The Washington Informer - February 22, 2024 by The Washington Informer

RECIPIENT OF THE DC BLACK MBA ASSOCIATION 2023 LEGACY AWARD

Serving Our Community in the DMV

Vol 59 No 19... February 22 - 28, 2024

DYRS Budget Oversight Hearing Sheds Light on Treatment, Staffing Gaps By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

5Marshai Small (center right), D.C. chapter president of the African National Women’s Organization, and her partner Justice Jackson (center left) have been in a battle with Howard County, Maryland officials for custody of their two children. (Courtesy Photo)

Local Mothers Organize 'ArrestCPS' Campaign By Sam P.K. Collins WI Staff Writer

In the weeks and months leading up to a Mother’s Day march scheduled to take place in front of the White House, a group of Black women in the D.C. area continue to demand the reunification of Black children who’ve been separated from

their families by the government. For Mashai Small, this cause is personal. “Although some of our family members are praying for us, they don’t want us to deviate from the state’s plan, which is to close the case how they want and basically do what they say,” said Small, D.C. chapter president of the African National Women’s Organization (ANWO). Small is a soon to be 28-year-old mother of two who’s currently in a battle with Howard County, Maryland

MOTHERS Page 16

Capture the Moment Page 43

As recently as last week, Youth Services Center (YSC), the detention center operated by the Department of Youth Rehabilitation Services (DYRS), still has more residents than it can accommodate, and even fewer staff members present than what’s needed to ensure a safe and stable environment. During a DYRS oversight hearing, Katerina Semyonova placed the blame on the lack of local treatment options for committed youth, along with what she described as a lengthy placement process. “A large part of this problem is the District’s failure to have a comprehensive continuum of community-based services that are timely, robust and meaningful,” Semyonova explained on

Feb. 15 while testifying before the D.C. Council Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs. Semyonova counted among a bevy of public and government witnesses who spoke before committee chair, D.C. Councilmember Trayon White (D-Ward 8), during the budget oversight hearing. This hearing, which took place months after DYRS Director Sam Abed’s contentious confirmation process, allowed Semyonova, special counsel to the director for policy and legislation at the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia, to pinpoint what she called missteps that arise when DYRS youths await placement. She told White that, from the moment Court Social Services files a notice

DYRS Page 20

Young Sudanese Women Lead D.C.’s First Sudanese Protest of 2024, Offer Hope for ‘New Sudan’ Crowds Chant ‘Sudan is not for Sale' By Bousaina Ibrahim WI Contributing Writer The unified cheers for “sawra,” the Arabic word for revolution, flooded the entrance of the Embassy of the United Emirates on the afternoon of Sunday, Feb. 18. More than 200 people from the Sudanese diaspora and their sup5A protestor advocating against war, genocide porters gathered to call for the end of and mass displacement in Sudan stands the war, genocide, and mass displaceoutside the Embassy of the United Emirates in ment ravaging Sudan for nearly a year. Northwest, D.C. on Feb.18.(Ja'Mon Jackson/ “The last 10 months have just been The Washington Informer)

continuous grief. This was an effort to reset and say ‘I want to try in my capacity and create space for the community,’ because that’s where collective suffering creates avenues for community, growth and healing,” said Wafa May Elamin, one of the lead organizers. The protest’s organizers were a group of four Sudanese American young women who were called to speak up for their motherland. Elamin, 31, Roaya

Celebrating 59 years. Your credible and trusted source for Black news and information.

PROTEST Page 51

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 3

wi hot topics

COMPILED BY STACY M. BROWN, WI SENIOR WRITER

Celebrate the Legacy of Go-Go with D.C.’s ‘Keep the Beat Week’ “Keep the Beat Week is not just about looking back at the history of Go-Go, but pushing forward its legacy through education, wellness, and celebration.” Events have already included Sunday’s 2024 Go-Go Museum Honors and the sold-out “Pulse of the Capital Concert,” at the Howard Theatre on Monday, Feb. 19, which featured performances from E.U., Backyard Band, Junkyard Band and R.S. Band. Wednesday, Feb. 21 includes a “Women of Go-Go Panel,” at 5 p.m. and “Love and Go-Go Cafe Spoken Word” at 7 p.m. both at The Alumni at Baby Wale, 1124 9th Street NW. On Friday, Feb. 23, there will be two “Go-Go FItness and Mindfulness” sessions (9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.) at Stead Park Recreation Center in Northwest, D.C. “We are grateful for the champions of the culture who are bringing these events to life, and we look forward to seeing the community celebrating D.C., celebrating Go-Go, and keeping the beat alive.” Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

While it has been the sound of the city for decades, the District is celebrating the fourth anniversary of D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser declaring Go-Go the official music of the nation’s capital. “Go-Go is the soundtrack of D.C. – we celebrate that all year, but especially during Keep the Beat Week,” said Bowser, who on February 19, 2019 signed the Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act. Keep the Week officially kicked off Sunday, Feb. 18 and will continue through Feb. 23. With programming presented by Bowser and the D.C. Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME),”Keep the Beat Week,” is more than a time to celebrate go-go, but work to preserve its culture and legacy as a key aspect of District life. “As we celebrate this anniversary, we're reminded of the power of Go-Go music as a unifying force in our community,” said LaToya Foster, director of OCTFME.

Trump and Associates Ordered to Pay $354 Million in Damages in Fraud Trial

In Memoriam Dr. Calvin W. Rolark, Sr. Wilhelmina J. Rolark THE WASHINGTON INFORMER NEWSPAPER (ISSN#0741-9414) is published weekly on each Thursday. Periodicals postage paid at Washington, D.C. and additional mailing offices. News and advertising deadline is Monday prior to publication. Announcements must be received two weeks prior to event. Copyright 2016 by The Washington Informer. All rights reserved. POSTMASTER: Send change of addresses to The Washington Informer, 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E. Washington, D.C. 20032. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. The Informer Newspaper cannot guarantee the return of photographs. Subscription rates are $55 per year, two years $70. Papers will be received not more than a week after publication. Make checks payable to: THE WASHINGTON INFORMER 3117 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., S.E Washington, D.C. 20032 Phone: 202 561-4100 Fax: 202 574-3785 news@washingtoninformer.com www.washingtoninformer.com

PUBLISHER Denise Rolark Barnes STAFF Micha Green, Managing Editor Ron Burke, Advertising/Marketing Director Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor Lafayette Barnes, IV, Editor, WI Bridge DC Austin Cooper, Our House Editor Desmond Barnes, Social Media Stategist ZebraDesigns.net, Design & Layout Mable Neville, Bookkeeper Angie Johnson, Office Mgr./Circulation REPORTERS Kayla Benjamin, (Environmental Justice Reporter) Stacy Brown (Senior Writer), Sam P.K. Collins, Curtis Knowles, Brenda Siler, Lindiwe Vilakazi, Sarafina Wright, James Wright PHOTOGRAPHERS Shevry Lassiter, Photo Editor, Roy Lewis, Jr., Robert R. Roberts, Anthony Tilghman, Abdula Konte, Ja'Mon Jackson

4 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

When she assumed the role of New York Attorney General, Letitia James made little bones about her desire to take down Donald Trump for his dealings as an entrepreneur, former president, and even philanthropist. On Friday, Feb. 16, part of her goal toward justice was realized– as Trump is to pay more than $354 million in damages. James targeted, what she called, the massive business fraud his organization had committed in the Empire State. She also took aim at the former president’s politics, filing numerous lawsuits related to immigration and environmental policies during Trump’s White House tenure. James also inherited an ongoing state lawsuit against Trump’s charitable foundation, initiated before her term, successfully steering it towards a settlement that included a substantial $2 million fine. On Friday, Feb. 16, James nailed the twice-impeached and four-times indicted former president as Judge Arthur Engoron ruled in a civil business fraud

trial against the MAGA leader, his sons, business associates, and the Trump Organization, ordering him to pay more than $354 million in damages. Engoron also slapped Trump and his company with temporary restrictions on conducting business in New York. The verdict comes after a prolonged trial where James sought $370 million, alleging “repeated and persistent fraud,” including the falsification of business records and financial statements. And, in a clear-cut victory for James, Engoron dismissed attempts by Trump to shift blame to accountants. “The buck for being truthful in the supporting data valuations stopped with the Trump Organization, not the accountants,” the judge determined. The judgment imposes a three-year ban on Trump from serving as an officer or director of any New York corporation, along with the appointment of an independent monitor and a directive to install an independent director of compliance for the Trump Organization. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

College Admission and Financial Aid Decisions Delayed Amidst Rollout Issues

Delays in financial aid decisions have tempered the excitement of many students who have received acceptance letters from their top colleges in a year already full of uncertainties. The late release of a revised Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which schools frequently use to determine financial assistance, is the cause of this delay. Traditionally, financial aid decisions accompany acceptance letters, but the delayed FAFSA rollout disrupted the usual process this year. Consequently, students and parents are postponing crucial college decisions. This comes at a time when the Department of Education unveils a comprehensive student loan forgiveness proposal, offering numerous pathways to debt cancellation.

The Biden administration is actively pursuing student loan relief following the Supreme Court’s rejection of President Biden’s initial debt cancellation initiative last summer. The approach involves reforming existing options to broaden access for millions and creating a new plan for broader relief. Draft plans from the Education Department outline a targeted student loan forgiveness plan for specific groups of borrowers. These include individuals in repayment for extended periods, those with increasing debt despite significant repayment time, and former students at certain schools. While the plan is not finalized, detailed proposals reportedly are undergoing evaluation in a series of public hearings, after which officials expect the completion of governing regulations. Read more on www.washingtoninformer.com WI

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Woodlawn Cemetery Groups Collaborate to Preserve Site AKAs, Deltas Part of Preservation By James Wright WI Staff Writer Organizations committed to preserving the Woodlawn Cemetery in Ward 7, including District graduate chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha and Delta Sigma Theta sororities, held a virtual conference on Feb. 15 to talk about the site’s pressing issues and next steps for its preservation. “By heritage and purpose, our organizations have a vested interest in ensuring that Woodlawn’s legacy endures,” said Majorie Kinard, Woodlawn Collaborative Project coordinator and member of the Washington DC Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. The 90-minute conference with the 100 attendees was cosponsored by the Woodlawn Collaborative Project and the Woodlawn Cemetery Perpetual Care Association. Event speakers included Kinard, Raven L. Hill, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Xi Omega Chapter, who moderated the panel; conference facilitator Nicole Jordan, president of the Washington Alumnae Chapter of Delta; Anntoinette White-Richardson, vice president of the Woodlawn Cemetery Perpetual Care Association Board of Directors; and Lisa Fager, executive director of Black Georgetown Foundation’s Mt. Zion-Female Union Band Historic Memorial Park, Inc.

THE HISTORY OF WOODLAWN CEMETERY

Woodlawn Cemetery is in the Benning Ridge neighborhood of Southeast, D.C. The cemetery features a 22.5-acre site containing approximately 36,000 burials, nearly all African American. In the 19th century, Black and white Americnas tended to be buried in separate cemeteries. By the 1880s, most Black people lived in the eastern part of the District and only two cemeteries met their needs: Graceland Cemetery located in the Maryland Avenue

area of Northeast and Payne Cemetery at the present site of Fletcher-Johnson Recreation Center also in Northeast. However, the need for more housing for white residents and the decomposing of bodies in the Graceland Cemetery area in the water supply posed a problem for the city’s leaders. District leaders agreed with white residents that Graceland should be utilized for racially segregated housing and supported creating Woodlawn Cemetery adjacent to Payne. Five white men incorporated Woodlawn, forming the Woodlawn Cemetery Association, on January 8, 1895. The cemetery opened on May 13, 1895. Prominent historical figures buried at Woodlawn include Blanche K. Bruce, the first Black man to serve a full term as a U.S. senator; John Mercer Langston, an African American U.S. representative from Virginia and first dean of the Howard Law School; Marjorie Hill and Sarah Meriwether Nutter, founders of Alpha Kappa Alpha; and one of the founders of Delta Sigma Theta Mary Edna Brown Coleman. The cemetery was closed in 1976 due to the lack of available plots. Woodlawn was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

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“Woodlawn is the largest,” she said. White-Richardson explained while there are records of some buried at the cemetery, there is still missing information about some of the people who were laid to rest at the historic site. She said Howard University holds the cemetery’s records. Noting a small budget that doesn't cover costs for the Woodlawn’s full upkeep, Kinard requested volunteers to help maintain the cemetery. “Volunteers are welcome to come help,” Kinard said. “We want to be sure to get the word out among the descendants.” Hill said cleanups at Woodlawn are scheduled to take place in the spring. Fager said she is encouraged by the participation of the Delta and AKA chapters, saying “collectively we can make a lot of noise” advocating on behalf of the site. WI @JamesWrightJr10

5 Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha are some of the volunteers who have pitched in to help maintain Woodlawn Cemetery. (Courtesy Photo)

PRESERVATION AND CARE OF WOODLAWN

The main point of discussion during the conference had to do with the maintenance of Woodlawn Cemetery. The kin of those buried at the cemetery were the target audience of the event. “We want the descendants of those buried at Woodlawn Cemetery to get involved,” said Jordan. “We seek to build a community of caring relatives. We want to keep this cemetery alive and well.” Fager said there are only four Black cemeteries in the District, with three of those located in the Georgetown neighborhood in Northwest.

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 5

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black facts

FEB. 22 - 28, 2024

SOURCE: BLACK AMERICA WEB

Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, where his father was a pastor. 1964 – Muhammad Ali, then known as Cassius Clay, defeats Sonny Liston by a 7th-round TKO in Miami Beach, Florida, to win the heavyweight boxing championship for the first time.

FEB. 26

1926 – Boxing great Theodore "Tiger" Flowers becomes the first Black middleweight champion. 1928 – R&B legend Fats Domino is born in New Orleans. 1965 – Civil rights activist Jimmie Lee Jackson dies eight days after being shot by police during a peaceful voting rights march in Marion, Alabama.

FEB. 27

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1844 – The Dominican Republic declares its independence from Haiti. 1872 – Charlotte E. Ray, the first Black American female lawyer in the United States, graduates from Howard University School of Law. 1897 – Famed opera singer Marian Anderson, the first African American singer to perform at the White MICHAEL JACKSON House and the first African American to sing with New York's Metropolitan Opera, is born in Philadelphia. 1988 – Figure skater Debi Thomas becomes the first FEB. 22 1950 – Basketball icon Julius "Dr. J" Erving is born African American to win a medal in the Winter Olympics. in East Meadow, New York. 1989 – DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince win the FEB. 28 first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance 1984 – Michael Jackson wins eight for their hit song "Parents Just Don't Understand." Grammys for his record-breaking "Thriller" album. FEB. 23 WI 1868 – W.E.B. Du Bois, author, sociologist and civil rights activist, is born in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. 1942 – Haki Madhubuti, author, activist and founder of the Third World Press, is born in Little Rock, Arkansas. 1979 – Frank E. Petersen Jr. is promoted to brigadier general, becoming the first African American general in the Marine Corps.

FEB. 24

1811 – Daniel Payne, author, educator and integral figure of the African Methodist Church, is born in Charleston, South Carolina. 1864 – Rebecca Lee Crumpler becomes the first African American woman to earn a medical degree. 1999 – Rapper and singer Lauryn Hill wins five Grammys including Album of the Year, setting a onenight record for a female artist.

FEB. 25

1903 – Albany State University, a historically Black college, is founded in Albany, Georgia. 1948 – Civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. is ordained as a minister at

6 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

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Margaret Msingana or Miriam Makeba in Africa, and of course, I love some Lala Hathaway.

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From Capitol Desirability to Financial Reality: Uncovering The True Value of $100k in the District and Beyond By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

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Given its stature and history, it may not surprise many that Washington, D.C., continues its standing as one of the most coveted places to reside in the United States. However, the allure comes with a hefty price tag, as the nation’s capital boasts a median gross rent of $1,668, an average mortgage of $2,569, and an overall annual cost of living exceeding $78,800. These financial considerations underscore the significant impact of location on the affordability and desirability of a region. Examining the broader financial landscape, a new study by SmartAsset sheds light on the varying value of a $100,000 income across different U.S. cities, including the District of Columbia, factoring in federal, state, and local taxes, along with the local cost of living premiums. SmartAsset officials said they utilized its paycheck calculator to apply federal, state, and local taxes to a $100,000 annual salary. The remaining amount was adjusted for the local cost of living using the Council for Community and Economic Research data, considering factors such as housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and miscellaneous goods and services. The cost-of-living index data was averaged across 2023.

5While D.C. is a highly desirable city to reside in, the allure comes with a hefty price tag. A new SmartAsset study shows making $100,000 doesn’t go very far in the nation’s capital. (Courtesy Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C.: BALANCING PRESTIGE AND COST

Despite its allure, the study’s findings highlight the financial burden Washington, D.C. imposes. The city’s high median gross rent, average mortgage, and overall cost of living contribute to a notable strain on residents’ wallets. For those earning a $100,000 income, the study reveals the city’s overall average cost of living and how taxes significantly impact the purchasing power of that income, emphasizing the importance of strategic financial planning.

NATIONAL DISPARITIES: A DEEPER DIVE

As SmartAsset delved into 72 of the largest U.S. cities, a stark contrast in the value of a $100,000 income emerged. The study adjusted income for federal, state, and local taxes, as well as local cost of living, offering insights into the adequate purchasing power of individuals across the nation. Among the key findings, El Paso, Tezas, emerged as the city where a $100,000 income stretches the furthest, thanks to no state or local income taxes and a 12% cost of living discount, resulting in an effective purchasing power of $88,840. On the flip side, Manhattan, New York, showcases the challenges of high living costs and taxes, with a $100,000

8 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

income worth a mere $30,914, the lowest among the cities analyzed. Baltimore residents face the highest income taxes, potentially losing up to 32.7% of their income to federal, state, and local taxes at the $100,000 income level. Meanwhile, four California cities—San Francisco, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Oakland—make the top 10 cities where a $100,000 income is worth the least after adjusting for taxes and cost of living. Top 10 Cities Where $100,000 Goes Furthest: • El Paso, Texas: $88,840 • Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: $87,585 • Memphis, Tennessee: $86,960 • Corpus Christi, Texas: $86,383 • San Antonio, Texas: $85,625 • Lubbock, Texas: $85,065 • Tulsa, Oklahoma: $84,507 • Jacksonville, Florida: $83,878 • Houston, Texas: $82,986 • St. Louis, Missouri: $82,614 Top 10 Cities Where $100,000 Is Worth the Least: • Manhattan, New York: $30,914 • Honolulu, Hawaii: $39,148 • San Francisco, California: $40,997 • Brooklyn, New York: $43,376 • Los Angeles, California: $47,762 • Washington, D.C.: $48,734 • Queens, New York: $49,978 • San Diego, California: $50,082 • Boston, Massachusetts: $50,109 • Oakland, California: $51,237 WI

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National Press Foundation Celebrates Media Luminaries, Encourages Diversity in Newsroom

Al Roker, Dorothy Gilliam, Monica Richardson Among Honorees By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

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pand and to really, I think, make such a difference, not just in the lives of the people who were part of the story, but also part of this city.” Gilliam suggested continued work toward diversity in newsrooms. “For those who have not, I hope that you will really consider the importance of making diversity a part of your institutions, a part of your own lives, and a part of what can really be the future of this nation.” Richardson, who received the Benjamin C. Bradlee Editor of the Year Award, offered the crowd of storytellers an assignment to carry with them in their life and work. “In my 30 years as a journalist, I’ve learned that the work we do truly matters, Richardson said, before offering a call to action. “Be bold about your purpose and your mission… to hold powerful people and institutions to account; to provide and deliver information that ultimately provides a sense of shared community in an increasingly pluralistic society.” WI

’S

Journalism Award. In a hilarious, joke-filled speech, Roker, recipient of the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism, noted the major changes he’s seen in his five decades in news. “This is my 50th year doing television weather… Yes, I was there when they invented the thing,” he joked. “But in that time, I have watched what was once considered a forecast of frivolity that was used to pack time in local newscasts, to reporting on things like climate change, what I consider the most existential threat for our planet… And that is what keeps me excited, the ever changing role that weather and climate plays in our very existence.” Gilliam, who in 1961 became the first African American to report for The Washington Post, explained the ever-present importance of diversity in newsrooms across the nation. “I can remember when I first came to The Post, when there were no people of color,” Gilliam recalled. “It was just a matter of time, by using all these methods of diversity, we were able to ex-

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5 Al Roker accepts the Sol Taishoff Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism at the 41st annual National Press Foundation Journalism Awards Dinner on Feb. 15 at the Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

In a celebratory event that included a cocktail reception and delicious three-course dinner, the National Press Foundation (NPF) celebrated bold and barrier-breaking journalists, who not only shared their journeys, but encouraged fearless storytelling as a change agent for a stronger society. The message at NPF’s 41st annual journalism awards dinner, held at the Ritz Carlton, Washington, D.C. in Northwest on Feb. 15, was clear: keep telling stories. “This is a profession that we must continue, and in fact, we must recognize that it is one of the most important professions in the world, because this is the way that people learn about who they are, who their neighbors are, what this country is about,” said 2024 NPF honoree and trailblazing Washington Post reporter Dorothy Butler Gilliam. The people and organizations honored at this year’s NPF awards dinner represent the many brave storytellers who combat assaults on journalism with facts for audiences to feel empowered. In their acceptance speeches, each honoree furthered NPF mission of making “good journalists better,” through encouraging words and calls to action. Honorees included: NBC’s “Today” celebrated anchor and weatherman Al Roker; Evan Gershkovich of the Wall Street Journal; McClatchy VP of Local News Monica Richardson; Hannah Dreier of the New York Times; Tara Bahrampour of The Washington Post; Dave Altimari and Jenna Carlesso of the Connecticut Mirror; Bloomberg News staff; editorial cartoonist Jen Sorensen; Benjamin Oreskes, Kevin Rector, Noah Bierman, Melanie Mason and Cameron Joseph of the Los Angeles Times; The Washington Post; and Gilliam, who received the W.M. Kiplinger Distinguished Contributions to

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Howard University Board of Visitors Chair the Rev. Dr. Michele V. Hagans with the Rev. Dr. Kenyatta R. Gilbert, dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, and Howard University Provost Dr. Anthony K. Wutoh during the investiture ceremony on Feb. 17 in Northwest, D.C. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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Artist Ellington Robinson reads The Washington Informer. (Roy Lewis/The Washington Informer)

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Unveiling the Cracks: Philanthropy’s Role in Repairing Historical Harms in the DMV

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

In a groundbreaking and comprehensive report titled “Cracks in the Foundation: Philanthropy’s Role in Reparations for Black People in the DMV,” released by the National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP), a stark spotlight is cast on the historical exploitation of Black communities in the Washington, D.C., area. The 110-page report asserts that foundations now hold a unique opportunity and responsibility to address the systemic harm inflicted on Black residents and contribute to their healing and thriving. The NCRP, serving as philanthropy’s critical friend and independent watchdog since 1976, has been instrumental in unveiling the consequences of the wealth generated from the systemic exclusion and exploitation of Black people in the DMV. The report emphasizes the immediate need for foundations to reckon with the historical exploitation and redress the harm caused, particularly in education, income, employment, housing, and healthcare. Dara Cooper, a national strategic consultant, and organizer, highlighted the report’s significance in connecting historical exploitation with the present. “This report helps us connect the voices of the past with the data of the present in order to give foundations little excuse to address and redress historical and ongoing exploitation of Black DMV residents and families,” Cooper stated in a news release. The report identifies four key sectors—media, housing, employment, and healthcare—where conscious choices and actions have repeatedly harmed Black communities. Foundations are urged to understand their past actions and to acknowledge and address these harms in collaboration with affected communities. NCRP President and CEO Aaron Dorfman emphasized the crucial role of foundations. “We hope that foundations in the D.C. area will acknowledge these stories of harm and use the tools included in this report to

establish and deepen connections with local groups and organizations and contribute financial resources and social capital for reparative action,” Dorfman asserted. One of the foundations highlighted in the report, “if, A Foundation for Radical Possibility,” has taken a proactive stance. CoCEOs Hanh Le and Temi F. Bennett expressed their commitment to racial justice, acknowledging their responsibility for past harm. “Addressing anti-Blackness is ground zero for racial justice in America,” the duo offered in a joint statement. “Our sector is in fight or flight mode. [The foundation] is fighting, always. We invite others to join us.” The report aligns with the growing movement for reparations, which has gained momentum in recent years, with cities and states creating commissions to quantify harm and propose healing solutions. Philanthropy is also experiencing a shift, with organizations like the BridgeSpan Group and Liberation Ventures advocating for reparations to build a culture of repair and redress. Local organizer Christian Beauvoir views foundations’ role in reparations as a moral and practical extension of their charitable missions. “Every institution that claims to value Black people has a responsibility to make right every time that it has not,” Beauvoir asserted. Katherine Ponce, the report’s author and NCRP Research Manager for Special Projects, urged foundations to engage in reparations and healing efforts. “Research that connects and centers stories of local Black communities can generate energy, opportunities, and concrete actions for foundations to engage in reparations and healing efforts,” she said. The report acknowledged the discomfort foundations may face but underscored the importance of addressing past harms. Dr. Dwayne Proctor, NCRP Board Chair, said he sees the report as a crucial tool for funders to create a more equitable future. “If readers can connect the overlaps between the social determi-

nants of health and the necessary healing of Black families today, real and transformative conversations about repair can begin,” Proctor stated. While the report focuses on the D.C. area, its methodology and recommendations serve as a model for funders in other cities and regions. It challenges public and private institutions to grapple with uncomfortable but necessary questions and take meaningful actions to repair historical injustices. “Right now, foundations have a chance to model holistic repair,” said Jennie Goldfarb, director of Operations and Strategic Engagement at Liberation Ventures. “This report is the first step, and I’m so proud of everyone involved in bringing this across the finish line. My hope is it fuels a movement of funders committed to truth telling and being in right relationships with each other and the organizations they fund.” WI

5The National Committee for Responsive Philanthropy (NCRP) released a report unveiling the historic exploitation of Black communities in the D.C. area, and emphasized foundations’ responsibilities to address systemic harm inflicted on Black residents. (Courtesy Photo)

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 11

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY Prince George’s County Political Updates By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

CONGRESSMAN HOYER HOSTS 43RD ANNUAL BLACK HISTORY MONTH BREAKFAST

Maryland Congressman Steny Hoyer (D) hosted the 43rd annual Black History Month breakfast alongside co-chair Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Maryland), celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans in the Arts– from Phyllis Wheatley, to Denzel Washington and Langston Hughes. This year, Radio One founder and celebrated media mogul and businesswoman Cathy Hughes served as the special guest at the breakfast. Hoyer noted Hughes as the first Black woman to chair a publicly traded company

during his introduction. Hoyer noted some of his proudest moments working with and to support local Black leaders, such as Gov. Wes Moore, and emphasized his continued goals in fighting for African American Marylanders and justice for all. “Representing the interests of Prince Georgians and Black Marylanders in Washington remains one of my highest priorities. Whether it was co-founding the Black Maternal Health Caucus, or bringing the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act to the House Floor and passing it in 2020, I’ve long been committed to delivering real solutions that positively impact the lives of my constituents,” said the high-ranking Congressman. He also touted some of his most recent accomplishments for the state and Prince George’s County. “Most recently, I’ve been proud to lead efforts alongside Gov. Wes

Moore, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, and other members of the Maryland Congressional Delegation to deliver on the Biden-Harris Administration’s Executive Order racial equity by bringing the new, consolidated FBI Headquarters, and the many good-paying jobs that come with it, to Greenbelt.” The annual breakfast has included some special guests over the years, Hoyer noted, and Hughes' presence continued the tradition. “Some of my favorite memories include hosting my friend and brother Congressman John Lewis, then Senator Barack Obama, Vice President Kamala Harris, and our own Governor Wes Moore in 2023,” said Hoyer. “The conversations we’ve been lucky enough to have with these leaders are always inspiring and I’m thrilled to have trailblazing businesswoman and media mogul Cathy Hughes as our special guest in 2024.” WI

CONGRESSMAN IVEY HONORS CELEBRATED ABOLITIONIST, MARYLANDER FREDERICK DOUGLASS

On Feb. 14, Maryland Congressman Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) introduced a resolution to celebrate native Marylander and freedom fighter Frederick Douglass. He offered a short speech on the

5Congressman Steny Hoyer hosted the 43rd annual Black History Month breakfast with media mogul Cathy Hughes as a special guest. (Anthony Tilghman/WI File Photo)

12 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

lass’ medal would be displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Northwest, D.C. Douglass’ numerous accomplishments include escaping from slavery on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, delivering international speeches decrying the horrors of slavery, and providing counsel to former Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses S. Grant. He was also the first Black journalist granted access to the Capitol Gallery. To tour the Douglass family home in Anacostia, sign up here. WI

FORMER GOVERNOR HOGAN ANNOUNCES RUN FOR U.S. SENATE ON FILING DEADLINE, DEMOCRATIC RACE STILL CLOSE 5Tarence Bailey, a five-time great nephew of Frederick Douglass, receives the House of Representatives Proclamation from Rep. Glenn Ivey’s staff on behalf of the celebrated abolitionist. (Robert R. Roberts/The Washington Informer)

House floor to argue for the resolution. “Frederick Douglass dedicated his life to furthering the cause of freedom in the United States. Few Americans have shaped our nation so profoundly and permanently as Frederick Douglass did. To this very day, Douglass’s message and principles remain a guiding light for our country as we continue to seek fulfillment of our nation’s promise and potential for justice and equality,” said Ivey during his speech. He lamented Douglass never receiving proper commendation from Congress while alive. “Although the immeasurable impact of Frederick Douglass elevated him to the pantheon of the greatest Americans, he has never received a proper, official commendation from Congress for his contributions to our nation,” Ivey said. “It is long past time for Congress to bestow this honor upon an American whose indelible influence is still felt today and will continue to be felt for years to come.” During a ceremony at the Douglass historic home in Southeast, D.C., Ivey awarded a plaque to Douglass’ five-times great nephew Tarence Bailey, in recognition of his ancestor’s lasting legacy. If the congressional honor is awarded, Doug-

On the last day for candidates to file for state or federal office, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) announced his intention to run for the seat. Democrats currently have a 51-49 majority in the Senate, and Hogan, admittedly recruited for the Senate seat by Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell (R), is aiming to flip that chamber. Hogan is undoubtedly the strongest possible Republican candidate for the Senate with his name recognition and crossover appeal to Democrats and independent voters. He consistently maintained high approval ratings as governor, including among Democrats, and was the first Republican governor to be re-elected in Maryland in decades. With Biden receiving over 60% of the vote in 2020, Hogan would have to outperform the Republican presidential nominee by nearly 20% in order to win the general election. In the most recent head to head polling, Hogan is tied with Rep. David Trone (D- Md.) with each candidate at 42% while he leads Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) with 44% to her 39%. Hogan was also leading the current Republican Senate primary. The Democratic primary is in a dead heat, with neither of the two major candidates yet reaching over 50% in any polling. Alsobrooks launched her first TV ads, spotlighting her understanding of the needs of everyday Marylanders, in the Baltimore media market shortly after Hogan entered the race. WI

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Malik Yoba, Housing Specialists Discuss Homeownership at Forum Held at Bowie State By Richard Elliott WI Contributing Reporter

More than 150 guests filled Bowie State University’s Beacon Room for an expert-filled event and panel that featured actor, filmmaker and entrepreneur Malik Yoba, as well as leaders from HomeFree-USA and Wells Fargo. “It’s hard to buy for anyone right now; inflation is high and interest is high,” said Yoba, founder and CEO of Yoba Development. “You can always look somewhere else to invest, that can accommodate your budget.” He noted an $800,000 profit on his first home sale, allowing him

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY

to further his investments. He has gone from investing mainly into homes, to now development projects. He also noted that gentrification is a byproduct of undervalued land. “There’s ways of learning the ways to best invest in our communities. Redlining now exists at the realtor level; it has not gone away,” Yoba said. Milan Griffin of HomeFree-USA emphasized homeownership as a great first step to take action in one’s community. “Even if you want to be a business owner, your home equity is vital to take it to the next step and to reverse redlining,” said Griffin. WI

Prince George’s County 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th Graders will compete for a spot at the Scripps National Spelling Bee!

For more information email: chaukareid@yahoo.com 5Left to right: Ewunike Brady, Wells Fargo Home Lending African American Segment strategy leader; Donna Greene, VP of Diverse Segments; Milan Griffin, EVP and chief operations officer of HomeFree-USA; and Bowie State University’s Brent Swinton, VP of Philanthropic Engagement. (Anthony Tilghman/The Washington Informer)

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 13

BUSINESS ir efs By James Wright / WI Staff Writer

2024 DC TRAVEL & ADVENTURE SHOW

The “Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show” will take place at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Northwest, D.C. on Feb. 24-25. Celebrities and travel experts like CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg and authors Patricia Schultz, Pauline Frommer and Andrew McCarthy will be among the notables on stage and meeting with attendees. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet face-to-face with travel experts from around the world. Hundreds of booths from countries in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean, among other places, will be set up. The price of admission includes access to a myriad of educational and culturally focused sessions on three states located on the show floor.

“At the Travel & Adventure Show, you will have the chance to meet oneon-one with representatives from the top travel brands and destinations from around the world,” said John Golicz, CEO of Unicomm, LLC, the producer of the Travel & Adventure Show Series. “What’s more, each of these representatives are there to help plan, personalize and book the right trip, at prices that cannot be found elsewhere.” A new feature will be an expanded pavilion dedicated to LGBTQ travelers. The hours are Feb. 24 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Feb. 25 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Children 16 and under as well as active-duty military and four of their family members are free, but identification must be shown. For more information, visit travelshows.com. WI

. .

Hon. Rev. Al Sharpton

Civil rights leader Al Sharpton vowed to keep protesting outside Bill Ackman’s office.

Hon. Rev. Al Sharpton: “We have started these weekly one-hour protests in front of Mr. Ackman’s office. He has said that the resignation of Dr. Gay at Harvard is not the end of it. They are going to keep fighting 'til they end DEI, which is diversity, equity and inclusion. That's declaring a war on all of us — Blacks, women, gays. DEI was designed to bring fairness and equality to people that had been historically marginalized and eliminated.” DMV join our NAN Chapter to go one time to NYC and protest with Hon. Rev. Sharpton and the community. For month of February 2024 $60.00 round trip. Call DC NAN and get all information. 202-615-2139

14 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

5 The Bowser administration recently announced a new grant program to support local and minority-owned retail businesses in developing space at The Parks at Walter Reed. (Courtesy Photo/DMPED)

THE PARKS AT WALTER REED GRANT PROGRAM

The Bowser administration recently announced a new grant program to support local and minority-owned retail businesses in developing space at The Parks at Walter Reed. In recent years, the Walter Reed Army Medical Center Campus has been transformed into a thriving mixed-use community featuring housing, retail, restaurants, a Whole Foods store and more. “Our vision for the Parks at Walter Reed is a vibrant, amenity-rich community that creates opportunities for District residents and businesses,” said D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. “This whole process of redeveloping the Walter Reed campus has been driven by the community, and with these grants, we have another way of bringing the local business community into the process and the prosperity that we are creating here.” The Walter Reed Retail Opportunity Grant Program will support businesses that activate the retail

areas on The Parks at Walter Reed campus, support job opportunities, and better improve customer experience. Funds from this grant can be used for design and construction costs, to purchase vital equipment, or to preserve historic spaces while expanding them for retail use. “This grant is one way Mayor Bowser and DMPED (the Department of Planning and Economic Development) are supporting our goal in the Comeback Plan of increasing the share of minority-owned employer businesses here in D.C.,” said Nina Albert, deputy mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Applications for the Walter Reed Retail Opportunity Grant Program close on March 8. To apply visit dmped.dc.gov. WI

PATHWAYS TO FRANCHISING

The Prince George’s County Economic Development Corporation is sponsoring “Pathways to Franchis-

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ing: The Road to Entrepreneurship” course on March 5 from 9 a.m. to noon. The course is part of the corporation’s three-part informational series to learn the foundations of franchising. Plus, students will learn how to enter the market and what brands are expanding in Prince George’s County. The first session, “Intro to Franchising—What You Need to Know,” will consist of an introduction to the franchising industry and how to get started, a panel discussion with existing county franchisees and an opportunity to network with local entrepreneurs. The course will be taught at 1441 McCormick Drive in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. For more information, contact Nicole Hall at NUHALL@co.pg.md.us. WI

DC FIRST FRIDAYS

The Marshall Heights Community Development Organization in Ward 7 will hold its monthly “DC First Fridays” program on March 1 at its headquarters in Northeast, D.C. The speaker for the program will be businesswoman Lisa D. Anderson. The topic is “Growing Beyond the Plateau—Financial Strategies for Success.” The workshop is designed to empower participants with innovative financial strategies for business growth. For more information, call 202396-1200. WI @JamesWrightJr10

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BUSINESS

amination of inclusion and equitable distribution within the local business ecosystem. Building on this narrative, a 2024 PEW Research analysis provided a broader perspective on the state of Black-owned businesses in the U.S. Despite a notable increase from 124,004 in 2017 to 161,031 in 2021, Black-owned businesses constituted only 3% of classifiable U.S. firms. This sector contributed 1% to the gross revenue of all

In 2022, the D.C. metro area clinched the second spot on Lending Tree’s esteemed list of top U.S. locations for Black-owned businesses, with approximately 7.7%

E B R ATIN

of firms in the region

While the District has been praised for supporting Black entrepreneurship, a recent report revealed some disparities in how funds are being distributed among women and minority-owned businesses in the area. In 2022, the D.C. metro area clinched the second spot on Lending Tree’s esteemed list of top U.S. locations for Black-owned businesses, with approximately 7.7% of firms in the region boasting Black owners. This figure, amounting to 8,649 out of 111,872 total businesses, showcased the vibrant entrepreneurial spirit within the community. The broader Virginia-D.C.-Baltimore corridor also left its mark, with Richmond securing the third position at 6.7% and Baltimore at eighth with 5.4%. The narrative took a turn in 2023, as a meticulous 409-page report by Denver-based groups BBC Research and Consulting, Pantera Management Group, and Tiber Hudson scrutinized the government contract landscape in the District of Columbia. Examining the procurement habits of the D.C. government, Events DC, and the University of the District of Columbia from fiscal 2016 to 2020, the study found that approx-

imately $8 billion in contracts and subcontracts were awarded during that period. Further, $2.9 billion of that amount went to businesses owned by women and people of color, yielding a commendable spending rate of 37%. While the city received accolades for surpassing spending rates in comparable jurisdictions, concerns arose as the study revealed an uneven distribution of the $2.9 billion. Approximately 70% of the funds were concentrated among 10% of women- and POC-owned businesses, prompting a closer ex-

sector continue to be focal points for scrutiny, prompting ongoing discussions and analysis within the D.C. metro area. “While Black-owned businesses have grown significantly in the U.S. in recent years, they still make up a small share of overall firms and revenue, according to our analysis of federal data,” Rebecca Leppert wrote for PEW. “For most Black or African American majority owners, their business is their primary source of income. Seven-in-ten of those who reported income information in 2021 said this was the case.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

classifiable companies, unveiling a substantial disparity in the economic landscape. The February 2024 analysis updated a September 2023 Pew report that provided similar details. In the District of Columbia specifically, Black majority-owned businesses held a significant share, comprising 15% of all classifiable firms. The statistics diverged notably from the national average, emphasizing the unique dynamics at play within the capital city’s business environment. The intricacies of growth, government contracts, and disparities within the Black-owned business

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5 Although the D.C. area has been celebrated for supporting Black entrepreneurship, a recent report revealed some disparities in how funds are being distributed among women and minority-owned businesses in the area. (WI File Photo/Ja'Mon Jackson)

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 15

NATIONAL Congressional Leaders Grapple with Navy Federal Credit Union’s Racial Disparities in Mortgage Approvals By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Congressional Black Caucus members convened with Navy Federal Credit Union’s CEO Mary McDuffie on Thursday to address ongoing concerns raised by recent media reports that revealed significant racial disparities in the lender’s mortgage approval rates. Specifically, published reports indicate that Navy Federal approved over 75% of white borrowers for new conventional mortgages, while less than 50% of Black borrowers received approval for identical loans. Reps. Steven Horsford (D-Nev.) and Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) co-authored a letter, supported by 38 Congressional Black Caucus colleagues, urging McDuffie to address the issues raised in the media reports. “We are naturally concerned to learn that Navy Federal, the nation’s largest credit union, approved a higher percentage of ap-

MOTHERS from Page 1 officials for custody of her children. She counts among those who are organizing the “ArrestCPS Campaign,” described as an effort to expose the child foster care system’s role in criminalizing Black parents, breaking families apart, and siphoning state funds needed to sustain communities. The ArrestCPS Campaign includes court watch, during which members of ANWO, Operation Stop CPS, and other entities support mothers in their appearances before family court judges. It also involves banner drops, a process by which organizers hang up signs across the region targeting child and family service agencies and raising

16 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

plications from White borrowers making less than $62,000 a year than it did of Black borrowers making $140,000 or more,” the letter stated. “It is reported that while more than 75% of white borrowers who applied for a new conventional home purchase mortgage in 2022 were approved, Navy Federal approved less than 50% of applications for the same type of loan from Black borrowers.” The meeting with Navy Federal officials at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., sought answers to the questions posed by Congress members but left them dissatisfied with McDuffie’s responses. In the meeting, which lasted about an hour, McDuffie engaged with three members of the Congressional Black Caucus, including Horsford, Cleaver, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove of California. The focus was on probing Navy Federal’s mortgage practices, awareness about Small’s story and that of other mothers. “It’s been good to [be around] people who get it and who are not forcing you to do what is told of you,” Small told The Informer. “They’re encouraging you to stand up and let your voice be heard.”

THE FIGHT TO REUNITE WITH COLLIN AND CLOVER

More than a year ago, Howard County Department of Social Services worked with Anne Arundel County Police to take Collin and Clover, Small’s infant son and daughter, from her and her partner Justice Jackson during a

which have come under increased scrutiny due to the stark racial disparities revealed in a CNN investigation. Navy Federal, the nation’s largest credit union with over 13 million members catering to military service members, defense personnel, veterans, and their families, has faced heightened Congressional attention over the report. Horsford, meanwhile, emphasized the broader goal of closing the racial wealth gap in America. “You cannot do that with practices like this that deny equal opportunity to homeownership,” he asserted. Analysts found a notable gap of nearly 29 percentage points in approval rates between white and Black borrowers at Navy Federal, even after accounting for various factors such as income, debt-toincome ratio, and property value. The credit union hired a civil rights lawyer in December 2022 to review its mortgage practices and committed to making recommendations for enhanced access to homeownership. Horsford expressed dissatisfaction with the vague responses from McDuffie regarding the timeline of the review. He emphasized the urgency to address discriminatory practices affecting servicemembers, particularly those from Black or Latino backgrounds. Navy Federal has contested CNN’s analysis, arguing it was incomplete and did not consider applicants’ credit scores, available cash deposits, or relationship history with the lender. The credit union declined to provide additional data for analysis. Despite Navy Federal’s claim that a higher percentage of its mortgage loans nighttime outing in Anne Arundel County, Maryland. Small alleged that Howard County officials responded to a tip given by Small’s brother-in-law. In the days leading up to that incident, she refused to acquiesce to a welfare check, out of what she described as a concern that officials were amenable to her brotherin-law’s accusations about Collin’s malnourishment. Those accusations, Small said, stemmed from her and Jackson’s religious, spiritual, educational and dietary beliefs. She went on to tell The Informer that Howard County officials designated her and Jackson, 24, as anti-establishment, by virtue of their Moorish nationality.

5Congressional Black Caucus members including Rep. Steven Horsford convened with Mary McDuffie, CEO of Navy Federal Credit Union, regarding ongoing concerns about racial disparities in lender’s mortgage approval rates. (WI File Photo)

go to Black borrowers compared to other large lenders, Congress members highlighted the critical issue of denials. Several Democrats on the House Financial Services Committee, including Cleaver and Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Calif.), have requested a hearing on the racial disparities in Navy Federal’s mortgage lending. Additionally, 10 Democratic The Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-defamation League of America designate what they describe as the “Moorish sovereign citizens movement” as an anti-government extremist group. The notion of Moorish citizenship, in part, originates from the Moorish Science Temple of America, an Islamic, nationalist institution started by Noble Drew Ali in the early 20th century. Small, recounting the night she lost her children, told The Informer that she and Jackson went to Johns Hopkins Howard County General Hospital. That's where she said the children had been rushed for further testing,

MOTHERS Page 44

senators have urged federal regulators to examine Navy Federal’s practices. Navy Federal is also contending with a federal class-action lawsuit from mortgage applicants who allege discrimination. Last month, a judge consolidated three separate lawsuits against the credit union into a single case, intensifying the pressure on Navy Federal to address and rectify the alleged discriminatory practices. “Homeownership is the primary way in which most Americans build wealth,” Horsford stated. “However, throughout history, Black Americans have both been denied the opportunity to own a home and denied the full benefits of homeownership, such as the ability to purchase a home in the neighborhood of choice, due to discriminatory policies. While Congress has passed legislation like the Fair Housing Act, Equal Credit Opportunity Act, and the Civil Rights Act to root out discrimination, present day forms of housing discrimination remain persistent today.” WI

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Rep. James Clyburn Steps Down from House Leadership, Pledges Support for Biden’s Inclusive Vision By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer Longtime South Carolina Democratic Rep. James Clyburn has announced his resignation as assistant House Democratic leader, effective immediately, while simultaneously committing to run for reelection. Clyburn, a staunch supporter of President Joe Biden, said he aims to focus on conveying the message of inclusivity and unity that defines the greatness of the United States. During an interview on Sunday, Feb. 18, Clyburn, 83, expressed his continued disdain for former President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (MAGA) mantra, asserting that the country is already great but needs to ensure accessibility and affordability for all citizens. He encouraged Biden to emphasize his experience, wisdom, and commitment to maintaining connections with the American people during the upcoming presidential campaign.“I am fond of saying, this is a great

country in no need of being made great. We just got to figure out ways to make this country’s greatness accessible and affordable for all of our citizens. And Joe Biden is doing that. And we have got to stay focused on that,” Clyburn stated emphatically. Clyburn, who had previously announced his intention to seek reelection, also reiterated that he’s only stepping aside as assistant Democratic leader, which marks the end of his influential tenure in House leadership. The departure of Clyburn from his assistant Democratic leader role represents a broader shift in leadership dynamics, completing the transition from the era of former Speaker Nancy Pelosi, of California, to a younger generation led by Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. “I am deeply grateful for the confidence my colleagues have placed in me throughout my career,” Clyburn stated. WI @StacyBrownMedia

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africa now

COMPILED BY OSWALD T. BROWN, WI CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Ethiopian PM Urges International Financial Reform for Developing Countries

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Saturday, Feb. 17, called for reforms to the international financial system to enhance access to finance for developing countries. "The international financial architecture treats the world unequally, resulting in 5 Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy inadequate and expensive access to finance for developing countries," he said at Ahmed delivers a speech during the 37th the opening of the 37th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly of Ordinary Session of the African Union the Heads of State and Government at the AU headquarters in Addis Ababa, the (AU) Assembly of the Heads of State capital of Ethiopia. and Government, held in Addis Ababa, Africa's population is expected to reach nearly 2.5 billion by 2050, boasting the Ethiopia, Feb. 17. (Courtesy Photo) youngest population globally, which positions the continent for significant economic growth, he said. "Africa's growth should be of global importance. Africa needs to develop, build infrastructure, ensure food security, strengthen health and education systems, and create jobs. All of these require long-term financing," the Ethiopian prime minister said. Ahmed urged major international financial agencies to consider the realities faced by today's world, particularly for middle- and low-income countries. Serving as Ethiopia’s third prime minister since 2018, Ahmed was awarded the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize "for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and in particular for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea". Ahmed served as the third chairman of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) that governed Ethiopia for 28 years and the first person of Oromo descent to hold that position. He is a member of the Ethiopian parliament, and was a member of the Oromo Democratic Party (ODP), one of the then four coalition parties of the EPRDF, until its rule ceased in 2019 and he formed his own party, the Prosperity Party. In June 2020, Ahmed and the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) postponed parliamentary elections because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The postponement was criticized, especially from the opposition, and raised questions about the delay's constitutional legitimacy. An election was eventually held in 2021. The African Union described the election as an improvement compared to the 2015 election and positive overall, urging the government to continue the commitment to democracy. WI

caribbean now

American Airlines Doubling Number of U.S. Gateways Serving Barbados

American Airlines will be doubling the number of gateways out of the United States that serve Barbados, bringing the total to seven, Barbados Today reported on Sunday, Feb. 18. Minister of Tourism and International Transport Ian Gooding-Edghill 5 Barbados Tourism Minister Ian made the announcement in a statement Saturday evening. Gooding-Edghill announced American “Consistent with the Ministry of Tourism and International Transport Airlines will be doubling the number of and the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s (BTMI) aggressive strategy gateways out of the United States that of increasing and improving Barbados’ airline connections with the rest serve Barbados, bringing the total to of the world, I am pleased to announce the successful conclusion of anseven. (Courtesy Photo) other major airlift initiative,” Gooding-Edghill said. He added, “Effective November 5, 2024, American Airlines will be launching their daily nonstop service from New York, John F Kennedy Airport with a 737 aircraft with a capacity of 172 seats. Also, commencing November 9, 2024, American Airlines will launch a Saturday-only service from Philadelphia with their 190-seat A321 aircraft. “These new seasonal services will now bring the total to seven gateways from the United States and represent the largest ever number of gateways from the United States servicing the Barbados destination at any time,” Gooding-Edghill explained. According to the statement, the new services will also increase the number of premium business class seats for passengers, meeting visitors’ requests and further cementing Barbados as a desired tourists destination. “My Ministry considers this resumption by American Airlines as a sure indication of the airline’s confidence in brand Barbados and the very strong demand for Barbados as a destination.” WI

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8 Basic Steps for Building a Budget Sponsored by JPMorgan Chase & Co. Budgeting can be a useful tool to help you reach your financial goals. A budget can help you keep track of your spending, avoid and get out of debt, limit overspending, pay bills on time and build savings habits. Let's explore how a budget can benefit you and how to build one: 1) Start with the basics. A budget helps you figure out how much money to set aside for regular expenses like rent, mortgage, bills, groceries and entertainment. As you’re planning your budget, think back to last year and identify any trends in your expenses and any unexpected costs that surprised or challenged you. Was there a particular expense that pressured your budget? Has your take home pay changed since last year? Are there new recurring bills for medical or education needs? Understanding your past financial habits can help you make the proper adjustments for this year’s budget. 2) Create your budget. This takes a few simple steps including calculating your takehome pay; gathering credit card and bank statements and receipts for the past few months; organizing expenses into categories, such as rent, groceries, and entertainment; and determining how much you spend in each category per month. Now that you’ve crunched the numbers and can see how much money is coming in and going out, you can start making your budget.

3) Don’t forget to save. Make a place in your budget for savings. You can set aside money from each take-home pay period and use some funds from holiday bonuses, cash gifts and tax returns toward saving as well. 4) Pay down debt. Your plan should also include a list of money you owe, including balances and interest rates. Evaluate your debt payoff goals against savings goals and prioritize the most critical ones. Any extra money you may receive can also go toward your debt payoff plan -- paying off an additional bill or debt earlier than planned can help ease budget pressures. 5) Set some limits. Some expenses remain the same each month, like rent or mortgage payments, while others like groceries and entertainment are more flexible. Set spending limits for your flexible expenses, although you may plan for celebrations and treats so your budget doesn't feel too restrictive.

more money than expected. 8) Find ways to cut costs. Small recurring expenses go unnoticed, but they can add up. Scan your bank account and credit card statements for recurring charges and evaluate whether they are worth continuing. Adjusting to a budget can take time, it’s about finding the right balance of spending and saving. You might discover some of your spending limits are too low, while others are higher than they need to be. You can always review your budget against your expenses and rethink how you've set it up. Keep working at it – that’s the best way for your budget to be effective. For more information, visit chase.com/personal/financial-goals/ budget

6) Use budgeting tools to track spending. This can be as simple as using paper and pen to write down your income and spending categories, entering numbers in a computer spreadsheet or using budgeting apps -- like Chase’s Budget feature in the mobile app and on chase.com – that are linked to your accounts. 7) Adjust as needed. Update your budget when your income or goals change. If you’re using tracking tools, you should know when you're getting close to spending limits or if you have

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 19

HEALTH Revolutionary Cancer Therapy Breakthrough Brings Hope to Melanoma Patients

By Stacy M. Brown WI Senior Writer

Iovance Biotherapeutics’ cutting-edge therapy Amtagvi has received fast-track approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The breakthrough marks the first-ever approval of cellular therapy for solid tumors, explicitly targeting metastatic melanoma, a particularly deadly form of skin cancer. While melanoma is more prevalent among individuals with lighter skin tones, it poses distinctive challenges for people of color. Although melanoma is less common for African Americans and darker-skinned individuals, diagnoses often occur at more advanced stages, resulting in higher mortality rates. Amtagvi, known as TIL

DYRS from Page 5 of intent, DYRS squanders weeks of prep time needed to determine rehabilitative care, find and implement an appropriate program, order assessments and coordinate care. As a result, more than 40 committed youths at YSC are currently awaiting placement, Semyonova told the council committee on Feb. 15. Semyonova continued her testimony, pointing out that youths spend weeks waiting to meet with pre-commitment workers. Additionally, as she explained, DYRS’ reliance on court-based child guidance clinicians further delays the process, which often compels youths to request a continuance of disposition hearings. Such conditions, Semyonova said, prevents YSC youths, especially girls, from receiving a level of psychiatric care recommended by experts, whether at

20 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

therapy, offers hope for patients who have exhausted other treatment options. TIL therapy amplifies the number of immune cells within tumors, harnessing their natural power to combat cancer effectively. Medical experts said the groundbreaking approach has shown promising results in a phase two clinical trial, prompting the FDA’s fast-track approval. The therapy is pricey, at $515,000 per patient, subject to insurance coverage and potential discounts. The ongoing phase three trial seeks to confirm its benefits and explore applications for other solid tumors, which constitute 90% of all cancers. According to the FDA, common side effects associated with Amtagvi include an abnormally home or at New Beginnings Youth Development Center, a 60-bed residential facility for DYRS committed youths. “Currently, New Beginnings, which is considered a behavior modification program, is the only readily available secure placement for boys,” Semyonova said in her testimony. “While DYRS also contracts with Woodburn Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility [in Baltimore], Woodburn’s lengthy time makes it not a viable option for most youth. DYRS sends a small number of youths to other placements but those placements come with extensive delays because of DYRS’ complicated procurement process.”

FURTHER EXAMINING THE TREATMENT GAP

During the Feb. 15 budget oversight hearing, DYRS Director Abed told the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs that there are 87 youths

5 Iovance Biotherapeutics’ cutting-edge therapy Amtagvi, or TIL therapy, has received fast-track approval from the FDA. The breakthrough marks the first-ever approval of cellular therapy for solid tumors, explicitly targeting metastatic melanoma, a cancer that poses particular challenges for communities of color. (Courtesy Photo)

fast heart rate, fluid buildup, rash, hair loss, and shortness of breath. While the approval is currently limited to melanoma, medical experts anticipate broader applications for TIL therapy, particularly in cancers responsive to checkpoint inhibitors that unleash the immune system. The unique challenges posed by skin cancer, especially melanoma, in communities of color, have prompted a closer look at the im-

plications of this groundbreaking therapy. According to the Skin of Color Society, which promotes awareness of and excellence within skin-of-color dermatology, melanomas in individuals with lighter skin tones are predominantly found in sun-exposed areas. In contrast, in people of color, nearly 75% of melanomas manifest on less-exposed regions such as palms, soles, mucosal sites (mouth, genitals), and under fingernails.

in an out-of-home placement, which includes DYRS-operated facilities and out-of-state non-DYRS facilities. Meanwhile, only eight committed young people are in nearby non-DYRS facilities, according to data presented by Abed. “One of the primary drivers for using out-of-state facilities is the fact that we do not have [residential treatment centers] or [psychiatric residential treatment facilities] in the District,” Abed said to White and D.C. Councilmember Christina Henderson (I-At large). “For any of the kids that are recommended, and we do have a number of youth recommended at that level, we just can’t care for them in the District.” A 2022 report released by D.C. Disability Rights highlighted this problem, saying that children are often shipped off to treatment facilities outside of the District for months at a time. In February, DYRS circulated a request for proposals, also known as an

RFP, for a D.C. based provider for therapeutic homes for youth. Henderson, a Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs committee member who also chairs the council’s Committee on Health, told The Informer that she’s had conversations with Department of Behavioral Health officials seeking similar resources for non-committed youth. Their RFP, as she recalled, called for providers located within a 50-mile radius of the District. In speaking about the lack of D.C.based treatment facilities, Henderson said that certain conditions, including lack of green space and high rental costs, the cap on the number of residents for residential treatment facilities, and the labyrinthic nature of Medicaid reimbursement, often make it difficult for providers to set up shop within the city limits. Companies that launch residential

DYRS Page 52

“Any suspicious, changing, or new mole or freckle anywhere on your skin should be evaluated by your dermatologist,” explained Dr. Megan Brennard of Skin of Color Society. “However, because many melanomas on dark skin are found on poorly visible areas, you should do a monthly self-skin examination.” Along with Dr. Kesha Buster, Brennard said an easy way to remember the signs of melanoma is by the ABCDEs, a memory aid for evaluating pigmented lesions. The physicians asserted that “asymmetry,” “border irregularity,” “color variation,” “diameter,” and “evolving” are considered the ABCDEs. The doctors further explained that “any lesion suspicious for melanoma” should be biopsied or completely removed. “Once melanoma is diagnosed, if the lesion was not completely removed initially, a second procedure will be done to remove all the cancer with margins of normal skin. Depending on the depth, your dermatologist may send you to a cancer surgeon for removal and analysis of lymph nodes to determine if the melanoma has spread. Metastatic (distantly spread) melanoma is treated with various combinations of chemotherapy, radiation, interferons, and medications through clinical studies.” WI @StacyBrownMedia

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 21

OUR

EARTH

Kingman Island Reopens After Week-Long Cleanup Removes Toxic Debris By Kayla Benjamin WI Climate & Environment Reporter

In a photo taken on the morning of Friday, Feb. 16, two spotted salamanders can be seen chilling on a log in the marshy wetlands of Kingman Island, a narrow strip of land in the Anacostia River. Following five days of toxic debris removal at the Ward 7 park, the squishy amphibians may stand a better chance of avoiding harmful chemicals that can leach into their spongy skin. The week-long project—which removed at least 60 wooden telephone poles coated in a carcinogenic preservative called creosote—is the latest step in a wide-reaching effort to bring Kingman Island to life. “As little pockets of nature are being restored, we're seeing the return of wildlife,” said Lee Cain, who manages the land at the D.C. Department of Energy and the Environment. “There was an asphalt parking lot on the island at one point, so they pulled that stuff

out—now there's a meadow there.” The city’s goal for Kingman’s rehabilitation isn’t just to make the 1.5mile man-made island hospitable for flowers and critters—it’s about creating a welcoming and educational space for D.C.’s human residents, too. Cain said that the site has gone from about 10,000 visitors per year around 2008 to almost 80,000 visitors per year on average between 2018 and 2023. “When everyone was really stressed out during the pandemic, everybody came to Kingman, as a way to kind of escape from the stress,” Cain said. “It helps…calm the soul, I guess. And it's really important to have places that you can go to do that.” Longtime River Terrace resident Brandon Frazier, serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of Kingman and Heritage Islands. He noted Kingman Island’s use as a dump mirrors other harmful sources of pollution surrounding River Terrace, including I-295 and the old Benning Road Pepco plant. Frazier sees the years-old trash re-

5 Contractors removed between 60 and 90 telephone poles from the island last week. (Courtesy Photo/D.C. Department of Energy and Environment)

22 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

5 Spotted salamanders chill on a log by a vernal pool on Kingman Island Feb. 16. (Courtesy Photo/D.C. Department of Energy and Environment)

maining on the island as “evidence of past crimes, evidence of past divestment.” “It is a reflection, a figurative and literal reflection, of what the city thinks of Ward 7,” he said. Removing dangerous debris holds particular importance because thousands of school-aged kids visit Kingman Island every year for class trips and other educational experiences. The District’s long-term vision for the island, as laid out in a feasibility study published in 2017, includes several outdoor classrooms and a nature center. Even without the envisioned amenities, the islands present learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. Cain oversaw operations at Kingman Island with the outdoor education nonprofit Living Classrooms for several years before joining the D.C. Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE). He recalled chatting with a young neighbor who seemed to visit the island nearly every day during the summers. “I saw this kid on Kingman Island all the time, every summer for like three years, and he's like, turning over logs or turning over rocks, looking for amphibians and snakes,” Cain said. “He would come there and just exist on the island…And he's not the only one. There's tons of people that come out for different reasons.”

AN ISLAND, BUT NOT AN ISOLATED ISSUE

adjacent Ward 7 neighborhoods— Kingman Park on the western side and River Terrace to the east—have been deeply involved in plans for Kingman Island and its sister site, Heritage Island. “Kingman Park and River Terrace—I think they're the reason that Kingman Island has that collective community vision of ‘this is for natural resources, this is for education,’” Cain said. “There's people in River Terrace who are like, ‘I grew up fishing there 40 years ago.’... So there are these really good champions who are invested in this area.” Frazier said that his own advocacy on behalf of the parkland around his neighborhood is about more than nature—it’s about justice, both environmental and economic. The valuable land around RFK Stadium has seen years of vacancy and neglect, and Frazier said investments have been left in “jurisdictional purgatory” as federal ownership complicates development. “Whether it be National Harbor, Old Town Alexandria, the Wharf— we see what happens when you can make investments in waterfront land and waterfront communities, and we also see what happens when you don't make those investments,”

Frazier said. “And we’re on the latter [side] of that equation.” Development proposals for Kingman Island came and went throughout the 20th century—unrealized plans included an airport and a children’s amusement park. The federal government transferred the land to D.C. in 1996, and in the early 2000s the city began to look into using the island for nature education. Mayor Muriel Bowser designated parts of Kingman and Heritage Islands as a State Conservation Area in 2018. “Any means of environmental rehabilitation and improvement is always going to be a step in the right direction, but it's a very small step,” Frazier said. “As improvements are being put in place for that waterfront property, [the city should be] making sure that the voices of these communities and those long standing residents that went through all of the pollution and all of the environmental damage done over the series of generations—that they are equally heard, equally compensated, equally validated and equal participants.” Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI

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Cain said that residents from

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Category 5 or 6 Massive Hurricanes Threaten Black Folks Most By Willy Blackmore Word in Black

This article was originally published online with Word In Black, a collaboration of the nation's leading Black news publishers (of which the Informer is a member). Hurricane Katrina was a rarity in many ways. Of all the hurricanes that hit the Gulf Coast, few make landfall as Category 5 storms like it did. The Saffir-Simpson Scale, which ranks storms based on wind speed, was first introduced in the 1970s, and between 1980 and 2021, only 197 tropical cyclones (including hurricanes in the Atlantic and typhoons in the Pacific) have surpassed the 156-mile-per-hour threshold of category 5. But in a warming world, storms are becoming more intense, making these highest-category storms like Katrina more common, with half of those Category 5 tropical cyclones occurring between 2004 and 2021. Some scientists are even arguing that the five-level scale is too limited, and a new paper in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences says we need a Category 6 now, too. The paper, published Feb. 5, suggests that any tropical cyclone with wind speeds over 192 miles per hour be designated a Category 6 storm. To date, five tropical cyclones with such wind speeds have been documented, including Hurricane Haiyan, which defeated parts of the Philippines in 2013. While there have been no hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico or Atlantic as of yet (all of the would-be Category 6 storms were in the Pacific), it’s likely only a matter before such a storm threatens the United States — and as is always the case with hurricanes, it will be Black people who are disproportionately at risk. With nearly half of Black Americans living in the Southeast, hurricanes (and the flooding that often comes with them) have an outsized effect on the communi-

ty. According to research from the McKinsey Group, Black people even within this hurricane-prone part of the country, are nearly two times more likely to be affected by a hurricane than other residents. If there’s one overarching reason why the Southeast still has such a high concentration of Black people — centuries of chattel slavery, which persisted for the longest in the South — more recent forms of structural racism have made the region more dangerous for Black communities than others when it comes to storms. Consider again Katrina: four out of the seven zip codes that saw the most damage from the storm were at least 75% Black. That includes neighborhoods like the Lower Ninth Ward, the low-lying neighborhood that was devastated in 2005 — and was also redlined in the 1930s, which led to Black families being concentrated there in the first place. Not all scientists are convinced, however, that a new hurricane category is necessary or even advisable. While no one is arguing the fact that storms are getting stronger, some are skeptical that having another level to rate storms would make people living in the paths of those storms take them any more seriously. If some people won’t — or can’t — evacuate when a Category 5 storm is heading their way, will it be any different if the hurricane is designated a Category 6? But whether the scale is expanded or not, the fact remains: more powerful storms are more and more likely, and they will eventually make landfall in the Southeast too. WI

5 A new paper suggests a need for a sixth-level storm category to increase urgency about intense storms. (Courtesy Photo)

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 23

EDUCATION DMV Education Updates

Frederick Douglass High School Celebrates Centennial, Maryland Higher Education Commission Extends FAFSA Deadline By Richard Elliott and Stacy M. Brown WI Contributing Reporter and WI Senior Writer

SUPREME COURT DECLINES ADMISSION POLICY CHALLENGE AT FAIRFAX SCHOOL

In a move that sidesteps a potential showdown over race and education, the Supreme Court opted not to engage in a divisive debate by rejecting a challenge to an admissions policy at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Fairfax County, Virginia, on Tuesday, Feb. 20. The policy, implemented in 2022, aimed at fostering diversity, has sparked controversy as it some allege it targets Asian American students. The policy omits consideration of standardized test scores and ensures placements for high-performing students from various middle schools in the county. Officials claim the policy is race neutral. However, dissenting conservative justices Samuel Alito and Clarence Thomas argued that the court should have struck down the policy. “We should wipe the decision off the books,” Alito wrote, expressing his disagreement with the lower court’s ruling that allowed the admissions process to continue. Some argued that the recent changes in the admissions policy led to a noticeable shift in demographics at the highly selective public high school. The number of Asian American students declined, while Black and Latino student enrollment increased. According to the most recent demographics for the 2023-2024 school year, Jefferson High tallied 65.6% Asian students, 19.7% white students,

24 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

6.1% Latinx students, and 4% African American students. Coalition for TJ, a group opposing the school’s policy, filed a lawsuit alleging that the plan was implemented with the intent to “racially balance the freshman class by excluding Asian-Americans.” In response, the school board defended the policy, asserting it “removes both socioeconomic and geographic barriers” through race-neutral and blind criteria. The decision follows the Supreme Court’s earlier move to end the consideration of race in college admissions, which occurred last June. In that ruling, the court invalidated admissions programs at Harvard University and the University of North Carolina, sparking renewed debate on affirmative action. WI

GEORGE WASHINGTON AND DCPS TEAM UP FOR EQUITY-CENTERED EDUCATION LEADERSHIP COHORT

Following multiple years of planning and preparation, George Washington University’s Graduate School of Education and Human Development (GSEHD) recently announced the equity-centered Educational Leadership and Administration (ELA) program’s first leadership cohort, who will be working with District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS). George Washington faculty members Rebecca Thessin, Leslie Trimmer, Jennifer Clayton and Abebayehu Tekleselassie along with their ELA faculty colleagues, collaborated on the program’s redesign efforts and

5 Frederick Douglass High School is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. (Courtesy Photo/PGCPS)

prepared for the DCPS cohort launch last fall. DCPS was one of eight school systems awarded Wallace funding to form a new pipeline that improved opportunity for more diverse and inclusive principals and school administration staff. The 18-month cohort is intended for college students getting a masters or educational degree. Students must complete over 325 hours in the classroom putting their educational training to the test. “It has been exciting to partner with GW’s ELA faculty to bring the vision of the cohort come to fruition, and DCPS is looking forward to sustaining our partnership to continue to educate aspiring school leaders who will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to lead with equity,” said DCPS’ Director of Pipeline Initiatives Tynika Young-Aleibar. WI

FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL CELEBRATES 100TH YEAR

Frederick Douglass High School is celebrating its 100th year of continuous schooling and is the oldest school originally founded for Black students in Prince George’s County. The 11 students in the first graduating class attended the then-Marlboro Colored High School in a schoolhouse formerly used by white students. The first class under the current name graduated in 1936. There are currently over 1,000 students enrolled at the school. “The drive and passion for educat-

ing Black youth in Upper Marlboro, and Prince George's County has always been a high priority. Our legacy is solidified by the countless number of productive citizens this small school has produced,” said Frederick Douglass High School (FDHS) Alumni Association President Aaron Person. Maryland State Delegates Kent Roberson (D- District 25) and Debra Davis (D- District 26), County Councilmember Sydney Harrison (D- District 9), former Delegates Beatrice Tignor and Susie Proctor, former Board of Education Chair R. Owen Johnson and NFL linebacker Shawne Merriman are all Douglass Eagles. Their alumni association is holding the first-ever Douglass Family Reunion to connect their alumni this year, and they plan to make this an annual ritual. WI

MARYLAND HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION EXTENDS FAFSA DEADLINE, STREAMLINES STATE APPLICATION PROCESS

The Maryland Higher Education Commission (MHEC), the state’s regulatory and coordinating board for higher education, has made two big announcements over the past month that will make doing online applications significantly easier and more convenient. MHEC’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) submission deadline has been extended to June 1, giving students additional time to

Celebrating its 100th year of continuous schooling, Frederick Douglass High School is the oldest school originally founded for Black students in Prince George’s County.

ensure they receive their maximum qualified financial aid packages. “The FAFSA is the application for most of Maryland’s need-based scholarships and grants,” said MHEC Acting Secretary Dr. Sanjay Rai. “It is critical that when the application opens, our students are not only part of the federal financial aid process, but become eligible for millions of dollars in Maryland scholarships and grants available to them though the Maryland Higher Education Commission.” MHEC has also created an app called MHEC One-App that will allow prospective students of colleges, universities and trade schools to apply for all state scholarships in one location. The commission currently administers 27 different state scholarships to over 60,000 students annually. WI

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Tell Us What Matters to You We want your feedback on our Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposals. Metro is facing an unprecedented $750 million budget deficit and without additional funding, service cuts are a possibility and Metro must plan accordingly. Metro is considering the following fare and service changes starting July 1, 2024: Metrobus service reductions and route eliminations

Metrorail service reductions and station closures

MetroAccess service reductions

Increased fares and parking rates

View the complete budget proposals at wmata.com/budget to learn more.

Provide feedback by 5 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, 2024. Take the survey and provide comments Visit wmata.com/budget or scan the code.

Participate in an In-Person Public Hearing All public hearings begin at 6 p.m., with an open house starting at 5 p.m. At the open house, attendees can ask questions to Metro staff about the proposed changes.

In-Person Public Hearings

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Monday, February 26, 2024

Thursday, February 29, 2024 12:00 p.m.

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Tuesday, February 27, 2024 Metro Headquarters

Participate in a Virtual Public Hearing To participate by phone, call 206-899-2028 and enter meeting code 164 729 013. To participate by video, email speak@wmata.com by 5 p.m. the day before the public hearing.

300 7th Street SW Washington, DC

Wednesday, February 28, 2024 Arlington County Board Room 2100 Clarendon Blvd. Ste. #307 Arlington, VA

Watch or listen live to the public hearings at wmata.com/budget or at youtube.com/MetroForward

We're here to help if you need additional accommodations

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Public participation is solicited without regard to race, color, national origin, age, gender, religion, disability, or family status. ASL interpretation will be provided. To request other accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act or other language interpretation services (free of charge), contact the Office of the Board Secretary at 202-962-2511 (TTY: 202-962-2033) or send a message to speak@wmata.com as soon as possible, so Metro can make the necessary arrangements before the public hearing date.

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2/2/24 3:17 PM

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATING BLACK DANCE AND THEATRE

African Americans’ Historic Contributions to Theatre and Dance

D.C. Actors, Dance Educator Highlight Value of Black Theater and Dance By Jada Ingleton and Micha Green WI Intern and WI Managing Editor

ists--- with legacies beyond the nation’s capital--- highlight African Americans’ contributions not only to art, but to the progress of this nation and world.

Throughout U.S. history, African American theatremakers and dancers have used their talents to educate, entertain and empower audiences. In D.C.--- from dancer, director and visionary Mike Malone, to the District-based arts company Step Afrika!---theatre and dance have intersected in a revolutionary and culture shifting way, that continues to challenge injustices and strengthen society. “Artists shift culture,” said District native and theatre-maker Chelsea Dee, who has spent more than two decades navigating throughout D.C. 's theatre and dance communities. “Artists make us confront the reality of our connectedness. Artists encourage societies to remember that we are interconnected- our pasts, present, and future are all bound up together.” This year, the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the founders of Black History Month, is celebrating “African Americans and the Arts,” acknowledging Black artists’ contributions to overall culture. Black theatre and movement makers in the District and nation have historically proven to be cultural curators, paving paths for new ideals and promoting positive change. As theatre and dance influences culture at large, the work of many local, Black theatre and movement art-

THE INTERSECTION OF THEATRE AND DANCE AS EXPERIENCES, BLACK ART SHAPING NARRATIVES

Often using physical action as a means of tapping into the work, Russian theatre practitioner Konstantin Stanislavski (1863-1938) described acting as “experiencing.” Similarly, African American dancer, choreographer, and visionary Alvin Ailey (1931-1989) described dance, saying, “each movement is the sum total of moments and experiences.” True to their artforms, historically, Black theatre and dance artists have emphasized the importance of experiencing truths through art. Through theatre, African Americans are “seen as all kinds of people as opposed to just one kind of person’s representation,” explained D.C. native and multi-hyphenate artist Roz White, who plays Zelma Bullock, Tina Turner’s mother, in the Broadway national tour “Tina-The Tina Turner Musical.” While many white artists tried to make a mockery of African Americans for white audiences through minstrel shows-- using blackface and shucking and jiving---Black theatre makers and dancers worked to reveal truths about the world through their work. In 1821, the African Grove Theatre

was founded in New York City by William Alexander Brown, the first published Black playwright. Though there are no records of the company after the early to mid 1820s, the African Grove paved the way for Black artists nationwide.

A TIMELINE OF D.C. BLACK THEATRE AND DANCE: FROM THE HOWARD PLAYERS, BLACK ARTS INSTITUTIONS, STEPPING, TO TODAY

By the early 1900s, local Black artists were intentional about theatre-and-movement-making. In 1907, The Howard Players were formed, and by 1919 the university began offering dramatic art courses. During the “New Negro Movement,” of the 1920s and 30s, D.C. also proved as an important location for Black artists to work, network, and thrive. The U-Street corridor was coined Black Broadway for all of its African American performance venues, including the historic Howard Theatre and Lincoln Theatre which still stand today. Training institutes such as Ber-

3 Scurlock Photography Studio’s photo of Berniece Hammond’s Northeast Dance Academy class showcases dance as a key aspect of African American artistic expression in the District in the early-to-mid 20th century. (Courtesy Photo/Black Dance DMV/ Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of American History)

nice Hammond’s Northeast Academy of Dance, founded in 1934, and Jones-Haywood Dance School, celebrating more than 80 years in business, created safe spaces for Black youth to learn more about dance, themselves and the world. “We were perfecting a technique that wasn’t created with African bodies in mind. To learn the technique from Black ballet dancers- dancers who loved and advanced the art form- taught me how to see and feel beauty even in spaces not intended for me,” multi-hyphenate artist Chelsea Dee told The Informer, recalling her time at Jones-Haywood.

As African American sororities and fraternities, founded in the early 1900s, evolved at historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), so did traditions. “Greek Sings,” when sororities and fraternities showcased sacred songs, began incorporating movements. By 1976, Howard presented the first “Greek Show,” that included the art of stepping. Step Afrika! founder C. Brian Williams, a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and Howard graduate, noted stepping as a distinctly Black art with African origins.

THEATRE Page 32

Love your heart, live your best! Did you know that African Americans are 30% more likely to die from heart disease? Want to take charge of your heart health? We got you! Call 202-363-4248, option 2 to schedule your yearly wellness visit today. Let’s work together to reduce heart disease within the African American community.

Scan the QR code to get information about the risks and symptoms of heart disease.

This program is funded in part by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health Care Finance.

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 27

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATING BLACK THEATRE: A LOCAL THEATRE THAT LAUNCHED THE CAREERS OF MANY

D.C. Black Repertory Company: A Trailblazer in Black Theatre and Arts for the District and Beyond By Sam P.K Collins WI Staff Writer

Throughout the 1970s and beyond, D.C. Black Repertory Company produced more than 20 classical, contemporary and original plays. Founded by Robert Hooks in 1971, the company also provided untold hours of theater instruction to who would become some of the greatest artists of their time. This storied institution, inspired by the riots that sparked after the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s assassination, launched the careers of Lynn Whitfield, Kene Holliday of “Matlock” fame, Lyn Dyson, LaVerne Reed, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Amii Stewart, and several others. Hooks, a native Washingtonian and veteran actor, explained in 2018, he worked hard to ensure he and his

artistic director casted talented, Black professionals from the very beginning of the theatre. “I insisted on including 15 of the most professional actors to do the plays,” Hooks told The Informer. From that point, the artists went into rehearsals for four weeks. Meanwhile, the theater company worked to expose youth to the arts. Tech rehearsals were conducted with some of the notable people in the industry training young people. Such a recipe resulted in plays such as Bernice Reagon’s “Upon This Rock,” “Evan Walker’s Coda,” and “Owen’s Song.” For years, actors, directors, choreographers, dancers and singers operated out of what was then called The Last Colony, a Petworth-based movie theater, and later a fire station on Georgia Avenue and New Hampshire Avenue in Northwest.

After D.C. Black Repertory Company dissolved in 1976, Dyson counted among those who formed The Rep Inc. That organization thrived well into the 1990s, despite Reagan-era cuts to the National Endowment for the Arts. Over the years, the D.C. Black Repertory Alumni Association and Multi-Media Training Institute, the latter of which Dyson founded, have continued to honor the work of Black artists who have contributed to the company. In a recent interview on WINTV’s “Let’s Talk,” Dyson explained how Hooks and the D.C. Black Repertory paved the way for his work and many others. “Hooks was a trailblazer,” Dyson told The Informer. Without D.C. Black Rep, there would be no Multi-Media Training Institute. He gave so much to us. And he was a

role model and now we have to give back.” Dyson, a Howard alumnus, has provided thousands of youth with after-school programming, enrichment and entrepreneurship training. After the shuttering of Blackowned theater companies across major U.S. cities, there remains a 5 During the 1970s, D.C. Black Repertory Company launched question of just the careers of many artists and it’s legacy continues to inspire how to do that, theatre artists to this day. (Courtesy Photo) especially since, as independent endeavors like that of Hooks told The Informer, many of the D.C. Black Repertory Company. the Black Hollywood elite are unWI willing to invest their resources into @SamPKCollins

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH Washington Gas Celebrates Black History Month We are honored to celebrate Black History Month. Each week during February 2024, we will profile one of our employees and share in their own words what Black history means to them. Wayne Jacas Director, Construction Program Strategy and Management Black History Month is an opportunity for our country to bring attention to the contributions of the Black people who have helped shape the nation's history. It is a time to celebrate our rich cultural heritage, triumphs and adversities as we acknowledge key figures from our past and present. My own celebration includes learning something new about our history and teaching my kids about non-mainstream figures and their influence. Most recently, I have been researching the impacts Blacks made during World War I and World War II, as detailed in the documentaries "The Harlem Hellfighters" and "The Wereth Eleven." I believe the best way to celebrate Black History Month beyond February is to proactively learn about our people's history. Then, use that knowledge to educate our children, ally with marginalized communities and discuss what you have discovered. Time is the most valuable gift you can offer, so find a local organization that needs support and volunteer your talents. I have a particular interest in STEM educational access for Black youth in underserved communities so I often embrace hands-on outreach opportunities. I am the Vice President of Programs for the 100 Black Men of Maryland, Inc., and have held this role for the last two years. With the full support of the chapter, I developed a youth leadership program to reach male students from various areas of the state. I truly have a heart for mentoring young men, from building rockets and taking field trips to discover Maryland's Black pioneers to public speaking lessons and supporting parents through academic challenges. As Co-Chair of the African American Resource Council at Washington Gas, I have the distinct honor of working with an amazing team to represent and advocate for our members and allies. I am grateful for the opportunity to move forward with our shared mission of creating a community that advances inclusion, cultural awareness, organizational equity and opportunities for African Americans. I am passionate about social action and legislative advancement, and I believe in a boots-on-theground approach to voter education, registration and mobilization. To support these goals, I have participated in several endeavors to increase the voting population across Maryland. I look forward to continuing this important work. Most of all, I am grateful that Washington Gas supports and celebrates cultural differences in our workforce and the communities that we serve. .

CELEBRATING BLACK DANCERS AND THEATRE ARTISTS: ‘THE GRANDFATHER’ OF D.C.’S MODERN BLACK ARTS SCENE

Reflections on Mike Malone: An Innovator with a Mission to Educate, Empower Black Youth through the Arts By Micha Green WI Managing Editor A leader in Washington, D.C.’s Black arts movement, Mike Malone’s work not only changed the lives of thousands of Black artists, but revolutionized arts education and theatre in the nation and world. Although born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on February 25, 1943, Malone is key to the District’s arts history and culture. “He's such a pioneer. He's so ingrained in the early careers of those of us who studied the arts in D.C. in the late 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s,” said multi-hyphenate artist Roz White, a District native currently starring as Zelma Bullock, Tina Turner’s mother, in the Broadway national tour “Tina- The Tina Turner Musical.” After dancing in Paris and being taken under the wing of Josephine Baker, Malone graduated from Georgetown in 1964. He received a masters in French literature from Howard University in 1967.

The artist began teaching at Howard in the early 1970s, and also led the D.C. Black Repertory Dance Company until 1977. Along with Peggy Cooper-Cafritz, he also co-founded Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Northwest, D.C., which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Malone died on December 4, 2006. He was 63. For Malone, exposing youth to the power of the arts was important. “He was able to pull artists from the grassroots… and put us all together on one stage and create these beautiful stories that help people understand a little bit better about who we are as artists and as Black people,” the Duke Ellington and Howard University alumna told The Informer. White said almost two decades since his death, Malone’s legacy continues. “He was the grandfather of it all when it came to making sure that young artists got the support that they needed to pursue careers in the arts, whether it be behind the scenes or on stage.” WI

5 As a theatre-maker, co-founder of Duke Ellington School of the Arts and longtime professor at Howard University, Mike Malone was a trailblazer to D.C.’s Black arts scene. (Courtesy Photo)

30 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

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BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATING BLACK DANCE: A D.C. GEM THAT SPREADS JOY WORLDWIDE THROUGH MOVEMENT

30 Years of Step Afrika: Bringing the Art of Stepping to the Masses, Honoring its Roots By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

Inspired by the sacred and celebrated traditions of African American sororities and fraternities, Step Afrika! has revolutionized the art of stepping and exposed the world to historic, powerful and beautiful Black narratives and culture. Celebrating its 30th year, the D.C.-based arts company has not only brought step beyond college yards and to the masses, but also continues to emphasize the importance of using art to spread joy. “I think that's one of my big things, to bring joy into spaces,” said C. Brian Williams, Step Afrika’s founder and executive producer. “Step Afrika! has performed in every corner of Washington, D.C., and whether we walk into a school in Southeast, D.C., or wherever, we're trying to bring a little joy to the space.”

Since its inception in 1994, Step Afrika! has been an innovator in exposing the art of stepping to the District, nation and world. Williams told The Informer Step Afrika! started with “a strong belief in African American history and culture and trying to bring that forward in new and exciting ways.” “The motivation was to really preserve and promote stepping as a uniquely American art form,” he explained. “And, now we've preserved and documented [stepping], which is important because we had to do it ourselves. And then the rest of the world kind of caught up.” Step Afrika! audiences learn and celebrate Black narratives through performances such as the company’s holiday spectacular, “Drumfolk,” and “The Migration: Reflections on Jacob Lawrence,” which is returning to Arena Stage June 7-July 14. “It tells the story of The Great Migration… and interprets Jacob

Lawrence's fantastic collection called ‘The Migration Series,’” Williams said. “You get the chance to see his beautiful work on the stage. And also Step Afrika’s performance and interpretation, bringing his paintings to life.” More 30th anniversary celebrations include a gala on June 4 and the organization is currently raising funds to tour southern Africa in September. WIth tours across the city, nation and world, Step Afrika’s visionary said he is “loving every moment of this creative life.” “I love that Step Afrika! is now one of the largest African American dance companies in the world today and one of the most celebrated,” Williams told The Informer. Over the years, Step Afrika! has never wavered from its mission of supporting Black artists, introducing step to the community, and showcasing the brilliance of Black culture.

5 Celebrating 30 years, Step Afrika! has been a leader in exposing the District, nation and world to the power and beauty of stepping as a means of sharing Black narratives and culture and spreading joy. Step Afrika! performed with D.C. native Christylez Bacon as part of President Joe Biden’s 2023 Juneteenth Concert. (WI File Photo)

Wiliams said staying true to its values has been the secret to Step Afrika!’s survival and success. “I feel like that is why we survived 30 years is because we really have

centered artists and the art form,” he said. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

AS WE CELEBRATE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

IN FEBRUARY, WE RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF SO MANY WHO HAVE HELPED SHAPE THE

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FACE AND FUTURE OF OUR NATION.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR,

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 31

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

CELEBRATING BLACK DANCE: A LEADING INSTITUTE FOR LOCAL BLACK DANCERS

Jones-Haywood’s Offers Dance Training, Life Lessons By Micha Green WI Managing Editor

More than 80 years ago, Doris Jones and Claire Haywood not only started a dance studio to offer top-notch training, they created a safe space for Black dancers to grow as artists and learn to navigate the world. “Brown buns and brown skin and brown ballet shoes and tights- I loved ballet as a little girl and Jones-Haywood was where I saw myself reflected in the ballet world,” multi-hyphenate artist and theatre-maker Chelsea Dee told The Informer. Since 1941, Jones-Haywood Dance School has trained countless successful alumni including, threetime Tony winner Hinton Battle, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and Tony-award winning performer Chita Rivera, and celebrated choreographer George Faison. With a long reputation of excellence Jones-Haywood has been referred to as a “dance-feeder institution,” for Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre and Dance Theatre of Harlem. Now an arts educator, Chelsea Dee said Jones-Haywood taught her far more than choreography. “We had a place to learn about our

THEATRE from Page 27 “Step was really a product of the African American experience in this country,” Williams told The Informer. “Frat brothers and sorority sisters, chose to use their bodies as an instrument to express love and pride in the organization and their organizations. That's the result of African American experience since the drums were taken away [in 1739] in the Stono Rebellion.” By the Black Arts Movement of the 1970s, D.C. further contributed to local and nationwide cultural and artistic shifts. Dancer, director and innovator Mike Malone nurtured the careers of thousands of local artists through his work as a musical theatre professor at Howard and co-founder of Duke Ellington School of the Arts, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

32 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

5 In 1941 Doris Jones and Claire Haywood started a dance school that has trained many Black dancers, choreographers and artists. Jones-Haywood continues to offer dance classes to this day. (Courtesy Photo)

bodies and to begin to appreciate the strength and power of our bodies,” she explained. “We were also perfecting a technique that wasn’t created with African bodies in mind. To learn the technique from Black ballet dancers- dancers who loved and advanced the art form- taught me how to see and feel beauty- even in spaces not intended for me.” WI “I believe that D.C.’s Black theater is the foundation for some of these amazing artists,” said White, who studied under Malone as a Duke Ellington and Howard alumna. For Williams, founder of the D.C.based step organization, part of celebrating Black movement and theatre is ensuring that all people are exposed to the artforms year round. “We celebrate Black art every day, every, every minute. For me, art is life. And so we want to create as many opportunities for others-- art gives us a chance to reflect,” Williams explained. Howard associate professor Dr. Khalid Y. Long, who also serves as vice president conference planner of the August Wilson Society, emphasized Black art’s, and particularly theatre’s, ability to effect change. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com.

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EDITORIAL

Why ‘Keep the Beat Week’ is about more than Go-Go, It’s About Cultural Sustainability From Feb. 18-23, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and the Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME) is hosting events to celebrate the fourth anniversary of Go-Go becoming the official music of the nation’s capital. However, the District’s “Keep the Beat Week,” is about more than music, it’s about cultural sustainability. Almost five years ago, in spring 2019, residents took to the streets to advocate for keeping the sound of go-go alive. A neighborhood dispute over public music at the corners of 7th Street NW and Florida Avenue NW, almost prevented a longtime business from playing gogo over a speaker. With go-go as a staple sound heard for years on that block, many District residents and activists took to the streets to protest the attempts to mute the music. The protests, however, were about more than music. Many activists took to the streets speaking out against gentrification, the closing of go-go venues and other beloved D.C. establishments, a lack of affordable housing, and economic disparities facing Black and white residents. With so many challenges facing Black Washingtonians, taking away go-go was the last straw in the fight for cultural sustainability and overall justice. The following February, Bowser signed the “Go-Go Official Music of the District of Columbia Designation Act of 2020,” making the genre the official sound of the nation’s capital. To this day, Black D.C. residents face disparities. According to the D.C. Fiscal Policy Institute” “In D.C., white households have 81 times the wealth of Black households and 22 times the wealth of Latinx households.” Further what was once considered “Chocolate City,” with more Black residents than white, is no longer the case. According to Census.gov, white Washingtonians account for 46.2% of the population, while Black Washingtonians account for 45%. Statistics prove the very real need to keep D.C.’s Black culture alive and thriving in order to combat erasure. As we celebrate “Keep the Beat,” week, it is still important to discuss more than music, but ways we can work toward a more equitable District, and continue’s D.C.’s strong Black history, values, traditions and legacy. WI

THERE’S NO STEALING, STOPPING BLACK JOY

The Revolutionary and Infectious Nature of Black Joy

For more than four centuries—- from American chattel slavery to today— African Americans have had to toil with injustices. However, despite racial disparities and attacks, whether on a micro or macro scale, many have chosen joy as a means of combating systemic oppression. With health and economic disparities, police violence, and environmental injustice, among other challenges, facing Black Americans, choosing joy is an act of resilience and revolution in itself. Finding joy in simple moments is one way African Americans have worked to historically choose joy. Consider the sacred Negro spiritual “Shout for Joy,” which sings, “Early in the morning, shout for joy,” and “I feel like praying, shout for joy.” Or what about Beyoncé Knowles-Carter’s 2022 hit “Break My Soul,” which declares despite life’s trials such as hard work, sleepless nights and navigating relationships, “You won’t break my soul.” Even when times are hard, nothing can steal the power of Black joy. A scene of pure, unfiltered Black joy was on display on Friday, Feb. 16 in downtown, D.C., after a Woolly Mammoth Theatre Blackout performance was interrupted by a fire alarm. Blackout performances are when the entire audience is intentionally Black identifying, creating a safe space for Black audiences in theatre to experience and reflect on what’s happening on stage and in the world. This performance was as part of the world-premiere run of “The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes,” by Vivian J.O. Barnes, which is about a fictional HBCU dance team working to get to homecoming. As the fire alarm stopped the action and required the entire building to evacuate to the cold temperatures, people were surprised when the show’s cast and band took to the streets to perform for the now displaced audience.

TO THE EDITOR I was very impressed with last week’s issue and particularly enjoyed the cover story featuring the young and promising couple. Wishing those entrepreneurs more love and success! Tony Simmons Landover, Md.

Shout out to Eric B. and Rakim, A Tribe Called Quest, and Mary J. Blige for being recognized as nominees for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 2024 induction class. They are all so deserving, and I hope each is selected. Their music crafted and shaped hip-hop culture and stands the test of time. Ren Cooper Washington, D.C.

In the middle of D Street NW, in downtown D.C., the band played Geniuine’s “Pony,” (1996) as the cast danced and the audience cheered, clapped and celebrated. Angry drivers beeped their horns for the massive crowd to cross the street, but the large group of Black artists and arts appreciators strutted across the road in a joyous manner, never missing a beat. It was beautiful, bold, unapologetic Black joy at its finest. Nothing could stop the art and even a fire alarm couldn’t stop the show. But more importantly, even after the action stopped on stage, nothing could prevent the infectious nature of

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Black joy. The beauty of Black joy is that it can’t be contained. Black joy spreads to those whose path it crosses. Soon after the theatergoers took to the streets, passerbyers began to gather to take in the scene. As the nation and world navigate tough times and challenges, it is important to uplift Black joy as a means of combating the trials. In small or major instances, choosing joy is a way to not let the haters get one down, and to remain positive despite obstacles in our personal lives and in the world. WI

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 33

OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist

Julianne Malveaux

The Foundations of Black History Month

Did you know that Black History Month was once Negro History Week? The first Negro History Week was established on Feb. 7, 1926, by Dr. Carter G. Woodson, the second African American to get a Ph.D. in history after Dr. WEB DuBois earned him in 1895. Woodson said that most history books "overlooked, ignored, and even suppressed the accomplishments of Black people. Woodson was both

a visionary and an unusual academic, having worked on farms and in mines before beginning high school at age 20. He founded the Association on the Study of African American Life and Culture in 1915. He picked the second week of February for Negro History Week because it included both President Abraham Lincoln's Feb. 12 birthday and abolitionist Frederick Douglass' chosen Feb. 14 birthday. (Douglas did not know when his actual birthday was because his birth was recorded in a property ledger indicating only that he was born in February. His birth was

Guest Columnist

recorded in an inventory of horses, cattle and plowing tools. Because enslaved people were not regarded as human, the date of their birth was of less consequence than their worth.) During the 1960s, Negro History Week evolved into Black History Month, and President Gerald Ford was the first president to issue a proclamation proclaiming February as Black History Month in 1976, our nation's bicentennial year. Ford's proclamation urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans

in every area of endeavor throughout our history." Since then, every president has issued a Black History Month proclamation. On Jan. 31 of this year, President Biden said, "I am reminded of something Amelia Boynton said when reflecting on her march across the Edmund Pettus Bridge on what would be known as Bloody Sunday: 'You can never know where you're going unless you know where you've been.' "America is a great Nation because we choose to learn the good, the bad, and the full truth of the history of our

country — histories and truths that we must preserve and protect for the next generation. This National Black History Month, as we remember where we have been, may we also recognize that our only way forward is by marching together." Do we really march together? Forty-four states have introduced legislation to restrict the ways race matters are taught, concerned that white students might be "indoctrinated" to "hate" our country. Why does the truth hurt

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David W. Marshall

Whites Must Feel the Direct Pain from White Supremacy

The meaning of being "woke" is simple. It means being awakened to the needs of others. Being "woke" is understanding something you may not have previously understood while now arriving at the point of acceptance. It means to be well-informed, thoughtful, compassionate, humble and kind. Being "woke" is having an eagerness to make the world a better place for all people. While the backlash against "wokeism"

is growing, many people fail to understand its simplistic meaning. Others fully understand it, but they find that the rightful outcome of social justice is too uncomfortable to accept. As we celebrate Black History Month this February, we cannot forget how Black history remains a valuable piece of American history — the two are intertwined. Regarding professional sports, sports will never be immune from the historical impact of social and cultural issues. One example is Jack Kemp and the 1965 AFL All-Star football game. Kemp was a nine-term Republican

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congressman from Western New York. His racial awakening was evident long before "wokeism" became common in modern politics. Before his political career, Kemp was once a star quarterback in the old American Football League. He earned the AFL Most Valuable Player award in 1965 after leading the Buffalo Bills to a second consecutive football championship. He played in the AFL All-Star game seven times during his 10-year career. He was also co-founder of the AFL Players Association. Despite his success on the football field and later in politics,

little is known about his role in the 1965 AFL All-Star Game boycott. The 1965 boycott was often referred to as "The Stand" and remains an unfamiliar story of Black history. Following the completion of the 1964 AFL season, the 1965 AFL AllStar game was scheduled to be played in New Orleans, a city hungry for its own professional football franchise. Leaders of the host city were faced with an awkward balancing act. They wanted to show representatives from the AFL and the NFL that New Orleans could support its own franchise but had to do

so in the racially charged South during a period shortly after the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. City sponsors assured AFL representatives that the city would be safe for its Black players. Unfortunately, a different story unfolded once players began arriving in the city. Many Black players were quick to realize that Jim Crow was still alive and well despite the new law that banned discrimination based on race. The players were repeatedly denied cab service or taken to the wrong locations. One

MARSHALL Page 53

Charlene Crowell

U.S. Forgives Nearly $137 Billion of Student Loans for 3.7M Borrowers

Teachers, social workers and other public servants are among those expected to benefit from recent Biden administration efforts to expand eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness. Collectively, these borrowers will be relieved of $4.9 billion in debt in return for their service to communities that earned them forgiveness un-

der Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) and Income-Driven Repayment (IDR). "The Biden-Harris administration has worked relentlessly to fix our country's broken student loan system and address the needless hurdles and administrative inaccuracies that, in the past, kept borrowers from getting the student debt forgiveness they deserved," said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. James Kvaal, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, added, "The Biden-Harris administration is not

34 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

going to stop until we've helped all of those harmed by the broken student loan system." Announced by the federal Department of Education in January, this latest expansion boosts the Biden administration's total student loan forgiveness to $136.6 billion for more than 3.7 million borrowers. Here's how this unprecedented loan relief was accomplished: • $56.7 billion for 793,400 borrowers enrolled in PSLF since October 2021. Prior to the Biden-Harris administration's fixes to PSLF, only

about 7,000 borrowers had ever received forgiveness. • $45.7 billion in IDR relief for 930,500 borrowers. • $11.7 billion for almost 513,000 borrowers with a total and permanent disability. • $22.5 billion for more than 1.3 million borrowers who were cheated by their schools, saw their institutions precipitously close, or are covered by related court settlements. In late 2023, the Federal Reserve determined that although most consumers pay $400 or less in monthly

loan payments, 19% of borrowers pay far more. As reported by Motley Fool, payments between $500 and $999 are made by 14% of borrowers, while payments of $1,000 or more are paid by 5% of borrowers. "Outstanding student loan debt exceeds outstanding auto loan debt and credit card debt," recently noted Rohit Chopra, director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). "If student loan borrowers are unable to successfully enroll in

CROWELL Page 53

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OPINIONS/EDITORIALS Guest Columnist Right to Be Angry

Let's get this straight. There was a time when Black women were depended upon to take care of other people's children, cook their food, clean their homes, and do other unmentionable things. So from where does all this hatefulness come? Why are we now known as "angry Black women?" Fulton County DA Fani Willis was determined to be this smart

Black woman who was doing so well that she was certain to be able to rightly convict "The Donald" and his crew that participated in helping to cover things up for him as it's clear he just wanted the top election official in Georgia to find 11,700 ballots to help him win the state! It's recorded. What more proof is needed to find "The Donald" guilty of trying to steal an election? That's the crime! DA Fani Willis — a smart, well-qualified Black woman — was the person with the charge to tell the man, "You can't do that,

Guest Columnist

Dr. E. Faye Williams, Esq. (Ret.) Donald. People have to vote and be legally counted to add to the number of people voting for you." He didn't like that because he thinks even though he'd lost the election, he should be able to do anything he wanted to do to get enough votes. The truth was too much for the man! He'd been accustomed to doing whatever he wanted to do, like lie, cheat, steal and rape women, to get what he wanted. One woman by the name of E. Jean Carroll had just taught him that is not the way things work. New York Attorney

General Tish James — another smart Black woman — was in the process of showing him you don't sit around and blame your friends, let them go to jail for you, and bully judges to have your way. Now, "The Donald" found out that all women are not crazy, dumb or incompetent. He's paying a heavy price finally. DA Willis finally said enough is enough. She said, "I have the right to defend myself," and under oath, she made it clear she takes care of herself and no matter how salacious prosecutors tried to

make her, they will never be able to prove she somehow needed to have a man she was seeing take care of her. She paid her way with money she earned apart from the man she was dating at the time. Attorney Nathan Wade confirms that. Several elderly white men and a white woman tried to project what they would have done onto DA Willis. They haven't proved she did anything illegal. She did what most Black women were taught.

WILLIAMS Page 54

Marc H. Morial

How Uninsured and Underinsured Americans Can Access Free COVID Vaccines

"We have more tools than ever to protect against serious COVID-19 disease and death, but we must make sure everyone has equitable access to those tools." — CDC Director Mandy Cohen COVID-19 vaccines prevented an estimated 18 million hospitalizations and more than 3 million deaths in the United States, while

saving about $1.5 trillion in medical costs in the first two years after they were introduced. The nation's vaccination strategy, aimed to quickly deliver safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, achieved remarkable success by vaccinating 270 million Americans within the first two and a half years after its approval. This accomplishment was largely attributed to the fact that anyone could receive a vaccine at no cost, regardless of their insurance status. More than 40 Urban League

Guest Columnist

affiliates across the country supported this effort by partnering with community health clinics, hospital systems, local pharmacies and health departments to bring the vaccines directly to community members. They established popup vaccine clinics in Urban League offices, churches, schools, community centers, housing complexes, senior centers, local colleges and universities, farmers markets and street fairs to ensure their communities had reliable and convenient access to the vaccines. In total,

Urban League affiliates hosted more than 850 vaccine events and clinics, administering more than 120,000 vaccine doses to community members. However, after the public health emergency ended in the spring of 2023, the federal government stopped purchasing and distributing the vaccines for free to individuals. Although most uninsured and underinsured Americans remain eligible for free vaccines, many are unaware of how to access them. Consequently, many

have delayed getting their updated COVID shots out of fear of being charged, leaving the most vulnerable Americans unprotected amid the current surge of COVID-19 cases this winter. Most adults are able to receive the COVID vaccine at no cost through their private insurance, Medicare or Medicaid plans. However, there are still between 25 million and 30 million adults without health insurance, and ad-

MORIAL Page 54

Ben Jealous

Vice President Harris' Fight for Reproductive Freedom

It matters deeply that America has a woman as our vice president. That has never been truer than at this moment. Nothing makes this more clear than Vice President Kamala Harris' courageous decision to champion reproductive freedom in the midst of a full-on assault on the right to choose.

Right now, Vice President Harris is traveling the country on an extensive Reproductive Freedom Tour. As noted by the New York Times, "The vice president has been the administration's most forceful voice for abortion rights in the year and a half since Roe v. Wade fell." Even among those of us without a uterus, the impact of the vice president's courage affects many of us personally in our lives. It affects me as a girl dad, as a member of this country, and because the person who shaped me most as

an organizer is my grandmother, Mamie Todd, who started her career in social change at Planned Parenthood in Baltimore. Even though abortion was illegal then, the basic mission was the same: reproductive health and freedom. And while the work mainly focused on birth control, education, and some routine healthcare, it was not without its challenges — especially in a Catholic city in a Catholic state. By the early 1940s when my grandmother was doing this work, things had come a long way since

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1916 when Planned Parenthood founder Margaret Sanger was arrested for opening the nation's first birth control clinic in Brooklyn. But the Comstock Act was still on the books and enforced. That law defined contraceptives as obscene and made it a federal crime to send them through the mail or transport them across state lines. In the pre-Roe v. Wade era, when abortions were illegal in most parts of this country, many still depended on them. Some required them in order to extricate themselves from

abusive relationships or avoid other dire consequences. Being illegal, the procedure was risky. Abortions, forced to be conducted in secret, frequently resulted in death or injuries that would leave women unable to bear children. Adding to the risk back then was that many of the people who performed these abortions were terrible doctors … or not even doctors at all. Yes, there were abortion providers who displayed their own courage,

JEALOUS Page 54

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 35

LIFESTYLE WASHINGTON INFORMER WEEKEND CHECKLIST WASHINGTON INFORMER'S

Things To Do, DMV! By Jada Ingleton WI Intern This week’s curation of events ranges from honoring history to mystifying magic, with an exciting detour into art activation and Black entrepreneurship. Partakers can start their weekend commemorating 60 years of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 or celebrating the value of cultural and linguistic diversity with worldwide filmmakers. If you’re looking for something more artistic or creative, events such as Underground Comedy Presents: DC’s Best Showcase, Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival, and Cirque Magic offer a chance to bask in the beauty of the unexpected by simply sitting back and enjoying the show. Events such as the 2024 Feel the Heritage Festival are just one of this weekend’s examples of how taking a look at the past can reinforce what’s important. Keep your outlook vibrant and

remember, there’s always something happening in the DMV to keep your spirit-- and social life-- lit. To keep up with all the fun, don’t forget to check out the Washington Informer Calendar.

THURSDAY, FEB. 22

Legacy: Civil Rights At 60 Noon. - 5 p.m. | Free DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities, 200 I (EYE) Street SE, Washington, D.C., 20003 “Legacy: Civil Rights at 60” – a product of a grant from the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities – is an art exhibit that commemorates the 60th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson, the Act is recognized by the work of District artists and in an exhibition that features paintings, photographs, sculptures, and other innovative creative art forms. The exhibit will remain open on weekdays at the same time until Thursday, Feb. 29. Smithsonian Mother Tongue Film Festival: Regeneration 7 p.m. - 9:15 p.m. | Free Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave SW & 7th St SW, Washington, D.C., 20597 In celebration of cultural and linguistic diversity, the Smithsonian’s Mother Tongue Film Festival showcases films and filmmakers across the globe to highlight the crucial 3 Denise Wright’s “Little Girl at Civil Rights Rally,” (2007) is one of the many photographs and artworks featured in “Legacy Civil Rights at 60,” an exhibit at the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities in Southeast, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

36 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

3 The Uplift: International Dance Festival is on Sunday, Feb. 25. (Courtesy Photo)

role that language plays in daily interactions. In this program, youth confront generational trauma and seek to break through for a brighter future. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with director Xun Sero. The films are fully subtitled in English. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided for all introductory remarks, Q&As, and discussions. All venues are wheelchair accessible.

FRIDAY, FEB. 23

Where Do We Go From Here? Art, Activism, and Information as Care 6:30 p.m. - 8 p.m. | Free with RSVP Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St NW, Washington, D.C., 20001 Join PLAN C, Amnesty USA, and For Freedoms at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library for an evening with leading voices using art and activism alongside advocates fighting for reproductive rights. With an imminent Supreme Court hearing on the abortion pill mifepristone and a pivotal presidential election approaching, the pro-abortion rights movement must leverage all its forces for political, cultural, and narrative-shifting change. This event – a panel, art activation, and film screening – is a response to that call. Underground Comedy Presents: DC’s Best Showcase

8 p.m. | $25.00 Underground Comedy, 2477 18th St NW, Washington, D.C., 20009 As featured on Comedy Central and in the Washington Post, Underground Comedy spotlights rising local comics along with occasional sets from up-and-coming comedians visiting from across the country. Some of these performers have been seen on Netflix, Comedy Central, and HBO.

SATURDAY, FEB. 24

2024 Feel the Heritage Festival Noon - 5 p.m. | Free Charles Drew Community Center, 3500 23rd St S, Arlington, VA, 22206 The annual Feel the Heritage Festival welcomes hundreds of guests to Arlington to learn about its historically African American neighborhoods while enjoying live entertainment, delicious food and dozens of vendors. Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace 3 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. | $22.80+ Sebrof Forbes Cultural Arts Center, 3535 University Boulevard West, Kensington, MD, 20895 The Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace serves as an opportunity to support Blackowned businesses and connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for entrepreneurship.

Whether you're looking for oneof-a-kind gifts, amazing live music performances, or simply want to indulge in experiencing the cutting edge of your new favorite business and why they do what they do, the Black Business Expo: Melodic Marketplace has something for everyone.

SUNDAY, FEB. 25

Cirque Magic 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. | $21.00+ The Music Center at Strathmore, 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD, 20852 The dynamic duo of conductor Jack Everly and Troupe Vertigo return to the stage for a magical set of performances. Don't miss the spellbinding physical feats choreographed to symphonic music. This will be a poetic and visually enticing journey you don't want to miss. Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. | $15.00+ Publick Playhouse, 5445 Landover Road, Cheverly, MD, 20784 Join the Publick Playhouse for the Uplift: Inspirational Dance Festival, where local dancers share their artistic voices with healing, comfort, and gratitude in this uplifting dance program. Dancers were selected through an audition process by a panel of adjudicators from the DMV dance community. WI

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‘The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes Showcases Black Women’s Beautiful Breadth, Dynamics Pure Black Joy at Woolly Mammoth’s ‘Blackout Performance’ By Micha Green WI Managing Editor Even when auditioning for the world premier of “The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes” at Northwest,n D.C.’s Woolly Mammoth Theatre, Lauren Fraites felt empowered by the other Black women competing for roles. “That audition room was the first time that I had been in a room just surrounded by Black women– everyone was supporting each other. We're all learning these dances, we're all helping each other. It was just such a positive environment to audition in from the jump,” Fraites told The Informer in a WIN-TV interview. The rehearsal process proved just as rewarding for the Richmond, Virginia native and George Mason University graduate. “Everyone that we've been working with, the entire cast, everyone throughout the production. And it’s just been a really wonderful safe space that we created for ourselves in our rehearsal room,” Fraites said. “This is definitely one of the best experiences that I have had in theatre.” “The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes,” written by Vivian J.O. Barnes and directed by Taylor Reynolds, is about a fictional HBCU dance team, as six dancers lead up to their homecoming performance. The strong ensemble cast features Billie Krishawn (Shantee),

Kimberly Dodson (Maya), Sabrina Lynn Sawyer (Kiera), Kalen Robinson (Racquel/Dionne), Khalia Muhammad (Gabby/ Nikki) and Fraites as Aleyse. The show tells an engaging and entertaining story of Black womanhood, hard work, sacrifice, and resilience, and explores both joy and pain. As a former captain of her high school dance team, Fraites said that Barnes does a wonderful job humanizing the characters. “I'm very grateful that we have Vivian J.O. Barnes who wrote this amazing play and can bring everyone together is really special,” the actress explained. “There's a lot of twists and turns in the play. There's a lot of surprises,” Fraites said. “Somehow she has been able to write these characters in such a raw form. “The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes,” Fraites explained, offers audiences a fresh perspective on the nuances of being a Black woman in America. “I feel like we put so much pressure on Black women to show up with this degree of excellence,” she said, adding that African American women are often not given safe spaces to release emotions without judgment. Barnes’ characters don’t shy away from feelings. “Emotion is allowed and accepted throughout this show,” Fraites said.

LIFESTYLE

AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT AT ITS FINEST, THE SHOW MUST GO ON

“The Sensational Sea Minkettes,” is already a play that celebrates unapologetic Black young womanhood; however, the Feb. 16 show was particularly special, as it was a Woolly Mammoth “Blackout performance,” when the entire audience is Black. “A Blackout performance is the transformation of the theatre into an affinity space for an all-Black audience. This is a very intentional healing space that prioritizes the needs of Black identifying audience members to be seen and celebrated in theatre spaces and process complex questions of race,” said Kristen Jackson, Woolly Mammoth’s associate artistic director and director of Connectivity. The show was engaging, had memorable characters and despite topics such as stress and depression, included funny moments and entertaining dance movements. As the Feb. 16 performance was winding down, and in a particularly

5 “The Sensational Sea Mink-ettes,” is currently running at Woolly Mammoth until March 3. (Courtesy Photo)

emotional moment, the show was interrupted by a fire alarm, requiring the entire building to evacuate. Instead of the action completely ending, the show’s band came out to play tunes as the cast danced to the music. It was a beautiful moment of Black joy, as the now displaced audienced danced and sang on the sidewalk and in the streets with the cast and crew.

While not every night might not have as much action as the Feb. 16 performance, “The Sensational Sea Minkettes,” is a show to catch before it closes Sunday, March 3. “Hopefully you will laugh. Hopefully you will cry. It'll make you feel all the feels. It's very relatable,” Fraites told The Informer. “I'm excited for audiences to see it.” WI

REVEALING THE UNTOLD STORY OF VISIONARY D.C. EDUCATOR ANNA JULIA COOPER

TEMPESTUOUS ELEMENTS BY KIA CORTHRON DIRECTED BY PSALMAYENE 24

NOW PLAYING Photo of Gina Daniels for Tempestuous Elements by Tony Powell.

5 Lauren Fraites, (seated left), Khalia Muhammad, Kaylen Robinson (both center dancing), and Billie Krishawn (seated right) in the world premier of “The Sensational Mink-ettes,” at Woolly Mammoth in Northwest, D.C. (Courtesy Photo)

TICKETS AT ARENASTAGE.ORG/ELEMENTS OR CALL 202-488-3300

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 37

LIFESTYLE

Billy Dee Williams Shares His Glorious Life in ‘What Have We Here?’ By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

5(L-R) NBC Washington's Jummy Olabanji interviews Billy Dee Williams for the release of his autobiography “What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life" at the MLK, Jr. Library on Feb. 15. (Ja’Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

MAKAYA MCCRAVEN:

IN THESE TIMES Fri, Feb 23

Sulyiman

Prolific drummer, producer, and composer performing post-genre, jazz-rooted, 21st century folk music.

Excitement was in the air as the audience waited to hear Billy Dee Williams, the beloved actor from stage, screen, and television. He was at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library in Northwest, D.C. to share moments captured in his autobiography “What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life." Before NBC Washington Anchor Jummy Olabanji began the conversation with Williams, a film montage offered a glimpse into the superstar’s storied career. The biggest reactions came when Williams was seen in a clip where he portrayed Lando Calrissian in George Lucas’s “Star Wars Episode 5: The Empire Strikes Back” and then when he was the smooth pitchman for Colt 45 malt liquor. Williams entered to a standing ovation, sat down across from Olabanji, and began singing, “Our Love is Here to Stay,” the George and Ira Gershwin standard. The actor’s career started at 7-yearsold, when his mother encouraged him to try out for a stage production. Williams was cast in many theatrical roles before being seen on screen in “Brian’s Song,” the award-winning 1971 television film about the life of Chicago Bears player Brian Piccolo, played by actor James Caan, and his friendship with teammate Gale Sayers, portrayed

by Billy Dee Williams. Williams explained his agent felt he was perfect to play Sayers. “We had the same sensibilities. We were both very shy and introverted, but the movie touched many people,” Williams said.

Hollywood. He studied art in high school and a few years after graduating. Williams’ paintings are highly regarded and he has received a few commissions.

THE MOTOWN YEARS

“The Empire Strikes Back” intrigued Williams. He wanted to see what could be done with Lando Calrissian's role. Plus, he loved the idea of that character having a cape. “I said, let me do something bigger than life,” said Williams when offered the Star Wars role. “Lando was dubious. There is nothing more interesting than a dubious hero of fear.” In the mid-1980s, Williams was the face and voice of Colt 45. The commercials played off his smooth demeanor and deep voice. He said the tagline “It works every time” before the library audience, which garnered a huge celebratory reaction. The evening with Williams kept this image intact. He is still fine, funny, and flirtatious. At first, it appeared his flirting targeted Olabanji as she kept the conversation on the topic, but Williams was flirting with us all. “What Have We Here?: Portraits of a Life," the 288-page book about the remarkable life of Williams, age 86, is now available from your favorite bookseller. WI @bcscomm

After “Brian’s Song,” Williams received a multi-year contract with Berry Gordy and Motown. That relationship put Williams in two movies with Diana Ross, “Lady Sings the Blues” in 1972 and “Mahogany” in 1975. People began calling Williams the “Black Clark Cable.” “I became a matinee idol,” Williams acknowledged. “I am a romanticist.” At a point in his career, Williams’s film success did not bring him the same caliber of roles being offered to other actors. “You realize you’re living in a world that was created by the European Western values system,” Williams said. Instead, Williams took a practical look at how to move ahead. “Rather than spending time being pissed off, you just find your way around and through it and come up with ideas to make a difference. I just don’t want to spend my time being pissed off,” he explained. Painting has always been in Williams’ life and was one way that he diverted his attention from being frustrated with

STAR WARS AND BEYOND

Multi-Talented Melba Moore, Still a Superb Entertainer By Brenda C. Siler WI Contributing Writer

LADYSMITH BLACK MAMBAZO

Fri, March 8

South Africa’s cultural ambassadors to the world

STRATHMORE.ORG | 301.581.5100 5301 Tuckerman Lane, North Bethesda, MD

38 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

5 Multi-talented singer and actress Melba Moore performed in the Dionne Warwick Theater at Bowie State University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center on Feb. 10 for a Valentine’s Day concert. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

Award-winning songstress and actress Melba Moore recently brought Valentine’s Day cheer to Bowie State University (BSU). Moore performed well-loved hits and new music in the Dionne Warwick Theater at BSU's Fine and Performing Arts Center. With her five-octave range, and the ability to hold a note for what seems like forever, the audience had a great time going down memory lane with Moore. In between songs, Moore spoke about her upbringing and her career. In 1970, she won a Tony award for her role as Lutiebelle in “Purlie,” the musical “Purlie Victorious.” Earlier this month, the play completed a successful Broadway run, but not before the singer and actress participated in a talk back

with the cast of “Purlie Victorious.” “First, I got to meet the cast and be with them in front of the audience that had just seen the play,” Moore said. “For me, without the music, the message was very different. You realize that the impact of the play is very strong as a theory piece.” In the musical, Moore shined with her signature performance of the song “I Got Love,” which she performed during her set at BSU. The song and Broadway performance took the actress to heights in television and movie roles, plus a recording career.

MOORE BEYOND BROADWAY

Moore’s musical catalog crosses several genres, including gospel,

MOORE Page 43

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 39

Fun With Money!

The Spring Blossom Festival is lots of fun, but you have to watch your spending! Help your froggy friends!

Finley, Fabian and Fiona Frog each have $30 to spend at the Spring Blossom Festival. They each made a list of things they want to spend money on at the Festival. Take a look at the prices of the items each frog wants to buy. Then, use your math skills to answer the following questions:

1. Which frog will have the most money left over after buying everything on their list? 2. Which frog won’t have enough money to buy everything on their list?

How many blossoms can you find on this page?

3. What items could this frog remove from their list to stay at or under $30?

Frieda Frog wants to buy a treat at the Spring Blossom Festival, but she can’t remember how much is in her piggy bank. Can you count it for her?

Felix and F jump high add up to an the most c

FELI

3+2=

3+6=

6+5=

Fiona’s List

Lilly Pad Launch Honey Cookies Tulip Train Pond Popcorn

Finley’s List

$5.00 $3.50

Lily Pad Launch $5.00 Dragonfly Hat $4.50 $4.00 Puddle Coaster $6.50 $2.75 Muddy Maze $5.25 Swamp Cocoa $2.50 Leafy Boats $6.50 Buggy Balloons $3.25 Pond Popcorn $2.75 $ TOTAL TOTAL $

Frieda has $________ in her piggy bank.

Fabian’s List

Tulip Train Honey Cookies

$4.00

Muddy Money Maze

Do the math to find out which path has the highest value.

Spending Spree

popcorn at Frankie Frog LOVES munching on pond $2.75. costs it of box A ival. Fest som Blos ng the Spri unt. amo that to up Circle the coins that add

5+2=

2+2=

$3.50

$6.50 Daisy Wheel $2.75 Pond Popcorn Dandelion Shake $4.50 $3.25 Petunia Chips TOTAL

Standards Link: Math: Calculate money amounts.

7+2=

4+2= BLOSSOM BOATS BUY DANDELION FROG HAT HONEY LIST MATH MONEY MUDDY PRICES SPRING TULIP USE

3+3=

2+6= X B H A T F C J W N H L Y P O F R N M O B O G V R Y L O W I

O S N S C I N V G L A S I E T E C T L E

T O R T Y U B E I D

9+1=

3+5=

4+8=

8+8=

4+4=

S M P Y X T L Q S N

J D S M A T H I T A

U S E Y D D U M P D

Standards Link: Letter sequencing. Recognize identical words. Skim and scan reading. Recall spelling patterns.

Costly Headlines PATH A PATH B PATH C Standards Link: Math: Calculate sums and differences.

Assign a money amount to each letter of the alphabet: A = $1, B = $2, C = $3, etc. Select three newspaper headlines and add up the letters. What is the most “expensive” headline you can find? Which is the least expensive?

Standards Link: Mathematics: Calculate sums and differences.

Signs of Spring

Look-Alike Ladybugs Faye Frog won a bunch of cute stuffed toy ladybugs at the Spring Blossom Festival. One of them is different from the rest. Can you find it?

Look through the newspaper and find five things that let you know it is springtime. Write the name of each in alphabetical order. Standards Link: Language Arts: Follow written instructions.

Standards Link: Find similarities and differences in common objects.

Kids Help Families Save

Write three to five ways that kids can help their families save money.

KID SCOOP IS SPONSORED BY

40 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

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With hund Kid Scoop features si high-inter activities f school! Ge sample to

wi book review "Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You" by A'Ja Wilson

c.2024, Moment of Life Books/ Flatiron Books $24.99 / 192 pages Terri Schlichenmeyer WI Contributing Writer The envelope on the table is addressed to you. It caught your attention because — who, besides politicians, utilities and creditors, sends anything in the mail these days? Still, it was a nice surprise, no matter what, like a throwback or something. And like the new book, "Dear Black Girls" by A'Ja Wilson, every letter means something. From the time she was born until she was in fourth or fifth grade, A'Ja Wilson lived in a bubble. She didn't know it; she was only a kid, just being herself with no worries. And then, right before one of her best friends was having a birthday party, Wilson learned that the girl's dad "really [didn't] like Black people." Those few words shook Wilson's dad, they made her mother quietly angry, and they made Wilson doubt herself for many years. It was her first reminder: "You're a girl. Oh! And you're a Black girl. All right, good luck!" With the help of her parents and her beloved grandmother, Wilson healed but she never forgot. She made sure to know her roots and her family's story. She was dyslexic, so she struggled, tried to fit in, and grew taller than most boys, which didn't help her self-esteem. Neither did the fact that at almost every point in her life, the color of her skin mattered in ways that it shouldn't have mattered. That included her activity on a basketball court. Wilson was a young teen when her father first threw her a ball and she hated it, but by the time she graduated from high school, she'd found her way. She'd developed a good "Nonsense Detector." She got some therapy ("Ain't no shame in it"); she learned that when she did her best, there were still going to be haters; and she always remembers to be herself and to be a light for others. Remember, she says, "You don't have to be an WNBA player or a politician or a celebrity to have an impact on someone." So will you learn a thing or two by reading "Dear Black Girls"? Yes and no. In her short introduction, author A'Ja Wilson says that this "is not a self-help book," that it's just "a diary of somebody … who looks like you …" Eh, that's nothing new but despite her protests, "Dear Black Girls" is helpful. You just have to be ready for it. That's not hard; Wilson, a two-time WNBA MVP, tells her story with a flair for fun. She even tells the sad tales with exuberance, subtly letting readers know that it's OK, she's OK, and it's all just part of her story. Her voice lets you know how much she enjoys life, even when she has tough things to deal with. It's like hearing encouragement from the top bunk, or getting straight talk from a mentor. While it might seem to be a book for teenagers only, "Dear Black Girls" would also be a great resource for younger adults. Take a look, see if it doesn't get your stamp of approval. WI

horoscopes

LIFESTYLE FEB. 22 - 28, 2024

ARIES At the beginning of the week, a focus on communication will likely fill your agenda up with social plans. Envision your goal, map out your game plan, then, in your own time, make a move. Later, the focus shifts to your home life, and you'll be craving more downtime close to home and solid bonding time with loved ones. Having heart-to-heart chats with your nearest and dearest will feel especially restorative for your soul and your bonds. Lucky Numbers: 12, 22, 38 TAURUS During the week, your mind could be focused on your income. You'll want to do intense research on a game plan for saving and investing your money. Whatever you learn could go far to informing a winning financial plan. Later on, the energy shifts to your house of communication, spurring curiosity. You'll do well to parlay this energy toward conversations with friends and colleagues. The way you express yourself could lead to powerful collaborations. Lucky Numbers: 2, 5, 11 GEMINI During the week ahead, you'll be feeling especially reflective about big picture personal and professional goals. You'll do well to spend time meditating a direction and the game plan. Set your intention, then share it with someone near and dear. Later this week, the focus shifts toward your income, making it easier to express your thoughts related to money. Pitch that passion project or that side hustle you've been musing about. Communication fuels action. Lucky Numbers: 10, 17, 58 CANCER During the week ahead, the cosmic energy amplifies your creativity. You'll be flooded with imaginative ideas that you'll do well to share with both colleagues and higher-ups. Embracing your unique take is what will ultimately lead to success. Later on, you will be asked to focus on your spirituality and shore up commitment to your mind and body wellness. In turn, your need for solo time and self-care could be heightened. Spending time meditating, going to yoga, and/or doing talk therapy has you feeling more emotionally centered and vital overall. Lucky Numbers: 14, 29, 53 LEO During the week, you may be drawn to a practice like meditating or journaling. Spending time processing your emotions through self-expression can feel especially therapeutic now. Later, a focus on friendship could have you juggling a variety of events from happy hours with coworkers to dinners with BFFs. You could feel energized by the nonstop pace, but if you feel the need to RSVP no to one invites in the name of self-care, set that boundary. Lucky Numbers: 9, 21, 48 VIRGO This week, the focus is on friendships, encouraging you to nourish and deepen platonic connections. This could look like planning group dates, attending group fitness classes, and prioritizing online sessions with your BFFs who aren't local. These activities are not only stimulating, but they'll go far to strengthen your bonds. Then you'll be inspired to work with others on a professional project. Allowing room for plenty of creative brainstorming and a wide variety of ideas can set everyone up for a collective win. Don't be surprised if you're recognized by higher-ups! Lucky Numbers: 23, 25, 28 LIBRA This week, the focus on adventure fuels a craving for unusual and eye-opening experiences. You might do well to plan a trip or take a class that could bolster your skill set. As long as you're investing your time or energy into broadening your horizons, you'll feel like you're on track. Later, the focus moves to your career sector so you can expect a flurry of meetings. In fact, take advantage of this phase by sitting down with higher-ups and sharing your visions and long-term goals. These kinds of dialogues can lead to professional growth. Lucky Numbers: 18, 23, 59 SCORPIO This week, the focus is on sexual intimacy, fueling your desire to set a different tone with your partner or a potential lover. Discuss deep-rooted desires or how you might make a long-held fantasy a reality, and you'll enjoy steamy results. Later in the week, you may be inspired to attend an online conference to hone your skill set. This current thirst for learning paired with an open mind could lead to advancement in your career. Lucky Numbers: 2, 8, 33 SAGITTARIUS During the week, the current focus is on your partnership zone. You could get a burst of energy to take on a bold, ambitious project with your partner, a close friend, or colleague. The next step is mapping out your strategy and diving in. Since there will also be energy around your eighth house of sexual intimacy, you'll be more apt than usual to talk about your desires. In fact, conversations around these topics can fuel your excitement. Lucky Numbers: 17, 36, 38 CAPRICORN This week, the focus on wellness and routine could inspire you to switch up your current approach to healthy eating and fitness. You can start slowly by doing research and then meditate on what will serve you best. Trust your intuition. Later in the week, you could be inspired to express romantic feelings more than usual. Writing your lover or a potential SO a heartfelt email or even a quick flirtatious message strengthens your connection. Lucky Numbers: 5, 7, 36 AQUARIUS During the week, you'll be inspired to dive into researching and investigating ways to take your healthy lifestyle plan to the next level. Finding new ways to squeeze in an extra yoga workout or downloading a meditation app could make a difference in how you're feeling. Later in the week, the focus shifts to romance, infuse your desire to connect with the object of your affection in a playful way. When it comes to date nights, do your best to go with the flow. Lucky Numbers: 33, 40, 45 PISCES At the start of the week, the focus is on creativity, and you'll be feeling even more imaginative than usual. You'll also want to share your daydreams with someone special. Embracing a bit of escapism could make for a memorable time. Later, the focus becomes private, and you could desire even more time with loved ones. Amplify your sense of security and comfort is especially worthwhile now. Lucky Numbers: 2, 23, 50

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 41

SPORTS Dunbar Girls, Jackson-Reed Boys Capture DCIAA Titles By Ed Hill WI Contributing Writer In heated matches during the District of Columbia Interscholastic Athletic Assocition’s (DCIAA) basketball championships on Saturday, Feb. 17, Dunbar High School’s girls team and Jackson-Reed High School’s boys team proved victorious.

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP: DUNBAR VS. EASTERN HIGH SCHOOL

The girls’ basketball championship game presented an intriguing contrasting matchup between two programs. Dunbar’s team has ruled the DCIAA the past four years, and their counterpart, Eastern High was in unfamiliar territory, playing

5Dunbar’s Girls’ Basketball team defeated Eastern High School during the DCIAA girls basketball championship on Saturday, Feb. 17, in Northwest, D.C. (WI File Photo)

42 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

in their first tournament in two decades. While both made it to the championship game, when it was all said and done, the Crimson Tide’s experience and pedigree was the determining factor as they prevailed 51-36 over the upstart Ramblers in the championship game at Calvin Coolidge High School in Northwest, D.C. During the course of the fiveyear span, Dunbar has had three different coaches. Breanna Gross is in her first year at the helm after inheriting a championship program. "As a coach coming into a program like this, there is not much you have to change," says Gross, a former Division 1 college coach at Coppin State. "They are used to winning. It has become a part of the culture here. They know what it takes because they have been there before and love the status of being champion." Early on the Ramblers scrapped their way by playing on the adrenaline of their fans, creating turnovers and getting into transition. Most of their success came from the outside shooting of Samia Greene and the dazzling all-around play of Lanaia Martin, one the most talented freshmen in the DMV. Still, Dunbar was able to keep them at bay until a third quarter run that got the Ramblers to within three. Gross called a timeout to calm her team down and it resulted in a big run that essentially put the game away. Junior guard Emorean Thomas and sophomore center Kirsten Holt combined to score 10 of their team's last 12 points during the important run. "There's pressure every year," said Thomas, a member of the program for the past two years. "It helps to

5Jackson-Reed’s Jayden Fort leaping to grab a rebound during their 66-52 victory over Cardozo in the DCIAA championship game at Calvin Coolidge High School in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 17. (Marcus Relacion/The Washington Informer)

have been there before. We know that we can respond to challenges." Holt was named the MVP after leading all scorers with 19 points 12 rebounds and three blocked shots. Thomas added 12 points to the victory. For the Ramblers, it was a learning experience. The team went back-to-back with winless seasons before the arrival of Coach Lonnie Harrell. Harrell is an Eastern alum, who had an outstanding career at Georgetown. "When we started out in the preseason, there were a number of players who were even not sure that they wanted to be a part of this," recalled Harrell, who was an assistant at Riverdale Baptist before returning to his alma mater. "But once they saw the benefits of winning and what goes along with it, they bought in. We learned a lot from this experience that we can build on. It is going to help us in the future." Eastern’s 5-foot-10-inch forward Martin was a force to be reckoned with, scoring 14 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and recording five steals and blocked shots. "She is definitely a special talent," said Gross, impressed with Martin’s skills. Harrell said: If she does what she is supposed to do, I predict she will be the first All-American here at Eastern." Both teams now await the announcement of the pairing for the District of Columbia State Athletic

Association (DCSAA) tournament which begins on Feb. 28. "We strategically scheduled some top-notch programs like St. John's and Georgetown Day to help us prepare for the states," noted Gross. WI

JACKSON-REED GOES HEAD TO HEAD WITH CARDOZO

In the boys' game, both teams entered the game with something to prove. Jackson-Reed (32-2), the regular season champion and one of the top ranked teams in the country, boasted a 17-game win streak and was looking to atone a bitter upset defeat to Bard last year in the semifinals despite being heavily favored. Cardozo, which had not played in the championship game since 2007, had one of its best seasons in recent history with a 21-3 record. The two had played one another on Jan. 29 and it was a close game through the first half as only three points separated the two at half time. That is when the Tigers used a 13-2 blitz to start the third quarter to pull away to a 76-59 win at Cardozo. The return match was almost Deja vu: The Clerks had taken a 25-24 lead on a three pointer at the buzzer at halftime by sophomore sharpshooter Wisdom Carter (12 points). Joel Young, a talented junior

point guard, led his team with 16 points before suffering from a concussion early in the fourth quarter. And just as was the case in the regular season matchup, Jackson-Reed again flexed and went on an 11-0 run in the third period, and again Cardozo had no answer as the Tigers went on to win 66-52, capturing their fifth title in seven seasons before a near capacity crowd at the Frank Williams Gymnasium on the campus of Calvin Coolidge High School. Jackson-Reed changed its strategy and employed a full court zone press that disrupted the Clerks and forced Cardozo Head Coach Omar Fox to call two timeouts to settle his team. Many of the Tiger's baskets came on thunderous dunks following Cardozo turnovers and leak outs. Junior forward Jadyn Fort (19 points), junior guard Josiah Massaqoui or senior guard Lucas Sekasi took turns attacking the basket. For good measure, senior Joe McRae, who has been a point guard with the team for three years, rebounded from a listless first half to score. "I think they woke up at halftime, thinking about what happened last year," said Jackson-Reed Coach David "Tee" Johnson. "That loss to Bard (in the semifinals) has been a motivator for them all season. You could see the sense of urgency with the seniors like Joe." While Fort, a 6-8 junior forward and McRae (10 points in the second half) combined to do damage, it was the surprise play of Massaqoui that proved to be the difference. A 6-5 junior, Massaqoui finished with 16 points, 12 in the second half made on power moves and putbacks. "I know that they are a little disappointed right now, but it's part of the process," remarked Fox, the 2023-24 Coach of the Year on the experience for his team. "We have to learn from this and build on what we have accomplished." This is Fox's second season with the program. Both teams await the pairings of the DCSAA tournament which gets underway on Feb. 28. The Tigers are not satisfied with the DCIAA title. With all their success, the Tigers have only one title and that was in 2019. “We’re going to try to find the balance between keeping our guys as fresh as possible while also keeping them focused,” Johnson said. “We want to be locked in.” WI

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CAPTURE the moment

In honor of Black History Month, D.C. Mayor Bowser celebrated District boxing champions on Feb. 16 at the Columbia Heights Community Center. The District of Columbia Combat Sports Commission hosted the Black In Action Boxing Champions Tribute, highlighting boxing opportunities for youth offered by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation.

3(Left to right) Andrew Huff, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, Kim Lockett, and Adam Weers, who was presented the Leadership Award. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) 6Kim Harvey, mother of boxer Jahmal Harvey, accepts the Award for Excellence on behalf of her son who is representing D.C. in the 2024 Summer Olympics. (Left to right): Chairperson Andrew Huff, District of Columbia Combat Sports Commission coach Darrell Davis, Harvey, and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser. (Ja'Mon Jackson/ The Washington Informer) 5Mayor Muriel Bowser receives a shirt making her an official champion with the DC Combat Sports Commission. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer) 4Mayor Muriel Bowser (l) congratulates former World Boxing Champion Lamont Peterson (r) as he accepts an Award for Excellence during the Black in Action Boxing Champions Tribute at the Columbia Heights Community Center. (Ja'Mon Jackson/The Washington Informer)

MOORE from Page 38 R&B, disco, pop, and the classics. When Moore sang “Lean on Me,” the version co-composed by Van McCoy and Joe Cobb, the impact of her version of this hit was quickly remembered. The McCoy-Cobb version is not the same as the one written and recorded by Bill Withers. A D.C. native, who attended Howard University, McCoy wrote and produced for top singers and groups during the disco era. Others had recorded his version of “Lean on Me,” but Moore put her signature stamp on McCoy’s arrangement, with her signature

long-held note at the end. “I have become known for this song. “I just want to thank Mr. Van McCoy,” said Moore, who recently received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. As the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), the creators of Black History Month, celebrates “African Americans and the Arts,” as its 2024 theme, BSU President Dr. Aminta H. Breaux noted the importance of recognizing the significance of the arts to culture. “The arts are very near and dear to my heart. I think it brings people together and unites us in very unique ways,” said Breaux, who

was a dance major in college. “We have incredible talent throughout the DMV, and I'd like to see much more showcased here in the Warwick Theater. I want people to see the excellence that we have at BSU.” Read more on washingtoninformer.com. WI @bcscomm 4Dr. minta H. Breaux, president of Bowie State University, with singer and actress Melba Moore following her concert in the Dionne Warwick Theater at Bowie State University’s Fine and Performing Arts Center on Feb. 10. (Brenda C. Siler/The Washington Informer)

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 43

RELIGION PBS Continues Celebration of Gospel with a Stop at Zion Church in Greenbelt By Hamil R. Harris WI Contributing Writer Throughout February, PBS has been honoring the music of the Black Church, with Dr. Henry Louis Gates’ series “Gospel,” and a special concert that premiered Feb. 9, furthered the celebration. Though “GOSPEL Live!” was filmed at Oasis Church in Los Angeles, California, the series’ companion concert is going far beyond the West Coast, to churches nationwide, including the DMV. “I am deeply grateful to Henry Louis Gates, Jr., McGee Media, Done + Dusted, and Friends at Work for their partnership and collaboration,” said Kristen V. Carter, executive producer of

MOTHERS from Page 16

despite EMTs from Odenton Volunteer Fire Company Station 28 already collecting vitals. As Small recalled, when she and Jackson attempted to feed and change Collin and Clover at the hospital, child services officials directed Howard County police officers and Johns Hopkins security personnel to deny them access.

BOTH ENTITIES, SHE SAID, THREATENED ARREST.

The couple later appeared virtually before a family court judge, all without a summons on file, Small said. Small later told The Informer about receiving a peace order mandating that she stays away from Howard County Social Services Director Geneva Rieu. That peace order came amid her and Jackson’s visits to Howard County Department of Social Services in Co-

44 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

GOSPEL Live!. On Feb. 15, Carter hosted a “GOSPEL Live!” screening as a stop on the Q&A Talkback Tour at Zion Church in Greenbelt, Maryland. Carter shared her take on the film and reflected on her relationship to gospel music. “My favorite song in the film is ‘Power Belongs to God,’” Carter told The Washington Informer. As a native of Newark, New Jersey, Carter said she didn’t truly begin to appreciate gospel until attending a majority white boarding school in Groton, Massachusetts. “I grew up in the church and my mother was a Sunday School teacher, but when I went to boarding school between eighth lumbia, Maryland to see Collin and Clover. She told The Informer that, during the initial visit, she and Jackson saw Collin and Clover on Facetime via a social worker's phone. Subsequent in-person visits took place in a small room with a stained carpet, few baby toys, a large two-way mirror and four cameras, Small said. She told The Informer that security officers checked her and Jackson’s bags, wand them down, and, from time to time, expressed concern about them being active shooters, kidnapping their children, and leaving the state. Last summer, Howard County officials placed Collin and Clover with one of Small’s family members. Small said she and Jackson have been awarded liberal unsupervised visitation with a mandate to complete multiple mental health evaluations, medical exams, and trauma therapy. Such mandates, Small said, conflict with their Moslem religious beliefs and constitutional rights.

5 Anthony Hamilton rehearses for “GOSPEL Live!” which premiered on PBS on Feb. 9, and was screened and discussed at churches across the nation, including at Zion Church in Greenbelt on Feb. 15. (Courtesy Photo/PBS)

5Dr. Henry Louis Gates and John Legend pose together at the GOSPEL Live! concert. (Courtesy Photo/PBS)

and 12th grades, I had to keep my foundation because I experienced a lot of racism.” “When they talk about diversity and inclusion today, I was diversity and inclusion back then,” said Carter, adding that the summer before her senior year her mother put together a boot camp to build her confidence. Carter went on to attend Hofstra University where she majored in Television Productions and Dance. ‘GOSPEL! Live’ Celebrates

Legacy of Genre, Honors ‘Gospel Royalty’ Gates and recording artist Erica Campbell host GOSPEL Live!, an event where many young and modern artists sang the songs of their ancestors, in honor of God and in tribute to the legacy of the musical genre. The concert includes a tribute to Richard Smallwood and Andrae Crouch and John Legend singing “Precious Lord,” and Anthony Hamilton featuring The Ham-

iltones offered a musical tribute to Rance Allen. There were other tributes to people Gates called “gospel royalty,” such as Mahalia Jackson, The Clark Sisters, and Shirley Ceasar. Carter said she was honored to be part of the PBS production during Black History Month. “I want to celebrate the past, present and future of gospel,” she explained. “I want people to remember where we came from and where we are going. WI

As she pushes back against the mandates, Small also continues to fight for access to court social services documents she said will help her take her case to the Supreme Court. Small cited Article 3, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, telling The Informer that her legal battle with Howard County Department of Social Services should be taking place in a federal venue. “We’re not turning to attorneys who have the first duty to the courts. They’re not helping families,” Small said. “They just want us to go through these agreements so the state can go about its business to get this funding and control us,” she continued. “The state attacked us because we know our rights. It empowered them to make it seem like we’re inferior and we should do what they say.”

Services about the circumstances surrounding Collin and Clover’s separation from their parents, the stay-away order levied against Small, and the protocol for engaging parents with differing religious and political beliefs. In recent months, Moorish citizens across the United States have caught the eye of law enforcement. In Arkansas, officers arrested two people in January who, out of regard for their sovereignty, moved an RV and trailer onto someone else’s property. Last summer, police in Pittsburgh shot and killed William Hardison, a man who refused to comply with an eviction order. Upon further investigation, authorities found that Hardison declared himself as a Moorish citizen. As it relates to child welfare, officers in Georgia arrested a self-identified Moorish citizen couple last spring for alleged extreme child cruelty after their infant children arrived at the hospital with what they later determined to be Vitamin D deficiency

and bone malformation. While Black children represent 14% of the U.S. population, they often account for nearly one in four child abuse and neglect reports and 21% of children entering the child welfare system, according to the Journal of Publc Child Welfare. In 2022, the American Civil Liberties Union and Human Rights Watch found that Black children are also nearly twice as likely to be investigated than their white and indigenous counterparts. Advocates say that neglect, as defined by child welfare agencies, often penalizes Black families for experiencing poverty. Last year, the American Civil Liberties Union submitted a report to the 139th session of the Human Rights Committee in Geneva that identified the child welfare system as a perpetuation of the U.S.’ white supremacists and settler colonial legacy. WI

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The Informer unsuccessfully attempted to gather comment from Howard County Department of Social

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RELIGION the religion corner WITH LYNDIA GRANT

Living with Type 2 Diabetes Successfully

herit. … A lot has to do with our environment, how much and what we are exposed to, what we eat."

"Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost." — Corinthians 6:19 KJV This IS The Religion Corner, so let me begin by saying "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge." (Hosea 4:6) By me sharing the story of my family's struggle with Type 2 diabetes, it is my prayer that each reader will benefit. Let me conclude this series with words I once heard during a C-SPAN interview with Dr. Griffin P. Rodgers, a medical doctor from the National Institutes of Health's National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. A caller said: "My mother had sugar diabetes. I don't recall what type it was. I have a brother and sister that are 10 years older than I am. They both take insulin shots and have had difficulties with this disease. Here I am, so far in my life, I've been disease-free of sugar diabetes. This genetic makeup – if they have the gene and I don't, I would like to know why I succeeded in life without becoming a victim of that." Dr. Rodgers answered the caller by saying, "Our genetic makeup says a lot about what we are likely to become. You may or may not have the same risk because we have two parents and you inherit half of your genes from one parent and half from the other. It could be that, that susceptibility gene, you may have been lucky to not in-

He continued: "As it turns out, in diabetes, our environment begins even earlier. For studies we have funded, both in our [NIH] Phoenix branch and other sites nationally, determines that our environment begins in utero. For example, [for] a mother who develops Type 2 diabetes or who has diabetes during pregnancy, the infant born to that mother when they have diabetes is more likely to develop diabetes later on in life than an infant born to that same mother who was not affected with gestational diabetes or who didn't have diabetes. There is something in our intrauterine environment we are trying to understand. That's another factor to be considered. Of course, if it runs in your family, that does put you at higher risk. It sounds like you're doing the right thing and you are being checked periodically to determine whether you have any signs of it. A good prescription, however, is exercise and maintaining your weight at a level that your doctor recommends." I wanted to share this very significant question-and-answer session, which the Holy Spirit prompted me to transcribe and share with you as I conclude this important column on how we must fight

hard to curtail this out-of-control health challenge called Type 2 diabetes. The research shows there are millions of people who have this disease now, and many more millions who don't even know that they have it. This is a problem we must face head-on! It is not our fault when it is in our genes; some are born with that, according to Dr. Rogers. Read his answer again and again so you will understand. This shows even more explicitly why early detection is important. Type 2 diabetes did run in my mother's family, but it wasn't discussed, they did not realize that there was a need to share this history with family members. They didn't understand what they needed to know and share or why. With me sharing with my family and also sharing with you the thousands of readers, I have taken the bull by the horns to teach as many as will hear about the way to save yourselves. This story will be told by me for the rest of my life. Dr. Griffin said a good prescription is: 1. Get checked early and regularly for Type 2 diabetes; 2. Learn how to eat properly when you discover you are a candidate; and 3. Exercise and lose weight! When you follow these simple 1-2-3 steps, you will save yourselves and your loved ones from experiencing a life filled with pain, unnecessary suffering and regrets! WI

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 45

RELIGION The Miracle Center of Faith Missionary Baptist Church Bishop Michael C. Turner, Sr. Senior Pastor 9161 Hampton Overlook Capitol Heights, MD 20743 Phone: 301-350-2200 / Fax: 301-499-8724 Service and Times Sunday Worship Times : 7:30 AM 7 10:00 AM Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday, 12 Noon Bible Study in homes: Tuesday 7:00 PM Website: www.themiraclecenterFMBC.com Email: Miraclecenterfmbs@gmail.com Motto: “We Walk by Faith, Not by Sight”

Blessed Word

Pilgrim Baptist Church

Church of Living Waters

Rev. Louis B. Jones II Pastor

Rev. Paul Carrette Senior Pastor

700 I Street, N.E. Washington, D.C. 20002 (202) 547-8849 Service and Times Worship Sundays: 7:30 & 11:00 AM 5th Sundays: 9:30 AM 3rd Sundays: Baptism & Holy Communion Prayer & Praise: Wednesdays @ Noon & 6:30 PM www.pilgrimbaptistdc.org

Covenant Baptist United Church of Christ

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

Reverend William Young IV Pastor

4001 14th Street, NW Washington, DC 20011 (202) 265-6147 Office 1-800 576-1047 Voicemail/Fax

3845 South Capitol Street Washington, DC 20032 (202) 562-5576 (Office) / (202) 562-4219 (Fax)

Service and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 11:00 AM Communion Service: First Sunday Prayer Service/Bible Study: Tuesday, 6:30 PM www.blessedwordoflifechurch.org

Mount Carmel Baptist Church

901 Third Street N.W. Washington, DC. 20001 Phone (202) 842-3411 Fax (202) 682-9423 Service and Times Sunday Church School : 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship: 10:10 AM Bible Study Tuesday: 6: 00 PM Prayer Service Tuesday: 7:00 PM Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday 10:10 AM themcbc.org

Services and Times Sundays: 10:00am Worship Services Bible Study: Wonderful Wednesdays in Worship and the Word Bible Study Wednesdays 12:00 Noon; 6:30 PM (dinner @ 5:30 PM) Sunday School: 9:00 AM – Hour of Power “An inclusive ministry where all are welcomed and affirmed.” www.covenantdc.org

Mount Olivet Lutheran Church

“Friendliest Church in the City” Website: mountolivetdc.org Email: mtolivedc@gmail.com

Dr. E. Gail Anderson Holness - Senior Pastor Rev. Ali Gail Holness-Roland Assistant & Youth Pastor

46 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

12801 Old Fort Road • Ft. Washington, MD 20744 Office (301) 292.6323 • FAX (301) 292.2164 Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:15 am Sunday Church School 11:00 am Youth Sunday every 4th Sunday Prayer Call @ Noon every Tuesday & Thursday 978.990.5166 code: 6166047# Virtual Bible Study Wednesday Facebook & Zoom 7:00 pm “A Growing Church for a Coming Christ” www.adamsinspirationalamec.org

Service and Times Sunday Morning Worship: 11:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday Sunday School: 9:45 AM Men’s Monday Bible Study: 7:00 PM Wednesday Night Bible Study: 7:00 PM Women’s Ministry Bible Study: 3rd Friday -7:00 PM Computer Classes: Announced Family and Marital Counseling by appointment E-mail: Crusadersbaptistchurch@verizon.net www.CrusadersBaptistChurch.org / “God is Love”

St. Stephen Baptist Church

Third Street Church of God

Bishop Lanier C. Twyman, Sr. / Senior Pastor 5757 Temple Hill Road, Temple Hills, MD 20748 Office 301.899.8885 – Fax 301.899.2555 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Worship 8:00 AM Sunday School 9:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 AM Tuesday: 7:00 PM – Kingdom Building Bible Institute Wednesday: 12:30 PM – Mid-Day Bible Study Wednesday: 7:00 PM – Evening Bible Study Baptism - 3rd Sunday – Communion 4th Sunday Free Food Giveaway – Every Tuesday, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm “We are One in the Spirit” www.ssbcmd.org | secretary@ssbcmd.org

Campbell AME Church

2562 MLK Jr. Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Adm. Office 202-678-2263 Email: Campbell@mycame.org

Service and Times Divine Worship, Sunday 10:00 a.m. Communion 1st and 3rd Sunday

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

www.livingwatersmd.org

1306 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20005

Rev. Dr. James Coleman Pastor

Website: www.allnationsbaptistchurch.com All Nations Baptist Church – A Church of Standards

Service and Times Sunday Service: 8:30am& 11:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM Communion Service: First Sunday

Rev. Terrance M. McKinley Senior Pastor

Adams Inspirational A.M.E. Church

Service and Times Sunday Church School – 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service – 11:00 AM Holy Communion – 1st Sunday at 11:00 AM Prayer – Wednesdays, 6:00 PM Bible Study – Wednesdays, 7:00 PM Christian Education / School of Biblical Knowledge Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM, Call for Registration

4915 Wheeler Road Oxon Hill, MD 20745 301-894-6464

John F. Johnson Reverend Dr.

All Nations Baptist Church

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

Harold Andrew Assistant Pastor

Crusader Baptist Church

Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 AM Bible Study: Wednesday: 12:00 Noon, Wednesday: 7:00 PM, Thursday: 7:00 PM “Reaching Up To Reach Out” Mailing Address : Campbell AME Church 2502 Stanton Road SE - Washington, DC 20020

Emmanuel Baptist Church

Rev. Cheryl J. Sanders, Th.D. Senior Pastor 1204 Third Street, NW Washington, DC 20001 202-347-5889 office / 202-638-1803 fax Services and Times Sunday School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday Community Worship Service: 8:30 AM “Ambassadors for Christ to the Nation’s Capital” www.thirdstreet.org Live Stream Sunday Worship Service begins @ 12:00 noon www.thirdstreet.org

Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Reverend John W. Davis Pastor 5101 14th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20011 Phone: 202-726-2220 Fax: 202-726-9089 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service - 8:00 a.m. & 11:00 a.m. Children’s Church - 11:00 a.m. (1st & 3rd Sundays) Communion - 10 a.m. 4th Sunday Sunday School - 9:15 a.m. (4th Sunday 8:15 a.m.) Prayer Meeting & Bible Study - Wednesday 7:00 p.m. “A Church with a past to remember – and a future to mold” www.mtzbcdc.org

Florida Avenue Baptist Church

Reverend Christopher L. Nichols Pastor

Dr. Earl D. Trent Senior Pastor

2409 Ainger Pl.,SE – WDC 20020 (202) 678-0884 – Office / (202) 678-0885 – Fax “Moving Faith Forward” 0% Perfect . . . 100% Forgiven!

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

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 8:00 AM & 10:45 AM Baptism/Holy Communion: 3rd Sunday Family Bible Study Tuesdays – 6:30 PM Prayer Service: Tuesdays – 8:00 PM www.emmanuelbaptistchurchdc.org

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 8:45 – 9:45 AM Holy Communion: Every First Sunday Intercessory Prayer: Monday – 7:00-8:00 PM Pastor’s Bible Study: Wednesday –7:45 PM Midweek Prayer: Wednesday – 7:00 PM Noonday Prayer Every Thursday

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

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

Sunday Worship Service: 8:00 AM and 10:45 AM Sunday Youth Worship Services: 1st & 4th 10:45 AM; 804 R.I. Ave., NE 5th 8 AM & 10:45 AM; Main Church Prayer Services Tuesday – Noon, Wednesday 6:00 AM & 6:30 PM Calvary Bible Institute: Year-Round Contact Church / Communion Every 3rd Sunday The Church in The Hood that will do you Good! www.gmchc.org / emailus@gmchc.org

Shiloh Church of God 7th Day Elder Jonathan M. Carson Senior Pastor

5701 Eastern Avenue, Hyattsville, MD 20782 Phone: 301 559-5262 Service and Times Sabbath Worship @ 1:00 pm in-person/FB/Zoom Tuesday - Prayer@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Wednesday - Bible Study@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Friday - Sabbath School@ 7:30 pm on Zoom Web: shiloh7thday.org Email: shiloh7thdaycomm@gmail.com "A culturally diverse church of edification, deliverance and transformation"

Holy Trinity United Baptist Church Rev. Dr. George C. Gilbert Senior Pastor 4504 Gault Place, N.E. / Washington, D.C 20019 202-397-7775 – 7184 Service and Times Sunday Church School: 9:30 AM Sunday Worship Service : 11:00 AM The Lord’s Supper 1st Sunday Prayer & Praise Services: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: 7:30 PM Saturday before 4th Sunday Men, Women, Youth Discipleship Ministries: 10:30 AM A Christ Centered Church htubc@comcast.net

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RELIGION Zion Baptist Church

Rev. Keith W. Byrd, Sr. Pastor 4850 Blagdon Ave, NW - Washington D.C 20011 Phone (202) 722-4940 - Fax (202) 291-3773 Service and Times 9:00 a.m. – Sunday School 10:15 a.m. – Worship Service Wed. Noon: Dea. Robert Owens Bible Study 7 PM Pastor’s Bible Study Ordinance of Baptism 2nd Sunday, Holy Communion 4th Sunday Mission: Zion shall: Enlist Sinners, Educate Students, Empower the Suffering, Encourage the Saints, And Exalt our Savior. (Acts 2: 41-47) www.zionbaptistchurchdc.org

St. Luke Baptist Church

Rev. Aubrey C. Lewis Pastor 1415 Gallatin Street, NW Washington, DC 20011-3851 P: (202) 726-5940 Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11:00 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion: 11:00 a.m., 3rd Sun. Bible Institute: Wednesday - 1:30 PM Prayer Meeting: Wednesday - 12:00 Noon

Rehoboth Baptist Church

Rev. Lance Aubert Imterim Pastor 1251 Saratoga Ave., NE Washington, DC 20018 (202) 269-0288 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:15 AM Holy Communion1st Sunday: 10:45 AM Prayer Service: Wednesday at 6:30 PM Bible Study: Wednesday at 7:00 PM Bible Study: Tuesday at 10:30 AM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 10:00 AM Holy Communion: First Sunday 10:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Bible Study: Wednesday @ 12 noon and 6:30 PM Motto: "Faith On The Hill"

Eastern Community Baptist Church Damion M. Briggs Pastor

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

Apostolic in Doctrine, Pentecostal in Experience, Holiness in Living, Uncompromised and Unchanged. The Apostolic Faith is still alive –Acts 2:42

“Where God is Praised, Christ is Obeyed, and People are Loved”

New Commandment Baptist Church

8213 Manson Street Landover, MD 20785 Tel: (301) 322-9787 Fax: (301) 322-9240

13701 Old Jericho Park Road Bowie, MD. 20720 (301) 262-0560

Service and Times Sunday Worship Services: 7:45 AM and 10:45 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sundays at 7:45 AM & 10:45 AM Sunday School: 9:30 AM Prayer & Praise Service: Tuesdays at 12 noon & 6:30 PM Bible Study: Tuesdays at 1 pm and 7 PM Youth Bible Study: Fridays at 7 PM Web: www.mountmoriahchurch.org Email: mtmoriah@mountmoriahchurch.org

Service and Times Early Morning Message: 7:30 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Sunday Church School: 9:00 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 7:30 AM & 10:00 AM Prayer, Praise and Testimony: Wednesday 7:00 PM Bible Study: Wednesday 7:30 PM

Service and Times Sunday Worship: 11 AM Sunday School: 10 AM Wednesday Mid-Week Worship, Prayer & Bible Study: Wed. 7 PM

Promised Land Baptist Church

Historic St. Mary’s Episcopal Church

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

Foggy Bottom - Founded in 1867 728 23rd Street, NW - Washington, DC 20037 Church office: 202-333-3985 - Fax : 202-338-4958 Service and Times Sundays: 10 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music and Hymns Wednesdays: 12:10 p.m. - Holy Eucharist

www.stmarysfoggybottom.org Email: stmarysoffice@stmarysfoggybottom.org

Dr. Joseph D. Turner Senior Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Apostolic Worship Services 11:00 A.M and 5:00 PM Communion and Feet Wash 4th Sunday at 5:00 PM Prayer/Seeking: Wednesday at 8:00 PM

Rev. Stephen E. Tucker Senior Pastor

“Real Worship for Real People” Website: www.easterncommunity.org Email: ecc@easterncommunity.org

Matthews Memorial Baptist Church

2616 MLK Ave., SE - Washington, DC 20020 Office 202-889-3709 - Fax 202-678-3304 Service and Times Sunday Worship Service: 9:30 AM Holy Communion: 1st Sunday 9:30 AM Sunday School: 8:15 AM Bible Study: Wednesdays at Noon Baptism: 4th Sunday 9:30 AM

1636 East Capitol Street, NE Washington, DC 20003 Telephone: 202-544-5588 - Fax: 202-544-2964

The Rev. E. Bernard Anderson Priest

Motto: “Where God is First and Where Friendly People Worship”

1301 North Carolina Ave. N E Washington, D C 20002 202 543 1318 - lincolnpark@lpumcdc.org www.lpumcdc.org

Dr. Lucius M. Dalton Senior Pastor

Sermon On The Mount Temple Of Joy Apostolic Faith Elder Herman L. Simms Pastor

Rev. Richard B. Black Interim Pastor

Mount Moriah Baptist Church

Rev. Curtis l. Staley Pastor

Service and Times Sunday Service: 10:00 AM Sunday School for all ages: 8:30 AM 1st Sunday Baptism: 10:00 AM 2nd Sunday Holy Communion:10:00 AM Tuesday: Bible Study: 6:30 PM Prayer Meeting: 7:45 PM

Lincoln Park United Methodist Church

Israel Baptist Church

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

First Rising Mt. Zion Baptist Church

Website address: www.mmbcdc.org

Peace Baptist Church Rev. Dr. Michael T. Bell 712 18th Street, NE Washington, DC 20002 Phone 202-399-3450/ Fax 202-398-8836 Service and Times Sunday Early Morning Prayer & Bible Study Class: 8:00 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Sunday Morning Worship Service: 10:00 AM Wednesday Service: 12:00 PM “The Loving Church of the living lord “ Email Address: admin@pbc712.org

Mt. Horeb Baptist Church

Rev. Oran W. Young Pastor

Rev. Dr. H. B. Sampson, III Pastor

401 Van Buren St., NW, Washington D.C. 20012 Office (202)-882-8331

602 N Street NW - Washington, D.C. 20001 Office:(202) 289-4480 / Fax: (202) 289-4595

Service and Times Sunday Worship 10:30 am Zoom: zoom.us/;/2028828331 Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00pm Communion Every First Sunday

Service and Times Adult Sunday School: 8:00 AM Sunday Worship Services: 9:30 AM Youth/Young Adult Sunday School 12:00 PM Midday Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 11:30AM Evening Prayer & Bible Study: Wednesday 7:00 PM Laymen's League: Thursday 7:00 PM

2914 Bladensburg Road, NE Wash., DC 20018 Office: (202) 529-3180 - Fax: (202) 529-7738 Service and Times Worship Service: 7:30 AM Sunday School: 9:00 AM Worship Service: 10:30 AM Holy Communion: 4th Sunday 7:30AM & 10:30 AM Prayer Services:Tuesday 7:30 PM. Wednesday 12 Noon

Rev Kevin A. O'Bryant Pastor

"Serve, teach and Live by precept and example the saving grace of Jesus Christ."

All are welcome to St. Mary’s to Learn, Worship, and Grow.

Website: Theplbc.org Email: churchclerk@theplbc.org

Email: Froffice@firstrising.org Website: www.firstrising.org “Changing Lives On Purpose “

Email:mthoreb@mthoreb.org Website:www.mthoreb.org For further information, please contact me at (202) 529-3180

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

Join us for our live broadcast every Friday at Noon!

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FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 47

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000083

2024 ADM 000022

2024 ADM 000037

2024 ADM 000040

2024 ADM 000034

Sarah J. Goodman aka Sarah Jane Goodman Decedent

Dorothy J. Bartley aka Dorothy Janette Bartley Decedent

Della Davis Parker Decedent

Conchita A. Brown Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

Mack C. Allen, Esq. 3300 Wheeler Rd., SE Washington, DC 20032 Attorney

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street, NW Washington, DC 20049 Attorney

Thelma W. Taylor aka Thelma Washington Taylor Decedent

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

Mahsa Alaeian Legal Counsel for the Elderly 601 E Street NW Washington DC 20049 Attorney

Sarah M. Love, whose address is20 Stonegate Court, Mt. Pocono, PA 18344, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy J. Bartley aka Dorothy Janette Bartley who died on December 6, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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.

Lonnie D. Parker, Jr., whose address is 809 Adrian Street, SE Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Della Davis Parker who died on July 31, 2014 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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.

Fred Vick Clark Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/8/2024 Sarah M. Love Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/8/2024

TRUE TEST COPY

Lonnie D. Parker, Jr. Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Fred Vick Clark, whose address is 5311 Barker Place, Lanham MD 20706, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Sarah J. Goodman aka Sarah Jane Goodman who died on September 24, 2006 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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: 2/8/2024

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

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

2023 ADM 000084

2024 ADM 45

Mildred Chappelle aka Mildred Chappelle Williams Decedent

Leona Felecia Bennett Decedent

Johnny M. Howard Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Ave., NW, Suite 402 Washington, DC 20036 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Marla A. Freeman Boyd, whose address is 20810 Shifting Sand Lane, Richmond, TX 77407, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mildred Chappelle aka Mildred Chappelle Williams who died on 7/15/2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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: 2/8/2024 Marla A. Freeman Boyd Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Nathan Leon Bennett Fleming, whose address is 5047 Sheriff Rd NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Leona Felecia Bennett who died on November 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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: 2/8/2024 Nathan Leon Bennett Fleming 5047 Sheriff Rd, NE Washington, DC 20019 Personal Representative

Donnell Barnett and Trina Fields are excited to announce the birth of their daughters Trina Mechell Fields, born on October 11th 2006 at 2:08pm weighing 6 lbs 10.8 oz and 20 3/4 in at Providence Hospital 1150 Varnum Street NE Washington DC 20017 Deja Michelle Barnett, born on September 18th 2009 at 2:17am weighing 6 lbs 13 oz and 19 in at Providence Hospital 1150 Varnum Street NE Washington DC 20017 Trinity Monet Barnett, born on December 20th 2020 at 7:26am weighing 7 lbs 4.7 oz 20in at Washington Hospital Center 110 Irving Street NW Washington DC 20010 with witnesses Pameula Barnett, Darnell Moore and Quinzella Williams

Gregory P. Brown, whose address is 9663 Santa Monica Blvd., #248, Beverly Hills, CA 90210, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Conchita A. Brown who died on February 12, 2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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: 2/8/2024 Gregory P. Brown Personal Representative

Washington Informer

Joseph H. Sisney, III, whose address is 1625 Monroe St., NE Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Thelma W. Taylor aka Thelma Washington Taylor who died on July 13, 2016 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/8/2024. 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 8/8/2024, 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: 2/8/2024 Joseph H. Sisney, III Personal Representative TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

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

2024 ADM 000075

2023 ADM 1474

Stephen K. Wiggins Decedent

Mary Ruth Gordon Decedent

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

Carmen Jones Mitchell, Esq. 510 Rock Lodge Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877 Attorney

Karma A. Ester, whose address is 4071 Yellow Stone Loop, Dumfries, VA 22025, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Stephen K. Wiggins who died on May 27, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Karma A. Ester 4071 Yellow Stone Loop Dumfries VA 22025 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

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

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Patricia A. Johnson, whose address is 3910 18th St., NE, Washington, DC 20018, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mary Ruth Gordon who died on March 16, 2019 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Patricia A. Johnson Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

48 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000071 Brenda Lee Coleman-Marbury aka Brenda Lee Coleman aka Brenda Lee Coleman-Hansbury Decedent

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 78

2024 ADM 79

2024 ADM 000076

2023 ADM 001160

William E. Newman Decedent

Gregory Tyreno Pryor Decedent

Bruce A. Colbert Decedent

Sharon Legall 1325 G Street, NW Suite 500 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

Tish Ann Dildy-Harris aka Tish Dildy-Harris Decedent

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

Kyre JaNise Coleman, whose address is 1253 Carrollsburg Place, SW, Washington, DC 20024, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brenda Lee Coleman-Marbury aka Brenda Lee Coleman aka Brenda Lee Coleman-Hansbury who died on 10/7/2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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.

Derrick K. Newman, whose address is 13103 Larkhall Circle, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of William E. Newman who died on October 19, 2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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.

Kyre JaNise Coleman 1253 Carrollsburg Place, SW Washington, DC 20024 Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024 Derrick K. Newman 13103 Larkhall Circle Fort Washington, MD 20744 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

LEGAL NOTICES

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

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

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Diana Pryor, whose address is 2002 Tobacco Rd, Augusta GA 30906, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Gregory Tyreno Pryor who died on July 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Diana Pryor Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Kenan R. Manley, whose address is 4329 Dubois Place NE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bruce A. Colbert who died on 12/05/2022 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Antonio S. Boyd, whose address is 5437 C Street SE, Washington, DC 20019, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tish Ann Dildy-Harris aka Tish Dildy-Harris who died on June 2, 2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024

Kenan R. Manley Personal Representative

Antonio S. Boyd Personal Representative

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Washington Informer

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Probate Division Washington, D.C. 20001-2131 2024 ADM 000068

NOTICE OF EXISTENCE OF REVOCABLE TRUST

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lorraine Day-Hunt, whose address is 1713 Shamrock Ave Capital Heights, MD 20743, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Betty Lou Wilson Day who died on November 30, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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.

Lorraine Day-Hunt Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

2024 NRT 000004 Ernest Thomas Greene Name of Deceased Settlor

Betty Lou Wilson Day Decedent

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION

Ernest Thomas Greene whose address was 3050 Military Road, NW, Apt 567, Washington, DC 20015 created a revocable trust on June 4, 1999, which remained in existence on the date of his death on February 3, 2023, and Margaret H. Greene, whose address is 3050 Military Road, NW, Washington DC 20015, is the currently acting trustee, hereinafter the Trustee. Communications to the Trust should be mailed or directed to Margaret H. Greene at 3050 Military Road, NW, Apt 567 Washington, DC 20015 The Trust is subject to claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors, costs of administration of the settlor’s estate, the expense of the deceased settlor’s funeral and disposal of remains, and statutory allowances to a surviving spouse and children to the extent the deceased settlor’s residuary probate estate is inadequate to satisfy those claims, costs, expenses, and allowances. Claims of the deceased settlor’s creditors are barred as against the Trustee and the trust property unless presented to the Trustee at the address provided herein on or before August 15, 2024 (6 month after the date of the first publication of this notice.) An action to contest the validity of this trust must be commenced by the earliest of (1) February 3, 2024, (One year from date of death of deceased settlor) (2) August 15, 2024, (6 months from the date of first publication of this notice) or (3) Ninety days after the Trustee sends the person a copy of the trust instrument and a notice informing the person of the trust’s existence, of the Trustee’s name and address, and of the time allowed for commencing a proceeding.

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2024 FEP 000008

2024 ADM 000095

2024 ADM 85

September 23, 2023 Date of Death

Rupert W. Grant Decedent

Frances L. Anthony Decedent

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

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

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

David Nicholas Vogan Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Charles E. Vogan, Jr. and Judith Vogan Boone whose addresses are 5500 Tidewater Drive, Norfolk, Virginia 23509 were appointed personal representatives of the estate of David Nicholas Vogan, deceased, by the Circuit Court for Williamsburg/ James City County, State of Virginia, on January 17, 2024. Service of process may be made upon Dr. Dylan DelliSanti 1315 Queen Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 1311 Delaware Avenue, SW, Unit S328, Washington, DC 20024-3930 (Cooperative Apartment). Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice. Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

Gloria Grant, whose address is 7544 8th Street NW, Washington, DC 20012, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rupert W. Grant who died on August 23, 2014 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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.

The Trustee may proceed to distribute the trust property in accordance with the terms of the trust before the expiration of the time within which an action must be commenced unless the Trustee knows of a pending judicial proceeding contesting the validity of the trust or the Trustee has received notice from a potential contestant who thereafter commences a judicial proceeding within sixty days after notification.

Charles E. Vogan Judith Vogan Boone Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Gloria Grant Personal Representative

This Notice must be mailed postmarked within 15 days of its first publication to each heir and qualified beneficiary of the trust and any other person who would be an interested person within the meaning of D.C. Code 20-101(d).

Washington Informer

Date of First Publication: 2/15/2024 Margaret H. Greene Signature of Trustee TRUE TEST COPY

Rita L. Twiggs, whose address is 7505 River Road, Suite 2E, Newport News, VA 23607, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frances L. Anthony who died on January 14, 2024 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Rita L. Twiggs Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM / THE WASHINGTON INFORMER

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 49

LEGAL NOTICES

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2024 ADM 91

2024 ADM 000090

2023 ADM 00128

2024 FEP 000012

2022 ADM 234

Geraldine Dubois Decedent

Douglas E. Burrell Decedent

Mumbi Grace Fuller aka Mumbi Grace Mogaki Decedent

October 30, 2023 Date of Death

Estate of Carrie W. Carson

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

Matthew F. Shannon, Esquire 1420 N Street, NW #203 Washington, DC 20005 Attorney

Derrek Reese, whose address is 2945 Marsala Ct., Lake Ridge, VA 22192, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Geraldine Dubois who died on 12/22/06 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Sherrie Hairston, whose address is 7223 Mason Street, District Heights, MD 20747, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Douglas E. Burrell who died on December 17, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Derrek Reese Personal Representative

Date of first publication: 2/15/2024

TRUE TEST COPY

Sherrie Hairston Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Lucy Sandra Mumo, whose address is 14801 Cartagena Dr., Gainesville, VA 20155, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mumbi Grace Fuller aka Mumbi Grace Mogaki who died on May 6, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/15/2024. 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 8/15/2024, 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: 2/15/2024 Lucy Sandra Mumo 14801 Cartagena Dr. Gainesville VA 20155 Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Lisa Cheryl Levy aka Lisa S. Levy Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS Steven C. Starks, Sr. whose address is 7315 Hawthorne Street, Landover, MD 20785 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Lisa Cheryl Levy aka Lisa S. Levy, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, Estate No. 131718, on 12/18/2023. Service of process may be made upon Johnny M. Howard, Houston & Howard 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 402, Washington, DC 20036 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real property: 5801 5th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20011; Square 3738 Lot 0084. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

NOTICE OF STANDARD PROBATE Notice is hereby given that a petition has been filed in this Court by Cheryl Janet Wallace for standard probate, including the appointment of one or more personal representatives. Unless a responsive pleading in the form of a complaint or an objection in accordance with Superior Court Probate Division Rule 407 is filed in this Court within 30 days from the date of first publication of this notice, the Court may take the action hereinafter set forth. Admit to probate the will dated November 8, 2019 exhibited with the petition upon proof satisfactory to the Court of due execution by affidavit of the witnesses or otherwise Date of first publication: 2/22/2024 Cheryl Janet Wallace 3809 Tullycross Court Whit Plaines, MD 20695 Petitioner/Attorney: TRUE TEST COPY

Date of first publication: 2/22/2024

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Steven C. Starks, Sr. Personal Representative

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

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

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PROBATE DIVISION Washington, D.C. 20001-2131

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

2023 ADM 001173

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

2024 ADM 000105

2024 FEP 000011

2024 ADM 000113

Barry Demond Taylor Decedent

2024 ADM 86

Catherine E. Meads Decedent

December 6, 2019 Date of Death

Bernell Brown Jr. Decedent

Ethel Johnson Decedent

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

Celeste Mason whose address is 1742 Peachtree Lane Bowie, MD 20721 was appointed personal representative of the estate of Wallace L. Webster, deceased, by the Orphans Court for Prince Georges County, State of Maryland, on March 31, 2021. Service of process may be made upon Celeste Mason 186 Forrester Street SW, Washington, DC 20020 whose designation as District of Columbia agent has been filed with the Register of Wills, D.C. The decedent owned the following District of Columbia real estate. 2054 34th Street SW, Washington, DC 20020. Claims against the decedent may be presented to the undersigned and filed with the Register of Wills of the District of Columbia, 515 5th Street, NW, Third Floor, Washington, D.C. 20001 within 6 months from the date of first publication of this notice.

Twana D. Holt, whose address is 4816 8th Street, NE, Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Bernell Brown Jr. who died on September 16, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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.

Albert Earl Cooper, whose address is 912 Raad Court, Fort Washington, MD 20744, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ethel Johnson who died on December 19, 2023 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Celeste Mason Personal Representative

Twana D. Holt Personal Representative

Iris McCollum Green, Esq. 1714 15th Street, NW Washington, DC 20009 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Bareae Reid and Beverly Taylor, whose addresses are 1254 Meigs Pl., NE, Washington, DC 20002 & 3129 82nd Ave., Landover, MD 20785, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Barry Demond Taylor who died on 12/14/2021 without a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024 Barrae Reid Beverly Taylor Personal Representative

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Donald L. Meads, Kevin E. Meads and Gregory N. Meads, whose addresses are 2603 Saint Josephs Dr., Mitchellville, MD 20721, 1401 Illinois Pl., Upper Marlboro, MD 20774 & 916 Emerson St., NW, Washington, DC 20011, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Catherine E. Meads who died on 12/1/2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Wallace L. Webster Name of Decedent NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE AND NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TRUE TEST COPY

Donald L. Meads Kevin E. Meads Gregory N. Meads Personal Representative

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

TRUE TEST COPY

Date of first publication: 2/22/2024 Albert Earl Cooper Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Washington Informer

50 FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024

THE WASHINGTON INFORMER / WWW.WASHINGTONINFORMER.COM

LEGAL NOTICES

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

2024 ADM 000077 2024 WIL 000054

2024 ADM 000106

2023 ADM 001332

M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard Decedent

Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford Decedent

Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker Decedent

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Janay Kingsberry, whose address is 509 Franklin Street NE Unit 2 Washington, DC 20017, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Michael G. Whitaker aka Michael Gerrod Whitaker who died on December 24, 2023 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024 Janay Kingsberry Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY Nicole Stevens Register of Wills Washington Informer

Robert P. Newman, Esq. Law Office of Robert P. Newman 801 Wayne Avenue, Suite 400 Silver Spring, MD 20910 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Frederick Charles Hillyard, Jr., whose address is 4825 Sangamore Road, Bethesda, MD 20816, was appointed Personal Representative of the estate of M. Jane Hillyard aka Jane Hillyard aka Mary Jane Hillyard who died on 8/18/2021 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024

Aimee D. Griffin 5335 Wisconsin Avenue NW Suite 440 Washington, DC 20015 Attorney NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT, NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Fern Clark and Monica Crawford, whose addresses are 3318 Highwood Drive, SE, Washington, DC 20020, were appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of Eileen Crawford aka Eileen Elizabeth Crawford who died on 12/25/2022 with a Will and will serve without Court supervision. All unknown heirs and heirs whose whereabouts are unknown shall enter their appearance in this proceeding. Objections to such appointment (or to the probate of decedent’s Will) shall be filed with the Register of Wills, D.C., 515 5th Street, N.W., Building A, Third Floor Washington, D.C. 20001, on or before 8/22/2024. 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 8/22/2024, 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: 2/22/2024 Fern Clark Monica Crawford Personal Representative

Frederick Charles Hillyard, Jr. Personal Representative

TRUE TEST COPY

Nicole Stevens Register of Wills

Washington Informer

In The Moorish Empire, Estados al-Marikanos, Societas Republicae Ea Al Maurikanuus Estados, D.b.a.: Yavapai County, Arizona, united States of America. Notice of Assignment Transfer for the approval of the Maritime Administrator. Notice of White Flag Surrender: as "hors de combat", pursuant to The Geneva Conventions, Article III, as a minister of The Moorish Empire, and Internationally Protected Persons, specially appearing in the interest of, the Preferred Mortgage [46 CFR § 71.01-1], entitlement holder, Doing business as: the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, permanently domiciled at: 6608 N Western Ave # 1133, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma [73116] u.S.A.. Notice of: LAWS AND CUSTOMS OF WAR ON LAND (HAGUE, IV), ARTICLE: 32, 45, 46, & 47. Notice of Bailment Merging of Legal Title with Equitable Title. This Notice is to preserve legal and equitable title, and to reserve all rights, title, and interest, in the property, as Allodium Absolute Title Estate in Fee Simple, Tax Exempt, for religious, scientific, educational, and charitable purposes, of the following described Real Estate, being known as: [ Legal Description: SE4 NW4 SE4 CONT 10AC SEC 1 17 5E 694/995 ], [ Township Range: SEC 01 TWN 17 RNG 05E ], [ Parcel 408-22-040T ], Refused address [ 250 Enchanted Way, Sedona, Arizona 86336 ], as per parcel thereof recorded among the Land Records of the Yavapai County Recorders Office, Arizona in Recorded Book: 3899, Page: 803, File/Recoded Date: 02/07/2002, Time: 04:25PM, located at or near Latitude: 34.880580" N, Longitude: -111.783280" W. Notice of Abandonment of Easement and Termination of Easement Rights, Pursuant to [Public Law 89-713, Nov. 2, 1966, SEC. 7502.], [12 CFR § 215.3], Re: USPS: Registered Mail Tracking Numbers: RF222493254US, RF222493435US, [3rd Notice of Default etc.], Re: The administrative acquiescence, and relinquishment, of any and all aforementioned quasi real property interest, from: Michael J. Stevenson, Dba. the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and, Kathleen M. Stevenson, Dba. . the pirated vessel sending unauthorized broadcast from the high seas, “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, husband and wife, their heirs, agents, and assignees, to the naked owner: “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, for peaceful and quiet enjoyment. Notice of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Article(s) 69, 73, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 109, 110. Notice of Seizure Forfeiture of the vessels, “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”, by Maritime Lien, Common Law Lien, and U.C.C. Lien, until said deed is 100% conveyed, acknowledged, & officially recorded. Said seized forfeited vessel(s), it’s agents and assignee(s), hereby grant Plenary Power of Attorney In Fact, to “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”, it’s agents and assignee(s), for the execution of an Allodial Quit Claim Deed, in the name of the seized forfeited vessels, for the discharge, of the Seizure Forfeiture, as accord and satisfaction, of “MICHAEL J. STEVENSON”, and “KATHLEEN M. STEVENSON”. The aforementioned private property real estate is not available for trespass. Any and all trespassers, on the private property real estate, shall incur a $1,000,000.00 [ONE MILLION DOLLARS], non-judicial penalty at each evidenced occurrence, that is immediately due upon presentment. Trespassers waive any and all defenses and agree to a Fieri Facias order commanding the County Sheriff, of wherever any property of the DEBTORS may be found, either getting the money by seizure, attachment, or levy, and sell sufficient personal property, real property, goods, chattels, and real estate, until the full satisfaction of the debt. Notice of Special Deposit. Said Real Estate is as a special deposit order, conveyed for the Unincorporated Inter Vivos Trust, “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”. All property of the same issue and amount, in like kind and specie, is to be returned fully intact, as a Special Deposit order of the Depositor / Beneficiary / Bailor / Donor / Principal / Creditor, as a special deposit order in lawful money, exclusively for the benefit of: “Ashmu Heru Bey Trust”. This deposit is not to be commingled with general assets of any bank, nor depositary / trustee / agent / bailee / donee / debtor. This deposit is not limited to, but including, discharge and set off, of any and all outstanding liabilities as accord and satisfaction. Inter alia enact fuit. All Rights Reserved. Deo volente.

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PROTEST from Page 1

Higazi, 24, Ola Mohamed, 22, and Dania Abdalla, 30, began organizing two weeks before Sunday’s protest. “It does feel very hopeless sometimes to be yelling into the void, and the rest of the world ignoring that. But I don't want to feel hopeless, and I don't want to give up,” said Higazi. “Making yourself heard and speaking your truth is better than letting Sudan and our families die in the dark.” Since April 2023, people across Sudan have been caught in the crossfire of the violent power struggle between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the de-facto government of Sudan, and the paramilitary militia Rapid Support Forces (RSF), also known as the Janjaweed. According to UNHCR, half of Sudan’s population – some 25 million people – need immediate humanitarian assistance and protection. Nearly 6 million people are internally displaced in Sudan, with another 1.4 million forced to flee their homes to neighboring countries. The United Nations estimates that over 10,000 people have been killed since the start of the war; the recent communications and internet blackout leads officials and the diaspora to suspect that the number has since grown significantly. Standing against the devastating loss are Sudanese women who have historically led revolutionary change in their country. The organizers of Sunday’s demonstration join a long lineage of female revolutionaries. For Mohamed, who grew up in Sudan until she was 9 years old, her return to organizing since college was fueled by anger and a relentless yearning to rebuild her country. She said instead of being taken over by despair, she worked to cultivate hope. “Hope is in and of itself an act of resistance. You’re saying ‘I will remain hopeful in the face of despair, in the face of murder, in the face of ethnic cleansing,’” said Mohamed. One of the first speakers was Safa Eltaib, from the Nuba tribe in South Kordofan. She said many of the violent tactics ravishing the entire country today began in her ancestral lands of the Nuba mountains. Despite the decades of targeted genocide and displacement, The Nuba mountains and other parts of Sudan’s periphery have often been left out of Sudan’s liberation movements. “Thousands of people from the Nuba Mountains lost their lives. Our lands were pillaged and generations of people were permanently affected, including my own immediate family. We weren’t able to return to Sudan for another 20 years,” said Eltaib.

Eltaib informed the crowd that the SAF and RSF are being funded by countries like the UAE, United States, and Russia. “These power hungry countries are responsible for using our people, our land, and our resources to bolster their economies. Their agenda is clear: bleed Sudan dry and discard its people. The atrocities cannot continue on,” said Eltaib. The organizers agreed that the protest must be a Pan-African effort and also raise awareness on other African countries, including the ongoing genocide of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. As one of the lead organizers, Abdalla, put it, “Africa is not poor, Africa is exploited.” Paul Pumphery, treasurer of Friends of the Congo, said it is important to hold American government officials accountable in working toward peace throughout Africa. “If we want real justice in Congo, Sudan, and this world, we need to stand up,” said Pumphery.

YOUTH SERVE AS BEACON OF HOPE AND PEACE

The communal dream of a new Sudan loomed in the crisp, cool D.C. air during the protest. Elders from the Sudanese community were in attendance, and they all shared a pride for the “shabab,” or youth, who led the protest and brought international awareness to the atrocities in Sudan. Yasir Balla and his family came from Richmond, Virginia to show their support. Originally from Kosti, Balla worked as a lawyer in Khartoum and the war hit close to home, literally. His family property in Omdurman, Sudan’s second most populated city, has been looted and robbed by the RSF. Further, several hundreds of gender-based violence and rapes against women and girls, lootings, and civilian killings have been reported. “The youth are our voice. I hope these protests don’t stop and I hope we can return to Sudan and begin to rebuild. We want a Sudan without racism, without discrimination and includes all of its unique people. I pray we see Sudan before we die,” said Balla. His daughter, Salwa Balla, was born in the U.S. but inherited her father’s love for Sudanese culture and community. Balla said she hopes a new Sudan will be characterized by kids freely running in the streets, and people gathering over cups of “shay,” or tea, along the Nile River. WI Read more on washingtoninformer.com

FEBRUARY 22 - 28, 2024 51

DYRS from Page 20 treatment facilities, Henderson added, often do so along the District’s border to receive patients not only from D.C., but Maryland and Virginia. The atmosphere in those areas, she zaid, might also prove more serene for youths. “With the opioid numbers going up, this has been an identified area of a problem,” Henderson told The Informer. “Children’s National Medical Center raised a concern about young people who could stabilize but might need further treatment,” she continued. “Because we don’t have beds and options available in that regard, it makes it difficult [for hospitals] to tell parents that they need to refer them to a facility in Maryland or Virginia [for long-term residential treatment.]”

THE DYRS TURNAROUND PLAN IN QUESTION

During the latter part of last year, a DYRS spokesperson told The Informer that DYRS submitted a proposal detailing plans to address conditions at the detention facility. During the recent budget oversight hearing however, White mentioned only receiving an outline, not an actual proposal. Abed, in response to White, said the full proposal came in the form of his PowerPoint presentation. The Ward 8 council member subsequently questioned Abed about what he described as his failure to fully respond to a questionnaire about YSC staff-resident relations that the Committee on Recreation, Libraries, and Youth Affairs circulated. In an email, White’s office told The Informer that he is working on legislation that establishes a funding mechanism that, once open to the public, works in partnership with DYRS to coordinate services for youth and their families. Other bills that are in the works, a spokesperson said, mandate programming for at-risk youth upon their release and DYRS’ maintenance of a compre-

hensive data system that tracks youths’ status and outcomes during their commitment and after their release into the community. Another piece of legislation would require DYRS to provide quarterly reports to the D.C. Council that includes data from new facilities and community-based placements. It hasn’t been determined when White will introduce these bills. “While Councilmember White intends to introduce these pieces of legislation soon … please keep in mind that we are currently in the midst of oversight and budget season,” the spokesperson told The Informer.

DIGGING DEEPER INTO DYRS’ STAFFING CONUNDRUM

In his Feb. 15 testimony before the Committee on Recreation, Libraries and Youth Affairs, Mark Jordan, executive director of Independent Juvenile Facilities Oversight, said Youth Service Center’s population exceeded what was then its 88-bed capacity last May for the first time in six years. After a slight dip toward the end of the year, YSC’s youth population has been on the rise once again over the last several weeks, Jordan added. In his testimony, Jordan went on to explain that recent DYRS personnel hires included a medical director and supervisory nurse, both of whom he said significantly improved DYRS’ quality of medical services. Jordan however warned White that, even with DYRS’ expansion of youth development representatives from 100 to more than 120, the growing number of unavailable staff members, estimated to be one out of three, diminishes the impact of the workforce. The problem more so affects YSC, which experienced a greater influx of residents than New Beginnings, Jordan said. Read more on washingtoninformer.com WI @SamPKCollins

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MALVEAUX from Page 34 so many so much? Enslavement happened, and it has had an impact on contemporary life. Too few are willing to consider ways to address and repair ugly aspects of our history, perhaps through reparation, restitution, and reconciliation. Instead, many want to run and hide from our history. The Jesuits at St. Louis University are among those who are running and hiding. They commissioned a study to show their relationship to enslavement. They acknowledged that as many as 16 enslaved people were forced to walk from Maryland to St. Louis to cultivate a farm to support a Jesuit mission (ironically to "civilize" Indians). Now, researchers have identified more than 200 survivors from these enslaved people.

MARSHALL from Page 34 group found themselves stranded for more than three hours. Players were constantly refused entrance to restaurants and other nightspots. The verbal threats and harassment were relentless. Therefore, it was just a matter of time before the continuous humiliation and disrespect overshadowed any excitement or desire to play in the exhibition game. Eventually, the players met to decide whether to leave the city or participate in the game. Initially, all of the white players who attended the meeting wanted to play. There was no consensus among the Black players. Some wanted to play, and others were ready to leave; then leadership took over the meeting. Several of the Black veterans spoke up with passion. The New Orleans experience was no longer about a football game or the pride of being named an All-Star. It was about human dignity and respect. Later that day, each of the Black players packed their bags and returned home.

CROWELL from Page 34 payment plans or obtain accurate information about their accounts, this can have a domino effect on the rest of their financial lives." In December 2023, CFPB issued a new report, "Making Ends Meet in 2023." Two findings in this report highlight the heavy and disproportionate financial effects for borrowers of color: "Consumers who currently have student debt were 10 percentage points more likely to have difficulty paying bills than consumers who had student debt at some point in the last 10 years but no longer do

The University of Connecticut's Dr. Thomas Cramer calculated the value of stolen labor as between $361 million and $70 billion. The university, so far, has been silent about what it owes and what it plans to do about it. They should take a page from the book of another Jesuit university, D.C.'s Georgetown. The remedy they have begun to implement has been insufficient, but it is a remedy nonetheless. Attorney Areva Martin, who was retained by the Descendants of the St. Louis University Enslaved (DSLUE) and has worked closely with Robin Prudie, the founder of the nonprofit organization (dsule.org), wonders why the university would go to the trouble of documenting their troubled history without doing anything about it. Black History Month is an oppor-

tunity to celebrate African American triumphs and accomplishments, and it is also an opportunity to address some of the structural inequities inherent in our system. We have a crushing wealth gap that is a function of the ways Black people have been treated throughout history. We would be remiss if, in celebrating, we were silent about this history of enslavement, exploitation, and oppression. St. Louis is not unique in using slave labor as the foundation for its thriving enterprise. There would be no White House, Capitol buildings, or even a Wall Street without the contribution of the enslaved. Celebrate Black History Month, but make it plain. Black History Month celebrations remind us that Black folk are due more than presidential proclamations. We are due economic justice! WI

Several white players did the same, but only after white veterans Ron Mix and Jack Kemp made the case directly to them. Ron Mix told them, "I want to play the game; however, I respect what the Black players are going through, so I'm not playing." Jack Kemp echoed those same sentiments when he spoke. The next day, the AFL commissioner, realizing the magnitude of the problem, announced the game would be played in Houston rather than New Orleans. The 1965 AFL All-Star game represented the first-ever boycott of a host city by professional athletes of any sport. Years later, many players saw their careers shortened or negatively impacted by their participation in the walkout. But the long-term financial consequences on a city still struggling with its hate-filled traditions were profound. "The Stand" was a total surprise and embarrassment to a proud New Orleans community. Having an empty Tulane Stadium on the scheduled day of the All-Star game was a powerful statement against white supremacy while

serving as a major wake-up call to the New Orleans establishment. It forced the city to reflect upon itself and move toward making hard social changes to be seriously considered for a professional football team. Ultimately, the city was awarded the New Orleans Saints NFL franchise. Later in his political career, Kemp said that the pain and humiliation he felt for his Black teammates in the 1960s became "etched in my memory" and that when he got into politics, he pledged to be their "voice" in the Republican Party. William H. Gray III, who once served in the House of Representatives with Kemp and who later became president of the United Negro College Fund, said Kemp's overture is "record-breaking" for a Republican. "The Stand" proved that for white supremacy to die, ill-willed whites must consistently feel the direct pain resulting from their hate and injustice. We know that will likely never happen with the current anti-wokeism, anti-DEI and anti-CRT movements. WI

and consumers who have not had student debt for at least 10 years if ever." "Nearly 58 percent of Black consumers and 54 percent of Hispanic households could not cover expenses for more than a month in February 2023, while this was the case for only 34 percent of non-Hispanic white households and 32 percent of households of another race. These differences among groups were largely unchanged since 2022." Secretary Cardona said the Education Department's Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) Plan will deliver even greater debt relief and help put more borrowers on

a faster track to loan forgiveness. Borrowers who originally took out $12,000 or less for college and are enrolled in the SAVE Plan will see forgiveness after as few as 10 years of payments. Those who are enrolled in SAVE and are eligible for early forgiveness will have their debts automatically canceled starting next month, months ahead of schedule, with no action needed. The Department and its partners are reaching out to encourage eligible but unenrolled borrowers to sign up for SAVE. Borrowers can find additional resources at StudentAid. gov and sign up for the SAVE plan at StudentAid.gov/save. WI

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Even when you go on a date, you take your dollar. As for keeping cash around the house, most of us were taught to do that. Her dad taught her to do that, and so did my mom. Those of us who've gone to school, highly educated ourselves and earned a great job don't ask for men to pay our bills. We

MORIAL from Page 35 ditional adults whose insurance does not cover all vaccine costs. Paying out of pocket for the updated COVID vaccine is a significant burden for most uninsured adults, who are disproportionately low income and people of color. Given they are often in poorer health compared to those who are insured, they are even more vulnerable to serious illness and death from COVID-19 infection. People of color are also disproportionately experiencing long-term symptoms and health problems following a COVID-19 infection, a condition known as long COVID. Long COVID does not affect everyone the same way, but common symptoms include fatigue, fever, cough, headache, chest pain and short-

JEALOUS from Page 35 taking great personal risks to ensure that women would not have to stay in dangerous situations. But the reality was the patients were desperate. And there was no system for review of, or accountability for, this type of medical care. From 1973 until 2022, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, abortions were safe and legal. Now, the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case has created a flood of laws threatening to send us back to the dark ages. This goes for women who are attempting to sever ties with dangerous men and those in other horrific situations many of us can only imagine. And it is not stopping. Just this month, the Missouri state Senate voted down two amendments to the state's medieval abortion laws that would have allowed exceptions for rape and incest. That's why Vice President Harris' leadership is so important. It is easy to imagine that whoever was vice president in these times would be

pay them ourselves. Some have said Fani shouldn't have been angry, but you need to put yourself in her shoes as so much irrelevant information from Trump's friends was being thrown against her, without proof, to destroy a smart Black woman to save a well-known bad actor. As a Black woman, I stand with DA Willis, and I pray she will spend the rest

of her life without fear fighting for justice and winning. When a Black woman is angry, you can bet there's good reason. What we feel for the meanness against us just because we are successful Black women hurts. Still, it doesn't stop the great work we so often do for our people, and it often even benefits those who try to destroy us! WI

ness of breath for weeks, months or years after COVID-19 illness. Long COVID has disrupted many lives and is keeping as many as million people out of work in the U.S. Anticipating this crisis, the Department of Health and Human Services created a public-private partnership called the Bridge Access Program to ensure continued access to COVID-19 vaccines. Bridge Access provides free COVID-19 vaccines to adults without health insurance and adults whose insurance does not cover all COVID-19 vaccine costs. Bridge Access providers include Walgreens, CVS and pharmacies in the eTrueNorth network, select local healthcare providers, and HRSA-supported Health Centers. To find an approved Bridge Ac-

cess provider: 1. Go to vaccines.gov, enter your zip code, select the vaccine you prefer, and check the Bridge Access Program participant box. 2. Select your preferred location and make your appointment. 3. When you arrive for your appointment, confirm that your vaccine should be covered under the CDC's Bridge Access Program based on your insurance status The availability of free COVID-19 vaccinations through the CDC's Bridge Access Program is critical as we navigate the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19. By getting vaccinated, we can protect ourselves and the health of our entire community — especially the most vulnerable among us. WI

fighting these attacks … that a male with a similarly impressive resume as a litigator and advocate could too be a stalwart for this fundamental right. But the difference is evident when you watch Vice President Harris on the stump, speaking against these laws that would deny freedom to women who find themselves in the situation my mother was in back then. You cannot help but sense that she feels the urgency to help those women in her bones in a way that no man could. Let me clear, however, about the responsibility that men have at this moment to be good allies. The matriarch of my family, my grandmother, set a powerful example with her fierce advocacy for equality and reproductive freedom. But my parents taught me an important lesson as well. Part of my parents' bond has always been that my father understood men have a role to play in the fight against gender inequality and sexism. President Biden and Vice President Harris' teamwork in pushing back against state-level assaults on the right to choose, to me, echoes that lesson.

It is time for all of us, regardless of our sex or gender, to stand together and push back against the callous disregard for the lives, health, and social equality of those of us for whom abortion must remain a fundamental right. The legions of lawmakers who received, and are now acting upon, the Supreme Court's signal to eviscerate reproductive freedom will not stop unless we stop them. Thank God we have a courageous woman in the vice presidency fighting to do just that. WI

...the Supreme Court's decision in the Dobbs case has created a flood of laws threatening to send us back to the dark ages.

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