improve the health of our children mean we are not only feeding their stomachs well, but also their minds in order to boost performance in the classroom,” City Council member Mary Cheh, author of the Council’s Healthy Schools Act of 2010, said. “We will continue to fight and legislate on their behalf as D.C. students set the standard for the nation in healthy eating.” Cheh’s legislation also has replaced many offerings on the schools’ menus with healthier selections, and according to FRAC,D.C. has become “the first city to legislate breakfast in the classroom” in schools where at least 40 percent of students qualify for free or reduced-

The DCPS system was recently cited having obtained No. 1 ranking among the nation’s school districts that serve free breakfasts. (Courtesy Photo)

price meals. Meanwhile, studies have found that many children fail to eat a nutritious breakfast for various reasons. Sometimes their families are living on tight budgets and can’t afford breakfasts. Others lack money to enable students to purchase food at school. However, because many students face long commutes to and from classes, having the ability to eat a free breakfast at school has become a necessity. DC Hunger Solutions spokesperson Alexandra Ashbrook said providing breakfasts for the city’s

public as well as charter facilities results in a win-win situation. Largely because eating breakfast at school helps improve children’s diets, academic performance and attendance. Breakfast at school also cuts down on tardiness. Ashbrook further stated that her organization advocates policies that relate to the economic security of families. She said Cheh’s legislation is a particularly good example of school advocacy projects. “Not only do [such efforts] get kids the nutrition they need to succeed at school, but [they] also help

bring in federal funding to schools to serve breakfast,” said Ashbrook. “Passage of the Healthy School Acts has been one of the most exciting things in Washington, D. C., [in that] it’s not only for poor children, but for all kids to make sure they have access to the most important meal of the day.” During the 2010-11 school year, student participation in the national School Breakfast Program grew to include 9.8 million low-income children, accounting for an increase of 354,000 low-income children in the program over the previous school year, according to FRAC. School breakfast menus in D.C. typically include dairy, grain, meat and protein. But parents like Sean Glen, 43, whose 11-year-old son participates in the program at his school on Southeast, said the menu could be better. “Especially if the meals were hot,” Glen said, alluding to recent bouts of cold weather. “It’s always cold cereal with milk and juice .The children need a hot meal on cold mornings and as things are -- at least at my son’s school, that’s not been the case.” wi

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CELEBRATING YOUR STORY POWERING YOUR NETWORK

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black history

Capital Entertainment Services and Tours filled six buses with guests attending the Second Annual African American Heritage AAHT tour who gathered at THEARC in Southeast./ Photo by Shevry Lassiter

The African American Civil War Museum in the Shaw neighborhood in Northwest was the featured destination of The Washington Informer’s Second Annual African American Heritage Tour held Sat., February 18. Groups of tourists converged on the city’s newest neighborhood museums to learn about the role of African Americans in the Civil War 150 years ago./Photo by Roy Lewis

Former D.C. Councilmember Frank Smith, founder of the African American Civil War Memorial and Museum, poses with a group of children at the memorial in U Street, N.W. in Shaw./ Photo by Roy Lewis

The names of 260,000 African American civil war veterans and their white comrades are listed on the wall of the Civil War Memorial in Northwest. Founder Frank Smith says nearly one half of all African Americans can find a family member’s name on the wall. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Hundreds Enjoy Informer’s African-American Tour By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer Michelle Armstead enjoyed last year’s African American Heritage Tour so much that she returned for this year’s installment. Once again, the Montgomery County resident said, the tour – sponsored by The Washington Informer – went well beyond what she expected. “My expectations were very high and they were exceeded,” said Armstead, who was one of 30 Kaiser Permanente employees and 250 area residents who participated in the tour. “I’m always curious to visit places I haven’t seen before, especially in my hometown. I liked how well the African-American soldiers performed when they weren’t expected to. I can’t help but see the irony of treating people like chattel property.” Armstead was referring to a documentary DVD, Fight for Freedom, produced by the The African

American Civil War Memorial and Museum, which was screened prior to the group’s departure to several sites in the city, including to the museum. The program detailed the bravery, dedication and sacrifices by enslaved Africans and others who despite enjoying freedom joined Union forces to battle those who sought to keep them in chains. The Feb. 18 tour coincides with the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War. One hundred and fifty years ago, said bus tour owner John Best, America was torn apart by the gravest crisis the country has ever faced. “This company was started in 1979 with the sole purpose of promoting black history, to impart knowledge and show the dignity and magnificence of our history,” Best said of his business, Capital Entertainment Services and Tours. David Bowers, several mentors and other members of the 100 Black Men of Washington’s Satur-

22 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

day Leadership Academy, brought a group of their charges to soak up the day’s activities. He spoke of the importance of exposing young people to their history, culture and heritage. “It’s the first time we’ve done the tour. It was very good, great information, a nice mix – speakers, the tour, walking through the museum,” said Bowers, vice president and Washington, D.C. impact market leader for Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. “It was a good day and good fun.” “I appreciate the emphasis of all the speakers of the necessity of people knowing their history and their culture. I was lifted up today with some pretty easy to digest information. I recently watched The Loving Story on HBO. It is a reminder of the legal and cultural barriers African-Americans continue to fight for – equal opportunity and justice. It is a reminder that people have had to give their lives so that America could beThe Washington Informer

come what its documents said it could be,” Bowers said. Guests gathered at The Town Hall Education Arts Recreation Center (THEARC) in Southeast for a continental breakfast, to register and watch the museum documentary. This month, a sub-theme to Black History Month is a focus on black women and their leadership, particularly in politics and in the civic, social and economic life of this country. D.C. Council Chairman Kwame R. Brown, after spending time greeting constituents, posing for pictures and encouraging the young people, reflected on that theme. “Denise has done a phenomenal job,” he said of the newspaper’s publisher, Denise Rolark Barnes. “Black History Month should be every day. A strong black woman was dragged to the shoreline, dragged to a castle, dragged on a boat, saw people

dying all around her. (Then when she got here), she picked cotton. But God is a good God. Mentally, a lot of people couldn’t handle it. I thank God that she endured. It’s because of that strong black woman why we’re here.” Ron Burke, the Informer’s advertising manager introduced Barnes and representatives of the event’s sponsors. The sponsors were PEPCO, the D.C. Lottery and Kaiser Permanente. “ … I see a lot of young people here and a lot of them are not connected to their roots,” Burke said. “Yeah, they say we live in a post-racial world and everything, but no matter who you are, you need to stay connected to your culture and heritage.” Burke also pointed out the Informer’s significance of being a woman-owned publication and lauded the sponsor representa-

See TOUR on Page 23 www.washingtoninformer.com

black history Frank Smith, African American Civil War Memorial founding director, captures the crowd with little known civil war stories Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Washington Informer Publisher Denise Rolark Barnes greets AAHT sponsor Angela Copeland, of DC Lottery, and D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown who dropped by to speak to the crowd at THEARC in Southeast./Photo by Shevry Lassiter

TOUR continued from Page 24 tives, all of whom were women. Participants won raffle prizes and others received gift bags from D.C. Lottery representative Angela Copeland after answering questions about the women who have served in District politics. Other sponsors included Southwest Airlines and Verizon Wireless, who were both returning for the second year, along with Pepco and Kaiser Mid-Atlantic. All of the sponsors provided gift bag items and as a surprise for the attendees, Southwest Airlines gave away four roundtrip tickets to any of their destinations in the continental U.S. On the bus ride to the Civil War Museum in Northwest, six bus loads of passengers passed through Historic Anacostia, gazed at the home of Frederick Douglass from a distance. The 21www.washingtoninformer.com

room Victorian structure built in 1852 is also known as Cedar Hill. They also learned about Douglass, dubbed the Sage of Anacostia, whose skills and abilities included orator, author, publisher and diplomat. He escaped from slavery as a young man to become America’s moral conscience and one of the country’s staunchest defenders of freedom for his enslaved brothers and sisters. Buses also slowed at Lincoln Park so that the riders could see the Emancipation statue of Abraham Lincoln freeing an enslaved man, and one of Mary McLeod Bethune, the most powerful black woman in the country, particularly during Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency. She was an educator, philanthropist and mentor to generations of young black girls and women. A close friend of Eleanor Roosevelt, Bethune founded the National Council of Negro Women

More than 200 D.C. area residents attended this year’s AAHT that focused on African American’s role in the Civil War. /Photo by Shevry Lassiter

in 1935 and Bethune-Cookman College in Daytona Beach, Fla. which she opened in 1904 as the Daytona Educational and Industrial Training School for Negro Girls. Bethune started with $1.50, faith in God that the institution would succeed and five girls for students. Hers is the second statue in the District to honor a woman, Tour Guide Tamika Harris explained. Participants heard more about the American Civil War (1861-65) and Harris offered tidbits about Washington at war. For example, she said, the Anacostia River forms a natural defense against any attempts to invade Washington, D.C. Harris talked about the layout of the city and the roles of Benjamin Banneker and Major Pierre Charles L’Enfant. Banneker was appointed as a surveyor in 1791 by George Washington to assist L’Enfant, the chief architect of the project. It is said

that L’Enfant could not control his temper and was fired. He left, taking all the plans with him, but Banneker saved the project by recreating the plans from memory. Banneker was an astronomer, farmer, scientist, clockmaker, mathematician and writer whose sheer genius and versatility helped dispel the commonly held myth that blacks were intellectually inferior to whites. After strolling through the museum and listening to remarks from museum Founder and Director Frank Smith, the group headed back to THEARC for lunch. Margaret Dunnigan and her four grandchildren attended the tour. The Capital Heights, Md., resident said she had a ball on this her first tour, adding that she plans to return. “I enjoyed it very much,” said the 72-year-old retired postal employee. “I didn’t have any expecta-

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tions but I learned so much. I got to see a lot of D.C. I don’t usually see. I would encourage everyone to come for themselves and take part in the tour.” Ibrahim Mumin agreed. “It was excellent. In fact I was motivated after participating in the tour to do something like this in my neighborhood,” said Mumin, an economic development specialist and Shaw resident. “I was happy to see that the attendees were intergenerational. There were grandmothers, parents and children. We’re always looking for ways to pass on the culture and this is a great way.” “Mr. Best is a treasure. He is so knowledgeable. He’s very special. Because we live in D.C., we take a lot for granted and don’t realize that a lot of newcomers don’t know anything, but we haven’t done enough to make it clear to them what we have here.” wi

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

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Editorial

opinions/editorials

Black History on the Mall Dr. Carter G. Woodson, founder of Negro History Week, continues to hit home runs even from his grave in Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland, Md., where he was laid to rest in 1950. Raising the visibility of the contributions and achievements of the black race was Woodson’s life’s calling which led to the establishment of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History in 1915. It is ASALH that continues to set the theme for Black History Month, and Woodson who is honored each year in February at the annual ASALH Black History Luncheon. Woodson knew 100 years ago that African-Americans would always have a hunger and a thirst for knowledge about their race. Thanks to Woodson, museums have been built across the country to tell a global, national and local story about the black race. In fact, Woodson’s quintessential achievement will be coming soon to the National Mall. President Barack Obama and a host of national celebrities gathered on the Mall yesterday to break ground for the long anticipated National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), the newest addition to the Smithsonian Museum complex. But now that this new museum--dedicated to Black history and culture--joins others dedicated to the nation’s melting pot, some are questioning whether it will further divide the country and its people. Surprisingly, this was not an issue when everyone had only limited options set in a corner or a section of existing museum space to acknowledge the vast contributions of African-Americans, women, Native Americans and others. NMAAHC will be a public space with its doors open to people of every hue where an American story will be told from a black perspective.

D.C.’s Safe Streets The recent spike in crime in D.C. has put everyone on alert. Robberies are taking place all across the District, from the most affluent areas in Ward 3 to Ward 8 where unemployment is high and household income is low. And, it’s not just a local phenomenon, but a similar spike, especially in robberies, occurring all across the country. What’s to blame for this upsetting trend varies across jurisdictions. In New York, the spike has been blamed on the warm winter weather. The Mardi Gras in New Orleans is the cause, officials say. And most jurisdictions relate the increase in crime to the economy. In D.C., the target seems to be smart phones and other personal electronics that individuals or groups of thieves are going after. Police officials report there have been nearly 600 robberies that have occurred so far this year. While officials say that none of them have been deadly, the use of a hand gun in some cases raises the concern that serious bodily injury to a victim may be imminent. The Guardian Angels have gotten actively involved by providing foot patrols around Metro stations and by distributing literature that warns residents about the upsetting trend and offers safety tips. MPD Chief Cathy Lanier has deployed hundreds of officers on foot patrol and sitting in cars in conspicuous locations across the city hoping to deter the thieves. But, in the best or worst of times, crime is a way of life for some and a fact of life that the rest of us have to contend with. The best way to make D.C. streets safe is to exercise precaution at all times by limiting the public display of items that thieves want to take away from you.

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28 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

C. Kenneth Johnson…My Hero

This is my tribute to someone who I believe to be one of the greatest individuals to grace our community, C. Kenneth Johnson. Mr. Johnson is my hero, he is the role model everyone should follow, and he set the bar of service for our community to heights that are almost unbelievable. Mr. Johnson fostered more than 100 children in Washington, D.C., eventually adopting 10. His home was a beacon light for so many, always willing to do whatever he could for those most vulnerable. He was their advocate, making sure services were provided and their needs met. He provided love, nurturing, and discipline when there was none. He made sure all of his children went to school, church and participated in extracurricular activities. He was a big supporter of the Southeast Tennis Center. C. Kenneth Johnson went home to be with his God on February 13,

2012. He leaves behind countless numbers of people like myself that have fond memories of him and all the work he has done. May he rest in peace and be remembered in the hearts of all of us as a role model for the world. Roland J. Donaldson Washington, D.C.

Black History and William Still

I simply love your articles on Black History. History is one of the few subjects I really liked while I was in school. All I can remember about the Underground Railroad was that Harriet Tubman led countless numbers of slaves to freedom, aided by Northern whites. Your article “William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad” by N. Nadine Maye, sheds a whole different light on the subject for me. First, I must admit I was not aware of Wil-

liam Still, or his accomplishments, and secondly, if he’s not studied in every school in history class, why not?! His story should be studied along with the story of the North, the South, slavery, the Civil War, Frederick Douglass, and Abraham Lincoln. America should celebrate this man for what he did, not only for enslaved people in America, but for what he did for America as a whole. Carl Peterson Alexandria, Va.

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opinions/editorials

Guest Columnist

by Marc H. Morial

The Incomparable Whitney Houston “To me Whitney was THE VOICE. We got to hear a part of God every time she sang.” Oprah Winfrey on the death of Whitney Houston Billie Holiday was 44. Judy Garland was 47. Dinah Washington was 39. Michael Jackson was 51. Jimi Hendrix was 28. Janis Joplin was 27. Amy Winehouse was 28. And Whitney Houston lived only 48 years on this earth. I was one of millions of people around the world stunned

to learn of the untimely death of pop-music queen, Whitney Houston last Saturday. Like so many other entertainers who died too young, Whitney was blessed with a divine talent but also haunted by a heavy load of troubles. Throughout much of the 1980’s and 90’s, Whitney Houston reigned as the undisputed queen of pop. With songs like “The Greatest Love of All,” and “I Will Always Love You,” she set a standard as an octaveshattering virtuoso who brought

both elegance and a gospeltinged intensity to her work in studio and on stage. That was surely a natural outgrowth of her church choir roots and being the daughter of classy gospel legend, Cissy Houston. Whitney got her start singing in the junior choir of Newark, New Jersey’s New Hope Baptist Church, where her mother has served as Minister of Music for decades. Whitney also undoubtedly benefited from the influences of other great musical talents in her family. Dionne Warwick

Guest Columnist

was her cousin. And Aretha Franklin was her Godmother. But, Whitney was a pure original. In addition to setting the music world on fire and influencing such performers as Mariah Carey, Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson, Whitney also excelled as an actress, and had starring roles in such movies as “The Bodyguard,” “Waiting to Exhale” and “The Preacher’s Wife.” Her final film, “Sparkle,” a remake of the 1976 movie about three sisters from Harlem who form a singing group, is set to be released in

August. It is a sad irony that Whitney Houston died on the eve of this year’s Grammy Awards. The winner of six Grammys herself, Whitney was preparing to attend a pre-Grammy party given by her mentor, the legendary music producer, Clive Davis. Her body was found Saturday afternoon in the bath tub of her room at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Los Angeles. As of this writing, the exact cause of her death is still

See morial on Page 45

By Julianne Malveaux

Help Me Somebody I still have not gone to see the movie, The Help. I read the book and that was enough for me. I read a book where a white woman fully engaged herself in cultural appropriation, putting 21st century voices into 1960s throats. Which black women, in 1960, would have said that black men left their families like trash by the side of the road? Maybe a 21st century feminist would have voiced such sentiments, but a

sixties sister? Hardly. Speaking of hardly, my opinion hardly matters. There is rich discussion among AfricanAmerican women about the movie, the book, and the reality. I just want to remind my sisters that in 1940 seventy percent of us were maids, or private household workers. I want to remind us that even those of us who had advanced degrees worked some time as a maid. I want folks to remember the scene in The Color Purple where the Oprah charac-

ter was incarcerated because she had the dignity to decline private household work. Many black women did “days work” because they needed to make a living. Many were humiliated into doing days work to keep the peace in their household or community. In other words, no matter who you were, you should still serve. My opinions about days work are rooted in my past, both as a daughter and as a researcher. My mom, Proteone Malveaux, is a retired social worker. She

Guest Columnist

worked with organizations that organized private household workers. As a kid, I stuffed envelopes for a woman named Helen Little, who led the National Welfare Rights Association in San Francisco. Women like Mrs. Little and my mom were dedicated to ensuring that private household workers got fair pay, vacations, and dignity of work conditions. When I moved to Boston, I somehow connected with a woman who was doing work on

training private household workers. There was an irony. The federal government had actually funded her organization to train maids, and I thought the best way to train them was to move them out of household work. Somehow, in graduate school, my mentor Dr. Phyllis Wallace, encouraged me to write about my experiences, and about the data that undergirded them. It was interesting to explore the

See Malveaux on Page 45

By George E. Curry

Spying on Sharpton and Other Black Leaders

A recent report that New York City Police Department may have spied on Al Sharpton as he prepared to protest the acquittal of three police officers in the 2006 shooting death of Sean Bell brings back memories of a carefully-orchestrated national effort to discredit civil rights leaders, including Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In his NYPD Confidential

column, posted on the Huffington Post under the headline, “Spying on the Rev.,” veteran police reporter Len Levitt wrote: “A NYPD informant spied on the Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network [NAN] as the group was organizing large-scale protests of the Sean Bell case acquittals, a police document shows.” It continued, “The confidential informant infiltrated a NAN meeting on May 3, 2008, and reported back to the NYPD’s Intelligence Division, according

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to a document marked ‘secret,’ which was obtained by NYPD Confidential.” At the time, Sharpton was planning to create a city-wide traffic jam because three plainclothes and undercover officers had killed an unarmed Bell after he left his bachelor’s party at a club in Queens. According to authorities, Bell and two of his friends were shot 50 times. On April 25, three police officers indicted in the case were acquitted of all charges. “According to the police doc-

ument, the informant, who was identified not by name but by a five-digit number given to him by the department, provided the NYPD with a detailed description of NAN’s protest plans, including the names of prominent African-Americans set to participate, the locations where protestors would gather and the number of demonstrators who would offer themselves up for arrest,” the story recounted. Sharpton and nearly 200 protesters were arrested after they brought the city to a halt by

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blocking major traffic arteries. Although he gets the headline, this is not about Al Sharpton. Rather, it is about the reprehensible practice by the FBI and local police departments to undermine legal and legitimate protests. From 1956 to 1971, the FBI operated a program called COINTELPRO, an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program. Initially established to spy on organizations suspected of

See Curry on Page 45

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

opinions/editorials

Child Watch©

By Marian Wright Edelman

“Desperately Working to Stay Afloat” Levi Nation, 12, and his sister Katherine, 8, eat Sunday dinners at their grandparents’ house in rural Kalkaska County, Mich. They live with their parents, James and Lois, in an old trailer next door. Though both parents work, they can’t afford a better place or health insurance or outings with the children. “Sometimes I wish we could go someplace like down to a water park or, like, the zoo,” Levi said.

At one time, the Nations owned a home. But like so many other American families, their standard of living has declined over the past decade even though they are a two-parent working family. James’s family employment story echoes the Michigan story. His father worked for General Motors in Flint until it offered him “a golden handshake and he took the check.” James considers himself a member of “probably the last generation to be able to walk out of high school and get

a decent job,” though he and his brother came too late to find well-paying work at GM and move up into the middle class. During the earlier years of their marriage, when they were able to afford to buy a home, James and Lois lived in Durand. He worked for 14 years in a family-owned machine shop that made tools for the aluminum wheel industry. Lois, who’d taken some junior college classes, worked as a bank teller. When Levi was born, she wanted a career she could base around

Beyond The Rhetoric

a child’s schedule and went to a school for massage therapy. In 2004, they sold their house and moved to Kalkaska County, where Lois grew up. They wanted to raise their children in a safer place and planned to live in a trailer on property Lois’s parents owned and build a home there later. James started a handyman service and Lois had massage clients. “Then the economy kind of fell apart and I had to get a job to be sure the bills were paid,” James said. He worked

as a mechanic at a farm equipment store for a few years and recently moved to a part-time job with the Village of Kalkaska as a wastewater operator. “It’s a little less money, but the commute is shorter, so it evens out,” James said. “Also, I’m hoping it will turn into a full-time job with benefits.” James earns $13 an hour and works 30 hours a week. He earns a little more than $19,000 a year. Lois didn’t have enough cli-

See Edelman on Page 46

By Harry C. Alford

Our First Experience with Reparations

We have often discussed the need for reparations for the 400 years of slavery. The contexts of the discussions continue on as if we never had a chance with any form of reparations. I discovered back in the 1990’s that we indeed had a go with a form of reparations. The biggest problem was that we did not adequately exploit it nor pass it on to following generations.

My curiosity got going when I read up on the first black congressionally elected officials. They were elected as part of the Reconstruction following the Civil War. One of these giants was Senator Blanche Bruce from Mississippi. People don’t talk much about these trailblazers as they were all Republicans – like that has a negative meaning. Senator Bruce, during his short tenure, ensured that all freed slaves became immediately eligible for the Homestead Act of 1862 which provided

immense opportunity for land ownership and wealth building. In reading up on the Homestead Act, I found that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), a division of the Department of Interior, kept good records on all activity relating to this program. This program was a “game changer.” Any American citizen could identify governmentowned land, apply for a claim and then receive the property providing they would live on it and work it (usually farming). More than half the nation was

ASKIA-AT-LARGE

applicable and it was meant to generate population and economic growth. This was applicable to freed blacks, also. I decided to probe deeper. Be careful of what you ask; you may get it. I contacted the BLM and asked for a formal briefing. They set up a meeting with me in Lorton, Va. and gave me a great overview. Then, the Deputy Secretary asked if my people were from the South. I informed him that my people evolved from Bossier Parrish, La. They declared that

someone in my family benefited from the Homestead Act. I challenged him on that. He asked, “Give me one of your grandfather’s name.” I stated “Thomas Harry Alford. He put the name into their very elaborate database and instantly it hit. “Thomas H. Alford received a land grant for 160 acres on March 20, 1916.” I was shocked and my first reaction was that my grandfather had 40 acres, not 160, or so we all thought.

See alford on Page 46

By Askia Muhammad

The Almighty and the Bully Pulpit The “bully pulpit” is American life is a position of authority and public visibility. The current commander of the bully pulpit is President Barack Obama. The President caught my attention several weeks ago when I heard him quote his Vice President, Joe Biden. “Don’t compare me with the Almighty,” the saying goes. “Compare me with the alternative.” There are only a few Republi-

can contenders left for the GOP nomination to unseat Obama from the bully pulpit, and none of them compare very favorably with the President, let alone with The Almighty. So why would any of them want to call The Almighty to the witness stand? But Rick Santorum, a defeated candidate for re-election to his U.S. Senate seat from Pennsylvania, nevertheless, went there. After three years of his opponents whispering that Obama is a Muslim (what’s wrong with that?) and not a Christian as he

30 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

has always insisted, Santorum is now accusing the President of being some kind of “brand-x” (my expression) Christian, questioning Obama’s Christian values, suggesting he’s not a genuine, real believer, like most true, White Americans. In a recent speech, Santorum accused the President of being motivated by a phony theology not based on the Bible. “It’s not about you. It’s not about your quality of life,” Santorum said. “It’s not about your jobs. It’s about some phony ideal, The Washington Informer

some phony theology. Oh, not a theology based on the Bible, a different theology, but none— no less a theology.” Santorum was campaigning at a Tea Party rally in Ohio, and he was talking about Obama’s environmental policies…Oh, now that makes perfect sense—Not! Santorum obviously has not studied the U.S. Constitution lately. That document is clear. It was the “original intent” of the framers of the Constitution that no federal employee, whether elected or appointed, career or

political, can be required to adhere to or accept any religion or belief. Period. Article VI, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution says plainly: “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution; but no religious

See askia on Page 46 www.washingtoninformer.com

LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE

James T. Lane as Paul Colin and Zurin Villanueva as Josephine Baker./ By C. Stanley Photography

A Spark of By Michael Sainte-Andress

WI Staff Writer

can hardly imagine the grueling process that the casting of the lead role in “Josephine Tonight” must have been. How do you cast such an iconic and universally-renowned artist as Josephine Baker in a biographical musical about her early beginnings and journey to international stardom and fame? Well, that daunting task was the duty of that international icon himself, Maurice Hines. Opening nights are not always the best time to see a show for review because kinks are still being refined and the performers have not completely worked out their characterizations, but gladly, very little of that was evident in the current MetroStage produc-

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Genius

tion choreographed and directed by the great Maurice Hines. His involvement in this show has a personal connection: his grandmother was a Cotton Club showgirl and knew Josephine at the beginning of her career and he and his brother, Gregory often worked in Paris and became quite familiar with her celebrity and persona. Maurice says when he finally saw her in a show years later in New York, he thought she was the most magnificent performer he had ever seen and he had seen all of the greats! The show has book and lyrics by Tony-nominated Sherman Yellen and music by the acclaimed late composer Wally Harper. It is the music and lyrics that were standouts as of opening night. They are not incidental or “tacked on” as is the case in

many musicals. These songs are an extension of the characters thoughts and emotions and the specific scenes illuminate and enhance the storyline and are not just obligatory “insertions.” Having able-voiced singers for music of this caliber is magical and Mr. Hines did himself proud in that regard with the casting of James Alexander, Aisha de Haas, James T. Lane and Debra Walton--all outstanding in multiple roles. Josephine Baker was rightfully known for her unique flair, glamour and charisma spectacularly captured in the costumes created by the amazingly talented Reggie Ray. All of the characters are given definition and dimension by his skill and knowledge of time and period. The banana skirt that catapulted Josephine to fame is beautifully recreated

and the beaded gown and headdress at the end of the show are to die for. RIGHT ON REGGIE! Hair design and wigs are a notable addition to the authenticity of the story and are courtesy of the talented Greg Bazemore. Now, about the lucky actress Mr. Hines chose to portray Josephine: Miss Zurin Villanueva. She is a graduate of Howard University’s esteemed Musical Theatre Department and has had limited (though valuable) professional experience. I was not originally sold on her because hers is not a strong singing voice and she didn’t have the best dialogue or songs in the show. Ironically, neither did Josephine! Miss Villanueva’s dancing is fine and her sense of the character of Josephine and her ability to convey that spirit and determination are

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the stuff good actresses are made of. The “proof of the pudding” is in her ability to convince us in the banana dance. Here, Miss Villanueva erases any doubt that Mr. Hines made a prudent choice. She shines and wears the hell out of those bananas and that headdress!!!!!! My grandmother, too, danced with Josephine Baker and like Maurice I have idolized and cherished her. This production does justice to her legacy and impact on the world. She is smiling down on the work of the talented people who have brought this version of her life for a new generation to witness. BRAVO! JOSEPHINE TONIGHT runs at MetroStage, 1201 Royal St, Alexandria, VA through March 18th. Call 703-548-9044 or go to www.metrostage.org for tickets. You owe it to yourself to experience the wondrousness of this show: a sure spark of genius! wi

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

DCTV Celebrates Black History Month! Tune in to DCTV to see special program in recognition of Black History Month. These locally produced programs can only be seen on DCTV. Visit us on the web to see the full schedule: www.dctv.org The Urban Diary of An American Griot, produced by Steven Silver – learn the fascinating story of the Urban Griot told by local a local poet, actor and activist. COMCAST, Channel 95 Volume I – Stop the Silence Volume II – Stop the Violence Saturday 2/25 8:30om Sunday 2/26 7pm Tuesday 2/28 5pm

African American Museum Groundbreaking Held on the National Mall By Dorothy Rowley WI Staff Writer

The History of Brookland – DCTV is located in the historic Brooks Mansion, in the Brookland neighborhood. Learn about the history of Brookland – the homes, the history and the people that have called the neighborhood home. COMCAST, Channel 95 Thursday 2/23 6pm Friday 2/24 2:30 9pm Friday 3/2 3:30pm Perspectives of Interfaith “African American Pioneer Muslims in Washington, DC” --- learn the history of these important pioneers! COMCAST, Channel 96 Sunday 2/26 7:00pm Friday 3/2 11am DCTV’S LATEST CAMPAIGN AIRING ON ALL CABLE NETWORKS DCTV will now air its ad campaign showcasing DCTV’s new capability to stream live through the internet, which allows everyone to watch us “Anytime, Anywhere”! Produced by 2011 DCTV Viewers’ Choice Producer of the Year Tommy Taylor Jr., these comic shorts will appear throughout channels on Comcast, RCN, Verizon FiOS as well as on DCTV channels. Visit to www.dctv.org to preview our ads. SEE OUR FULL SCHEDULE, SEARCH FOR A SHOW, AND COMMENT ON A PROGRAM, ALL ON DCTV.ORG DCTV’s has new features on the web that allow you greater access to our schedule, show listings, and to the producers of the shows you watch. Visit us on the web today to see all the new features!

32 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

Lonnie Bunche is the director of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture scheduled to open on the National Mall in 2015./Photo by Shevry Lassiter

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resident Barack Obama was among a slate of dignitaries who helped celebrate Wednesday’s groundbreaking for the nation’s only museum devoted exclusively to the documentation of African- American life, art, history and culture. The $500 million construction project, which Congress will provide half of the costs, will be erected near the Washington Monument. Upon its completion in 2015, it will showcase stories told by families and individuals, some rarely shared. Among the exhibits will be a Jim Crow-era segregated railroad car, Louis Armstrong’s trumpet and galleries showcasing military and sports history. “This day has been a long time coming,” said President Obama. “The idea for a museum dedicated to African Americans was first put forward by black veterans of the Civil War. And years later, the call was picked up by members of the civil rights generation – by men and women who knew how to fight for what was right and strive for what is just,” he said. “This is their day. This is your day. It’s an honor to be here to see the fruit of your labor.” Obama added, “At moments like this I think about my daughters. When our children look at Harriet Tubman’s shawl or Nat Turner’s Bible ... I don’t want them to be seen as figures some-

how larger than life; I want them to see how ordinary Americans can do extraordinary things.” While the idea of the museum was first floated some 100 years ago by black Civil War veterans, it wasn’t until an act of Congress, signed in 2003 by President George W. Bush, paved the way for the museum to become a reality. Since then, museum staff has been fastidiously planning exhibits and scouring historical artifacts from across the country in preparation for the historical edifice that will highlight history, culture and community. The seven-level building will boast more than 323,000 square feet. Congressman John Lewis (DGa.) said, however, the whole story of the past 400 years begs to be told and it should be recalled without anger or apologies. Former first lady Laura Bush said it was particularly fitting that land for the museum was earmarked for the Mall. “This museum will pay tribute to the many lives known and unknown that have immeasurably enhanced our nation,” said Bush. “The National Museum of African American History and Culture began as a nonpartisan effort through legislation sponsored by representatives John Lewis and J. C. Watts and Sen. Sam Brownback . . . and my husband, President George Bush, was proud to sign it into law.” In crediting slave labor with

See NMAA on Page33 www.washingtoninformer.com

If Your Ad Were Here Someone Would Be Reading It! Contact me, Ron Burke, at 202-561-4100 or rburke@washingtoninformer.com

National Survey Is Launched To

Former first lady Laura Bush joined local and national leaders for the groundbreaking ceremony of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. She called the National Mall a fitting place to remember, revere and celebrate “the great struggles and even greater contributions that African Americans have made to our nation’s history.”/Photo by Shevry Lassiter

NMAA continued from Page 1 the construction of both the White House and U.S. Capitol, Bush added that President Abraham Lincoln “was horrified by the sight of the slave pens,” that could be seen from the Capitol. She also said she was glad the museum will “stand next to the monument to our first president, George Washington, who freed his slaves in his will.” The 90-minute ceremony, marking the start of a public fundraising campaign to construct the museum, was hosted by Phylicia Rashad. The acclaimed actress of “The Cosby Show”, who said in an earlier interview that African-American history is interconnected with

many other groups. “What makes America really great and unique is that there are different peoples living here who come together as one people,” she said, adding that she hopes to be surprised by what the new museum can offer. “I would like to see some stories I’ve never imagined. I’d like to see some stories that aren’t so well talked about, but that have documentation to back them up.” Several other celebrities have also thrown their support behind the project which so far has raised $100 million. They include Quincy Jones and Oprah Winfrey whose foundation has provided $1 million. wi Shevry Lassiter contributed to this article.

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Ask AfricanAmericans

“What’s Missing From Your TV Choices?” (February 1, 2012) A coalition of consumer groups, media activists, clergy and concerned citizens are launching a national online survey to ask African-American households to tell their preferences about the kind of relevant programming choices they want to see on television. The coalition is being brought together by the Black Heritage Network, a new cable channel planned for launch this year that will offer what it calls “Black-oriented non-fiction programming.” The network hopes to use the information gathered as a guide for its own programming plans. According to Nielsen data, African-Americans watch 40% more hours of television per month than the general population. Despite being one of TV’s most important audiences, programming that addresses their varied interests are not being offered. Coalition members says that there is plenty of research on what African-American are watching, but virtually nothing on what they would prefer to see on television. A review of TV programs currently being aired that feature African-Americans in starring roles reveals that most are so-called reality-based shows or re-runs of comedies were once featured on the major four networks. The next largest block of hours of particular interest to blacks consists of re-broadcasts of theatrically released movies (again, mostly comedies) starring black actors. “Based upon the viewing options available to black households, there seems to be a conscious effort to ignore certain types of programs that appeal to African-Americans,” said Dr. Teresa Hairston, a member of the coalition and consultant to the Black Heritage Network. “News, interviews, documentaries and issueoriented programs targeted for African-Americans are almost impossible to find, especially during the primetime schedule.” Conducting a first-time national survey asking African-Americans what they want to see on TV will clearly demonstrate there is demand for a broader range of programs beyond entertainment. WhatIWantToSee. com, which is being supported by various African-American groups and media outlets, plans to get as many participants to “vote” for more TV options as possible during the next two months. “Many of the decisions that are made by the TV industry are based not necessarily on research but on the opinions and experiences of executives’,” said Dr. Hairston. “This is an important opportunity for black families to let the industry know exactly what kinds of program choices they want, especially for their children.” In addition to gathering ideas for programs, the survey will ask participants to rank their interest in programs covering news and current affairs, documentaries and independent films, public television programs and regionally-aired shows. The survey will be available online at www.WhatIWantToSee.com beginning January 15th -- the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King -- until February 29th -- the end of Black History Month. Some of the nation’s leading newspapers, radio programs, magazines and Web sites will be encouraging their audiences to participate. The results will be made through these same outlets and will also be delivered to key leaders in media, civil rights and academia. For further information, visit www.WhatIWantToSee.com. or call 312-408-1881.

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ARIES Put one of your new ideas into action this week and see how it feels as you work through your routine. You are in command of how you think this week, so use this beneficial energy to accomplish some of the things you’ve been wanting to do. Soul Affirmation: I paint my world in colors of the rainbow. Lucky Numbers: 10, 19, 24 TAURUS Every positive idea you have is likely to be challenged this week, so you may want to keep your brilliance under wraps until at least tomorrow. Your ideas are sound and good; don’t take others’ rude behavior personally. Soul Affirmation: I let go and let the spirit run my life this week. Lucky Numbers: 19, 30, 42 GEMINI This week’s the week to communicate those ideas. People will seem to be much more receptive and less grouchy. Make sure that your ideas have some practical actions that can be taken, so that people will know how to respond to you. Soul Affirmation: I love many people this week. Lucky Numbers: 6, 12, 19 CANCER You are the messenger of freedom this week, and if you are not careful with your words, you’ll find that some people don’t want to be liberated. Not to worry, just go your merry way and enjoy yourself. Others will learn from what you are doing. Soul Affirmation: I let my instincts light my way this week. Lucky Numbers: 18, 20, 45 LEO Your creativity is pulling you in a wonderful direction. Act on your impulse to create beauty in your life. Pay attention when your nearest, dearest friend is trying to tell you something. Your impatience to get to the next project could cause you to miss a valuable signal. Soul Affirmation: Charm is my middle name this week. Lucky Numbers: 23, 27, 54 VIRGO Keep a low profile at a family get-together. Someone wants to scuffle, but won’t be able to if you don’t present yourself as a target. Your checkbook needs looking into; you’ll feel better if it’s balanced. Soul Affirmation: I am patient with all that comes my way this week. Lucky Numbers: 32, 45, 51 LIBRA Your home life is important to you this week. Get the family together to take care of some fall clean-up chores and make it a party that everyone will remember with joy. Take the lead on bringing happiness to the occasion. Soul Affirmation: I seek connection with the best that is in me. Lucky Numbers: 23, 43, 46 SCORPIO Daydreaming will work wonders for your spirit this week. Let your imagination fly freely and follow up on ideas in a leisurely way. You are able to accomplish some very rewarding and life-affirming tasks. Soul Affirmation: I celebrate those around me. Lucky Numbers: 9, 50, 52 SAGITTARIUS Congratulations on your positive attitude this week! While others may be dragging, your spirit is full of energy. Enjoy the power-surge of good feelings, and you’ll be lifting others’ spirits just by being you. Soul Affirmation: The true path is mapped out by my impulses. Lucky Numbers: 14, 17, 19 CAPRICORN You’ll enjoy a special rapport with a loved one this week, so use the vibe to deepen the level of intimacy. Your creativity allows you to say exactly the right thing at the right moment. Soul Affirmation: I give my brain full power this week. Lucky Numbers: 7, 31, 39 AQUARIUS This is a wonderful week to give up a negative routine, guy! If you’ve been biting your nails or sneaking a cigarette, this week your emotions are centered on lifeaffirming habits. Let your natural inclination toward perfect health lead you on your way. Soul Affirmation: My needs will be met if I just ask. Lucky Numbers: 12, 26, 27 PISCES You are very popular at work this week. Part of your rise in the employee polls is due to your can-do attitude. Another part is the smile on your face as you consider your wonderful life. Believing it is being it! Soul Affirmation: It’s bad only if I see it that way. Lucky Numbers: 10, 27, 33

34 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

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LIFESTYLE

Griot

“Death of the Cheating Man: What Every Woman Must Know About Men Who Stray” By Maxwell Billieon and Ray J c.2012, Strebor Books $24.00 / $27.99 Canada 247 pages You almost can’t believe it. It began when your man started staying late after work. Said he had extra projects, but when you called him, he didn’t answer the phone. Then he started disappearing on weekends and taking long showers when he came home. Now you’ve discovered pictures of other women on his phone and mysterious numbers in his address book. You don’t want to believe that he’s cheating on you but he might be and, according to authors Maxwell Billieon and Ray J, there may be a simple reason why he’s doing it. In the new book “Death of the Cheating Man,” they explain. The world is filled with temptation. Maxwell Billieon says that’s the reason why he wrote this book: because both men and women need to know how to beat infidelity to save their relationships and families. Cheating, he says, is everywhere and it’s because of two things: men like to conquer and they’ve never learned how not to cheat. Billieon cites a recent poll stating that 74 percent of men said they’d cheat on their wives if they knew they wouldn’t get caught. But what men see as cheating and what women see as cheating are often two different things. Men see no problem with www.washingtoninformer.com

flirting. Porn is not off-limits to them. They think it’s okay to have a secret female friend or to have internet sex, but these activities are all viewed by their wives as a threat. There are many different kinds of cheaters, says Billieon, just as there are many ways for a man to step out on his woman. And as it often happens, women will cheat as a way to get back at their man who cheated. Billieon says that there are ways to stop this insanity. Sit down with your partner and discuss The New Monogamy, which may include a once-a-year “hall pass.” Discuss how infidelity has consequences. Stop expecting prominent men to be “more than human.” Teach your man to be faithful and be his “ride-or-die” woman. Oh, my. Where do I begin? “Death of the Cheating Man” is a wobbly book. On one hand, there are beneficial, helpful passages in these pages, a few of which make enough sense that it’s sometimes hard not to agree with what authors Maxwell Billieon and Ray J (who’s been linked with Whitney Houston) say. On the other hand, it’s astounding to see statements like this: “Women are afraid of truthful men…” or “… human females have way too much information and that has messed up the natural state of things.” That sounded pretty outrageous to me, particularly when you add in the advice on giving your man what he wants, when he wants it. I won’t even mention the fact that a “hall pass” is still cheating… I think that there’s good advice in this book, but it’s going to require not just a grain of salt, but a whole buckets’ worth. For most smart, strong women, though, “Death of the Cheating Man” is unbelievably unhelpful. wi

NCERT O C T I F E N E B ING FOR DESERV IANS IC YOUNG MUS The Foundation for the Advancement of Music & Education, Inc. (FAME) is partnering with Ayre Rayde, a local recording group, to provide brand new musical instruments to at-risk and disadvantaged youth at no charge. The event will feature a reunion concert performance by the Ayre Rayde band and you will be treated to a preview of the group’s soon to be released CD.

Saturday, March 17, 2012 9pm – 1am Camelot by Martins - 13905 Central Avenue Upper Marlboro, MD Co-Chairs: Prince George’s County Council Chair Andrea Harrison (Dist. 5), & Council members Derrick Leon Davis (Dist. 6), Will Campos (Dist. 2) & Karen Toles (Dist. 7). Tickets: $45 (first 100 guests) and $50. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Proceeds from this trailblazing event will enable deserving young musicians to explore and enhance their musical endeavors. This pioneering scholarship is structured to also support music programs in area school districts. For information and tickets: visit FAME at www.fameorg.org Sponsors:

FAME is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing equal access to all children and young adults, regardless of social and economic need, to quality music and music education as part of their lifelong journey to adulthood. We believe that the power of music, which is a key factor to a well-rounded character, will produce a new generation of leaders for our nation. We further believe that equity in the arts is vital to building strong communities.

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Freedom of Belief By Shevry Lassiter WI Staff Writer

sually anything worthwhile has a cost and a value. Christians know and believe that the price of salvation was bought and paid for on Calvary and anyone can receive it and the only requirement is that one believes. At the All Souls Unitarian Universalists Church in Northwest, Bishop Carlton E. Pearson, pastor of New Thought congregation in Chicago, Illinois preached the Gospel of Inclusion on Sunday, February 19, 2012. Attending a Unitarian service can leave a feeling similar to taking an anti-depressant. Once the drug begins to act in the body any feelings of anxiety, irritability, weariness or anger are temporarily diminished. There is a heavenbound high, everything and everyone is good. What appears evil is good and what is good is still good. Appealing to almost every imaginable religious tradition, there was the ringing of the bell, the lighting of candles, meditation music, a choir procession, a period of monetary offering, a sermon, and excellent singing. With the moving African beats of the Akoma Drummers coupled with the crescendo of soul-stirring voices, one can’t help but think: If heaven is like this, I’m going and there’s going to be a good time had by all! Flipping through the hymnal, noticeably absent are the traditional church hymns. There were no hymns about the blood of Jesus. There was no mention about crosses to bear, no Bible, no Lord, no Savior and no heaven. Song lyrics appear to warm the heart without ever mentioning Jesus. Waiting for a Bible scripture reading or to sing a hymn that at least resembles a higher being might leave a Christian visitor realizing they’re in for a very, very different experience. Clearly, I was. The guest preacher’s 15-year-old daughter sings a wonderful rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Look to You.” In this Unitarian worship environment, however, the question in a traditional Christian’s mind becomes: Who are we looking to? The preacher comes to the pulpit and begins with the old familiar “look at your neighbor.” Good. I got that. But the next words out of the preacher’s mouth bring an abrupt ending to any chance of the familiar. “And repeat,” the preacher says, “You are god.” The Washington Informer

Bishop Carlton Pearson of Chicago preaches a gospel of inclusion at the All Souls Unitarian Church in Northwest on Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012./Photo by Shevry Lassiter

Several congregants giggle loudly and repeat the preacher’s phrase. Everyone is so friendly and happy and it’s so wonderful and it just feels so right! Beginning his sermon, Pearson said he sees an aspect of himself in others and all he ever encounters in others is an aspect of his self. Pearson said, “the gospel of inclusion is making every human being feel not only significantly welcome but wanted.” (Think Louis Armstrong singing “What a Wonderful World” and you’ll get my point.) Pearson preached: “Change the way you think and the things you think will change.” He said it is his belief that faith comes by hearing, but he intentionally left out the part about “and hearing from the Word of God.” He said he believed somewhere in our subconscious level we all may have agreed to come here. “Maybe we all said yes to come to this planet and once we say yes, the universe will organize itself around the yes and that’s when all things will work together for my good.” The Unitarian congregation is called truth-seekers according to pamphlets available in the foyer of the All Souls Church and written by Marta Flanagan, one of the church ministers in Arlington, Mass. Christina Brinkel and Sybil Christian, members of the Unitarian church for over 30-years, shared their beliefs in the seven principles of the Unitarian Church: The inherent worth and dignity of every person; Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;

Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations; A free and responsible search for truth and meaning; The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large; The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all; and Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. Brinkel said, “I look at the Bible as a book that only bashes females. I found it [to be] a contradiction of all that was around me. People’s behavior towards me was such a stark contradiction to what was in the Bible.” Brinkel studied the Bible during a literature course in college and came to the conclusion that it was written based on rumors and said if there is a god, he could not discriminate which turned her toward the Unitarian religion. Christian said, “Consider joining this truth-seeking church.” One of the most precious rights we have today as U.S. citizens is the freedom of religion. Stepping out of the comfort zone of the Christian church can sometimes bring an appreciation for the things one has learned about God. I close with this prayer: Now, unto Him, that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy. That’s the God I know! wi www.washingtoninformer.com

The Religion Corner

religion

A Black History Tribute to

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Lena Horne

700 I. Street, NE Washington, D.C. 20002

Singer, Actress, Civil Rights Activist Lena Horne died on Mother’s Day, May 9, 2010 at the age of 92. This is a tribute biography that gives a brief chronicle of her fascinating life. She was indeed one of the first African-American Hollywood entertainers who used her influence to help better the life of those who followed her.

ena Horne, actress, singer, and civil rights pioneer, was one of the most talented and influential women of her generation. Born in 1917 in an upper middle-class home in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was raised by her grandmother and grandfather, Cora and Edwin Horne. Lena found an early inspiration for the course she would take in life in the person of her grandmother. Cora Calhoun Horne was a seasoned political activist, recognized during her lifetime as a major suffragist and one of the pioneers of the Niagara Movement, the movement that led to the founding of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Under her grandmother’s guidance, Lena became a member of the NAACP as a toddler. Along with her social and political activism, Cora Calhoun also was a philanthropist and an advocate of education for blacks. In 1917, Cora Calhoun secured a scholarship that allowed a young Paul Robeson to attend Rutgers University. This legacy inspired an intense friendship between Lena Horne and Paul Robeson in later years. At 15, Horne left her grandparent’s home and took a job performing in the chorus at the Cot-

ton Club in Harlem. At the Cotton Club, Horne was influenced by such major figures as Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington. In 1941, Lena Horne signed a contract with MGM Studios. She became the first Black actress to sign a long-term contract with a major Hollywood studio. Considered too light to appear on screen in Black roles, the studio commissioned Max Factor to create a special make-up, known as “Dark Egyptian,” to darken her skin. Her first major role came in 1942’s Panama Hattie. In the film, she played a singer whose onscreen performance had nothing to do with the plot. She followed Panama Hattie with her two most successful efforts in Hollywood, Cabin in the Sky and Stormy Weather, both released in 1943. Both films were major Hollywood musicals that featured all black casts. Stormy Weather gave Lena her signature song. Since that time, the song “Stormy Weather,” has been identified with Horne and has been a hallmark of her long, illustrious career. Her funeral Mass, attended by hundreds of mourners, was celebrated at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola on the Upper East Side of Manhattan. Its former pastor, the Rev. Walter F. Modrys, met Ms. Horne at a dinner party when she was in her 70s. At the end of her days, she found friendship with a Catholic priest and comfort and joy in attending her home parish. I am reminded of what St. Paul said in his first letter to the church in Corinth. Lena Horne, known best for her signature song Stormy Weather, walked through stormy weather all her days, never forget-

with Lyndia Grant ting to share her gifts and to fight for justice. Now, we pray she has walked into the arms of a loving Father who never abandoned her and never will. She sang at Carnegie Hall and then appeared in such films as The Wiz and Stormy Weather. She also was known for her work with civil rights groups, and refused to play roles that stereotyped AfricanAmerican women. In 1984, Horne received a Kennedy Center honor for lifetime contribution to the arts, and in 1989 she was given a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement. wi Lyndia Grant is a religious writer, living in the Washington, D.C. Area; she is a professional speaker; author; event planner and publicist. Visit her website at www. lyndiagrant.com, email fanniestelle@yahoo.com or call 202518-3192. Grace Memorial Baptist Church

Rev. Charles G. Cofield, Pastor 2407 Minnesota Ave SE. Washington, D.C. 2002 Phone: 202-581-1713 Fax : 202-581-1869 Sunday School- 8:30am to 9:30am Sunday Worship Service -10:00am Holy Communion - 2nd Sunday Bible Study –Tuesday 6:30pm to 7:30pm Tuesday Evening Prayer & Praise Service 7:30pm A Place Where The Holy Spirit Manifest Continually

Listen to

“Praise In The City”

The New Public Affairs Talk Show Hosted by Praise 104.1’s Sheila Stewart Saturday 5:30am-6:30am on Praise 104.1 For more info visit www.praise1041.com

Blessed Word of Life Church Dr. Dekontee L. & Dr. Ayele A. Johnson Pastors 4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax Schedule of Services: 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

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The Washington Informer

Pastor Louis B. Jones, II and Pilgrim invite you to join us during our July and August Summer schedule! Attire is Christian casual. Worship: Sundays@ 7:30 A.M. & 10:00 A.M. 3rd Sunday Holy Communion/ Baptism/Consecration Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @12:00 Noon @ 6:30 P.M. – One Hour of Power! (202) 547-8849 www. pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Muhammad’s Temple of Islam 2714 Georgia Ave Washington, DC 20001 Mailing Address 15701 Humberside Way Upper Marlboro, Md 20774 301-433-1909 Minister Kemani Wadud Every Sunday 1:30PM to 3:00PM www.GODISBLACK.ORG www.MUHAMMADSPEAKS.com

Freedom Fellowship Church Int’l Kramer Middle School 1700 Q Street S.E. Washington, DC (Mailing address) P.O. Box 30131 Washington, DC 20030 Phone/Fax: 1-877-684-7910 Pastor: Rev. Tracy L. Blanchard Senior Pastor Service & Times Sunday Worship: 10:30AM Sunday School: 9:30AM Free Breakfast Bible Studies/ Wednesday 7:00PM Free Dinner@6:00PM Motto: “Setting the Captives Free” Website: www.freedomfellowshipchurch.org Email address: freedomfellowshipchurchintl@ verizon.com

Greater Mt. Calvary Holy Church Bishop Alfred A. Owens, Jr.; Senior Bishop & Evangelist Susie C. Owens – Co-Pastor 610 Rhode Island Avenue, NE Washington, DC 20002 (202) 529-4547 office • (202) 529-4495 fax Sunday Worship Service: 8 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 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

Christ Our Redeemer A.M.E. Church 809 Upshur Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 202 829-1009 Rev. Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness Senior Pastor Sunday Church School 9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship Service 10:00 a.m. Bible Study every Wednesday 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. “The Church with a Heart- in the Heart of the City” ChristOurRedeemer_AMEChurch@yahoo.com www.christourredeemeramedc.org

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor Harold Andrew, Assistant Pastor 4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464 Schedule of Service Sunday Service: 8:30 AM & 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday www.livingwatersmd.org

True Believer’s Ministries Elder Michael L. Barnes, Pastor Evangelist Sheila F. Barnes, Co-Pastor 571 Ritchie Road • Capitol heights, MD 20743 301-333-2020 Sunday Morning Prayer 8:30am Sunday School 9:00am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:00am Tuesday Night Bible Study 7:15pm Friday Night Service - Every 4th Friday 7:30pm Movie Night- Third Friday Every Quarter 7:30pm E-mail: Trubelmin1996@aol.com www.tbmininstries.com

ST Marks Baptist Come Worship with us... St. Mark's Baptist Church 624 Underwood Street, NW Washington, dc 20011 Dr. Raymond T. Matthews, Pastor and First Lady Marcia Matthews Sunday School 9:am Worship Service 10:am Wed. Noon Day prayer service Thur. Prayer service 6:45 pm Thur. Bible Study 7:15 pm

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

religion BAPTIST

african methodist episcopal

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church Rev. James Manion Supply Priest Foggy Bottom • Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW • Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 • Fax : 202-338-4958 Worship Services 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.

Greater Deliverance Christian Center Church of God in Christ Bishop John I. Little, Sr. Pastor Evang. Vicurtis Litle, Pastor 441 Chpalin Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. 20019 Phone : 202-575-5979 Order of Services are as follows: Intercessory Prayer: Sunday – 9:00am Monday & Friday 12:00pm Sunday School - 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00am Family Night – Mondays: 7:00pm Men’s Ministry.; Women’s Ministry, Youth Ministry Bible Study: Thursdays 7:00pm Pastoral Teaching: Thursdays 8:00pm www.gdcccogic.org • www.turnerame.org tmame@starpower.net

Campbell African Methodist Episcopal Church Reverend Daryl K. Kearney. • Pastor 2568 MLK Jr., Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20020 (202) 889-3877 (o) • (202) 678-1291 (fax) Services and Times 7:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. Small Groups/Church School: 9:00 a.m. Small Group Bible Study Tuesday 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Noon Thursday 7:39 p.m. God our Father, Christ our Redeemer, Humankind one Family www.otfmall.com/camecame reedley5@aol.com

Mt. Zion Baptist Church Rev. John W. Davis, Pastor 5101 14th Street, N.W. Washington, DC 20011 202-726-2220/ 202-726-9089 Sunday Worship Service 8:00am and 11:00am Sunday School 9:15am Holy Communion 4th Sunday 10:00am Prayer and Bible Study Wednesday 7;00pm TV Ministry –Channel 6 Wednesday 10:00pm gsccm.administration@verizon.net

Citadel of Restoration Church Elder Kenneth W. Chism Senior Pastor Worshiping at:

(St. Stephen Lutheran Church) 11612 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20904 Phone: 301-622-0011 Website: www.citadelofrestoration.org Email: info@citadelofrestoration.org Sundays – 12:30 P.M. Worship Celebration (90 minutes of Power) Holy Communion – (3rd Sunday) Wednesdays – 7:00 P.M. W.O.R.D. Study (Willing Obedient Radical Disciples) Fridays – (4th Friday) 7:30 P.M. “The Place Where You Can Begin Again” 2 Corinthians 5:17 An Apostolic Community of Faith in Message, Method, and Ministry.

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ Drs. Dennis W. and Christine Y. Wiley, Pastors 3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) (202) 562-4219 (Fax) SERVICES AND TIMES: SUNDAYS: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM 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: 9:45 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantbaptistdc.org

Morning Star Baptist Church Pastor Gerald L Martin Senior Minister 3204 Brothers Place S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032 202-373-5566 or 202-373-5567

Fully Persuaded Ministry Edgar Allen POE School 2001 Shadyside Ave Suitland, MD 20746 (202) 431-2672 Donnie and Lawanda Edwards Pastor Sunday School- 11:00am – 11:45am Morning Glory -11:15am -11:30am Sunday Worship Service- 11:00am -1:30pm Bible Study Tuesday’s -7:00pm- 9:00pm Fully Persuaded Family Night Every 3rd Tuesday- 7:00pm – 9:00pm Email address: flyprsded@aol.com

Advertise your church services here call Ron Burke at 202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church Rev. Dr. Michael E. Bell, Sr., • Pastor 2498 Alabama Ave., SE • Washington D.C. 20020 Office: (202) 889-7296 Fax: (202) 889-2198 • www.acamec.org 2008: The Year of New Beginnings “Expect the Extraordinary”

Crusader Baptist Church

Isle of Patmos Baptist Church Reverend Dr. Calvin L. Matthews • Senior Pastor 1200 Isle of Patmos Plaza, Northeast Washington, DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-6767 Fax: (202) 526-1661

Rev. Dr. Alton W. Jordan, Pastor 800 I Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 202-548-0707 Fax No. 202-548-0703

Sunday Worship Services: 8:00a.m. and 11:00a.m. Sunday Church School - 9:15a.m. & Sunday Adult Forum Bible Study - 10:30a.m. 2nd & 4th Monday Women’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday Jr./Sr. Bible Study - 10:00a.m. Tuesday Topical Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Tuesday New Beginnings Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Pastoral Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Wednesday Children’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study - 6:30p.m. Friday before 1st Sunday Praise & Worship Service - 6:30p.m. Saturday Adult Bible Study - 10:00a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Communion – 1st Sunday Sunday School-9:45am Men’s Monday Bible Study – 7:00pm Wednesday Night Bible Study – 7:00pm Women’s Ministry Bible Study 3rd Friday -7:00pm Computer Classes- Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org

“The Amazing, Awesome, Audacious Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church”

“God is Love”

Third Street Church of God

Rev. Dr. Wardell Bonner Pastor

1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202.347.5889 office 202.638.1803 fax

2801 Stanton Road SE • Washington, DC 20020 202-678-7788/202-678-7266 fax

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

Living Word Church

St. John Christian Methodist Episcopal Church

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor

Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Prayer Meeting and Bible Study: Wed. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:20 a.m. Seniors Bible Study: Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Tuesdays at Noon Bible Study: Tuesdays at 7 p.m. Motto: “A Ministry of Reconciliation Where Everybody is Somebody!” Website: http://isleofpatmosbc.org Church Email: ipbcsecretary@verizon.net

Sunday Worship 8:00 am & 11:00 am 1st Sunday Holy Communion Childrens Church & Nursery Sunday School 9:45 am Bible Study (All Ages) Tuesday @ 7:00 pm and Wednesdays @ 12:00 noon Rebuilding the Village through Evangelism, Bible Study, Worship and Ministry stjohncmecdc.org

Pastor Eugene Sheppard, Senior Pastor Pastor S. Patrice Sheppard, Executive Pastor 4101 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave, SW Washington, DC 20032 202 563-2125 Sunday Worship Service 11:00 A.M. Prayer Service, Monday 6:30 PM Bible Study, Wednesday 7:00 PM An Awesome Ministry...with an Awesome Vision... Proclaiming an Awesome Message ...JESUS SAVES!

We are proud to provide the trophies for the Washington Informer Spelling Bee

Service & Time Sunday Worship 7:45A.M & 11A.M Communion Service 2nd Sunday 11A.M Prayer Service Tuesday 7:00 P.M Bible Study Tuesday 8:00 P.M Sunday Church School 10:00 A.M Sunday “A church reaching and winning our community for Christ” morningstarbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.morningstarchurch-dc.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

52 Years of Expert Engraving Services

Joseph N. Evans, Ph.D Senior Pastor 901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Sunday Church School : 9: 30am Sunday Morning Worship: 10: 45am Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00pm Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00pm Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10: 45am themcbc.org

38 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

The Washington Informer

www.washingtoninformer.com

religion Baptist

All Nations Baptist Church

Friendship Baptist Church 900 Delaware Avenue, SW Washington, DC 20020 (202) 488-7417 (202) 484-2242 Rev. Dr. J. Michael Little Pastor Sunrise Prayer: 6:00 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Morning Worship 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday-11:00AM www.friendshipbaptistdc.org Email: frienshipde1900@verizon.net

Beulah Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Rev. Dr. Marcus E. Turner, Sr. Pastor

2001 North Capitol St, N.E. • Washington, DC 20002 Phone (202) 832-9591

5820 Dix St. NE Washington, DC 20019

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

Israel Baptist Church

“Determined To Do It God’’s Way” Psalm 18:30 Sunday Worship Services: 7:30 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. Holy Communion: 2nd Sunday at both services Bible Study, Prayer, and Praise: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M. www.beulahbaptistchurch.org

Johnson Memorial Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Dr. Morris L Shearin, Sr. Pastor

Rev. Henry A. Gaston Pastor

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

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

800 Ridge Road S.E. • Washington, DC 20019 202-581-1873

Sunday Worship Service 10:15AM- Praise and Worship Services Sunday School 9:00am Monday: Noon Bible School Wednesday: Noon & 7PM: Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission Zion Baptist Church Shall; Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, and Exalt Our Savior. (Acts 2:41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 A.M. Sunday School: 8:30 A.M. Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:00 A.M.

Services: Sunday Worship: 7:45am & 11:15am Church School: 9:30am Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday, 7:45am & 11:15am Prayer Meeting: Wed. 7:00pm Bible Study: Wed. 8:00pm Noonday Prayer: Every Tuesday

Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 P.M. Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 P.M.

Isaiah 40:31 “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew [their] strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary, [and] they shall walk, and not faint.” Praise His Holy Name

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

St. Luke Baptist Church Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Sunday Worship: 11:00 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Study: Monday - 7:00 p.m. Prayer Meeting: Thursday - 7:00 p.m.

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton, Senior Pastor 1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 Fax: 202-544-2964 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 am and 10:45 am Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 am and 10:45 am Sunday School: 9:30 am Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon and 6:30 pm Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 pm Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 pm Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Rehoboth Baptist Church

St. Matthews Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Maxwell M. Washington Pastor 1105 New Jersey Ave, S.E • Washington, DC 20003 202 488-7298 Order of Services Sunday Worship Services: 9:05 A.M. Sunday School: 8:00 A.M. Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Morning Prayer Meeting: 7:00 P.M. (Tuesday) Bible Study: 7:30 P.M. (Tuesday) Theme: “Striving to be more like Jesus “Stewardship”. Philippians 3:12-14; Malachi 3:8-10 and 2 Corinthians 9:7 Email: stmatthewbaptist@msn.com Website: www.stmatthewsbaptist.com

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

Emmanuel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Clinton W. Austin Pastor 2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Come Grow With Us and Establish a Blessed Family” Sunday Worship 7:30am & 10:45am Baptism/Holy Communion 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30pm Prayer Service Tuesdays – 8:00pm www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Advertise your church services here call Ron Burke at 202-561-4100 or email rburke@washingtoninformer.com

New Commandment Baptist Church

Rev. Terry D. Streeter Pastor

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Pastor and Overseer

215 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. • WD.C. 20001 (202) 332-5748

625 Park Rd, NW • WDC 20010 P: 202 291-5711 • F: 202 291-5666

Early Morning Worship: 7:45 a.m. Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:45 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:45 a.m. & 10:45 a.m. C.T.U. Sunday: 2:45 p.m. Bible Study: Wednesday 11:00 a.m. & 7:00 p.m. Prayer Service: Wednesday 8:00 p.m. Noon Day Prayer Service: Mondays 12 p.m.

Sunday Worship Service - 11 am Sunday School - 9:45 am Bible Study & Prayer Wed. - 7 pm Substance Abuse Counseling 7 pm (Mon & Fri) Jobs Partnership - 7 pm (Mon & Wed) Sat. Enrichment Experience - 9:30 am

Salem Baptist Church

“A Church Where Love Is Essential and Praise is Intentional”

Shiloh Baptist Church

Rev. R. Vincent Palmer Pastor

Rev. Alonzo Hart Pastor

Rev. Dr. Wallace Charles Smith Pastor

621 Alabama Avenue, S.E. • Washington, D.C. 20032 P: (202) 561-1111 F: (202) 561-1112

917 N St. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 232-4294

9th & P Street, N.W. • W. D.C. 20001 (202) 232-4200

The Church Where GOD Is Working.... And We Are Working With GOD

Sunrise Prayer Services - Sunday 7:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Prayer Service: 8:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Morning Worship: 10:40 a.m. Third Sunday Baptismal & Holy Communion:10:30 a.m. Tuesday Church At Study Prayer & Praise: 6:30 p.m.

Morning Worship: 8:00 a.m Church School : 9:30 a.m. Morning Worship: 10:55 a.m. Bible Study, Thursday: 6:30 p.m. Prayer Meeting,Thursday : 7:30 p.m.

Sunday Service: 10 am Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 am 1st Sunday Baptism: 10: am 2nd Sunday Holy Communion: 10 am Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 pm Prayer Meeting: 7:45 pm

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Motto: God First

The Washington Informer

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert SR. Pastor

623 Florida Ave.. NW • WDC. 20001 Church (202) 667-3409 • Study (202) 265-0836 Home Study (301) 464-8211 • Fax (202) 483-4009

4504 Gault Place, N.E. Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184

Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 a.m. Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 p.m. Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 p.m. Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 p.m. Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

9:30AM. Sunday Church School 11:00 Am. Sunday Worship Service The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Wednesday 7:00pm Prayer & Praise Services 7:30pm. Bible Study Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries 10:30am A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Bobby L. Livingston, Sr. Pastor

Dr. C. Matthew Hudson, Jr, Pastor

75 Rhode Island Ave. NW • Washington, DC 20001 (202) 667-4448

2616 MLK Ave., SE • Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 • Fax 202-678-3304 Early Worship Service 7:30a.m Worship Service 10:45a.m. New Members Class 9:30a.m. Holy Communion : 1st Sunday -10:45a.m Church School 9:30a.m. Prayer, Praise and Bible Study: Wednesday 7p.m Bible Study : Saturday: 11a.m. Baptism: 4th Sunday – 10:45a.m “Empowered to love and Challenged to Lead a Multitude of Souls to Christ”

Peace Baptist Church

Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Sunday Morning Worship Service 7:15 am & 10:50 am Sunday School 9:30am Sunday Morning Worship Service 10:50am Wednesday Prayer & Testimonies Service 7:30pm Wednesday School of the Bible 8:00pm Wednesday - Midweek Prayer Service 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address pbcexec@verizon.net

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church 602 N Street NW • Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 Fax: (202) 289-4595 Sunday Worship Services: 7:45am & 11:00am Sunday school For All Ages 9:30am Prayer Services Wednesday 11:30am & 6:45pm Bible Institute Wednesday at Noon & 7:45pm “Changing Lives On Purpose “ Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org

Sunrise Prayer Service 6:00 A.M. Sunday Church School 8:30 A.M. Pre-Worship Devotionals 9:45 A.M. Morning Worship Services 10:00 A.M. Holy Communion 1st Sunday Worship Services Bible Study Tuesdays, 6:00 P.M. Thursdays, 1:00 P.M. Prayer Meetings Tuesdays, 7:00 P.M. Thursdays, 12:00 P.M.

Pennsylvania Ave. Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Kendrick E. Curry Pastor 3000 Pennsylvania Ave.. S.E Washington, DC 20020 202 581-1500 Sunday Church School: 9:30 A.M. Sunday Worship Service: 11:00 A.M. Monday Adult Bible Study: 7:00 P.M. Wednesday Youth & Adult Activities: 6:30 P.M. Prayer Service Bible Study

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor 2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 Fax: (202) 529-7738 Order of Services Worship Service: 7:30 a.m. Sunday School: 9:00 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30 a.m. & 10:30a.m. Prayer Services: Tuesday 7:30 p.m. Wednesday 12 Noon Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180.

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

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OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL

Early Childhood Academy Public Charter School (ECA)

is currently

enrolling students in preschool (3 years old) through grade three for the 2012 – 2013 school year. ECA is a free, public charter school located in SE Washington, DC and open to all DC residents. ECA offers a comprehensive educational program for children, including strong emphasis on language and literacy, math, and social-emotional development. ECA also offers Spanish, physical education, general music, violin, viola, and cello, and before and after care programs.

Open Enrollment will be held from: Monday, February 27, 2012 to Friday, March 30, 2012 for students entering preschool through grade three for the 2012 – 2013 school year For more information, please contact the school at: (202) 373-0035 Mrs. Wendy S. Edwards, Executive Director Mr. Thann Ingraham, Principal www.ecapcs.org

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40 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

The Washington Informer

Elgin Baylor – the District of Columbia’s Basketball Legend By Charles E. Sutton WI Staff Writer If Elgin Baylor had only been born 25 years later, his face would have appeared on cereal boxes, his name would have been emblazoned on basketball shoes, and his acrobatic moves would be have been documented on video. Unfortunately, for basketball fans, Baylor played during the days when television was not the primary vehicle for presenting sports entertainment to the public. The only record of Elgin Baylor’s prowess is the testimony of those who witnessed one of the greatest basketball players who ever lived. Born on September 16, 1934 and raised in the District of Columbia, Baylor was a three-time “All-City” high school player. He played his first two years at Phelps Vocational High School in the 1951 and 1952 seasons where he scored an area record of 44 points against Cardozo High School. During his two AllCity years at Phelps, he averaged 28 points and 19 rebounds per game. Although he excelled at sports, Baylor struggled academically. In fact, he chose to drop out of high school for a while to play basketball in local recreational leagues while working in a furniture store. He resurfaced for the ’54 season playing for the newly opened Spingarn High School. At 6 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 190 pounds, Baylor was named First Team AllMetropolitan and won the SSA’s Livingstone Trophy as the area’s best basketball player for 1954. On February 3, 1954, playing against his former Phelps team, Baylor scored 63 points to set a new D.C. area record. This surpassed the scoring record of 52 points that Western High School’s Jim Wexler had set the year before when he broke Baylor’s record of 44 points. A sub-par scholastic record prevented Baylor from attending college until a friend arranged a scholarship at the College of Idaho, where he was expected to play football as well as basketball. After one season, the college released the head basketball coach and limited the number of scholarships. Seattle car dealer James Monroe convinced Baylor to attend Seattle University, and Baylor took a year off to play for an amateur team while establishing eligibility for Seattle. He played for Seattle University from 1956 to 1958, leading the Chieftains to the 1958 NCAA Division I Men’s Tournament Championship game, where the

University of Kentucky Wildcats beat them. In his three collegiate seasons, one at Idaho and two at Seattle, Baylor averaged 31 points per game. In the 1958 draft, the Minneapolis Lakers used the number one overall pick to draft Baylor after his junior year, then, they persuaded him to forego his final college season and join the professional ranks. As a professional rookie in 195859, Baylor had an outstanding season in Minneapolis. In one game alone, he scored 55 points. He was the league’s fourth leading scorer averaging 24 points per game, third in rebounding with 15 rebounds per game and eighth in assists 4.1 with assist per game. The following season Baylor’s scoring and rebounding got even better. He averaged 27 points per game, which placed him third in the league, and 16 rebounds per game, which placed him fourth. In the late 1950’s other pro sports teams had moved to the West Coast. In 1960 the Minneapolis Lakers moved to Los Angeles, California and became the Los Angeles Lakers. On November 15, 1960, Baylor scored 71 points against the New York Knicks, establishing a new scoring record for a single game. Baylor had an outstanding 14year career (1958-1971) with the Lakers. In 1977, he was enshrined into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Some of his greatest accomplishments include being an 11-time NBA ALL-Star, 1959 Rookie of the Year, 1959 NBA All-Star Game MVP, and NBA 50th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 1974, Baylor was hired as an assistant coach and subsequently, the head coach for the New Orleans Jazz. After posting a record of 86-135, he retired from the position following the 1978-79 season. In 1996, the Los Angeles Clippers hired Baylor as the team’s Vice President of Basketball Operations. He continued in that position for 22 years before resigning in October 2008. In 2006, he was selected as the NBA executive of the year. That season the Clippers won their first playoff series since 1976, when the team was based in Buffalo, NY and named the Buffalo Braves. So, while it may be easy to remember the names of basketball greats like Magic Johnson, Julius Erving, and Michael Jordan, there is another name that deserves to be among the greats: Elgin Baylor. wi www.washingtoninformer.com

sports

Lin’s story is the archetypal American rags-to-riches story. As Bob Marley recounted in his song “Ride Natty Ride,” Lin is the stone that the builder refused and now the cornerstone./File photo by John E. De Freitas

Jeremy Lin is Balling Now; Time Will Tell If He Has Staying Power By Barrington M. Salmon WI Staff Writer I watched the Knicks play the “world champion” Dallas Mavericks this past Sunday primarily because I was curious to see Jeremy Lin. I wanted to get a sense of how this young man plays and gauge what all the noise is about. Lin, 23, the first TaiwaneseAmerican to play in the NBA, is the supernova of sports right now. His story is compelling: Harvard graduate, undrafted, cut from the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors, sleeping on his brother’s couch, toiling in the NBA’s Development League, riding the bench as the fifth-string point guard and almost cut from the Knicks. Then he sailed into a perfect storm: Injuries to key people who play ahead of him like Amar’e Stoudemire and Carmelo Anthony; a coach who relishes up-tempo play and ball movement; and perhaps most importantly, Lin grabbing this stellar opportunity and running with it. He belongs. The 6-foot 3-inch, 200 pound Lin can ball. He is an energetic, instinctive player who possesses the “fiery confidence” to drain a three or rattle the basket with a thunderous dunk. He has so far befuddled

most defenders he’s come up against. The sport world is abuzz with the fact that the Knicks, which for the last few years has been a mediocre, sometimes terrible team, has come alive with the infusion of Lin’s energy. Against the Washington Wizards, Lin poured in 23 points, outplayed John Wall and led the Knicks to victory. He followed that with a 38-point performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. Lin led the team to seven straight wins and in his first five career starts, he eclipsed Shaquille O’Neal and Dan Issel’s 129 points with 136. Everybody is falling over themselves trying to explain the Lin phenomenon. I don’t know why him and why now. Such questions are, in my mind, almost impossible to explain but I’m guessing David Stern and the NBA brass are strutting around with broad smiles because of the Lin juggernaut. They relish the positive spin that the NBA surely needs and welcomes, particularly after the lockout last year and the often rancorous negotiations and name-calling that followed. And the dollars rolling into the NBA’s coffers don’t hurt either. It is amusing to hear the hyperbole used by sport writers, pundits, and reporters as they try to capture

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the mania that bubbles around Lin. One of the first terms to pop up was Linsanity. And in the days and weeks since Lin’s explosion onto the sports stage, I have cringed at the many lame attempts to capitalize on Lin’s popularity. There is “Lin-credible”, “thril-Lin”, “Linsational”, to name a few. More than anything, the iconoclast in me revels in the many ways the Lin saga shatters the tired stereotypes posited as truth when referring to Asians and other nonwhites. Asians are often portrayed as two-dimensional cardboard cutouts whose faces stay buried in books all the time, who manhandle exams and all become doctors and lawyers. By this model, Asians aren’t supposed to play ball this well. But Lin does. He isn’t a pointy-headed nerd who stumbles over his feet and looks clumsy on the ball. He has moves, as Wall, Kobe Bryant and a host of other defenders can attest. Lin has so far dismantled the notion that he lacks the pedigree to excel in the NBA, as he overcomes ethnic stereotypes. He is generating an enormous outpouring of racial pride for millions of Asian Americans who identify with him and he has scaled the heights of the NBA, doing what no one else of

his particular ethnicity has done to this point. As one writer put it, Lin is “… Yao Ming with a crossover, who just happens to speak perfect English.” Lin, however, a devout Christian, attributes his success to God. As sportscasters try to describe Lin, I am reminded of how blacks were regarded in the National Football League for many decades. It was thought that African Americans lacked “the essentials” to play in thinking positions such as quarterback, safety and linebacker. Instead, they were routinely shunted to positions more suited to their athleticism and natural prowess. Doug Williams and many of his peers took care of that idiocy. It is no different with Lin. Folks conjure up generalizations about his high basketball IQ and his mental acuity, while often overlooking the reality that the dude is a skilled athlete who is playing some serious ball at the highest levels. The issue of race in America may always be this country’s bugaboo, especially with a black man in the White House. If nothing else, Americans have learned that rather than the election ushering an era of post-racial harmony and acceptance, we have instead, witnessed

The Washington Informer

a deepening divide and a greater polarization of Americans along racial lines. To be sure, racism has emerged from the shadows as evidenced by the racial slurs on Twitter and other social media, and an ESPN editor losing his job and an anchor suspended for 30 days for using a racially offensive word in reference to Lin. Boxing great Floyd Mayweather raised eyebrows and stimulated red-hot discussions and arguments when he tweeted that “Jeremy Lin is a good player but all the hype is because he’s Asian. Black players do what he does every night and don’t get the same praise.” While Mayweather may have a valid point, he erred by focusing solely on race. Lin’s story is the archetypal American rags-to-riches story. As Bob Marley recounted in his song Ride Natty Ride, Lin is the stone that the builder refused who is now the head cornerstone. Americans have naturally gravitated to this story because of those redemptive elements and they are loudly cheering Lin’s success. And as Lin passes, soars, scores and stutter-steps, he will continue to cement his place in the NBA. But only time will tell if he is a flash-inthe-pan or a bona fide star. wi

Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

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SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 Administration No. 2012 ADM 79 Earl Hardy Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Dennis Jackson, whose address is 2311 Brooks Dr., Suitland, MD 20746, was appointed personal representative of the estate of Earl Hardy, who died on March 11, 2008 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. Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before August 16, 2012. 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 August 16, 2012, 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: February 16, 2012 Dennis Jackson Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Anne Meister Register of Wills Washington Informer

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unknown. In her 2009 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Whitney revealed for the first time, some of the most intimate details about her troubled marriage to Bobby Brown, the deep feelings she had for her mother and her daughter,

Malveaux continued from Page 29 facts, the fiction, and the many ways black women have been pushed into the role of nurturing others. So help me, somebody, if I haven’t rushed to see The Help. I’d rather see a movie about the National Domestic Workers Union, founded by Dorothy Lee Bolden in 1968. Or I’d rather see Mrs. Little featured in a film about the National Welfare Rights Organization. Instead, I’m clapping for Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer who garnered Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress accolades from the Screen Actors Guild. Davis is a contender for an Oscar, and in many ways, that’s a good thing. Also a bad thing. Whenever black folks win Oscars it’s because they hark back to stereotypes, letting white folks wish they were in the land of cotton. A sister is not going

communist ties, the program was expanded by J. Edgar Hoover to include the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC), the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC), the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), the Black Panther Party, the Nation of Islam, the Congress of Racial Equality (CORE), the National Lawyers Guild and other left-leaning groups. The stated goal of COINTELPRO was to “expose, disrupt, misdirect, or otherwise neutralize” organizations that it deemed “subversive.” A book titled, The Lawless State: The Crimes of the U.S. Intelligence Agencies, states: “Officials of the nation’s number one law enforcement agency agreed to use ‘all available investigative techniques’ to develop information for the use ‘to discredit’ King. Proposals discussed included using ministers, ‘disgruntled’ acquaintances, ‘aggressive’ newsmen, ‘colored’ agents, Dr. King’s housekeeper, www.washingtoninformer.com

incomparable musical gifts will inspire others to let nothing stand in the way of the full and healthy expression of their God-given talents. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cissy, Bobbie Kristina and the entire Houston family. wi Marc H. Morial is the President and CEO of the National Urban League

to win an Oscar (never mind even being casted in a role) as a scientist, leader, dreamer, or thinker. Where is the Coretta Scott King film, which ought to be most compelling? Or, in reality TV world, where is the Michelle Obama film? In order to win recognition we have to be subservient. We have to serve. Help me somebody. When I made critical comments about The Help, I was flooded with email comments from Bennett alums who said that I should not be critical of a film that “lifted up” black women. For a moment I was stunned, and even a bit chastened. Then I realized that this work, this private household work, is private, personal, and even sad. I remember my grandmother, the Tuskegee graduate, taking me to see “her white folks” in Sausalito, California, and proudly bragging to them that I was a smart girl who was going to college. And while time may have tinted the memory, I remember the smirk-

ing white woman who gave me a twenty dollar bill for my studies. I was about 13, a fiery revolutionary, and I wanted to crumple the bill and throw it back in the woman’s face. My grandmother kicked me under the table and I mumbled a thank you. When work is fairly paid for, it can be good and honorable work. We are intertwined, we women who manage households with help, and the folk who help us. We must manage those who help us while maintaining their dignity. We must understand the many ways we are connected, and how we cannot survive without each other. We must have a conversation about help, helping, work and quality of life. Helping is part of black women’s history and heritage. And it is also and always a dilemma. Help me, somebody. wi Julianne Malveaux is President of Bennett College for Women in Greensboro, North Carolina.

and even Dr. King’s wife, or ‘placing a good-looking female plant in King’s office’ to develop discrediting information and to take action that would lead to his disgrace.” The FBI taped what it said were Dr. King’s extramarital sexual encounters. The book recalled, “Unknown to King…the FBI, at the height of the public controversy, took its most distressing step. It mailed the tapes to the SCLC office in Atlanta with a covering letter urging King to commit suicide or face public revelation of the information on the tapes on the eve of the [Nobel Peace Prize] award ceremonies in Sweden.” Although COINTELPRO is supposedly a thing of the past, its dirty tricks continue to be practiced today. In one of his racist rants, Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul wrote in the 1990s – or had someone else write under his name – that Dr. King was a “world-class philanderer who beat up his paramours.” In the same breath, he claimed that Dr. King “seduced underage girls and boys.” The news story disclosing that

NYPD spied on Sharpton also stated, “Two undercover police officers who spied on black protest groups in the 1980s told this reporter in 1998 that the department was so intent on discrediting Sharpton that they were tasked by their superiors to spread rumors that he was homosexual.” As one who has covered the Civil Rights Movement for four decades, I’ve heard a lot of rumors that never made it into print. At no time, however, have I ever heard a faint suggestion that Sharpton might be gay. But that’s how these vicious rumors are designed to work. It doesn’t matter whether something is demonstrably false – the idea is to raise enough doubt in some people’s mind and the mission would have been accomplished. To paraphrase former President George W. Bush: Mission Not Accomplished. wi George E. Curry, former editorin-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, can be reached through his Web site, www.georgecurry. com. The Washington Informer

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Curry continued from Page 29

Bobbi Kristina, and her struggles with drugs. She candidly admitted to Oprah that at times “It was too much. So much to try to live up to, to try to be, and I wanted out.” Through it all, Whitney said she was constantly reading her bible and trying to get back to God. While we are all shocked and saddened by her death, I am hopeful that Whitney Houston’s life and

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Edelman continued from Page 30

Each week you’ll get news from The District of Columbia, Prince George’s County, Montgomery County, and Northern Virginia. You will discover Arts and Entertainment, Social Tidbits, Religion, Sports, People’s Viewpoints, Letters to the Editor, Classified Ads and more! And best of all… No crime, no dirty gossip, just positive news and information each week, which is why… The Washington Informer is all about you! Name............................................................................................. Address.......................................................................................... City, State, Zip................................................................................. Phone number (daytime)................................................................... Yes! I want to subscribe for: 1 year/$45.00 Method of payment:

WEEK OF: FEBRUARY 13, 2012 Prince George’s County, Maryland Is Committed To Delivering Excellence In Government Services To Its Citizens. The County Is Seeking Bids Or Proposals From Businesses Who Share In A “Total Quality” Commitment In The Provision Of Services To Their Customers. Sealed Bids And/Or Proposals Will Be Received In The Prince George’s County Office Of Central Services Until The Date And Local Time Indicated For The Following Solicitations. BID/

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11-0010 S11-022

Lois said they applied to Habitat for Humanity for a house but “they turned us down. They said we had more opportunities than other people because we have land and good credit.” James commented, “We’re kind of between a rock and a hard place” of being somewhat poor but not poor enough. “The way grocery and gas prices keep going up, I don’t see where we’re making that much money that we should be in between. You can work your butt off and still not get ahead.” For now, they keep going—not yet getting ahead, but working as hard as they can, and never giving up. wi Marian Wright Edelman is the President of the Children’s Defense Fund

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ents in her massage business so she took a job at McDonald’s. She works 15 to 25 hours a week and earns between $10,000 and $15,000, depending on how many hours she gets. The family is working so desperately to stay afloat, Lois recently began training for a second part-time job at a credit union. She will be a fill-in person working from 20 to 30 hours a week and earning $8.50 an hour. Their children Levi and Katherine are covered by Medicaid, a critical safety net support for their family. But James and Lois make too much to be eligible for Medicaid themselves, but not enough to buy health insurance.

The Nations receive about $80 a month in food stamps. When their children were younger they were eligible to attend Head Start. It helped a lot with the children’s development. “We couldn’t afford to pay for preschool, and if it hadn’t been for Head Start, we wouldn’t have gotten Levi diagnosed [with mild attention deficit hyperactivity disorder]. And the teacher taught me ways to work with him.” Katherine, she said, is going into third grade and already reads on the fifth grade level, “and they have to challenge her in math too because of Head Start. Every week they were sending something home on how to challenge your child’s brain and make it fun.”

DESCRIPTION

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PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY SUPPORTS MINORITY BUSINESS PARTICIPATION Solicitations identified with an asterisk (*) are reserved for Minority vendors, certified by Prince George’s County, under authority of CB-1-1992. Double asterisk (**) solicitations contain a provision for subcontracting with Minority vendors certified by Prince George’s County. The County reserves the right to reject any or all bids or proposals in the best interest of the County. Bidding documents containing instructions to bidders and specifications (excluding construction documents) may be reviewed and/or downloaded through the County’s website www.goprincegeorgescounty.com. Documents may also be obtained from the Prince George’s County Office of Central Services, Contract Administration and Procurement Division, 1400 McCormick Drive, Room 200, Largo, Maryland 20774, (301) 883-6400 or TDD (301) 925-5167 upon payment of a non-refundable fee, by Check or Money Order only, made payable to Prince George’s County Government. Special ADA accommodations may be made by writing or calling the same office. For information on the latest bid/proposal solicitations call the Bid Hotline (301) 883-6128.

- BY AUTHORITY OF – Rushern L. Baker, III County Executive

ASKIA continued from Page 30 test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States.” End of conversation. Rick Santorum, who is Catholic, has got a lot of nerve talking about anyone’s “phony theology.” Why it

was just around 50 years ago when John F. Kennedy’s fitness to be President was being questioned by the good, Bible-thumping, White Protestants in this country. But the Constitution said in plain language, from the very beginning, “no religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office,” in the United States.

46 Feb. 23, 2012 - Feb. 29, 2012

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I walked out of there with a photo copy of the deed and a whole different mindset on the history of my people. A trip to the courthouse in Bossier Parrish was in order to verify all of this. I arrived at the Benton courthouse ready to spend hours researching this “controversy.” Sure enough, shortly after the date on the deed an entry was found, “Thomas H. and Fannie Alford awarded 160 acres from the U.S. Government.” However, two lines later “Thomas H. and Fannie Alford transfer 120 acres to Mr. Roos.” In my shock I went to the clerk for an explanation. She chuckled and then said, “It looks like ol’ man Roos got to your granddaddy.” She then went on to explain that what I had just detected was one act of some of the greatest land racketeering which

prevailed throughout the South. She said, “Follow all activity by Roos and see how he legally connived land from black folks.” You see my grandparents were illiterate like most blacks down South. He, and others like him, would approach them and inform them that he could get them free land. Yes, he would make a claim and apply in their name for 160 acres at a time. When it was approved he would give them 40 acres and take 120 acres for himself. This guy made a fortune doing this. He would even have a strategy of picking up these 120 acre clumps so that they would be contiguous and he, in the end, would have giant masses of land to develop and flip for big money. All this at the expense of my grandparents and many, many others who had a great opportunity before them but couldn’t get the right technical assistance or governmental follow through.

I showed my relatives the documentation and they became angry at me as if I let it happen (kill the messenger). This program lasted for decades and could have taken blacks to another level of economic power and self-sufficiency. However, this great opportunity came before us and we just couldn’t pull it off. A few Blacks were educated enough to take advantage of the program. They would become prominent land owners and community leaders. Also, they would become targets for those envious of their acumen and newly claimed power. Life would not be easy as someone was trying to take that land at every opportunity. Many would soon lose what they had earlier won.wi Mr. Alford is the co-founder, President/CEO of the National Black Chamber of Commerce®. Website: www.nationalbcc.org. Email: halford@ nationalbcc.org.

What Obama’s opponents have been saying, sometimes in coded language, and sometimes just openly and bluntly, is that everyone CAN SEE that the President is DIFFERENT from the REST OF US. This point was punctuated emphatically by Santorum’s new national press secretary who made a gaffe of her own when she was trying to clean up her boss’s “phony theology” blunder. Alice Stewart, who had worked for Michele Bachmann’s presidential campaign before signing on with Santorum, said Obama had pursued “radical Islamic policies,” during an appearance on MSNBC’s “Andrea Mitchell Reports.” “There is a type of theological

secularism when it comes to the global warmists in this country,” Stewart said. “That’s what he (Santorum) was referring to. He was referring to the president’s policies, in terms of the radical Islamic policies the president has.” Translated—“YOU SEE the President of the United States when you look at Barack Obama. WE SEE a radical Muslim, who probably wasn’t even born in this country.” The show’s host didn’t notice anything unusual about the comment at the time, and it was only later that the Santorum campaign called back later to clarify the record. White people in America are up-

set. They stole this continent from the Indians. They stole the Black people from Africa, enslaved them for 310 years of free labor, and they made themselves and this country very, very wealthy. Furthermore, environmental change is real. No more cheap energy America! The gravy train has come to an end, and White folks want the clock turned back to the way things used to be. That’s not going to happen, even if Obama is a one-term president. Black folks are not going to go back. And climate change will not be reversed by some Republican hot air, from the bully pulpit. wi

alford continued from Page 30

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